Sounds like it should be an easy build and you should have a terrific pond in the near future!

Just need a contractor that is a "pond builder" instead of a "dirt mover". One good test is to ask him how he will install the core trench. He should say to build it in 6" lifts, with clay wetted to the proper amount, and compacted until the compaction equipment walks out of the lift.

The only other thing I can think of, is how big was your heaviest rainfall event when the remnants of a hurricane swept up onto the piedmont? Make sure your emergency spillway can handle at least that much rainfall to save your dam from being breached.

Come on back to the forum when the pond is near completion and start a new thread about the fishery goals for your pond. There are lots of experts to help you at that stage, and they definitely have fun talking about a new pond management project.