Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 24-3-310 to 24-3-330 and 24-3-360 to 24-3-420, no office, department, institution, or agency of this State, which is supported in whole or in part by this State, shall be required to purchase any article or product from the Department of Corrections unless the purchase price of such article or product is no higher than that obtainable from any other producer or supplier.