In addition to the authority of the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts, as set forth under Chapter 5A of Title 41, the Department of Finance, at reasonable times and places, may audit or examine the books and records of any person who has submitted data in substantiation of offered prices under Section 41-4-141 to the extent that the books and records relate to that data. Any person who receives a contract, change order, or contract modification for which data is required under Section 41-4-141, shall maintain the books and records that relate to the cost or pricing data for three years from the date of final payment under the contract, unless a shorter period is otherwise authorized in writing.
Ala. Code § 41-4-146 (1975)