(a) A state agency shall include in all requests for proposals and requests for qualifications, language that encourages minority participation in each request for proposals and request for qualifications issued by the state agency.
(b)
(1) State agency requests for proposals and requests for qualifications shall take into consideration minority inclusion in the proposed project.
(2) Requests for proposals and requests for qualifications shall provide that an applicant unable to include minority-owned businesses may explain the circumstances preventing minority inclusion.