In order to provide investors with investment alternatives suitable for retirement purposes, and in furtherance of the public policy of this Act, bonds authorized by the provisions of the General Obligation Bond Act, as now or hereafter amended, in a total aggregate principal amount not to exceed $300,000,000, may be issued and sold from time to time, and as often as practicable, as Retirement Savings Bonds in such amounts as directed by the Governor, upon recommendation by the Director of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget. Bonds to be issued and sold as Retirement Savings Bonds shall be designated by the Governor and the Director of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget as “General Obligation Retirement Savings Bonds” in the proceedings authorizing the issuance of such Bonds, and shall be subject to all of the terms and provisions of the General Obligation Bond Act, as now or hereafter amended, except that Retirement Savings Bonds may bear interest payable at such time or times and may be sold at such prices and in such manner as may be determined by the Governor and the Director of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget. If Retirement Savings Bonds are sold at public sale, the public sale procedures shall be as set forth in Section 11 of the General Obligation Bond Act, as now or hereafter amended. Retirement Savings Bonds may be sold at negotiated sale if the Director of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget determines that a negotiated sale will result in either a more efficient and economic sale of such Bonds or greater access to such Bonds by investors who are residents of the State of Illinois. If any Retirement Savings Bonds are sold at a negotiated sale, the underwriter or underwriters to which such Bonds are sold shall (a) have an established retail presence in the State of Illinois or (b) in the judgment of the Director of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, have sufficient capability to make a broad distribution of such Bonds to investors resident in the State of Illinois. In determining the aggregate original principal amount of Retirement Savings Bonds that has been issued pursuant to this Act, the aggregate original principal amount of such Bonds issued and sold shall be taken into account. Any bond issued under this Act may be payable in one payment on a fixed date, or as determined appropriate by the Governor and Director of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget.