Section 1198-Q. Construction and purchase contracts

The authority shall let
  contracts  for  construction  or  purchase  of  supplies,  materials, or
  equipment pursuant to sections one hundred one and one hundred three  of
  the general municipal law. Nothing in this section shall be construed to
  limit  the power of the authority to do any construction directly by the
  officers, agents and employees of the authority or to  contract  with  a
  public  utility,  for a term not to exceed five years, for the operation
  and maintenance of a water  supply  system  acquired  from  said  public
  utility.