It is the intent of the General Assembly to: recognize the need for State agencies to be responsive to the requests and legislative directives of the General Assembly; reduce the time it takes for State agencies to procure consultants to assist with legislative mandates that have deadlines specified in law; and be timely in addressing climate change, environmental, energy, and greenhouse gas emissions related issues. This section applies only to the procurement of consultants that: are legislatively mandated with specific time frames established in law; and will address issues related only to climate change, the environment, energy, and greenhouse gas emissions. The following units are authorized to issue a procurement contract using a competitive sealed bid method, competitive sealed proposal method, or expedited procurement procedures for amounts higher than their designated small procurement delegation authorities: the Public Service Commission; the Office of People’s Counsel; the Maryland Energy Administration; the Department of the Environment; and the Department of Natural Resources. Before awarding a procurement contract under this section, the procurement officer shall obtain the approval of: the head of the unit; and the Chief Procurement Officer, or their designee. The Chief Procurement Officer, or their designee, shall approve a procurement contract submitted under this section if it complies with the requirements of this section. If the Chief Procurement Officer, or their designee, does not respond to a request to approve a procurement contract submitted under this section within 5 business days after receiving the contract, the contract shall be considered approved.