(a) Where a project requires architectural, landscape architectural, engineering, environmental, land surveying, or construction project management services, the Department shall make an announcement in a publication of the respective professional society. Additionally, the Department may publish an announcement in a construction trade journal or in other appropriate publication, if any exist. The announcement shall be published within a reasonable time frame so that a lengthy publication delay does not adversely affect the project.

(b) The announcement shall contain the following information: The nature of the work, the criteria upon which the award shall be made, and the time within which statements of interest, qualification and performance data will be received.

(c) The Department shall endeavor to provide to all small business firms who have indicated an interest in receiving such, a copy of each announcement for projects for which the Department concludes that small business firms could be especially qualified. A failure of the Department to send a copy of an announcement to any firm shall not operate to preclude any contract.