Ethics Tips for the NPA 2007

1. Ethics Tips for the NPA2007

2. Ethics is About Choices

3. Ethics According to Webster • The discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation • A set of moral principles; a theory or system of moral values; the principles of conduct governing an individual or a group; a guiding philosophy; a consciousness of moral importance • A set of moral issues or aspects

4. General Principles for Federal Employees • Executive branch employees hold their positions as a public trust. • The American people have a right to expect that all employees will place loyalty to the Constitution, laws, regulations, and ethical principles above private gain. • Employees fulfill that trust by adhering to general principles of ethical conduct, as well as specific ethical standards.

5. Core Expectations for Government Employees • Do not use public office for private gain. • Act impartially and do not give preferential treatment to any private organization or individual. • Strive to avoid any action that would create the appearance that you are violating the law or ethical standards.

6. What else do I need to do?

7. Keys to an Ethical Workplace • Bring your highest sense of ethics to work everyday. • Lead by example. • Be honest. • Treat everyone with respect and fairness. • Set your standards high. • Promote and reinforce your organizational values. • Do the right thing even if it’s difficult.

8. Laws, Rules, Regulations, Policies and Procedures Frequent Ethics Issues

9. Frequent Issues • Gifts From Outside Sources - $20 or less per occasion; no more than $50 per year; exceptions for awards, honorary degrees, refreshments, etc. • Gifts Between Employees – may not give a gift to an official superior; exception is an occasional gift valued less than $10, or a gift for personal significance such as marriage, birth, retirement, transfers, etc.

10. Frequent Issues – cont. • Conflicting Financial Interests – a federal employee cannot participate personally and substantially in a particular Government matter that will affect their own financial interests, as well as the financial interests of spouse, minor child, general partner, an organization in which he serves as officer, director, etc., or a person with whom he is negotiating for prospective employment.

11. Frequent Issues – cont. • Contributed Travel – you may not accept travel or expenses for travel from prohibited sources, unless conducted in accordance with a cooperative agreement or cooperative exchange. You may not accept cash or checks made payable to the traveler. Conflict of interest is always a concern. • Travel Card – use of official travel VISA card is responsibility of traveler. Bills need to be paid in a timely fashion.

12. Frequent Issues – cont. • Honoraria – all employees may accept honoraria for outside activities that are not related to their official duties. All employees are prohibited from accepting compensation from outside sources for services conducted as employees of the Executive Branch.

13. Frequent Issues – cont. • Outside Employment – you may engage in outside employment/activities that requires the use of inherent expertise provided your work does not create a real or apparent conflict of interest by interfering with your official duties.

14. Frequent Issues – cont. • Lobbying Activities – the Anti-lobbying Act does not prohibit employees from participating in lobbying activities while on personal time. The Act does prevent agencies/employees from using appropriated funds, or resources secured with appropriated funds, to lobby any Federal, state, or local govt. official with respect to any pending or proposed legislation, resolution, appropriation, or measure. ALWAYS ASK IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS!!

15. Frequent Issues – cont. • Political Activity – The Hatch Act restricts the political activity of Executive Branch employees. You may be a candidate for public office in nonpartisan elections; assist in voter registration drives; contribute money to political organizations; attend political fundraisers; join and be active in a political party; campaign for/against candidates in a partisan election; distribute campaign literature. None of the above can be done while on duty; in a government office; wearing an official uniform; or using a government vehicle. You cannot wear partisan political buttons while on duty. vs

16. Confidential Financial Disclosure • Financial disclosure is a mechanism to safeguard employees and agencies from conflicts of interest. Generally employees identified for disclosure have duties that are likely to affect non-Government entities. • Certain employees above GS-15 file because it’s required by the Ethics in Government Act. • Employees at or below GS-15 file if involved in contracting or procurement; administering or monitoring grants, licenses, etc. (including ADODRs & CORs); regulating or auditing any non-Federal entity; or performing other activities having a direct & substantial economic effect on a non-Federal entity. Fund-holders are included. • Collaborators must file.

17. Suggestions to Avoid Ethics Problems • Use common sense!! • Avoid situations where your official actions affect or appear to affect your private interests. • Do not use official confidential information for personal gain. • Avoid the appearance of being controlled or influenced by private or outside interests. • Avoid decisions/actions that appear to give another party an unfair advantage. • When in doubt ask!!!!

18. ARS Code of Scientific Ethics • I dedicate myself to the pursuit and promotion of beneficial scientific investigation, consistent with the mission of ARS. • I will never hinder the beneficial research of others. • I will conduct, discuss, manage, judge and report science honestly, thoroughly, and without conflict of interest. • I will encourage constructive critique of my personal science and that of my colleagues, in a manner that fosters harmony and quality amid scientific debate. • I recognize past and present contributors to my science and will not accept unwarranted credit for the accomplishments of others. • I will maintain and improve my professional skills and be a mentor to others. • I will ensure safety and humane treatment of human and animal subjects and will prevent abuse of research resources entrusted to me.

19. Research Misconduct • Fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research or in reporting research results or other practices that seriously deviate from those that are commonly accepted within the research community.

20. What Constitutes Research Misconduct? • A significant departure from accepted practices of the relevant research community • Misconduct committed intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly • Allegation be proven by a preponderance of evidence

21. ARS Committee on Ethics in Science • Appointed by Administrator with one representative from each Area to investigate research misconduct • Allegations made to Area representative who determines merit • Committee chair determines if further investigation warranted; reports issued in 120 days and OIG informed.

22. Things That Cause Problems • Plagiarism – including use of confidential information for your own gain (e.g. grant or manuscript reviewer who uses ideas of others) • Data – integrity, use/misuse, access, ownership, retention of information • Authorship – ARS has established guidelines • Leadership & project management – supervision of personnel, asset management, mentoring, etc. • Conflicts of interest – personal financial interests related to research being conducted; outside activities – conducting personal business related to your research; etc.

23. The Good News! The incidence of misconduct in ARS is extremely low! ARS scientists conduct research with exceptional integrity.

24. NPA Guiding Principle: DO THE RIGHT THING IN THE RIGHT WAY!!

25. REE Ethics Webpage http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/ethics/index.htm

26. NPA Ethics Contacts • Larry Chandler – Designated Area Ethics Advisor; 970-492-7058; larry.chandler@ars.usda.gov • Louise Dalton; 970-492-7058; louise.dalton@ars.usda.gov