Basic Principles of Local Government Purchasing
- Chapel Hill, NCThis course is also available online.May 4 - 6, 2026
May 4-6, 2026 | Hyflex | Registration Fee: TBA
Registration will close on April 15, 2026.
This program is a hyflex format. Participants have the option during registration to choose online or in-person attendance. See below for a schedule overview.
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.
SCHEDULE:
You can view the January 2026 Agenda for reference.
CERTIFICATION AND CONTINUING EDUCATION INFORMATION:
Certification: This course satisfies a requirement to complete the Certified Local Government Purchasing Officer Certification.
Any credits earned from this program are not applicable toward an academic degree at UNC.
Continuing Education Credits: Applicable credits are listed below.
For more information on certifications or continuing education credits, please see the Continuing Professional Education page.
REQUIREMENTS:
Attendance: Full participation is required to receive credit.
Pre-requisites: There are no programs required as a pre-requisite to this program. The following pathway of programs, however, is recommended.
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
SCHOLARSHIP and DISCOUNT INFORMATION:
The School of Government is grateful to offer a number of scholarship and discount opportunities for public officials who wish to participate in our continuing education programs. Scholarships and discounts are available both internally through the School and through the generous support of partnering organizations.
Learn more about the range of these opportunities on our Scholarship and Discount Opportunities page.
HOTEL INFORMATION:
Please see the School’s list of recommended area hotels.
PARKING INFORMATION:
Parking details will be provided to you the week prior to the program. Additional directions and parking information can be found on our Visitor Information page.
MATERIALS:
Program materials will be available in CANVAS as they are received from instructors. Instructions for accessing or creating a log-in to CANVAS can be found on the program materials site.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Course participants who cancel their registration more than 7 calendar days before the course start date will receive a full refund. Otherwise, participants will receive a transferrable credit to be used within 12 months. More information can be found in the full cancellation and refund policy.
SPONSORSHIP:
This program is sponsored by North Carolina Association of Governmental Purchasing.
- Chapel Hill, NCThis course is also available online.May 4 - 6, 2026UNC School of Government
400 South Rd
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 April 26, 2026 will receive a full refund. No refund will be made for cancellations on or after April 27, 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.$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.
MATERIALS:
Program materials will be available in CANVAS as they are received from instructors. Instructions for accessing or creating a log-in to CANVAS can be found on the program materials site.
You can view the January 2026 Agenda for reference.
