The DoD central ethics office has sent out a reminder about policies governing gift giving among DoD employees and between them and contractors, saying that it’s best to be ready to handle issues that commonly arise well in advance of the holidays.
“The holiday season is traditionally a time of parties, receptions, and exchanging gifts. However, the standards of conduct still apply,” said a notice from the Standards of Conduct Office.
It notes that federal personnel may not accept gifts offered because of their official positions or offered by a “prohibited source,” meaning someone who: seeks official action by the employee’s agency; does business or seeks to do business with the employee’s agency; conducts activities regulated by the employee’s agency; has interests that may be substantially affected by the employee’s performance of duty; or is an organization composed of members meeting one of those criteria.
Other key points, it said, include: with limited exceptions, supervisors may not accept gifts from subordinates or federal personnel who receive less pay; while there are no legal restrictions on gifts given to peers or subordinates “common sense (and good taste) should apply”; gifts from contractors may not exceed $20; before giving a gift to a contractor employee, check whether that company has its own code of ethics regarding acceptance of such a gift; and federal personnel generally may attend social events such as parties and receptions sponsored by non-prohibited sources if none of the guests are charged admission.
Also included is guidance about parties including those held at a subordinate’s home or in the office, including a reminder that for the latter, appropriated funds are not to be used, donations from outside are not to be solicited, and even donations from inside as a fair share contribution must be strictly voluntary.
