Ethics Rankings of Government Contractors?

Government Executive magazine reports on a private sector thinktank's plan to issue rankings of government contractor ethics programs:

"It is kind of vogue to bash government contractors ... because of a few bad apples," Brigham said. "It makes sense to give a lot of credit to the companies that are doing it right, and a tweak on the nose to the companies that aren't aligning with what the new government regulations are."

The group is using a voluntary online questionnaire as the primary means of gathering information. The questionnaire covers four major areas: codes of ethics and business conduct; leadership and tone from the top; internal control systems; and training and communication programs. Various measures and accomplishments in these areas have been assigned weight values, and the institute also will be doing its own research into companies' practices and programs.