(a) For the purposes of this Section, “Alternative Technical Concepts” and “design-bid-build project delivery method” have the meanings ascribed to those terms in the Innovations for Transportation Infrastructure Act.
     (b) Notwithstanding subsection (b) of Section 1-10 of this Code, the Department of Transportation may allow bidders and proposers to submit Alternative Technical Concepts in their bids and proposals, if the Department determines that the Alternative Technical Concepts provide an equal or better solution than the underlying technical requirements applicable to the work. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for projects the Department delivers using the design-bid-build project delivery method, the Department shall use the Alternative Technical Concepts process for no more than 3 projects per year. If the Department allows bidders or proposers for a particular contract to submit Alternative Technical Concepts, the Department shall describe the process for submission and evaluation of Alternative Technical Concepts in the procurement documents for that contract, including the potential use of confidential meetings and the exchange of confidential information with bidders and proposers to review and discuss potential or proposed Alternative Technical Concepts.