Arbitrator Services for Lemon Law Arbitration Program starting FY25 and beyond

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) is seeking to establish a pool of pre-qualified arbitrators to independently hear and issue decisions on cases between consumers and manufacturers, dealers, and lessors of new and used motor vehicles under the state's Lemon Law. The initial 3-year contract, with two optional 3-year renewal periods, will compensate arbitrators at a rate of $150 per 2-hour arbitration hearing. Qualified arbitrators must meet specific criteria, including experience with alternative dispute resolution and familiarity with the Massachusetts Lemon Law and Used Car Warranty Law. The RFR outlines the key arbitrator duties and performance expectations, as well as the application and evaluation process. Responses must comply with the Commonwealth's environmentally preferable purchasing requirements and commit a minimum of 1% of contract sales to partnerships with diverse, certified businesses and non-profit organizations as part of the Small Business Purchasing Program.

This contracting opportunity is open to all qualified providers, with no incumbent vendors listed. The total budget or award value is not specified, but the RFR indicates the Commonwealth anticipates appointing 12-24 arbitrators from the pre-qualified pool to handle cases on an as-needed basis. Interested parties must submit their responses by the June 30, 2029 due date in accordance with the instructions provided in the RFR.