All contracts and agreements in respect of a plan shall be awarded only after receiving competitive proposals; provided, however, that no competitive proposal or bidding shall be necessary for the board or a deferred compensation committee to serve as the trustee of a plan under its authority or with respect to financial organizations selected pursuant to section 9003.1(c) of this Part. The board or deferred compensation committee, as applicable, shall cause to be published an announcement requesting competitive proposals. Such announcement shall be published in the State Register and in the official newspaper or newspapers, if any, or otherwise in an appropriate newspaper designated for such purposes, at least 90 days prior to the date on which the contract or agreement will be awarded, and shall request proposals within a specified time period from the date of publication.