(a) Negotiation is a consensual bargaining process in which the parties attempt to resolve a claim and counterclaim. A negotiation under this subchapter may be conducted by any method, technique, or procedure authorized under the contract or agreed upon by the parties.
(b) The parties may conduct negotiations with the assistance of one or more neutral third parties. If the parties choose to mediate their dispute, the mediation shall be conducted in accordance with §1.1816 of this subchapter (relating to Mediation of Contract Disputes). Parties may choose an assisted negotiation process other than mediation.
(c) To facilitate the meaningful evaluation and negotiation of the claim(s) and any counterclaim(s), the parties may exchange relevant documents that support their respective claims, defenses, counterclaims or positions.
(d) Material submitted pursuant to this section and claimed to be confidential by the contractor shall be handled pursuant to the requirements of the Texas Public Information Act.

Source Note: The provisions of this §1.1810 adopted to be effective November 27, 2000, 25 TexReg 11658