(a) Federal agencies should use mediation, conciliation, arbitration, and other techniques to resolve disputes brought by IRR Program beneficiaries. The goal of these alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedures is to provide an inexpensive and expeditious forum to resolve disputes. Federal agencies should resolve disputes at the lowest possible staff level and in a consensual manner whenever possible.
(b) Except as required in 25 CFR part 900 and part 1000, tribes operating under a self-determination contract or self-governance agreement are entitled to use dispute resolution techniques prescribed in:
(1) The ADR Act, 5 U.S.C. 571-583;
(2) The Contract Disputes Act, 41 U.S.C. 601-613; and
(3) The Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act and the implementing regulations (including for non-construction the mediation and alternative dispute resolution options listed in 25 U.S.C. 4501 (model contract section (b)(12)).