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In recognition of the difficulties associated with convening frequent meetings
of the Interagency ADR Working Group, the Attorney General and the Office
of Management and Budget propose to provide assistance to federal agencies
in the development of ADR programs through the operation of a number of smaller
entities that can focus on subject-specific tasks. Each agency is expected
to participate in at least one of these smaller groups. At present, it is
contemplated that there will be four such entities. They are as follows:
Each of these sections will have as its Chair a senior government official
from an agency that has made significant progress in developing a dispute
resolution program in that subject. Each section will also have the ability
to call upon federal employees who are ADR experts in establishing dispute
resolution programs in that field. Thus, agencies that decide to establish
programs to resolve contract or procurement disputes will be able to obtain
advice, guidance, information sharing and exposure to "best-ADR-practices"
through participation in the Contracts and Procurement Section. Section meetings
will address subjects such as program design, training, identification of
neutrals, and systems of evaluation. Of course, ultimate responsibility for
the development of dispute resolution programs and implementation of the mandate
contained in the Presidential Memorandum of May 1, 1998, will remain with
each agency.
Agencies should notify the Attorney General in writing of their intent to
participate in a specific Section by November 13, 1998. To assist agencies
in deciding where to begin in terms of complying with the Presidential Memorandum,
each of these Sections will offer a preview of the information and resources
available to participating agencies. Thereafter, regular Section meetings
will commence on a schedule that will be largely determined by the participating
agencies.
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