Any contracting unit which, prior to the effective date of this act, has issued a request for qualifications and a request for proposals from vendors for the provision of water supply services, or has initiated negotiations with a vendor for the provision of water supply services, may petition the department and the Board of Public Utilities for certification as being substantially and materially in compliance with the provisions of this act, and, upon receiving this certification, may award a contract for the provision of water supply services pursuant to the provisions of this act. L. 1985, c. 37, s. 17, eff. Feb. 1, 1985.