Basic Principles of Local Government Purchasing

  • Chapel Hill, NC
    This course is also available online.

The January 2026 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

 

 

  • Chapel Hill, NC
    This course is also available online.
    January 26 - 28, 2026
    School of Government
    400 South Road
    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)
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:

Christa Stansbury

Program Associate, Courts Group