Originally from The Law and Practice of United States Arbitration - Sixth Edition

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1.  Introduction

Once the arbitral tribunal renders an award and the administering arbitral institution delivers it to the arbitrating parties, the arbitral proceeding and the arbitration are concluded.  The losing party can satisfy the award within the designated time, in which case the process is completed. If coercive enforcement becomes necessary,  an enforcement action is brought before a court.  Because the arbitrators have rendered an award, jurisdiction for enforcement purposes lies with the courts.  Neither the parties nor the arbitrators have any impact on award enforcement.  A number of circumstances can create a need for compulsory legal measures.  A party can file an action to modify or correct the award to rectify inadvertent clerical errors.   Despite the restriction of functus officio,  when there is unambiguity or confusion in the award, it can be remanded by the court (and, now, by one of the parties) to the arbitrators for clarification.  In the absence of voluntary compliance, usually within the prescribed one-year time limit,  parties can bring an action to confirm or vacate the award.  The confirmation or vacatur of awards is the final step in contested award enforcement.