IEC Journal

Reminder: No IEC Meeting in June

Just a friendly reminder:

There will not be an IEC meeting in June.

In July we will meet on Friday, July 12, at 12:15.

In August, and the rest of the year, we will return to our first of the month Thursday schedule.

Reminder: May 2 IEC Meeting: Outside Activities

Ever have trouble tracking who has received outside activity approval? Ever wonder what criteria to use for such approval? Gretchen Weaver of NIH and Elizabeth Fischmann, HHS/OGC, will discuss their outside activity approval process and related issues at our May meeting.

The meeting will be held at the U.S. Access Board, 1331 F Street, NW, 8th Floor, from 12:15-1:15.

Handouts for the presentation may be found here:  Download May 2013 IEC (slides only)

Next IEC Meeting May 2- Outside Activities

Ever have trouble tracking who has received outside activity approval?  Ever wonder what criteria to use for such approval?  Gretchen Weaver of NIH, will discuss her outside activity approval process and related issues at our May meeting.

The meeting will be held at the U.S. Access Board, 1331 F Street, NW, 8th Floor, from 12:15-1:15. 

Some important housekeeping announcements regarding upcoming IEC meetings:

There will be no meeting held in June.

In July, we will  meet Friday, July 12, due to a scheduling conflict.

Beginning in August, we will return to our usual first Thursday of each month schedule.

Reminder: IEC Meeting April 4, 12:15

Please join us at our next IEC meeting April 4 to hear a presentation from Mr. Pat Kelley, the Assistant Director, Office of Integrity and Compliance, FBI, who will share with us how the FBI program is structured and how it operates. Pat works on both the rules-based ethics that we all do, but also focuses on values-based ethics and compliance. The meeting will be held from 12:15-1:15, April 4, at the U.S. Access Board, 1331 F Street, NW, 8th Floor. See you there!

Next IEC Meeting on April 4

Please join us at our next IEC meeting April 4 to hear a presentation from Mr. Pat Kelley, the Assistant Director, Office of Integrity and Compliance, FBI, who will share with us how the FBI program is structured and how it operates.  Pat works on both the rules-based ethics that we all do, but also focuses on values-based ethics and compliance. 

The meeting will be held from 12:15-1:15, April 4, at the U.S. Access Board, 1331 F Street, NW, 8th Floor.  See you there!

 

Next IEC Meeting: March 7

Please join us March 7 for a very interesting panel discussion on the ethics nomination process.  Geared especially for those ethics officials who have not vetted nominations before, the panel will discuss perspectives from small and big agencies, and what the White House and the Office of Government Ethics are looking for in the ethics review.  Panel members include Justina Fugh of EPA, Katie Youel Page of the State Department, Allison George from OGE and Karen Dalheim, Jeff Green and Erica Dornburg from DOD's Standards of Conduct Office.

Please join us March 7 at the US Access Board, 1331 F Street, NW, 8th Floor, at 12:15.  Bring your questions and your lunch!

Reminder: February 7 IEC Meeting

Our February program features Professor Michael Frisch, currently Ethics Counsel to the Law Center at Georgetown University and adjunct professor for professional responsibility. He previously was senior assistant bar counsel to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. He was in private practice from 1978-84 and served as an assistant federal public defender for Maryland from 1975-78. Professor Frisch worked as a research assistant for the Senate Watergate Committee in 1973 and 1974. Mr. Frisch has received the ABA Journal's inaugural "Blawg 100 Hall of Fame" for his efforts in cataloging state bar disciplinary cases including sanctions imposed for attorney misconduct, and providing public access to these cases. Among other things, he will address professional responsibility for administrative lawyers.

The meeting will be held at the Special Access Board, 1331 F Street, NW, 8th Floor, February 7, at 12:15.

February 7 IEC Meeting

Our February program features Professor Michael Frisch, currently Ethics Counsel to the Law Center at Georgetown University and adjunct professor for professional responsibility. He previously was senior assistant bar counsel to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. He was in private practice from 1978-84 and served as an assistant federal public defender for Maryland from 1975-78. Professor Frisch worked as a research assistant for the Senate Watergate Committee in 1973 and 1974. Mr. Frisch has received the ABA Journal's inaugural "Blawg 100 Hall of Fame" for his efforts in cataloging state bar disciplinary cases including sanctions imposed for attorney misconduct, and providing public access to these cases. Among other things, he will address professional responsibility for administrative lawyers.

 

The meeting will be held at the Special Access Board, 1331 F Street, NW, 8th Floor, February 7, at 12:15.

January 3 IEC Meeting: Roundtable with WMACCA

Back by popular demand, our January 3rd session will be a joint meeting with the Washington Metropolitan Area Corporate Counsel Association (WMACCA) and will focus on the Federal gift rules.

The meeting will run from 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm, and will be held at the Boeing Building, 1200 Wilson Blvd. in Rosslyn, VA. (From the Rosslyn Metro Station on Moore Street, turn right and walk to the corner; the Boeing Building is directly across the street.)

As was announced earlier this week, it is a brown bag lunch and you may bring something or purchase a box lunch.  If you wish to purchase a box lunch for the meeting, please email Robin.Hayutin@wmacca.com by close of business on Thursday.

Most importantly, please register for the event, using the following link: 

http://www.cvent.com/d/8cqdd8/1Q

Note that attendance at this meeting will satisfy one hour of Virginia CLE.

 

Next IEC Meeting: Monday, December 10

Please note that the next IEC meeting will be held on MONDAY, December 10.  Mr. Lenny Lowentritt, Deputy General Counsel, GSA, will give his annual update on the latest travel issues facing the Government.  Please join us at 12:15 at the usual meeting place:

 US Access Board

1331 F Street, NW, Suite 800

REMINDER!!! Next IEC Meeting: November 1, featuring OGE Acting Director and General Counsel, Mr. Don Fox

A reminder to please join us for a very special session with Mr. Don Fox, Acting Director and General Counsel for the Office of Government Ethics.

Mr. Fox will be giving his popular "ethics year in review" presentation which is not to be missed! The meeting will begin promptly at 12:15, 1331 F Street, NW, 8th Floor.  See you there!

Next IEC Meeting: November 1, featuring OGE Acting Director and General Counsel, Mr. Don Fox

Please join us for a very special session with Mr. Don Fox, Acting Director and General Counsel for the Office of Government Ethics.  Mr. Fox will be giving his popular "ethics year in review" presentation which is not to be missed! 

The meeting will begin promptly at 12:15, 1331 F Street, NW.  See you there!

Next IEC Meeting: October 4: Conflicts of Interest in the Grant Process

Please join us this Thursday, October 4, to hear an important presentation on conflicts of interest in the grant process from attorneys in two Inspector General offices:  the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  Speakers Talisha M. Searcy and Athena R. Jones will discuss conflicts of interests among Federal grantees that can compromise the integrity of a Federal Grant Program. 

HHS OIG will share examples from its evaluation of conflicts of interest in NIH research grants. HUD OIG will share examples from its evaluation of conflicts of interest in three separate HUD programs. This session will focus on how addressing conflicts of interest can bolster public confidence in the grant process.

Thursday's meeting will be held at the Special Access Board, 1331 F Street, NW, 8th Floor, at 12:15.  See you there!

REMINDER: Next IEC Meeting September 6

We welcome Ms. Erica Dornburg, Senior Attorney at DOD's Standards of Conduct Office, as our speaker at the next IEC meeting on September 6, 12:15.  Erica will discuss Best Practices for an internal program, including an assessment and program review for field activities.  

Note:  If you are not on the roster as a regular IEC meeting attendee, please pre-register with Ms. Danielle Barrett, USDA, at Danielle.Barrett@dm.usda.gov

The meeting will be held at the usual spot- 1331 F Street NW.

Next IEC Meeting September 6, 12:15

We welcome Ms. Erica Dornburg, Senior Attorney at DOD's Standards of Conduct Office, as our speaker at the next IEC meeting.  Erica will discuss Best Practices for an internal program, including an assessment and program review for field activities.  More details to follow.

Next IEC Meeting August 2, 12:15

Reminder that the next IEC meeting will be Thursday, August 2 at 12:15.  Col Tom Serrano will give his excellent presentation on Reserve Personnel Ethics Issues.  The slide presentation can be found at this link Download RC_Personnel_Issues July 2012 (2)

 

Slide Presentation for July 12 Meeting

The slides for Colonel (promoted!) Tom Serrano's presentation at the July 12 meeting are attached.  Download RC_Personnel_Issues July 2012 (2)

REMINDER! IEC Meeting July 12

Just a reminder that the IEC meeting is this week, July 12, 12:15-1:15.  Lt Col Tom Serrano will be our speaker discussing ethics issues that affect military reservists.   Lt Col Serrano is an excellent speaker so this one is not one to miss!  See you there.

May 2012 IEC Mtg: Fed Reserve Bank of NY

Here is the power point presentation for this week's IEC presentation on "Advanced Financial Instruments."  There are two formats: slides or handout.

• SLIDES: Download NY_CENTRAL_RECORDS-#376730-v1-Interagency_Ethics_Council_Presentation_Slides. 
• HANDOUT: Download IEC May 2012 - Fed Reserve Bk NY (handouts)

Please remember to print out a copy and bring to the presentation.  Copies will not be available at the meeting.

May 3rd Meeting

The topic for our May 3rd meeting will be "Financial Products for Dummies."  Our guest speakers from the New York Federal Reserve are Michael Drago, who will speak about certain financial products, and Yasamine Hashemi, an ethics official, who will address how to report the products on a disclosure report.  Special thanks to Cary Williams for assisting in arranging this program.

We will meet at the U.S. Access Board, at 1331 F Street, N.W. from 12:15-1:30.  As always, individuals who are on the IEC roster need not pre-register for this meeting.  Ethics officials who are not on the roster but who wish to attend can pre-register by contacting Danielle Barrett at danielle.barrett@dm.usda.gov not later than Monday, April 30th.  Those who are neither on the IEC roster nor pre-registered can still be admitted by showing a Government ID upon arrival at the building.

April 2012 IEC Presentation Materials: OSC Hatch Act Hot Topics

[UPDATED] Here are the handouts for this week's IEC presentation:

• Power Point Presentation: Download 2012 Hot Topics
• Updated OSC Social Media Hatch Act Guidance: Download Social Media and the Hatch Act 2012
• OSC Advisory Opinions:
  • Mixed Travel (Oct. 6, 2011) Download Mixed Travel AO
  • Political Briefings (Oct. 6,2011) Download Political Briefings AO

Please print out and bring to the presentation.

April 5th Meeting - Hatch Act

At our April 5th meeting we are pleased to host Erica Hambrick, of the Office of Special Counsel's Hatch Act Unit, who will address the latest updates on political activities by Federal employees under that Hatch Act.  In what promises to be a very active election year, Erica's presentation will be both timely and valuable, so if providing advice on this topic falls within your charter, you'll certainly want to attend or send one of your ethics office colleagues to our April meeting.

As usual, we will meet at the U.S. Access Board, 1331 F Street, N.W. (on the north side of F Street, between 13th and 14th Streets, near the Metro Center station) from 12:15-1:30.  As always, individuals who are on the IEC roster need not pre-register for this meeting.  Ethics officials who are not on our roster but who wish to attend can pre-register by contacting Danielle Barrett at danielle.barrett@dm.usda.gov not later than Monday, April 2nd.  Those who are neither on the IEC roster nor pre-registered can still be admitted by showing a Government ID upon arrival at the building.

March 2012 Presentation Materials: Ethics in Brief (in PDF)

For those who may have encountered problems downloading the word versions of the USDA one-pagers, please see below, PDF versions:

• Download Ethics_in_brief_-_hatch_act_game_show--_are_you_smarter_than_an_ethics_officer_iec_council
• Download Ethics_in_brief_-_how_to_prepare_an_ethics_one-pager_8_8_2011
• Download Ethics_in_brief_-_social_media_and_ethics_iec_council
• Download Usda_--ethics_one_pager_--_ethics_and_equality_iec_council
• Download Usda_non-federal_sponsored_travel_rule_in_brief_
• Download Usda-_one_pager_-_rules_on_letters_of_reference_iec_council
• Download Usda--one_pager--_502_appearance_issues_simplified_iec_council
• Download Sub-cabinet_briefing_handout-_lobbyist_gift_ban_iec_council
• Download Sub-cabinet_briefing_non-federal_travel_payments_rule_in_briefiec_council
• Download Sub-cabinet_briefing_-political_activities_displaying_photos_iec_council

Reminder: Meeting on Thursday

Stuart Bender, the Designated Agency Ethics Official at the Department of Agriculture, will be the guest speaker at the next IEC meeting on Thursday, March 1, on the topic of sharpening ethics communications. We had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Bender at the most recent OGE ethics conference, and this experience has whetted our appetite to learn more. A previous post contains logistical details about the meeting.

March 2012 Presentation Materials: Ethics in Brief

Here are the handouts for this week's IEC presentation:

• Download Ethics_in_Brief_-_How_to_Prepare_an_Ethics_One-Pager_(8_8_2011) 
• Download Ethics_in_Brief_-_Social_Media_and_Ethics_(IEC_Council)
• Download Ethics_in_Brief_-_Hatch_Act_GAME_SHOW--_Are_you_smarter_than_an_Ethics_Officer_(IEC_Council)
• Download USDA-_ONE_PAGER_-_Rules_on_Letters_of_Reference_(IEC_Council)
• Download USDA_--Ethics_ONE_PAGER_--_Ethics_and_Equality_(IEC_Council)
• Download USDA--ONE_PAGER--_502_Appearance_Issues_SIMPLIFIED_(IEC_Council)
• Download USDA_(Non-Federal_Sponsored_Travel_Rule_in_brief)_
• Download Sub-Cabinet_Briefing_-POLITICAL_ACTIVITIES_(DISPLAYING_PHOTOS)_(IEC_Council)
• Download Sub-Cabinet_Briefing_Handout-_LOBBYIST_GIFT_BAN_(IEC_Council)
• Download Sub-Cabinet_Briefing_(Non-Federal_Travel_PAYMENTS_Rule_in_brief)(IEC_Council)

Please remember to print an bring copies with you.

March 1st Meeting

Have you ever been asked to summarize a 14 page criminal ethics statute on one 3 x 5 card? How about when senior management asks for a succinct but accurate description of what ethics law applies to a particular matter, and you are told it should not exceed one page. Have you done this? Well, a seasoned veteran of the ethics community will be sharing how to present ethics epistles at our March 1, IEC meeting, Mr. Stuart Bender, the Designated Agency Ethics Official at the Department of Agriculture. This presentation, and his handouts, should directly benefit any of us in our practice. Participants will learn tools and techniques that they can immediately put to use.

As usual, we will meet at the United States Access Board, at 1331 F Street, N.W. (on the north side of F Street, between 13th and 14th Streets, near the Metro Center station) from 12:15-1:30. As always, individuals who are on the IEC roster need not pre-register. Ethics officials who are not on our roster but who wish to attend can pre-register by contacting Patrick.Carney@fcc.gov not later than Monday, February 27th. Those who are neither on the IEC roster nor pre-registered can still be admitted by showing a Government ID upon arrival at the building.

FOUND: Women's black jacket

A woman’s black jacket, size small (Anne Klein) was left in suite where the IEC presentation was given.  It is hanging on the coat rack for now.  The owner should call Rose Marie to arrange pick up at (202) 272.0006.

 

February 2012 Presentation Materials: Ethics & Govt Lawyers

Here is the handout for today's IEC presentation, ETHICS & THE GOVERNMENT LAWYER.  Download Ethics & Govt Lawyer handout (02-02-2012)

Please try to bring a copy with you to today's presentation.

February 2nd Meeting

Our February 2nd meeting topic is professional responsibility for Government employees.  Our speaker will be Jack Marshall, the founder and president of ProEthics, Ltd., and the primary writer and editor of the ethics community blog, "Ethics Alarms" (www.ethicsalarms.com).  His articles and essays have appeared in numerous national and regional publications, and he has spoken on leadership and ethics topics before a variety of audiences in both the private and public sectors.  We are pleased to have Mr. Marshall with us for our February meeting, and are certain that, whether litigators or administrative attorneys, we'll all benefit from attending this session.

We will meet at the United States Access Board, 1331 F Street, N.W. (between 13th and 14th Streets, near Metro Center station) from 12:15 - 1:30.  As always, individuals who are on the IEC roster need not pre-register.  Ethics officials who are not on our roster but who wish to attend this meeting can pre-register by contacting Patrick.Carney@fcc.gov not later than Monday, January 30th.  Those who are neither on the roster nor pre-registered can still be admitted by showing a Government ID upon arrival at USAB.

Reminder: Big Meeting on Thursday, Jan. 5

What looks like an exceptional IEC meeting will be held Thursday, January 5. The topics will be personal conflicts of interest and post-Government employment restrictions.

It will be a joint meeting with the Washington Metropolitan Area Corporate Counsel Association (WMACCA). Instructors include Professor Kathleen Clark, of Washington University School of Law, Mike Kallens, of Booz Allen Hamilton, and Pat Carney, of the FCC, Jeff Green, of DOD, and Steve Epstein, of Boeing.

Our December 12 post has the details.

2011 Travel Regulations Update: Presentation Material

Here is the power point presentation from Lenny Loewentritt's December 1, 2011, Travel Regulations Update presentation.  Download 2011 IEC Travel Presentation. 

January 5, 2012 Meeting

Our January 5th session will be a joint meeting with the Washington Metropolitan Area Corporate Counsel Association (WMACCA) on "New Challenges and New Regulations for Government and Contractor Ethics Officers."  The IEC and the Government Contractors Forum of WMACCA are joining forces to address two ethics and compliance issues we all encounter: personal conflicts of interest and post-Government employment restrictions.

Our first panel will feature Professor Kathleen Clark, of Washington University School of Law, Mike Kallens, of Booz Allen Hamilton, and Pat Carney, of the FCC, who will discuss recent developments in personal conflicts of interest rules for Government and contractor employees (including the new FAR rules).  Our second panel will feature Jeff Green, of DOD, and Steve Epstein, of Boeing, who will cover current "revolving door" issues (including the new DFARS rule).  We are working on obtaining CLE credit from the Virginia Bar for attendance at this meeting.

The meeting will run from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm, and will be held at the Boeing Building, 1200 Wilson Blvd. in Rosslyn, VA.  (From the Rosslyn Metro Station on Moore Street, turn right and walk to the corner; the Boeing Building is directly across the street.)

This will be a brown-bag event, so feel free to bring lunch.  Coffee and soft drinks will be provided.  The building contractor, Aramark, will also provide lunch for those desiring to purchase it.  The cost is $13 for a box lunch w/gourmet sandwich (ham, tuna, turkey or veggie), chips and a cookie.  Cash or checks made payable to Aramark, with "IEC Meeting" noted, are acceptable.

WMACCA has set up a link on their c-vent system so those wishing to come can RSVP and indicate if they wish to purchase a box lunch.  We encourage advance notice to assist with planning, but it is not required.  The link is: http://www.cvent.com/d/jcqk3c/1Q.  RSVPs and lunch orders by December 21st would be appreciated, but it is not necessary to RSVP in order to attend.

 

As promised, here are the materials shared by the Department of State and USAID from the recent presentation.

• State's creating an MOU chart  Download Creating-MOU chart (State) 
• State's how to identify partners Download Idenitfying partners (State)
• State's chart on the P3 life-cyle Download Ppp-life-cycle
• State's Guidelines for Partnership Download State Guidelines for Partnership
• USAID's Partnership Best Practices Download Partnership Due Diligence - Best Practices (USAID)

December 1st Meeting: Travel Regulations Update

At our December 1st meeting we are pleased to once again have Lenny Loewentritt, of GSA, who will provide us an update on developments in the travel world.  Lenny's presentations are always highly informative and extremely well attended, so plan to be with us on the 1st.  In the meantime, we wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving!

We will meet at the U. S. Access Board, at 1331 F Street, N.W. (on the north side of F Street, between 13th and 14th Streets, near the Metro Center station) from 12:15 - 1:30.  As always, individuals who are on the IEC roster need not pre-register for this meeeting.  Ethics officials who are not on the roster but who wish to pre-register can do so by contacting patrick.carney@fcc.gov not later than Monday, November 28th.  Those who are neither on the roster nor pre-registered will still be admitted by showing a Government ID upon arrival at the building.

Public-Private Partnership (P3) Presentation Materials

As promised, here are the relevant materials from the wonderful presentation on Public-Private Partnerships by  by USAID and State Department officials.

• Power Point Presentation: Download Dept State Public Private Partnership
• Dept. of State, P3 website: http://www.state.gov/t/pm/wra/partners/
• USAID website: http://idea.usaid.gov/
• USAID fact sheet on difference between P3 and Global Development Alliances: http://idea.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/attachments/PPPs_vs_GDAs.pdf

More to come. Or if you have P3 resources to share, please email them to us. 

November 3rd Meeting

At our November 3rd meeting we are pleased to host a panel presentation by USAID and State Department ethics officials on public/private partnerships -- focusing on some case studies and methods of achieving success.  This will be a good opportunity to learn about an increasingly important subject area, so please plan to attend.

We will meet at the U. S. Access Board, at 1331 F Street, N.W. (on the north side of F Street, between 13th and 14th Streets, near Metro Center Station) from 12:15 - 1:30.  As always, individuals who are on the IEC roster need not pre-rgister for this meeting.  Ethics officials who are not on the roster but who wish to attend can pre-register by contacting patrick.carney@fcc.gov not later than Monday, October 31st. 

October 6th Meeting

At our October 6th meeting we are pleased to present, Ray Sheehan, our long-time Federal ethics colleague, who will discuss the history of the conflict of interest statutes.  Ray is always an outstanding speaker -- both informative and entertaining.  You won't want to miss this meeting!  Immediately following Ray's presentation there will be a brief discussion of possible IEC programs for next year.  You are encouraged to stay and participate in this discussion.  Remember, the IEC is only as good as its members make it!

 

We will meet at the U. S. Access Board, 1331 F Street, N.W. (on the north side of F Street, between 13th and 14th Streets, near the Metro Center station) from 12:15 - 1:30.  As always, individuals who are on the IEC roster need not pre-register.  Ethics officials who are not on our roster but who wish to attend can pre-register by contacting Patrick.Carney@fcc.gov not later than Monday, October 3rd.

 

We also wish to take this opportunity to extend our congratulations and appreciation to OGE on the success of the 18th National Government Ethics Conference, earlier this month.  The overwhelming consensus is that this was the best conference yet.  The effort that our OGE colleagues, and everyone else involved, expended on this event was obvious to all and is sincerely appreciated.

OSC Argues MSPB Decision in Air Marshal Case May Silence Whistleblowers

Federal Times posted an article addressing a 2009 Merit Systems Protection Board case that effectively upheld the firing of an air marshal who spoke to the media about his agency’s plan to cut air marshal cross-country trips, despite, in his opinion, a great risk to the public in light of post-9/11 dangers. He argued that the Transportation Security Administration improperly labeled the information he shared as SSI (sensitive but not classified) and did so retroactively after he was fired. The MSPB determined the information was properly designated as SSI and declined to review the case. The Office of Special Counsel recently opined that the MSPB improperly expanded a narrow exception to whistle-blower protection rules when it upheld the air marshal’s firing. In its argument to the MSPB, OSC states that when Congress spelled out what revelations would be excepted from whistle-blower protections, it specifically did not include rules and regulations of the kind the air marshal revealed. Because the information he revealed was not specifically prohibited by the Civil Service Reform Act, OSC argues that TSA committed a prohibited personnel practice by firing him.

July 7th Meeting: Emerging Trends in FACA

At our Thursday, July 7th meeting we are pleased to present Alice McKenna, Senior Counsel, General Law Division, Office of the Assistant General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel, U.S. Department of Commerce and Robert Flaak, Director, Office of Committee and Regulatory Management, GSA Office of Government-wide Policy, who will address "Emerging Trends in FACA."  This is always a challenging area for ethics counselors, so you’ll want to make sure your agency is represented at this meeting.

 

We will meet from 12:15-1:30 in the OTS auditorium, at 1700 G Street, N.W. (the corner of 17th and G streets, across from the Old Executive Office Building, next to the White House).  As always, individuals who are on the IEC roster need not pre-register for this meeting.  Ethics officials who are not on our roster but who wish to attend can pre-register by contacting Patrick.Carney@fcc.gov not later than Tuesday, July 5th.  Those who are neither on the IEC roster nor pre-registered can still be admitted by showing a Government ID to OTS Security personnel.

 

For long-term planning purposes: As previously announced, please note that meeting will be our last to take place at the OTS.  We will meet on August 4 at the U.S. Access Board, Suite 800 (Conference Room), 1331 F St., NW. 

 

For slightly longer-term planning:  Please also note that there will not be an IEC meeting in September in order to avoid conflicting with OGE’s 18th National Government Ethics Conference, which will be held September 13th - 15th in Orlando, Florida, at the Orlando World Center Marriott.

 

June 2nd Meeting

At our Thursday, June 2nd meeting we are pleased to have as our speaker, Dave Maggi, of the Department of Commerce, who will give a presentation on "Outside Organizations and Ethics Rules: Service by Federal Employees with Employee Organizations, Professional Societies, Scientific Groups, and Other Groups."  Dave will discuss the application of the conflicts of interest statutes and the Standards of Ethical Conduct to service by employees with various outside organizations.  You’ll want to be present to for the discussion of this challenging topic.

 

As usual, we will meet from 12:15-1:30 in the OTS auditorium, at 1700 G Street, N.W. (the corner of 17th and G streets, across from the Old Executive Office Building, next to the White House).  As always, individuals who are on the IEC roster need not pre-register for this meeting.  Ethics officials who are not on our roster but who wish to attend can pre-register by contacting Patrick.Carney@fcc.gov not later than Tuesday, May 31st.  Those who are neither on the IEC roster nor pre-registered can still be admitted by showing a Government ID to OTS Security personnel.

 

For long-term planning purposes: As previously announced, please note that July’s meeting will be our last to take place at the OTS.  We will meet on August 4 at the U.S. Access Board, Suite 800 (Conference Room), 1331 F St., NW. 

 

For slightly longer-term planning:  Please also note that there will not be an IEC meeting in September in order to avoid conflicting with OGE’s 18th National Government Ethics Conference, which will be held September 13th - 15th in Orlando, Florida, at the Orlando World Center Marriott.

April 7th Meeting

At our April 7th meeting Jeremy Ko and Adam Yonce, of the Securities and Exchange Commission, will give a presentation on some of the various financial products that ethics counselors may encounter in the course of their activities.  This presentation will be of help to those of us who are involved in assisting senior officials through the nomination process, reviewing employee financial disclosure forms, or providing general counseling on potential financial conflicts of interest.

 

As usual, we will meet from 12:15-1:30 in the OTS auditorium, at 1700 G Street, N.W. (the corner of 17th and G streets, across from the Old Executive Office Building, next to the White House).  As always, individuals who are on the IEC roster need not pre-register for this meeting.  Ethics officials who are not on our roster but who wish to attend can pre-register by contacting Patrick.Carney@fcc.gov not later than Monday, April 4th.  Those who are neither on the IEC roster nor pre-registered can still be admitted by showing a Government ID to OTS Security personnel.

Contractor Ethics - FEMA Presentation Materials & Handouts (Mar. 2011)

Please remember to bring your own copies of the relevant handouts for the upcoming meeting. 

Power Point Presentation: Download FEMA Acq Ethics Brief 2011 (black white)

FEMA specific guidance:

• Download Contractor Logo on FEMA Publications and Documents to Congress
• Download Kor FEMA workplace 2007
• Download TRAINING EXAMPLES FOR VIOLATION GAMEREVISED3
• Download DHS Form 11000-6 NDA
• Download 2011_02_23_sourceseltechevalKethicsBW

Other references and resources:

• Download 31 USC 1349
• Download 48 CFR 37 114 contractorID themselvesFAR
• Download DO-06-023 wking with contractors
• Download Subpart 9 FAR OCI

 

March 3rd Meeting

At our March 3rd meeting we are pleased to have FEMA’s Paul Conrad as our featured speaker.  His presentation will follow-up on and complement last month’s presentation by Kathleen Clark on regulating contractor/employee ethics.  Professor Clark addressed this issue from a big picture, academic position.  Paul will be presenting the practical side of what he has experienced, and how FEMA has dealt with this issue, especially in the context of disaster relief which lends itself to the need for contractors. 

 

As usual, we will meet from 12:15-1:30 in the OTS auditorium, at 1700 G Street, N.W. (the corner of 17th and G streets, across from the Old Executive Office Building, next to the White House).  As always, individuals who are on the IEC roster need not pre-register for this meeting.  Ethics officials who are not on our roster but who wish to attend can pre-register by contacting Patrick.Carney@fcc.gov not later than Monday, February 28th.  Those who are neither on the IEC roster nor pre-registered can still be admitted by showing a Government ID to OTS Security personnel.

"Ethics for an Outsourced Goverment" presentation materials (Feb. 2011)

Here is the power point presentation from Professor Kathleen Clark (Washington University in St. Louis School of Law) on "Ethics for an Outsourced Government," her draft report for the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS).  Download Ethics for an Outsourced Government (2-3-2011) IEC-rev

See also www.acus.gov/research/the-conference-current-projects/government-contractor-ethics/

Reminder: Thursday Meeting Features Fox & Fong

Don Fox, OGE General Counsel, OGE, and Bruce Fong, Chief of the Office of Special Counsel’s San Francisco Bay Area Field Office, will speak at the January 6 IEC meeting. Pat Carney's previous e-mail gives details.

GSA Travel Rules Presentation Materials (Dec. 2010)

Here is the power point presentation from Lenny Loewentritt's presentation on updates to the various travel regulations of importance to ethics officials.  Download 2010 IEC Travel Presentation (GSA)

December 2nd Meeting

Our December 2nd meeting will feature GSA’s Lenny Loewentritt, who will give us an update on the various travel regulations of importance to ethics officials.  Lenny is always one of our most popular speakers, and his presentations are invariably well received by all in attendance.  You’ll want to make sure your agency is represented at this meeting. 

 

As usual, we will meet from 12:15-1:30 in the OTS auditorium, at 1700 G Street, N.W. (the corner of 17th and G streets).  As always, individuals who are on the IEC roster need not pre-register for this meeting.  Ethics officials who are not on our roster but who wish to attend can pre-register by contacting Patrick.Carney@fcc.gov not later than Monday, November 29th.  Those who are neither on the IEC roster nor pre-registered can still be admitted by showing a Government ID to OTS Security personnel.

November 9th Meeting

Our next meeting, which will take place on Tuesday, November 9th, will feature Vicki E. O'Keefe, Attorney Advisor, FEMA; Gaye M. Williams, Deputy Chief, Ethics Law and Programs Division, U.S. Department of Commerce and Athena R. Jones, Assistant General Counsel for Ethics, Department of Housing and Urban Development.  They will cover how their respective agencies conduct public outreach.  They will address initiatives to leverage resources with the private sector, federal employees serving on non-federal committees and boards, agreements with the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA), government corporations, grant applications and Public Private Partnerships.

 

Although this Tuesday meeting represents a departure from our usual Thursday schedule, we will meet at the normal time, 12:15-1:30 in the OTS auditorium, 1700 G Street, N.W., the corner of 17th and G Streets.  As always, individuals who are on the IEC roster need not pre-register for this meeting.  Agency ethics officials who are not on our roster but who wish to attend can pre-register by contacting Patrick.Carney@fcc.gov not later than Thursday, November 4th.  Those who are neither on the IEC roster nor pre-registered can still be admitted by showing a Government ID to OTS Security personnel.

 

Following up on last month’s post-meeting session, we’d like to remind those interested in participating in the interagency professional responsibility group to please email Erica.Dornburg at iec.jobs@yahoo.com.

Insider Trading Presentation Materials (July 2010)

Here is the power point presentation from Bill Lenox's July presentation on insider trading.  Download INSIDER TRADING FINAL (2010)

October 7th Meeting

For its annual online ethics training this year, EPA created a course examining how the use of social media can implicate ethics concerns, specifically misuse of government position, misuse of government resources and the Hatch Act. The course, which will be synopsized for the IEC attendees at our October 7th meeting by Daniel Fort, Jennie Keith and Justina Fugh of EPA’s Office of General Counsel, focuses on how ethics rules apply to use of social media whether for personal or official purposes.  We may not have all the answers, but join us as we share your concerns!

As usual, we will meet from 12:15-1:30 in the OTS auditorium, 1700 G Street, N.W., the corner of 17th and G Streets.  As always, individuals who are on the IEC roster need not pre-register for this meeting.  Agency ethics officials who are not on our roster but who wish to attend can pre-register by contacting Patrick.Carney@fcc.gov not later than Monday, October 4th.  Those who are neither on the IEC roster nor pre-registered can still be admitted by showing a Government ID to OTS Security personnel.