In determining whether or not a competitive market exists pursuant to section 287.942, the director shall monitor the degree of competition in this state. In doing so, the director shall use existing relevant information, analytical systems and other sources; cause or participate in the development of new relevant information, analytical systems and other sources; or rely on some combination thereof. Such activities may be conducted internally within the department of commerce and insurance, in cooperation with other state insurance departments, through outside contractors or in any other appropriate manner.