R.I. Gen. Laws § 37-2-4
This chapter shall apply to every expenditure of public funds by any state governmental entity except as otherwise provided by law, by this state, or a public agency under any contract or like business agreement, excepting only those contracts or like business agreements where the state purchases goods or services from its political subdivisions or other governmental entities. It shall also apply to the disposal of state supplies. Nothing in this chapter or in the regulations promulgated hereunder shall prevent any state governmental entity from complying with the terms and conditions of any grant, gift, bequest, or cooperative agreement except where such terms and conditions may conflict with requirements of law, including, but not limited to, the provisions of this chapter regarding competitive procurement.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 37-2-4