The Authority is authorized to pay out of proceeds of any series of Bonds the costs and expenses incurred in connection with the issuance of such Bonds, including without limitation legal and accounting fees and expenses, fees and expenses of any financial or fiscal advisor employed by the Authority, printing costs, rating agency fees, and premiums or charges for any credit enhancement or liquidity providers. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter or the 1965 Act, in appointing, employing, or contracting with attorneys, fiscal advisers, trustees, paying agents, investment bankers, banks and underwriters, the Authority may appoint, employ or contract with firms whose principal offices are located without or within Alabama. The Authority shall hire or contract with attorneys, fiscal advisors, trustees, paying agents, investment bankers, banks, and underwriters which reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of the state. The Authority shall issue Requests For Proposals for attorneys, fiscal advisors, trustees, paying agents, investment bankers, banks, and underwriters. The Authority shall evaluate each proposed bid publicly and award each contract publicly. Minutes of the Authority’s meeting shall record the reasons for awarding each contract.