§ 42. Contracts for research work in health matters related to the
defense emergency. The state commissioner of health and the state
commissioner of mental hygiene shall have power, individually and
collectively, to contract for the accomplishment of research work for
the armed forces of the United States or in connection with health
matters related to the defense emergency. They shall for such purpose
have power, subject to the approval of the director of the budget, to
obtain and provide the necessary personnel, facilities, material,
equipment and supplies for such work by contract, on the open market and
without advertising or competitive bidding.