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

The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) to establish a roster of approved arbitrators to handle disputes between consumers and registered contractors or subcontractors under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 142A and the regulatory framework of 201 CMR 14.00. This non-binding, qualifications-based solicitation invites experienced arbitrators to submit their credentials to be considered for appointment to arbitration cases administered by OCABR, which include responsibilities such as conducting hearings, recording proceedings, and issuing detailed arbitration decisions within prescribed timeframes. The anticipated start date for participation is November 1, 2024, with an initial term of roughly one year and the possibility of extension based on performance. The solicitation explicitly states it does not constitute a contract and will not result in immediate work awards; instead, selected arbitrators form a pool from which case assignments will occur individually. Arbitrators must demonstrate a minimum of three years’ relevant experience in legal practice, dispute resolution, or prior arbitrations, and must show capability to conduct hearings both virtually and in person across various Massachusetts regions. They are required to independently record all hearings per public records law, maintain impartiality and objectivity, issue written decisions including calculations of homeowner actual loss, and comply with state laws governing arbitration processes. Submission requirements include personal information, experience examples, resumes, and confirmation of technical ability to record hearings. There are no formal pricing or contract clauses, and payment arrangements are outside OCABR’s remit as arbitrators are compensated directly by the parties involved. Responses are accepted on a rolling basis via the COMMBUYS portal or email, with no fixed deadline, and evaluation focuses on compliance with minimum criteria rather than competitive bidding, ensuring a fair and regulated arbitration process within Massachusetts.