Contract Management in Local Government

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Contract Management in Local Government

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This course will address the management, networking, and legal aspects of contracting for North Carolina local governments. We will review several topics to broaden participants’ scope and understanding of public contracting issues. This course will equip public managers to appreciate various make-or-buy decision techniques, learn about management and legal challenges in contracting and how to mitigate them, identify various ways to design context-driven contracts and learn how to select, administer, and manage contracts. This course is developed for all local public officials at mid-career and supervisory levels.

Learning outcomes:

Understand the Government Contracting Process

Identify various contract types, pricing structures, and payment models used in public procurement

Identify common legal limitations and compliance requirements in contract execution

Design and Structure Effective Contracts

Develop strategies for vendor relationship management, including communication and conflict resolution

Understand best practices for nonprofit contracting within the broader procurement process

Implement best practices in contract administration, including tracking performance and ensuring compliance

Address Common Challenges and Solutions in Public Contracting

The course consists of the following eight sections:

Section 1: Introduction to Government Contracting

Section 2: Make or Buy Decisions

Section 3: Managing the Challenges of Contracting

Section 4: Legal Framework for Contracting

Section 5: Understanding Pricing Structures

Section 6: Contract Terms & Drafting

Section 7: A Well-Designed Contract Depends on the Scope

Section 8: Contract Administration & Monitoring

Delivery method:

The course will be delivered in person. We will teach the course using a seminar style, meaning instructors will introduce and explain a topic, ask questions, and respond to participant questions and comments. We will make use of small group breakout sessions and exercises.

The following SOG faculty members will teach the course:

Teshanee Williams, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Public Administration and Government

Crista Cuccaro, J.D. Teaching Assistant Professor of Public Law and Government

There currently are no scheduled offerings of this course.

Agenda 2025 (pdf, 202 KB)

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