R.I. Gen. Laws § 37-2-18.2: Exemption from competitive bidding.

The three (3) public institutions of higher education (the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and the Community College of Rhode Island) shall be exempt from the competitive bidding process provisions of this chapter for research or research related activity funded with federal funds or other third-party funds subject to rules and regulations promulgated by the board of governors for higher education.