(a)      (1)      In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

            (2)      "Maryland firm" means a business entity that has its principal office in the State.

            (3)      "Nonresident firm" means a business entity that has its principal office out of the State.

      (b)      (1)      When awarding a contract by competitive bidding, if the state in which a nonresident firm is located gives an advantage to its resident businesses, a political subdivision or any instrumentality of government within the State may give an identical advantage to the lowest responsive and responsible bid from a Maryland firm over that of the nonresident firm.

            (2)      An advantage may include:

                  (i)      A percentage preference;

                  (ii)      An employee residency requirement; or

                  (iii)      Any other provision that favors a nonresident firm over a Maryland firm.