(a) The commissioner of general services shall be responsible for the standardization and centralized contracting of printing required by state agencies in a manner which maximizes the purchasing value of public funds. Pursuant to section one hundred sixty-three of the state finance law, contracts for printing may be established by the office of general services or state agencies, and state agencies may, when such centralized contracts established by the office of general services are in the form, function and utility required by said agency, purchase from such centralized contracts. When printing is not available consistent with the provisions of section one hundred sixty-three of the state finance law in the form, function and utility required by state agencies, state agencies may procure printing independently or in conjunction with other state agencies.

(b) Printing contracts shall be awarded on the basis of lowest price to a responsive and responsible offerer; or in the case of multiple awards, in accordance with paragraph c of subdivision ten of section one hundred sixty-three of the state finance law. 2. No contract for department printing shall be let to a bidder who, in the opinion of the commissioner, does not have satisfactory facilities and equipment which are ample and sufficient to insure proper performance of the contract or who has failed to give adequate security in an amount which may be required by the commissioner. Provided further, however, that no contract shall be let to a bidder other than the lowest price responsible bidder without the written approval of the comptroller. 3. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing provisions of this section, or of any general or special act, the commissioner may contract for printing to an amount not exceeding eighty-five thousand dollars without competitive bidding, and other state departments and agencies may contract to an amount not exceeding fifty thousand dollars without competitive bidding, for printing required by them.