(a) Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, the board may award a contract involving the expenditure of funds in excess of the amount applicable to an expenditure of funds by a municipality under Section 252.021(a), Local Government Code, only by competitive bidding.(b) Competitive bidding is not required:(1) for a contract or expenditure exempt from competitive bidding under Section 252.022, Local Government Code, or another applicable law;(2) for a contract for:(A) personal or professional services;(B) a real estate transaction;(C) operation of a port improvement or facility under a specific agreement for a limited term; or(D) insurance; or(3) if the board determines that the delay posed by the competitive bidding procedure would prevent or substantially impair the operation of a port. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 227, Sec. 20, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 169 (S.B. 1836), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1044 (H.B. 4493), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1266 (H.B. 987), Sec. 14, eff. June 19, 2009.