RFR for HIC arbitrator services for SCA - FY25 and beyond

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) is seeking respondents to provide arbitration services as part of the Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) arbitration program. The RFR requires respondents to have at least 3 years of legal experience, affiliation with a dispute resolution organization, or prior appointment to arbitrate by a judicial or governmental body. Respondents must have the ability to record hearings, scan and send documents electronically, and have a valid email address and phone. OCABR will appoint arbitrators from the approved list to resolve disputes between consumers and registered contractors and subcontractors, with an anticipated 50-70 arbitration hearings per calendar year. The RFR outlines a fee schedule that ranges from $150 for claims up to $1,999 to $850 for claims of $50,000 or more, which will change on January 1, 2025 to a range of $500 for claims up to $9,999 to $1,250 for claims of $50,000 or more.

The Commonwealth intends to award this procurement under the Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP) or the Supplier Diversity Program (SDP), depending on the estimated value of the procurement. Incumbent vendors or current contractors are not specified, and the RFR does not indicate any existing infrastructure or technology that requires integration. The total award value or budget range is not provided in the information provided.