(a) Authority and duty.— The department shall have the authority and duty to:
(1) Administer the provisions of this chapter.
(2) Allocate money in accordance with this chapter.
(b) Training programs.— The department may develop training programs and training program requirements and allocate money in a manner consistent with this chapter. Contracts awarded under this subsection shall be subject to 62 Pa.C.S. Pt. I (relating to Commonwealth Procurement Code).