(1) The authority shall give first consideration to issuing the bonds by means of a public, competitive sale at not less than 98% of the principal amount and accrued interest to the highest bidders. The authority shall publicly advertise the sale. The manner and times of advertising shall be prescribed by the authority.

(2) If, in the judgment of the authority, a public, competitive sale will not produce the most benefit to employers and the Commonwealth, the authority shall adopt a resolution setting forth in detail the reasons for this determination. A copy of the resolution shall be transmitted to the Governor, the chairman and minority chairman of the Labor and Industry Committee of the Senate and the chairman and minority chairman of the Labor and Industry Committee of the House of Representatives. After adoption of the resolution, the authority shall have the option to pursue a negotiated sale.