Contract Management in Local Government

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 issuesThis course will equip public managers to appreciate various make-or-buy decision techniqueslearn 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: 

  • Identify issues in the contracting decision-making process 

  • Identify various options for contract design  

  • Better understand contractor and vendor relationship management 

  • Better understand how to contract with nonprofit organizations 

  • Better administer, monitor, and assess contract efficacy 

  • Appreciate challenges and find solutions in public contracting 

  • Appreciate legal limitations in the contracting process 

The course consists of the following six sections: 

  • Section 1: Introduction to Contracting-out 

  • Section 2: Make-or-Buy Decisions 

  • Section 3: Management Challenges 

  • Section 4: Contract Design 

  • Section 5: Source Selection 

  • Section 6: Contract Administration 

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.   

There currently are no scheduled offerings of this course.
Agenda 2024 (pdf, 316 KB)
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:

Jennifer Fulton

Program Manager, Management, Administration, and Leadership Group
919.962.3609
Robert W. Bradshaw Jr. Distinguished Term Assistant Professor of Public Administration and Government
Teaching Assistant Professor