The Director of the Department of Finance and Administration, as soon as the director learns of facts from which he or she concludes that a claim, other than for personal injury or death of a state employee, may be filed under this chapter against the state or any of its agencies, departments, or institutions, whether or not the claim has already been filed, is authorized and directed to investigate and take evidence concerning the claim. The director is, for this purpose, authorized to exercise all necessary investigatory powers conferred upon him or her by this chapter. All information acquired by the director shall be made available to the Arkansas State Claims Commission prior to the hearing and determination thereof.