Alternative Dispute Resolution Process

Given the significant number of contracts in which the federal government is a party, disputes between the government and its contractors are inevitable. When disputes arise during the performance of a contract, they have immediate negative repercussions and distract contractors and government officials from what their focus should be: the completion of the contract on time and within budget. For the contractor, disputes represent increased costs and raise reputational risks. For the government, disputes represent risks to timely contract completion and quality of deliverables. It is in all parties' best interests to have disputes resolved quickly and efficiently.

Suppliers and federal government departments now have a new avenue of recourse and can seek the assistance of the Office of the Procurement Ombudsman to help them resolve their contractual disputes. The Office has a legislated mandate to ensure that an Alternative Dispute Resolution process is provided for disputes relating to the interpretation or application of the terms and conditions of a contract.

• ADR - Frequently Asked Questions
• Request for Alternative Dispute Resolution