S.C. Code Ann. § 11-35-3230 – Exception for small architect-engineer and land surveying services contract

(1) Procurement Procedures for Certain Contracts. A governmental body securing architect-engineer or land surveying service which is estimated not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars may award contracts by direct negotiation and selection, taking into account:
1. (a) the nature of the project;
2. (b) the proximity of the architect-engineer or land surveying services to the project;
3. (c) the capability of the architect, engineer, or land surveyor to produce the required service within a reasonable time;
4. (d) past performance; and
5. (e) ability to meet project budget requirements.
(2) Maximum Fees Payable to One Person or Firm. Fees paid during the twenty-four month period immediately preceding negotiation of the contract by a single governmental body for professional services performed by an architectural-engineering or land surveying firm pursuant to Section 11-35-3230(1) may not exceed seventy-five thousand dollars. Persons or firms seeking to render professional services pursuant to this section shall furnish the governmental body with whom the firm is negotiating a list of professional services, including fees paid for them, performed for the governmental body during the fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the negotiations are occurring and during the fiscal year in which the negotiations are occurring.
(3) Submission of Contracts to State Engineer's Office. Copies of contracts, including the negotiated scope of services and fees, awarded pursuant to this section must be submitted to the State Engineer's Office for information.
(4) Splitting of Larger Projects Prohibited. A governmental body may not break a project into small projects for the purpose of circumventing the provisions of Section 11-35-3220 and this section.