Local Finance Bulletin #67
Local Government Contracting for Project Advisory Services
When local governments undertake complex construction projects, they may not have the in-house expertise to manage the projects. Increasingly, local governments utilize project advisory services to help them deliver projects efficiently and cost effectively. In North Carolina, no statutory provisions explicitly govern project advisors, nor are there universal definitions for them. So, how does a local government choose who to hire and when?
This bulletin describes three types of project advisors: owner’s representatives, construction managers, and inspectors. It also discusses how a local government can decide if a project advisor—and which type of advisor—is appropriate for its circumstances. Finally, it includes a checklist to help a local government determine whether project management can be provided by its own staff or should be sought from outside entities.
