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 issues. This course will equip public managers to appreciate various make-or-buy decision techniques, learn 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.