Basic Principles of Local Government Purchasing

The January 2024 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) and Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU), who are local government employees, are eligible to apply for a scholarship towards tuition for conferences, classes, and seminars offered by the School of Government. There are four deadlines to submit applications:

  • March 1 (for courses starting between April 1 and June 30)
  • June 1 (for courses starting between July 1 and September 30)
  • September 1 (for courses starting between October 1 and December 31)
  • December 1 (for courses starting between January 1 and March 31)

Additional information

The 2024 Agenda is on the Materials tab.

Registration Information coming soon

  • Chapel Hill, NC
    This course is also available online.
    January 27 - 29, 2025
    UNC School of Government
    400 South Rd
    Chapel Hill, NC 27514
    View Scholarship Information

    Members of Civic Federal Credit Union (Civic) and Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU), who are local government employees, are eligible to apply for a scholarship towards tuition for conferences, classes, and seminars offered by the School of Government. There are four deadlines to submit applications:

    • March 1 (for courses starting between April 1 and June 30)
    • June 1 (for courses starting between July 1 and September 30)
    • September 1 (for courses starting between October 1 and December 31)
    • December 1 (for courses starting between January 1 and March 31)
    View Cancellation Policy
    Course participants who cancel their registration on or before January 19, 2025 will receive a full refund. No refund will be made for cancellations on or after January 20, 2025, 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.
    $640.00
    Registration 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.

All course materials including logistical details are provided in Canvas, a learning management system. Please click the link below for detailed instructions on setting up your Canvas account. If you've already set up an account for this or for another School of Government course, click HERE to log in to Canvas.

Canvas Instructions

PDF icon 2024 Agenda Basic Principles.pdf
For all registration questions, resetting passwords, or login issues please contact:

Dale Zuckert

Assistant Registrar
919.966.4414
For questions regarding course details, including location, schedule, materials, and continuing education credits, please contact:

Shannon Morris

Program Manager, Law and Finance Group