(a) Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, a public body shall require a contractor or subcontractor to use or supply only American steel products in the performance of a contract for:

(1) constructing or maintaining a public work; or

(2) buying or manufacturing machinery or equipment that:

(i) is composed of at least 10,000 pounds of steel products; and

(ii) is to be installed at a public work site.

(b) This section does not apply if the head of a public body determines that:

(1) the price of American steel products is not reasonable, as provided in § 17-304 of this subtitle;

(2) American steel products are not produced in sufficient quantity to meet the requirements of the contract; or

(3) the purchase of American steel products would be inconsistent with the public interest.

(c) The public body shall give notice of the requirement for American steel products in the invitation for bids or request for proposals.