The department may issue grants to, and enter into contracts with, universities, governmental agencies, and private organizations to research and develop hazardous waste reduction, recycling, or treatment technology. These grants may be applied to personnel, equipment, and administrative costs and shall, to the extent possible, be used to augment other sources of research and development funding, including federal and private funds. Any grant issued by the department pursuant to this section is not subject to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 10290) of Part 2 of the Public Contract Code, including, but not limited to, § 10295 of the Public Contract Code, but a contract entered into pursuant to this section is subject to all applicable state laws governing contracts.

(Amended by Stats. 1987, Ch. 914, Sec. 4.)