Government Dispute Resolution Services
How the AAA Supports Governments
Benefits
Tailored Procedures & Rules: Customized procedures, timelines, decision criteria, and reporting mechanisms designed to meet the specific requirements of each program or project.
Qualified Neutrals: Access to experienced AAA neutrals with subject-matter expertise across a wide range of government-related disputes, including public programs, procurement, benefits, employment, construction, and other specialized areas.
Cost-Effective Solutions: ADR systems that significantly reduce the burdens and costs on agencies and court systems, saving time and resources. Many of the AAA’s government programs are implemented at no cost to the government.
Expertise & Results: The AAA’s proven track record of resolving disputes through reliable processes and consistent performance on a wide range of issues. Some of our state and federal ADR programs have been operating efficiently for decades.
Types of Government Disputes We Handle
Dispute types
The AAA’s ADR systems and programs have been implemented by government through statutory language, regulatory authority, executive orders, contracts, and federal court settlement agreements. Our programs resolve a variety of types of disputes, including:
Business and commercial disputes.
Antitrust and compensation disputes.
Automobile insurance no-fault claims.
International tax matters.
Labor and workplace disputes.
Land and business valuation issues.
Intergovernmental disputes (federal-state).
Post-disaster claims and disputes.
Standard Essential Patent fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory terms (FRAND) determinations.
Post-Disaster Disputes: Helping Families Move Forward
Post-disaster disputes
Trusted by Government Agencies
Reliability
The AAA’s history of collaboration with the government spans federal, state, and local levels. Its work includes partnerships with numerous agencies and organizations, including those listed here. These partnerships reflect the confidence governments have in the AAA’s expertise, impartiality, and ability to deliver tailored ADR solutions for complex challenges.
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U.S. Congress
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U.S. Department of Commerce
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U.S. Department of Justice
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U.S. Anti-Doping Agency
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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U.S. Federal Trade Commission
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U.S. Internal Revenue Service
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
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Federal Communications Commission
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Minnesota Supreme Court
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New York State Insurance Department
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Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
Streamlined ADR Programs for State-Mandated Auto Insurance Disputes
State insurance arbitration services
The AAA partners with state governments to administer fair, efficient, and standardized arbitration and mediation services for automobile insurance disputes. Select your state below to access program details, filing tools, and key resources.
Illinois Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Program
Authorized under the Illinois Insurance Code, the AAA provides arbitration and mediation options for UM/UIM disputes across the state.
Minnesota No-Fault Insurance Arbitration
Efficient arbitration case management for Minnesota automobile insurance disputes, in partnership with the Minnesota Supreme Court.
New York No-Fault Insurance ADR Center
The AAA’s secure online platform for managing no-fault insurance cases in New York, with real-time tools for case tracking, settlements, and more.
Impact
A Long History of Working with Government
The AAA is named in hundreds of federal, state, and local government statutes, regulations, and orders. Its ADR programs have:
- Streamlined processes for handling disputes.
- Provided impartial and transparent resolution systems.
- Reduced burdens on courts and agencies.
Our organization is unique in that governments and legislatures will often partner with us by designating the AAA in legislation and other government actions. As a not-for-profit public service organization, many entities, including Congress, federal agencies, state legislatures, and local governments, have the confidence and trust in the AAA to delegate these important ADR functions in this manner.
Detailed information, including statutory, regulatory, and other government authority references, on how the AAA has worked with federal and state governments to implement ADR programs is available in the AAA factsheet “The AAA – A Long History of Working with Government”.
Case studies
Automobile Industry Special Binding Arbitration Program
This comprehensive nationwide arbitration program, developed in collaboration with Congress, showcases the American Arbitration Association’s expertise in designing and administering impactful ADR programs.
Detailed information on this innovative use of ADR can be found in our publication “A Report to Congress on the Automobile Industry Special Binding Arbitration Program."
AAA Government Services
Resources
Legislative and Regulatory Expertise
The AAA brings deep knowledge of much of the legislation and regulations related to the use of arbitration, mediation, and other forms of ADR. We can be a resource for government officials, staff, and counsel by drawing on our in-house expertise and in-depth knowledge of current and prior legislative provisions, regulations, agency orders, and government contracts.
ADR System Design Assistance
The AAA has decades of experience in assisting federal and state agencies, officials, and legislatures with the design of rules, procedures, standards, and other aspects of fair, efficient, and cost-effective ADR programs.
ADR Program Implementation and Management
The AAA had substantial experience in carrying out ADR programs under government authority. Our largest government program recently celebrated 50 years, and our administration of FIFRA-related disputes has continued for more than 40 years.
Decades of Delivering Results for Government
Our government programs deliver consistent results, in many cases at no cost to the government. From a short-term program developed with Congress to resolve over 1,500 disputes in less than a year, to a state program that has been in place for over 50 years, the AAA has a well-earned reputation for delivering results for government in a neutral, fair, and cost-efficient manner.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
What types of government disputes does the AAA administer?
The AAA has administered ADR programs for a wide range of disputes under government authority, including disputes between businesses and government, antitrust and compensation disputes, and labor and workplace disputes in which the government is involved. In addition, the AAA provides arbitration and mediation services for a range of state and local matters, such as automobile insurance no-fault claims and post-disaster insurance claims. The AAA also has experience in intergovernmental disputes, such as between the federal government and state governments.
The AAA has long served as a trusted partner to government entities at every level, offering expert guidance and support in the design and implementation of ADR systems and programs. Our ADR experts have worked with Congress, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Federal Communications Commission, and many other government agencies and institutions.
How does the AAA help resolve disputes for government ADR programs?
The AAA is a neutral, not-for-profit ADR provider that helps facilitate government arbitration and mediation services. The AAA works with agencies, legislators, and other organizations to develop customized procedures, timelines, and other system design elements to meet the specific requirements of each government program or project. We have a proven track record of resolving disputes through consistent performance on a wide range of issues. Some of our state and federal ADR programs have been operating efficiently for decades. Government agencies and legislatures implement AAA ADR services through statutory language, regulations, orders, and contracts.
Who can use AAA government ADR solutions?
Local, state, and federal agencies may use AAA government ADR services when authorized by an applicable statute, regulation, executive order, contract, court order, settlement agreement, or program rules. Companies, organizations, or individuals may also file government-related disputes with the AAA when the applicable government contract designates arbitration or mediation through the AAA.
What rules govern government ADR cases at AAA?
The rules that apply to government arbitration and mediation cases at the AAA depend on the specific case type and jurisdiction involved. Unlike most practice areas at the AAA, government dispute resolution is not governed by one central set of rules. Instead, the AAA generally uses tailored procedures and rules that meet the specific requirements for each program or project.
For specific rules focused on common government arbitration or mediation services, including rules only applicable to certain states, visit our Government Rules, Forms, and Fees page.
How much does government dispute resolution with the AAA cost?
Our government ADR services can significantly reduce costs for government agencies and the burden on court systems. Many of the AAA’s government programs are implemented at no cost to the government. Otherwise, government ADR fee schedules vary depending on the applicable program, rules, or service.
Can ADR be used for disputes involving public contracts and procurement?
Yes, ADR can be used for government disputes involving public contracts and procurement, when authorized by the applicable contract, law, regulation, procurement rules, or agency program. ADR may also provide an alternative to government contract litigation. ADR disputes may involve contract performance, payment, or scope, or other issues arising from the procurement or administration of a public contract. Most procurement-related matters require the consent of the agency and compliance with specific procedures and laws before a dispute can be mediated or arbitrated.
Can ADR be used for disputes involving regulatory compliance or policy interpretation?
Yes, ADR can help parties resolve disputes involving regulatory obligations or policy interpretation, but only when the agency or governing authority permits it. Legislatures and agencies in some cases have the authority to designate regulatory and interpretation functions to the AAA through statute, regulation, order, or contract. Our government ADR experts are available to assist agencies in designing and developing fair and cost-effective systems.