Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 29, § 923

The Commissioner may accept a bid from and award a contract to a supplier who has not met the requirements provided in section 922 of this title if, after reasonable investigation by the Commissioner, it appears that the required unit or item of supply or brand of that unit or item is procurable by the State from only that supplier or under other extraordinary circumstances. The approval of an exception pursuant to this section shall be documented in writing, signed by the Commissioner, and retained as part of the contract file.