South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 19 - STATE BUDGET AND CONTROL BOARD
Article 4 - OFFICE OF GENERAL SERVICES
Section 19-445.2022 - Temporary Suspension of Authority; Audit

A. Suspension of Authority.

Within his area of authority, the appropriate chief procurement officer may temporarily suspend a governmental body's power to conduct all, any type of, or any value of procurements if the chief procurement officer concludes that the governmental body either (1) lacks adequate internal controls to ensure compliance with the procurement laws, (2) lacks qualified or adequate staff, or (3) has otherwise acted in a manner that, in the opinion of the chief procurement officer, warrants a temporary loss of authority. The chief procurement officer may make continued suspension contingent upon corrective action, e.g., retain additional staff, training, revised internal controls. The suspension is effective upon delivery of written notice to the head of the purchasing agency. The written notice shall state the duration of the temporary suspension, which may not extend beyond the next regularly scheduled audit to be conducted pursuant to Section 11-35-1320. A chief procurement officer may not limit direct agency procurements below $25,000.00. Before issuing a suspension pursuant to this paragraph, a chief procurement officer shall consult with the other chief procurement officers.

B. Audit.

In order to monitor the implementation of the procurement process, the appropriate chief procurement officer has the authority to audit any governmental body regarding one or more procurement activities.