Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Procurement and Contracting 

(2 days)

Objective:

Participants will become familiar with the alternative methods for resolving disputes outside of Administrative Tribunals such as the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) and the Court System.

Following this workshop participants will:

• Be able to understand the origins of dispute;
• Be aware of the various methods available for resolving disputes before resorting to Tribunals or the Courts;
• Understand the basic principles of Alternative Dispute Resolution and when and how to use the various options available;
•  Understand the concepts of interest-based resolutions and rights-based resolutions;
• Be aware of their responsibilities for resolving disputes in the most cost effective and timely manner, while preserving or enhancing client and supplier relations; and
• Be able to apply the basic principles of Alternative Dispute Resolution to negotiations and mediation in search of mutually acceptable and beneficial solutions.

Outline:

The intent of this two-day workshop is to develop the understanding of the concepts and principles of Alternative Dispute Resolution, as it applies to procurement and contracting activities. During the session, participants will review the fundamental nature of conflict, traditional responses to disputes and the alternative processes and tools available to disputants through Alternative Dispute Resolution. The session will outline the main elements of the Alternative Dispute Resolution process and the steps that can be taken, in order to resolve disputes in house. It will identify when each option is most suitable, what resources are available to assist in dispute resolution and what to expect should a participant ever be involved in attempting to resolve a dispute through an Alternative Dispute Resolution process. All participants will become aware of the benefits of the early identification of disputes and in a proactive and aggressive way, the alternative methods available to all parties in order to resolve them.