1. 4/9/09Contractors in the Federal Workplace IEC 1 Contractors in the Federal Workplace: Things Your Employees Are Not Telling You Steve Epstein Interagency Ethics Council April 9, 2009

2. 4/9/09Contractors in the Federal Workplace IEC 2 Goals for Today Provide feedback from the other half of contractor-Government alliance. Compare what I hear from contractor employees with what you hear from your personnel. Identify situations that lend themselves to non-compliance. Seek solutions for such risks. Meet with old friends and colleagues.

3. 4/9/09Contractors in the Federal Workplace IEC 3 Unique Situation/Challenge Government and contractor employees work side-by-side on a long-term basis. –Blurs distinction between them. –“One-team” concept. –Share common overall goal of office. –Recognize each other as friends and colleagues. –Stresses “arms-length” relationship between Government and prohibited sources.

4. 4/9/09Contractors in the Federal Workplace IEC 4 Workplace Issues Gifts –Group gifts for retirements, deaths, marriages –New restrictions for “political appointees” –Widely attended gatherings Protection of non-public information –Procurement sensitive information –Privacy Act information –Classified information

5. 4/9/09Contractors in the Federal Workplace IEC 5 Issues Travel (Ride-sharing) Share cost of local travel to meeting Appearances of riding with contractor Sharing rental cars when on official travel Participation in office social/morale events –Charging time –Expenses –Gift exchanges

6. 4/9/09Contractors in the Federal Workplace IEC 6 Issues Solicitations of contractors –Work for the agency beyond scope of contract –Participate in fundraisers, Girl Scout cookies –Provide personal assistance (fix my laptop?) –Help with the statement of work –Job for spouse, child or friend Employment discussions –Recusal –Procurement Integrity Act –Agency ethics opinion on post-employment Regional Offices

7. 4/9/09Contractors in the Federal Workplace IEC 7 Issues Co-authoring articles –Use of office and position –Official capacity v personal capacity Outside activities –Part-time work with contractor Political activities Gambling in the workplace

8. 4/9/09Contractors in the Federal Workplace IEC 8 Remedies Training tailored for workplace issues. –Include everyone in work center (especially those who do not attend annual training.) Recognition that contractors are prohibited sources –Alliance v partnership –Contractor under great pressure to say “yes”

9. 4/9/09Contractors in the Federal Workplace IEC 9 Remedies Communicate with contractor ethics officials –We’re all in the same boat. –What can contractors do to reduce these risks? –What can the Government do to reduce these risks? OGE: “Working with Government Contractors” Booklet

10. 4/9/09Contractors in the Federal Workplace IEC 10 Feedback What do you know now that you didn’t know an hour ago? How did this presentation help you do your job?

11. 4/9/09Contractors in the Federal Workplace IEC 11 Questions? Steve Epstein –PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP –Stephen.h.epstein@us.pwc.comStephen.h.epstein@us.pwc.com –703-918-1071