(a) It is the policy of the state that the Chief Procurement Officer shall provide reasonable procurement assistance to small and disadvantaged businesses in this state.
(b) The Chief Procurement Officer shall identify programs designed to assist small and disadvantaged businesses in procurement activities governed by this article, which may include staff assistance, special publications, source lists, solicitation mailing lists, and training programs.
(c) The Chief Procurement Officer may reduce the level or change the types of bonding normally required, or accept alternative forms of security to the extent necessary, to encourage procurement from small and disadvantaged businesses.
(d) The Chief Procurement Officer may make special provisions for progress payments as he or she determines to be reasonably necessary to encourage procurement from small and disadvantaged businesses.