Professional Standards & Ethics Flashcards

Which of these is a restriction on former senior employees under 18 U.S.C. 207?

Answer: They face a one-year cooling-off period on certain lobbying contacts with their former agency

Post-employment rules impose lobbying restrictions, including a one-year cooling-off period for senior officials.

A vendor offers you a free conference trip while your office is evaluating their bid. Which principle applies?

Answer: Decline because it creates the appearance of a conflict affecting an official decision

Employees must avoid actions that create the appearance of using public office for private gain or compromising impartiality.

What does the principle of impartiality require of a federal employee?

Answer: Giving preferential treatment to no private organization or individual

Employees must act impartially and not give preferential treatment to any private party.

Which is the best example of 'Skills' in a KSA about professional communication?

Answer: Drafting a clear briefing memo that leadership used to make a decision

Skills are demonstrated, practiced proficiencies, shown best with a concrete work product and result.

An employee is asked to sign a document attesting to work they did not review. What should they do?

Answer: Refuse to certify until they have reviewed it and verified accuracy

Professional integrity requires certifying only what you have personally verified.

Which is considered a misuse of position?

Answer: Using your title to endorse a friend's private business

5 CFR 2635.702 forbids using public office for private gain or to endorse products or persons.

Under federal rules, what is generally true of a gift offered because of your official position?

Answer: It may be acceptable only if it falls within an exception, such as the $20 de minimis limit

Gifts given because of position are prohibited unless an exception applies.