Fact Finding

Fact Finding is the use of an impartial expert (or group) selected by the parties, by the agency, or by an individual with the authority to appoint a fact finder, in order to determine what the "facts" are in a dispute. The fact finder may be authorized only to investigate or evaluate the matter presented and file a report establishing the facts in the matter. In some cases, s/he may be authorized to issue either a situation assessment or a specific procedural or substantive recommendation as to how a dispute might be resolved. If used as an ADR technique, the findings of fact must remain confidential.

Here is a list of agencies which have a fact finding program, including either the agency's web site or telephone number:

Defense Commissary Agency
(804) 734-8575
http://www.commissaries.com/

Department of the Air Force
(703) 693-7286
http://www.adr.af.mil

Department of Housing & Urban Development
(202) 708-2001
http://www.hud.gov/offices/odeeo/dirodeeo.cfm

Department of the Interior
(202) 208-1818
http://www.doi.gov/diversity/2counsel.htm

Department of the Navy
(202) 764-0746
http://adr.navy.mil

Department of Treasury,
(202) 622-1160
http://www.ustreas.gov/organization/employment/index.html

Farm Credit Administration
(703) 883-4481
http://www.fca.gov/

Federal Emergency Management Agency
(202) 646-4122
(202) 646-3042
http://www.fema.gov/oer

National Security Agency (Department of Defense)
(410) 854-6228
http://www.nsa.gov/