(a) A memorial to veterans of the 9th and 10th cavalry units, which are known as the Buffalo Soldiers, may be placed on the grounds of the statehouse. If constructed, the memorial authorized by this section shall be located south of the statehouse at a site to be selected by the capitol area plaza authority. The memorial authorized by this section shall be constructed in accordance with design and architectural drawings reviewed by the division of facilities management of the department of administration and approved by the capitol area plaza authority. Additions and modifications to the memorial authorized by this section shall be constructed in accordance with design and architectural drawings reviewed by the division of facilities management of the department of administration and approved by the capitol area plaza authority. The state preservation officer shall serve in an advisory capacity to the capitol area plaza authority regarding the memorial authorized by this section.

(b) The selection of an architect for the memorial authorized by this section shall be made by the veterans memorial advisory committee and shall not be subject to the advertising and architectural selection provisions of Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 75-430a and 75-1250 et seq., and amendments thereto. The construction of the project for the memorial authorized by this section shall be competitively bid pursuant to applicable statutes or regulations in effect at that time.