This subtitle does not apply to changes relating to or the purchase, lease, or rental of information technology by: public institutions of higher education solely for academic or research purposes; the Maryland Port Administration; the University System of Maryland; St. Mary’s College of Maryland; Morgan State University; the Maryland Stadium Authority; Baltimore City Community College; the Legislative Branch of State government; the Judicial Branch of State government; the Office of the Attorney General; the Comptroller; or the State Treasurer. Except as provided in subsection (a) of this section, this subtitle applies to any project of a unit of the Executive Branch of State government that involves an agreement with a public institution of higher education for a portion of the development of the project, whether the work on the development is done directly or indirectly by the public institution of higher education. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, except as provided in subsection (a) of this section and §§ 3.5–305, 3.5–307(a)(2), 3.5–308, and 3.5–309 of this subtitle, this subtitle applies to all units of the Executive Branch of State government including public institutions of higher education other than Morgan State University, the University System of Maryland, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, and Baltimore City Community College.