9. A public entity may enter into a contract with a private firm or public authority for the provision of wastewater treatment services, the procurement for which contract commenced prior to the effective date of P.L.1995, c.216 (C. 58:27-19 et al.), if the procurement was initiated in anticipation of the enactment of the act and the procurement otherwise complies with the provisions of the act. L.1995,c.216,s.9.