(a) Procurement Advisory Council.--The department may establish a Procurement Advisory Council and allocate funds for it that may be available. If created, the council, upon adequate public notice, shall meet at least once a year for the discussion of problems and recommendations for improvement of the procurement process. When requested by the department, the council may conduct studies, research and analyses and make reports and recommendations with respect to subjects or matters within the jurisdiction of the department. The council may consist of any qualified persons the department deems appropriate.

(b) Other advisory groups.--The department may appoint advisory groups to assist with respect to specifications or procurement in specific areas and with respect to any other matters within the authority of the department.

(c) Reimbursement of expenses.--Members of the council and other advisory groups may be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, subject to expenditure limitations prescribed by the department.

(d) Conflict of interest.--Members of the council and other advisory groups shall be considered State advisors under the act of July 19, 1957 (P.L. 1017, No. 451),¹ known as the State Adverse Interest Act, and, as such, shall be subject to the prohibitions for State advisors set forth in that act, provided that a member shall not be deemed to have an adverse interest by virtue of any action taken by the council or other advisory groups if the member discloses the conflict of interest and properly recuses himself from participating in any recommendation of the council or an advisory group.