The Local Government Issue: Assessment Centers

Our November newsletter is dedicated to local governments and the tireless work they do to help our region thrive. In this Insight, we’re highlighting one of the services we provide to local governments so that they can reach their organizational goals.

Selecting the best candidate to hire or promote is an important decision for local governments, particularly in leadership positions that are responsible for shaping the direction of the organization.

Assessment centers can be used to create a more complete picture of individuals. Applicants’ ability to drive for results, influence others and tolerate stress are evaluated alongside traditional skills.

Most recently, we’ve helped Gastonia, Granite Quarry and Lincolnton conduct assessment centers to find the best fit for their organizations.

Interested in finding your best fit?

Federal funds are commonly passed through state agencies in North Carolina before being awarded to local governments, which can make the original funding source less obvious. Before proceeding with a procurement, local governments should verify whether an award originates from a federal source. This determination affects compliance obligations, including procurement standards, reporting, and audit requirements.

When a construction or repair contract over $300,000 involves a building, the procurement and contract are subject to additional requirements under N.C.G.S. 143-128. Therefore, this question must be answered to determine whether the additional statutory requirements apply to this procurement scenario.

The micro-purchase threshold is a federal procurement threshold under which competitive procurement is not required. The default micro-purchase threshold is $15,000, but local governments may increase the micro-purchase threshold up to $50,000. An explanation of increasing the micro-purchase threshold and a template for the required annual self-certification is available here.