The board, upon the recommendation of the Office of General Services, may exempt governmental bodies from purchasing certain items through the respective chief procurement officer's area of responsibility. The board may exempt specific supplies or services from the purchasing procedures required in this section and for just cause by unanimous written decision limit or may withdraw exemptions provided for in this section. The following exemptions are granted in this chapter:

1. (1) the construction, maintenance, and repair of bridges, highways and roads; vehicle and road equipment maintenance and repair; and any other emergency type parts or equipment utilized by the Department of Transportation or the Department of Public Safety;
2. (2) the purchase of raw materials by the South Carolina Department of Corrections, Division of Prison Industries;
3. (3) S.C. State Ports Authority;
4. (4) Division of Public Railways of the Department of Commerce;
5. (5) S.C. Public Service Authority;
6. (6) expenditure of funds at state institutions of higher learning derived wholly from athletic or other student contests, from the activities of student organizations and from the operation of canteens and bookstores, except as the funds are used for the procurement of construction, architect-engineer, construction-management and land surveying services;
7. (7) livestock, feed, and veterinary supplies;
8. (8) articles for commercial sale by all governmental bodies;
9. (9) fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, milk, and eggs;
10. (10) South Carolina Arts Commission and South Carolina Museum Commission for the purchase of one-of-a-kind items such as paintings, antiques, sculpture and similar objects. Before any governmental body procures the objects, the head of the purchasing agency shall prepare a written determination specifying the need for the objects and the benefits to the State. The South Carolina Arts Commission shall review the determination and forward a recommendation to the board for approval;
11. (11) published books, periodicals, and technical pamphlets;
12. (12) South Carolina Research Authority;
13. (13) the purchase of goods, products, and services by state offices, departments, institutions, agencies, boards, and commissions or the political subdivisions of this State from the South Carolina Department of Corrections, Division of Prison Industries.
14. (14) Medical University Hospital Authority, provided the Medical University Hospital Authority has promulgated a procurement process in accordance with its enabling provision.