Expression of Interest - EOI - Call for Arbitrators SCA/HIC

The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) is seeking to establish a pool of approved arbitrators to resolve disputes between consumers and registered contractors and subcontractors in accordance with M.G.L. c. 142A and 201 CMR 14.00. This Expression of Interest (EOI), solicitation number BD-25-1090-SCA01-SCA01-107025, is a non-binding, qualifications-based process to identify professionals capable of conducting impartial hearings and issuing written decisions within 14 business days. Selected arbitrators must possess at least three years of legal or dispute resolution experience, maintain the technological capability to record hearings for public records compliance, and be available to perform services across various Massachusetts counties, either in person or virtually via Microsoft Teams. The program operates on an as-needed basis, with an estimated volume of 50 to 70 hearings per year. Arbitrators are not paid by the Commonwealth; instead, compensation is paid directly by the disputing parties based on a tiered fee schedule tied to the claim amount, ranging from 150 to 1,250 dollars per case. The initial term for approved arbitrators is approximately one year starting November 1, 2024, with potential extensions based on performance. Applicants must submit a resume, geographic availability, and evidence of their ability to record proceedings through the COMMBUYS portal or via email to the designated agency contact.