Civil Service Ethics Flashcards

Under the federal gift rules, what is the general maximum value of a gift an employee may accept from a non-prohibited source at one time?

Answer: $20 per occasion, up to $50 per source per year

5 C.F.R. 2635.204(a) allows gifts of $20 or less per occasion, capped at $50 per source per calendar year.

A federal employee is offered a $75 lunch by a contractor bidding on a contract the employee oversees. What should the employee do?

Answer: Decline the lunch because the contractor is a prohibited source and the value exceeds the limit

Contractors seeking business from the agency are prohibited sources, and the gift exceeds the $20 exception.

Which law makes it a crime for a federal employee to participate personally and substantially in a matter in which they have a financial interest?

Answer: 18 U.S.C. 208

18 U.S.C. 208 is the criminal conflict-of-interest statute covering financial interests.

Which form do most senior federal officials file annually to disclose financial interests?

Answer: SF 278 (public financial disclosure report)

The SF 278 is the Public Financial Disclosure Report for senior officials, and OGE Form 450 is for confidential filers.

An employee owns $30,000 of stock in a company affected by a rule they are drafting. Which is the most appropriate step?

Answer: Recuse or seek a waiver or divestiture after consulting an agency ethics official

Employees must stop work on the matter, or have a waiver or divestiture arranged, to avoid violating Section 208.

Who is the primary agency source an employee should consult for advice on a potential ethics issue?

Answer: The designated agency ethics official (DAEO) or ethics counselor

Each agency has ethics officials whose advice can be relied on in good faith.

Which principle is listed among the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Executive Branch employees?

Answer: Employees shall not use public office for private gain

Public service is a public trust, and employees shall not use office for private gain.