(a) The provisions of § 5A-3-1 et seq. of this code shall not control or govern the purchase, acquisition, or disposition of any equipment, materials, or supplies by the commissioner, except as provided in §17-2A-13 and § 17-2A-14 of this code. The commissioner may, in his or her discretion, resort to applicable provisions of § 5A-3-1 et seq. of this code and to rules and practices of the Purchasing Division within the Department of Administration in purchasing, acquiring, or disposing of equipment, supplies, and materials.

(b) The commissioner may accept ownership of equipment if the equipment has been rented or leased by the division, maintained by the division, and the equipment vendor voluntarily relinquishes ownership of the equipment to the division. Any equipment acquired pursuant to this subsection shall be included in the division’s inventory and the division’s equipment and vehicle reports. Prior to any termination of a rental or lease agreement with an assumption of ownership of equipment, the commissioner shall notify the Director of the Purchasing Division within the Department of Administration.