S.C. Code Ann. § 11-35-1540
When bids received pursuant to an invitation for bids under Section 11-35-1520 are considered unreasonable by the procuring agency, or are not independently reached in open competition, or the low bid exceeds available funds as certified by the appropriate fiscal officer, and it is determined in writing by the chief procurement officer, the head of a purchasing agency, or the designee of either officer above the level of procurement officer, that time or other circumstances will not permit the delay required to resolicit competitive sealed bids, a contract may be negotiated pursuant to this section, provided that: