(a) The executive director or the executive director's designee may execute an agreement on behalf of the department, including but not limited to a contract for the purchase of goods or services that has a value exceeding $1 million, provided the agreement is in the best interests of the department.
(b) Subject to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, the executive director shall develop and implement internal policies and procedures to ensure that:
  (1) contracts are awarded in a manner that is fair and equitable and in compliance with applicable statutes and regulations; and
  (2) contracts and contract templates are reviewed and approved by appropriate agency staff, including, but not limited to, the general counsel or designated attorney prior to final approval and signature.
(c) Unless otherwise prohibited by statute or department regulation, the executive director may delegate signature authority for contracts with a total dollar value of less than $1 million, subject to the policies and procedures implemented pursuant to subsection (b) of this section.

Source Note: The provisions of this §51.60 adopted to be effective January 31, 2000, 25 TexReg 597; amended to be effective January 3, 2005, 29 TexReg 12225; amended to be effective August 16, 2016, 41 TexReg 6046