Section 13-404 - Certifications by Department(a) The Department may certify a service contract to the Board of Public Works as provided in this section.(b) The Department may certify a service contract as being exempt from the preference stated in § 13-402 of this subtitle if:(1) State employees are not available to perform the services;(2) a conflict of interest would result if a State employee were to perform the services;(3) the nature of the services meets the standards set by the Department for emergency appointments;(4) the services are incidental to the purchase or lease of personal property or real property, such as a service agreement that is part of the purchase or rental of computers or office equipment; or(5) a clear need exists to obtain an unbiased finding or opinion, such as an expert witness in litigation.(c) The Department may certify a service contract that is not exempt under subsection (b) of this section only if:(1) the unit that seeks to enter into the service contract has complied with § 13-405 of this subtitle; and(2) the Department finds that:(i) the potential economic advantage of entering into the service contract is not outweighed by the preference stated in § 13-402 of this subtitle;(ii) the service contract does not adversely affect the affirmative action efforts of this State;(iii) the service contract includes adequate control mechanisms to ensure that the services will be performed in accordance with the service contract; and(iv) the service contract complies with all of the requirements of Division II of the State Finance and Procurement Article.