RESEARCH CONTRACTS

(a) The board may enter into a contract with any person for research into any matter relating to the conservation and development of the state's water resources or for research by Texas political subdivisions related to the proper conservation and development of water resources of areas outside Texas if such research will result in water being available for use in or for the benefit of Texas or will help maintain and enhance the quality of water in Texas. (b) Before a contract is awarded, the board may prepare written specifications for the proposed contract and may require each prospective contractor to prepare and submit to the board a written proposal that includes: (1) a description of the proposed research project; (2) a detailed estimate of the cost of the proposed research project; (3) the estimated time required to complete the research project; and (4) any other information requested by the board or required by the board's rules. (c) At a regular or specially called meeting of the board, the board may award a research contract to any person and may provide money from the research and planning fund in any amount the board considers adequate to carry out the research project under the contract. (d) The board shall adopt rules providing criteria for research projects and for eligibility of persons to receive contract awards under this section. (e) A contract made by the board under this section shall include: (1) a detailed description of the research project; (2) the time in which the research project is to be completed; (3) the total amount of money to be paid by the board from the research and planning fund for the research project; and (4) any other terms and conditions required by the board's rules or agreed to by the contracting parties. (f) The board may enter into a supplemental contract with a contractor under this section to change any of the provisions of a contract awarded under this section including extension of time to complete the project, the award of more research funds, or changes in the planned research.