Basic Principles of Local Government Purchasing
- Chapel Hill, NCThis course is also available online.January 26 - 28, 2026
This course is sponsored by North Carolina Association of Governmental Purchasing.
The January 2026 offering will be available both in-person and online at the School of Government.
This course is designed for new local government purchasing officials and covers basic principles and legal requirements for local government purchasing.
Topics include the following:
- Competitive bidding requirements for purchasing and construction contracting;
- Purchasing ethics and conflicts of interest in public procurement;
- Practical skills such as vendor relations, developing specifications, and preparing bid solicitations;
- Purchasing policies and electronic bidding;
- Decision analysis, motivational strategies, and effective communication;
- Local government law overview, including open meetings and public records laws;
- Budgeting and fiscal control;
- Surplus property disposal; and
- Tips for success from experienced local government purchasing professionals.
Members of Civic Federal Credit Union (Civic) are eligible to apply for a scholarship towards registration fees for programs offered by the School of Government. There are four deadlines to submit applications:
- March 1: for programs starting between April 1 and June 30
- June 1: for programs starting between July 1 and September 30
- September 1: for programs starting between October 1 and December 31
- December 1: for programs starting between January 1 and March 31
Additional information
- Chapel Hill, NCThis course is also available online.January 26 - 28, 2026School of Government
400 South Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27514View Scholarship Information
Members of Civic Federal Credit Union (Civic) are eligible to apply for a scholarship towards registration fees for programs offered by the School of Government. There are four deadlines to submit applications:- March 1: for programs starting between April 1 and June 30
- June 1: for programs starting between July 1 and September 30
- September 1: for programs starting between October 1 and December 31
- December 1: for programs starting between January 1 and March 31
View Cancellation PolicyCourse participants who cancel their registration on or before January 18, 2026 will receive a full refund. No refund will be made for cancellations on or after January 19, 2026, but you will receive a transferrable credit to be used within 12 months. Click here to view the School’s full cancellation and refund policy.View Hotel InformationClick here for hotel information.
$675.00Registration and payment for this course grants access for a single attendee. In order to register a group of attendees, please register each person individually. If you have questions, please contact our registration office at registration@sog.unc.edu or 919.966.4414.
For questions regarding course details, including location, schedule, materials, and continuing education credits, please contact:
Christa Stansbury
Program Associate, Courts Group
