In this chapter:
(1) “Adjudication” of a claim means the bringing of a civil suit and prosecution to final judgment in county or state court.
(2) “Contract subject to this chapter” means a written contract stating the essential terms of the agreement for providing goods or services to the state agency that is properly executed on behalf of the state agency. The term does not include a contract that is subject to § 201.112, Transportation Code.
(3) “State agency” means an agency, department, commission, bureau, board, office, council, court, or other entity that is in any branch of state government and that is created by the constitution or a statute of this state, including a university system or a system of higher education. The term does not include a county, municipality, court of a county or municipality, special purpose district, or other political subdivision of this state.