GUIDELINES TO NRDC feb 24 2014

Standards of ConductIntroductionThis chapter has simply been an overview of professional ethics; it doesn'tdiscuss specific conduct prohibited by regulations. If you handle funds, travel,or deal with contractors, learn the rules.ExamplesThese are examples of violations:x Accepting unauthorized gifts.x Entering into an unauthorized contract.x Writing specifications to favor one vendor over another.x Providing insider information to a contractor.x Splitting purchases to evade fund limits.x Misusing airline promotional material.OtherexamplesThese are examples of violations of personnel and finance regulations (toomany to mention here):x Deceiving a position vacancy for the right person.x Scheduling leave and planned overtime in the same week.x Using office equipment for personal projects.x Needlessly obligating funds to avoid turning them back.CautionDon't try to solve tough ethical problems by yourself. Consult experts such asyour inspector general, legal officer, or contracting officer.The public eye You serve in the public eye, and the mere appearance of wrongdoing invitessuspicion. Though your actions may be both legal and ethical, outsiders mayperceive them differently. Actions considered acceptable elsewhere invitecensure if they occur in the government workplace.ReportingviolationsReport any violation through the organization chain of command forinformation, immediate action or even legal support.NRDC GRC – Staff Handbook 10-11