S.C. Code Regs. § § 19-445.2132
The pre-qualification process shall not be used to unduly limit competition. Any mandatory minimum requirements shall comply with Section 11-35-2730. In a competitive bid, the pre-qualification process is not intended to eliminate bidders capable of completing the work being procured. Before a request for qualifications may be issued pursuant to Section 11-35-1520(11) or 11-35-1530(4), the chief procurement officer or the head of a purchasing agency or either officer's designee shall prepare a written justification stating the necessity for pre-qualifying offerors. Prior to issuance of the solicitation, each potential offeror seeking qualification must be promptly informed as to whether qualification is attained and, in the event qualification is not attained, is promptly furnished specific information why qualification was not attained.
Prior to opening submittals received in response to a request for prequalification, the provisions of Regulation Regulation 19-445.2045 shall apply to the receipt and safeguarding of all such submittals received.
S.C. Code Regs. § 19-445.2132