The seminal legislation enabling the federal government to use ADR was the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act of 1996 (ADRA). That statute authorized the agencies’ use of ADR process to resolve disputes with the federal government and directed the convening of an interagency task force to facilitate and encourage the development and expansion of ADR programs. The President appointed the Attorney General as the leader of the Interagency Working Group and created four sections in specific subject matter areas:

• Workplace disputes
• Contracts and procurement disputes
• Regulatory enforcement disputes
• Claims against the government

Since its inception, the Interagency ADR Working Group has broadened its scope to include subcommittees for Arbitration, Ethics, Collaborative Governance, Environmental ADR and other areas.

• Environmental Conflict Resolution

The Interagency ADR Working Group has submitted two Reports to the President regarding ADR programs through the federal government. These are detailed account of the current programs in every federal agency. In addition, the Memorandum on Environmental Conflict Resolution (ECR) was released in 2005 and this directs agency EDDR efforts.

Executive Actions

• Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 1998
• Presidential Memorandum on ADR, May 1998
• Administrative Dispute Resolution Act of 1996
• Attorney General Order on Alternative Dispute Resolution, April 1995
• Memorandum on Environmental Conflict Resolution

Reports to the President

• Report for the President on the Use and Results of Alternative Dispute Resolution in the Executive Branch of the Federal Government, April 2007 (PDF)
• Report to the President on the Interagency Alternative Dispute Resolution Working Group, May 2000