§ 304-1.5 - Conflict-of-interest analysis.

(a) Payment from a non-Federal source shall not be accepted if the authorized agency official determines that acceptance under the circumstances would cause a reasonable person with knowledge of all the facts relevant to a particular case to question the integrity of agency programs or operations. In making this determination, an authorized agency official shall be guided by all relevant considerations, including, but not limited to:

(1) The identity of the non-Federal source;

(2) The purpose of the meeting or similar function;

(3) The identity of other expected participants;

(4) The nature and sensitivity of any matter pending at the agency affecting the interests of the non-Federal source;

(5) The significance of the employee's role in any such matter; and

(6) The monetary value and character of the travel benefits offered by the non-Federal source.

(b) The authorized agency official may find that, while acceptance from the non-Federal source is permissible, it is in the interest of the agency to qualify acceptance of the offered payment by, for example, authorizing attendance at only a portion of the event or limiting the type or character of benefits that may be accepted.