1.1 Acquisition Ethics

Question 1

Designated Agency Ethics Officer (DAEO)

Answer 1

Officer or employee who is designated by the head of an agency to administer the provisions of Title I of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978

Question 2

Six (6) Core Ethical Principles

Answer 2

1. Public service is a public trust
2. Employees shall not hold conflicting financial interests
3. Employees shall not use public office for private gain
4. Employees shall not engage in conflicting outside employment
5. Employees shall act impartially and not give preferential treatement
6. Employees shall protect and conserve Federal property

Question 3

Principled Decision-Making Model

Answer 3

Ensure decisions consider:
1. Welfare of all stakeholders
2. give precedence to ethical values over non-ethical values
3. Prioritized based on what will bring the most good and least harm.

Question 4

Interactions between Gov and Contractors: Gratuities

Answer 4

Federal employees are generally prohibited from soliciting or accepting gifts offered “because of the employee’s official position” or gifts offered by a “prohibited source.”

Allows you to accept gifts from a prohibited source up to a total of $50 per year; however, any gifts on a single occasion must not exceed $20 in value.

Question 5

Interactions between Gov and Contractors: Morale

Answer 5

Government cannot pay a contractor for costs related to entertainment or morale.

FAR Part 31 specifically prohibits charging an unallowed cost under any other cost principle. Details: FAR 31.205 -13 - 14.

Question 6

Procurement Integrity Act

Answer 6

Prohibits the release of source selection and contractor bid or proposal information.

Also, a former employee who served in certain positions on a procurement action or contract in excess of $10 million is barred for one year from receiving compensation as an employee or consultant from that contractor.

Question 7

Title 18 USC Section 207

Answer 7

Restrictions on the ability of former Government employees to “represent” outside parties before the Government.

Representation includes communications on behalf of another person made with the intent to influence a Government employee.

Even appearing before that employee can constitute representation if there is intent to influence.

If an individual “participated personally and substantially” in the matter while on active duty, Title 18 USC 207 permanently restricts him from representing ACME to the Government on the same matter.