S.C. Code Ann. § 11-35-1020

The chief procurement officers may appoint advisory groups such as user committees to assist with respect to specifications and procurement in specific areas and with respect to any other matters within the authority of the chief procurement officers. The chief procurement officers shall develop methods for obtaining necessary and relevant information from the affected agencies, whether through user committees or by surveys and other methods. The chief procurement officers shall make every reasonable effort to ensure that such contracts are developed as will best suit the interest of the State, giving due emphasis to user needs, total costs, and open competitive methods of public purchasing.