Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, and in lieu of the small purchases procedures provided in § 44.053 above, the Purchasing Director shall have the authority to purchase articles, materials and supplies which are produced or manufactured by persons confined by the State Department of Corrections in accordance with the State Unified Code of Corrections for purchases not exceeding $3,000, provided the Purchasing Director shall determine in writing that the purchases or procurement from the State Department of Corrections is in the best interests and advantage of the city.
(1980 Code, § 13.1624)