Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, the director of accounts and reports and the secretary of administration are hereby authorized and empowered at any time after the effective date of this act to execute, cause to be performed and to inspect and supervise the performance of contracts for the construction of the project, including contracts for construction work and the acquisition of supplies, machinery, equipment, fixtures, other real or personal property, professional or other services, landscaping or other purposes. Each of such contracts shall be executed for and in the name of the board but only upon the approval of such contract by the board or its authorized officer or designee and shall be deemed to be the contract of the board payable from funds then available or to be lawfully made available pursuant to the provisions of this act.