Maryland State Personnel and Pensions Section 13-202

      (a)      Except as otherwise authorized under § 13-201(b) of this subtitle, a unit may not execute or renew a contract for the employment of a contractual employee unless the Secretary issues to the unit a certification that:

            (1)      the employment of the contractual employee is for services that cannot be performed by assignment or hiring of any nontemporary employee;

            (2)      the rate of pay for the contractual employee is comparable to the rate paid to employees in positions that involve comparable duties, responsibilities, experience, and authority; and

            (3)      the services to be performed under the contract encompass functions that:

                  (i)      are infrequent;

                  (ii)      are needed for a limited time;

                  (iii)      are unusual; or

                  (iv)      need to be implemented quickly and for which there is no reasonable alternative.

      (b)      The Secretary may issue a certification for any effective period that does not exceed the period of the contract between the unit and the contractual employee.