Special Procurement Request for Alternative Dispute Resolution Services

The State of Oregon's Department of Administrative Services, Procurement Services (DAS PS) is conducting a special procurement process for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Services on behalf of the Department of Justice and the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government. The procurement involves extending 22 existing Price Agreements (PAs) for ADR services for one additional year, from December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2022. These agreements cover five different ADR service categories, with the primary objective of maintaining continuous dispute resolution capabilities across state agencies. The current procurement is not an open solicitation, but rather a notice of approval for contract extension, with a specific seven-calendar-day protest period for affected parties. The extension is designed to bridge the gap until a new competitive solicitation can be issued, ensuring uninterrupted access to alternative dispute resolution services. The total estimated value for this extension is approximately $800,000, and the procurement is being managed to promote agency efficiency and control costs.

While the documents do not specify explicit set-aside designations or disadvantaged enterprise requirements, the procurement process emphasizes a competitive and inclusive approach. All current ADR service providers will have an opportunity to compete for new Price Agreements in the forthcoming solicitation. The extension applies to existing contractors who were previously selected through a competitive process, suggesting that qualified vendors with demonstrated ADR expertise will be considered. The procurement is structured to support state agencies' statutory mandate for efficient dispute resolution mechanisms, indicating a preference for vendors with proven capabilities in mediation, arbitration, and related alternative dispute resolution techniques. The scope appears to be statewide, potentially involving Marion County and the City of Salem, though specific geographic limitations are not explicitly detailed in the provided documentation. The procurement represents a strategic approach to maintaining continuous ADR services while preparing for a comprehensive future solicitation.