Let FMCSHelpYou TakeYourADR 

Program to the Next Level!

The Administrative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Act of 1996 calls upon the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service 

(FMCS), an independent U.S. government agency, to help other federal, state, and local agencies resolve disputes 

arising under their jurisdictions. To this end, FMCS provides sister agencies with a wide variety of professional services 

such as mediating disputes, designing and building capacity for effective conflict management systems, and developing toolsfor interagency and public-private cooperation and collaboration. In delivering these services, FMCS draws on 

more than 65 years of experience in conflict management and alternative dispute resolution, including negotiations, 

mediation, convening, facilitation, training, and systems design.

Dispute Mediation Services

Workplace and Employment Disputes

FMCS mediates workplace and employment disputesfor 

federal and state agencies. The majority of these 

disputes concern claims of employment discrimination 

(EEO), other types of personnel issues and workplace 

conflicts. FMCS accepts individual and multi-party 

conflicts for mediation.

Disputes Involving Administrative Programs

FMCS also mediates disputes between agencies and 

their“regulated public,”such as whistleblower 

complaints or disputes involving contracts, grants, 

licenses, enforcement, and administrative programs.

Consultation, Evaluation, and 

Systems Design

FMCS provides professional conflict resolution 

specialists to help agencies design conflict prevention and resolution systems to build capacity for 

constructive conflict management systems. Systems 

design may include an initial consultation, an assessment, program design and development, training, 

delivery, and program management follow-up.

FMCS | One Independence Square | 250 E Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20427 | 202-606-8100 | www.fmcs.gov
FMCS ADR Services

SkillsDevelopment and Training

FMCS mediator-trainers bring their expertise to your agency through custom-designed and interactive, 

conflict management and dispute resolution training programs. Core program topics include:

Basic Mediator Training

Individuals assuming mediation or other dispute 

resolution duties must learn a new set of skills and 

techniques in order to be successful. Mediation 

fundamentals,such as the 8-step mediation model, 

effective communications and interest-based 

problem solving techniques, are among the 

subjects an effective dispute resolution 

professional must master. FMCS interactive exercises, mock mediations, 

role-plays and debriefs with experienced professional mediators 

provide a unique and effective 

learning experience.

Advanced Mediator Training

This workshop is for experienced

neutrals interested in taking their 

mediation skills to the next level. 

Interactive dialogues, role-plays, 

demonstrations, and other skill building 

exercises will help neutrals manage more

complex conflicts, dispute dynamics and personalities. Participants also will receive instruction in 

cutting edge theories and approaches to mediation,such asthe art of inquiry, mediatorself-awareness, and integrating interest-based principles and 

techniques into a mediator’s“tool kit.” Some experience as a lead mediator and basic mediation 

training are suggested prerequisitesfor this course.

Mediator Coaching and Mentoring

In addition to basic and advanced mediator training, on-the-job coaching and mentoring can 

deepen the skills, experience and confidence of 

new dispute resolution professionals. FMCS mediators can co-mediate cases, observe mediations, and 

provide one-on-one mentoring and coaching to

enhance the development and competence of 

new mediators.

Facilitation Skills Development

Facilitation is a process in which a 

skilled neutral offers structure and 

procedural guidance to enable

any type of committee or group to 

achieve shared goals. A skilled

facilitator relies on many of the 

same communications, interest-based problem solving, and 

conflict resolution skillsthat mediators

deploy in any conflict resolution setting.

Facilitation skills can be incorporated into FMCS 

mediator training programs or delivered as a

stand-alone program. FMCS mediators can also 

serve as coaches and mentorsto new facilitators.

Customized ADR Training

FMCS mediators also custom-design training 

programs to meet the needs of particular agencies. 

Among the programs that FMCS has delivered are: 

An Introduction to ADR for Employees, Supervisors, 

and Managers; Negotiations; Communication Skills; 

Conflict Resolution Basics; Interest-Based Problem-Solving; Workplace Diversity; and Team Building. Following a consultation and needs assessment, FMCS trainers will design a targeted program 

to meet your organizational objectives.
Facilitation Services

Facilitation is a process in which a skilled neutral offers structures and procedural guidance to help groups achieve 

successful outcomes. FMCS has decades of experience assisting collective bargaining partners, government teams 

and public-policy committees resolve conflicts and reach consensus decisions. FMCS mediators, thus, are uniquely 

qualified to help groups assess their needs, select the most efficient processes for their tasks and objectives, and 

navigate the various interpersonal dynamics that can prevent groups from achieving their goals. A skilled facilitator 

relies on many of the same communications, interest-based problem solving, and conflict resolution skills that mediators deploy in any conflict resolution setting. A facilitator keeps the group“on task”by moving the group toward their 

goals, maintaining group rules of engagement, and paraphrasing and synthesizing ideas.

Particularly in times of limited budgets, FMCS facilitation services can help agencies achieve cost-savings when decision-making is delegated to a committee, task force, or other type of group. FMCS facilitation services, including 

consultation, convening, training, and the actual facilitation help groups accomplish their tasks within specified time 

frames. Notably, these services can be provided both onsite and virtually, another valuable time and cost saving 

feature of FMCS facilitation services.

Small or Large Group Problem-Solving

FMCS can facilitate meetingsforsmall or 

large work teams, task forces, advisory 

committees, or the like. This service

can be especially helpful for large 

groups, with diverse interests, 

which are tasked with solving 

complex, multilayered problems. These services are 

customized to meet the specific 

needs and objectives of your 

group.

Negotiated Rulemaking

Negotiated rulemaking is a process in

which a government agency invites persons

and groups potentially impacted by a proposed

rule to participate in its drafting. Interested parties 

who might otherwise oppose or challenge the rule 

are given the chance to participate in its formulation, thus reducing post-issuance challenges. The 

Negotiated Rulemaking Act of 1996 authorizes 

FMCS to convene and facilitate this process. 

Since the 1980s, FMCS has convened and 

facilitated dozens of negotiated rulemakings 

for numerous agencies.

Agency Cooperation & Collaboration

FMCS can facilitate intra-agency or multiple agency 

groups tasked with developing a strategic plan

or identified objective involving complex 

matters. Interest-based problem solving

and collaboration skills are essential to 

achieving successful outcomes.

Public Policy Dialogues

Similarly, FMCS is often called upon to 

facilitate public policy discussions under 

the Federal Advisory Committee Act

(FACA). Thislaw established a wide array of 

public-private stakeholder Advisory Committees to inform public policy decisions. These 

multi-party stakeholder discussions can benefit 

from the assistance of a skilled and neutral facilitator experienced in synthesizing discussion points 

and interests, as well as establishing and overseeing meeting structures and processes. Training and 

coaching are also available for

participants.

FMCS ADR Services
FMCS ADR Services

General Workplace Intervention Services

Facilitated Dialogues

A facilitated dialogue is a targeted intervention by 

a neutral to help dyads or teams develop the trust 

and understanding required forsuccessful collaboration and problem solving. Facilitated dialogues 

differ from mediation in that the neutral’s role is 

not to assist the parties in reaching a settlement of 

a particular dispute, but rather to facilitate their 

discussion of issues, interests, and needs underlying the problem they are tasked to resolve. In 

facilitated dialogues, the participants determine 

the resolution objectives and the neutral helps 

them develop an environment conducive to 

meeting those objectives. Facilitated dialogues 

often result in more effective communication and 

problem-solving strategies for future issues.

Technology Enhanced ADR Services

FMCS also providestechnology enhancementsfor 

these services – ask us how!

Conflict Coaching and Mentoring

Conflict coaching is a one-on-one process for 

helping individualsimprove their understanding of 

conflict and develop the skills to manage conflict 

and disputes more effectively. This pro-active, skillbuilding intervention by a neutral is utilized to 

assist an individual, dyad, or small team building 

strategies for more productive conflict management and problem-solving. The unique characteristics of each participant and the types of conflicts 

involved necessitate customized intervention 

approaches. Because of this, the neutral may use a 

variety of approachesto accomplish the objectives 

set by the client. The conflict coaching process 

generally includes an initial assessment, followed 

by joint strategy development, and active coaching.

What Do These Services Cost?

Since FMCS does not receive appropriated funds for these ADR services, we must be reimbursed for the costs 

involved in delivering the services, which is generally $130 per hour or about $1,000 a day, plus any necessary 

overhead costs. In accordance with federal requirements, FMCS and the agency requesting service generally 

enter into a simple Interagency Acquisition Agreement (IAA) and/or a memorandum of understanding.

There is no cost for initial consultations.

For more information contact: Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service

ADR Services One Independence Square 250 E Street, SW 

Washington, D.C. 20427 202-606-5445 adrreferrals@fmcs.gov