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

(1) Procurement Procedures for Certain Contracts. All governmental bodies securing architect-engineer or land surveying service which is estimated not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars may employ the architects, engineers, or land surveyors 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 any single governmental body for professional services performed by any one architectural-engineering or land surveying firm pursuant to Section 11-35-3230(1) shall not exceed seventy-five thousand dollars. All 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 therefor, 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) Approval of Contracts by State Engineer's Office. All contracts negotiated pursuant to this section shall be submitted for approval to the state engineer's office in accordance with regulations to be established by the board prior to the awarding and execution of the contracts.
(4) Splitting of Larger Projects Prohibited. No using agency may break a project into small projects for the purpose of circumventing the provisions of Section 11-35-3220 and this section.