21st Century Government Contracting: Achieving Effectiveness and Efficiency through Alternative Dispute Resolution: A Workshop in Creative Problem-Solving

Issues of disagreement develop and evolve during the life of a contract from pre-award through closeout. Issues that remain unresolved often end up in litigation before the Federal Courts and Administrative Boards. Litigation can be untimely, costly, and counterproductive to an organization's mission. In addition, litigation often does not consider or promote the on-going, working relationship of the parties to a contract. Though the issue in controversy may be settled through litigation, the adversarial processes involved may contribute to a "we versus they" attitude.

The Administrative Disputes Resolution Act, Executive Orders, and federal regulations, policies, and directives provide alternative means of resolving issues in controversy. Alternative Disputes Resolution (ADR) can often lead to mutual agreements that are cost effective and time efficient, while building positive working relationships that continue beyond the life of the contract.

The Navy has designed an intensive two-day workshop that focuses on creating an environment conducive to ADR. This workshop will be geared to the federal acquisition professional: contracting officers and specialists, engineers, counsel and other integrated product team members.

The workshop addresses: