R.I. Gen. Laws § 37-2-11: Authority and duties of the purchasing agent.

The purchasing agent shall have the following authority and responsibilities:

(1) To serve as the central procurement and contracting agency of the state;

(2) To recommend regulations, rules, and procedures to the chief purchasing officer; and

(3) To purchase or otherwise acquire, or, with the approval of the chief purchasing officer, to delegate the purchase and acquisition of all supplies, services, and construction for the state.