ACQUISITION OF GOODS OR SERVICES.

(a) The medical branch may acquire goods or services by the method that provides the best value to the medical branch, including:

(1) competitive bidding;

(2) competitive sealed proposals;

(3) catalogue purchase;

(4) a group purchasing program; or

(5) an open market contract.

(b) In determining what is the best value to the medical branch, the medical branch shall consider:

(1) the purchase price;

(2) the reputation of the vendor and of the vendor's goods or services;

(3) the quality of the vendor's goods or services;

(4) the extent to which the goods or services meet the medical branch's needs;

(5) the vendor's past relationship with the medical branch;

(6) the impact on the ability of the medical branch to comply with laws and rules relating to historically underutilized businesses;

(7) the total long-term cost to the medical branch of acquiring the vendor's goods or services; and

(8) any other relevant factor that a private business entity would consider in selecting a vendor.

(c) The state auditor may audit purchases of goods or services by the medical branch.

(d) The medical branch may adopt rules and procedures for the acquisition of goods or services.

(e) To the extent of any conflict, this section prevails over any other law relating to the purchasing of goods or services except a law relating to contracting with historically underutilized businesses or relating to the procurement of goods and services from persons with disabilities.

(f) This section does not apply to purchases of professional services subject to Chapter 2254, Government Code.

(g) Except as otherwise provided by this section, Subtitle D, Title 10, Government Code, does not apply to purchases of goods and services made under this section.