September 19, 2004

Request for Proposal and Qualifications

Association for Conflict Resolution and
the Dispute Resolution Section of the American Bar Association

Feasibility Study for a Mediation Certification Program

The Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR) and the Dispute Resolution Section of the American Bar Association (ABA) are seeking proposals from qualified organizations or individuals for assistance in the development of a feasibility study for a Certification Program for Mediators (ACR/ABA).

The ultimate goal of this project is to develop a national mediator certification, re-certification, and de-certification process. The initial conceptualization of this effort can be found on the Association for Conflict Resolution’s Web site from the Association’s Task Force report on Mediator Certification. The ABA Dispute Resolution Section’s Task Force on Mediator Credentialing issued a report which provides an overview of past and current dispute resolution professional credentialing practices, and an overview of generic professional credentialing practices (http://www.abanet.org/dispute/taksforce_report_2003.pdf.) Those seeking to submit a proposal are encouraged to read both of these reports as important background.

Background

To continue the work initiated by the two reports, the Dispute Resolution Section and the American Bar Association and the Association for Conflict Resolution have separate task forces continuing to develop a mediator certification program.

To date, no research has been conducted to identify the potential market for national mediator certification. As a result, there is no data to support (or dispute) the notion that a national credential will be viewed as desirable; by mediators, consumers of mediation services, or court program administrators. It is not known how many mediators may potentially seek to be certified, especially if asked to pay a substantial fee.

Market research is needed to determine if a national mediation certification program is feasible. Among other things, a study should discover the following:

• the interest of the potential market in obtaining a national certification (and for a substantial fee);

• the size of the potential market for national certification;

• whether the market is defined and accessible;

• what portion of the market is affiliated with ACR and the ABA;

• whether other organizations (including statewide ADR membership organizations) will encourage their members to obtain certification;

• whether consumers will associate value with national certification; and

• what other stakeholders exist in the creation and implementation of national mediator certification (e.g., public, governmental authorities);

A feasibility study will provide critical information to assess whether a national mediator certification program is worth the time and effort to create it. Before taking further steps, it will help to evaluate the current environment for certification in the field of conflict resolution. A rigorous analysis of the potential market will begin to identify factors that will enhance the prospects for success, as well as any obstacles to the establishment of a national mediator certification program.

Qualifications

1. Demonstrated success in working with professional organizations in the development, implementation, and analysis of a feasibility study for certification programs

2. Ability to work with an organization in all phases of the development and administration of a certification program

3. While an understanding of the field of mediation is not required, awareness of the potential market and stakeholders for such a certification is desirable. Preference will be given to proposers with experience in the field of mediation or conflict resolution

Proposal to Conduct a Feasibility Study Based on Market Research

Proposals from interested parties should contain:

1. A description of the level and type of involvement in the development, administration, and analysis of a certification feasibility study. Ideally, the study will lead to the development of strategic, business and marketing plans

2. A description of the type of methodologies the proposer has used/would use to gather data for a feasibility study on mediator certification.

3. A description of how the ABA/ACR Taskforces will be involved in the study, if at all;

4. A description of the proposer’s involvement in or knowledge of the field of mediation;

5. A cost estimate for a feasibility study; including the costs of the market research, consulting fees and expenses; and,

6. A list of references, with contact information, of other organizations the proposer has worked with.

The completed proposal should be sent via email (preferred) or hard copy to:

All proposals must be received by Monday, October 4, 2004 by 5:00 pm EDT

Questions concerning this RFP should be directed to David Hart, CEO of the Association for Conflict Resolution.