Specifications include, but are not limited to: 1. Contractor Administrator a. Contractor will provide, maintain, and staff toll free phone line for potential mediation service participants. b. Contractor will provide the necessary personnel, operational support, equipment, and facilities for all staff to perform their duties under the contract. c. Contractor will offer approximately six (6) clinics each month at flexible sites in different areas of Nebraska depending upon the needs of farmers and ranchers. Preferred sites include: Ainsworth, Alliance, Beatrice, Grand Island, Lexington, Norfolk, North Platte or Valentine. Alternate sites may be used by the contractor with approval from NDA. An average of approximately 40 clinics were held annually the past two years. (1) Contractor shall provide clinic scheduling and advertising services for all clinics sponsored by NDA. Clinic scheduling and advertising service shall include, but not be limited to: (a) Arranging dates, sites, appointment times and staff attendance according to the number of scheduled participants. (b) Advertise dates, sites, and appointment information of clinics via various media outlets such as newspapers, radio, television and/or internet. Media outlets should target farmers and ranchers within a reasonable radius of the clinic site. (c) Promote and provide verbal and written information about referral sources, clinics, and mediation services to inquirers. (d) Call participants and staff to cancel clinics due to inclement weather or insufficient number of participants. (e) Arrange for alternative methods of clinic services for participants, if needed. d. Staff shall remain neutral and maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the mediation process. e. Staff shall attend training sessions relevant to the work undertaken by the Contractor as required by NDA. 2. Legal Counsel a. Legal counsel will instruct participants at clinics or phone consultations on laws, regulations and policies governing the Nebraska Fence Law, USDA program and lending services, agricultural credit issues and legal alternatives available to farmers and ranchers involved in disputes. Such consultations shall not include preparation of court documents, bankruptcy petitions, or other materials not directly related to mediation. The role of legal counsel in such consultations shall be of advisor and educator, not that of advocate...
