(a) The Chancellor of the California Community Colleges is authorized to enter into a contract on behalf of one or more community college districts, subject to the following restrictions:

1. (1) No district may be required to participate in any contract entered into pursuant to this section.
2. (2) The cost to each district that is a party to or a beneficiary of a contract entered into pursuant to this section must be lower than the cost the district could obtain through its standard contracting procedures. No contract for the procurement of goods or services may be made when a bid has been received by a participating district for the procurement of the same goods or services unless the contract would result in a lower price for the goods or services upon the same terms, conditions, and specifications.
3. (3) The state shall not incur any financial responsibility in connection with a contract entered into pursuant to this section.

(b) The Chancellor of the California Community Colleges is authorized to charge a fee, commission, or other charge to either or both of the following:

1. (1) Each provider of goods or services under a contract entered into pursuant to this section.
2. (2) Each community college district that the chancellor enters into a contract on behalf of pursuant to this section.