The Report for the President on the Use and Results of Alternative Dispute Resolution in the Executive Branch of the Federal Government
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Alternative dispute resolution (“ADR”) is an umbrella term for processes that provide an alternative to traditional litigation. ADR processes give the parties an opportunity to play a more active role in crafting a resolution to their dispute. Appendix A describes the various types of ADR processes, the best known of which is mediation. The types of ADR processes used by the agencies in the Executive Branch of the federal government are charted in Appendix B.
In 1998, a Presidential Memorandum directed the Attorney General to coordinate interagency efforts to promote and facilitate the use of ADR in the Executive Branch and to report periodically on that work. The Attorney General submitted an initial report in 2000 when federal ADR was in its infancy. The Report which we now submit:
1. describes the growth in the breadth, scope and depth of federal ADR since the 2000 Report was submitted;
2. documents the results and benefits of federal ADR, including substantial cost savings, increased workforce productivity and accountability, timely achievement of agency goals, and delivery of reliable and efficient service; and
3. discusses the future of federal ADR, including the challenges it faces and opportunities to develop its full potential.