(a) When the State construction agency elects to use the design-build delivery method, it shall establish a committee to evaluate and select the design-build entity. The committee, under the discretion of the State construction agency, shall consist of at least 5 but no more than 7 members and shall include at least one licensed design professional and 2 members of the public. Public members may not be employed or associated with any firm holding a contract with the State construction agency. Within 30 days of receiving notice, one public member shall be nominated by associations representing the general design or construction industry and one member shall be nominated by associations that represent minority or female-owned design or construction industry businesses. If either group fails to nominate a suitable candidate within the 30-day period, the State construction agency shall nominate an appropriate public member.
     (b) The members of the selection committee must certify for each request for proposal that no conflict of interest exists between the members and the design-build entities submitting proposals. If a conflict is discovered before proposals are reviewed, the member must be replaced before any review of proposals.
     If a conflict is discovered after proposals are reviewed, the member with the conflict shall be removed and the committee may continue with only one public member.
     If at least 5 members remain, the remaining committee members may complete the selection process.