The Office of Dispute Resolution is responsible for operating a program to increase the understanding and use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) throughout the Department and with its contractors, pursuant to the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act of 1996, Public Law 104-320.  It is also responsible for management and oversight of contractor legal costs.  The Office of Dispute Resolution reports directly to the General Counsel.

Functions

• As requested by the Secretary or General Counsel, provides advice and support for ADR initiatives and other activities under the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act of 1996.
• Operates a headquarters mediation program for workplace disputes.
• Provides ADR training.
• Consults on resolving disputes and cases in litigation, such as contract, environmental, intellectual property, whistleblower disputes, etc.
• Designs dispute resolution systems for ongoing problems.
• Develops agency policy, reviews legislation, and works on government-wide ADR issues.
• Monitors the implementation of DOE’s contractor legal management requirements, and encourages the use of dispute resolution processes in contractor cases.