Source: http://www.oge.gov/displaytemplates/topicdetail.aspx?id=2271&langtype=1033
Timestamp: 2013-05-25 01:32:16
Document Index: 745227615

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 2635', '§ 203', '§ 205', '§ 208', '§ 2635', '§ 2635', '§ 208', '§ 2635', 'art 2635', '§ 205', '§ 203', '§ 501', 'art 2635']

U.S. Office of Government Ethics - Outside Employment Limitations
Outside Employment Limitations Outside Employment Limitations
An executive branch employee may not engage in outside employment or any other outside activity that conflicts with the employee’s official duties. Under Subpart H of 5 C.F.R. part 2635, an outside activity conflicts with an employee’s official duties if the activity:
Is prohibited by statute or by an agency supplemental regulation;
or Requires the employee’s disqualification from Government work that is central or critical to the performance of the employee’s Government duties.
In order to prevent a possible conflict of interest or ensure compliance with a provision, it may be necessary for an employee to avoid, modify, or terminate an outside activity or affiliation. Employees are encouraged to seek advice from an agency ethics official if there is a reasonable possibility that an outside activity or affiliation may conflict with the employee’s official duties or violate a law or regulation. Employees of some agencies may be required by an agency supplemental regulation to obtain prior approval before engaging in specified outside activities.
As mentioned above, an outside activity conflicts with an employee’s official duties if it is prohibited by statute. Notably, certain criminal conflict of interest statutes may prohibit or limit an employee’s proposed outside activity or may prohibit the employee from receiving compensation for an activity. In addition, employees of some agencies must comply with agency-specific statutes concerning outside activities. Even the U.S. Constitution contains a provision that may be relevant. Subject to certain exceptions, an employee may not personally represent others (or share in compensation for another’s representational services) before any court, Federal agency, or certain other entities concerning matters of interest to the United States. (18 U.S.C. § 203, 18 U.S.C. § 205)
If an employee’s Government position is an “office of profit or trust,” the employee may not have any position in or receive any payment from a foreign government. (The Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution)
Separately, an agency supplemental regulation may contain one or more provisions that prohibit an employee from engaging in an outside activity. Example: Subject to certain exceptions, an employee of the Department of Housing and Urban Development may not engage in employment involving active participation in a business dealing with or related to real estate or manufactured housing.
A conflict of interest statute, 18 U.S.C. § 208, prohibits an employee from participating personally and substantially, in an official capacity, in any “particular matter” that would have a direct and predictable effect on the employee’s own financial interests or on certain interests that are treated as the employee’s own. Financial interests imputed to the employee include those of an organization which the employee serves as an officer, director, trustee, general partner, or employee. Moreover, under 5 C.F.R. § 2635.502, other outside affiliations or business relationships might warrant an employee’s disqualification from a Government matter if a reasonable person would question the employee’s impartiality.
Example: Ben is a member of a nonprofit organization and chairs the fundraising committee. Depending on the circumstances, Ben’s agency might decide in accordance with 5 C.F.R. § 2635.502 that Ben should not participate in a Government matter involving the nonprofit organization as a party.
As defined in Subpart H, an outside activity conflicts with an employee’s official duties if 18 U.S.C. § 208 or 5 C.F.R. § 2635.502 requires an employee’s disqualification from Government work that is central or critical to the performance of the employee’s Government duties.
A prohibition against serving as an expert witness, other than on behalf of the United States, in certain proceedings in which the United States is a party or has a direct and substantial interest
A prohibition against receiving compensation for teaching, speaking, or writing related to an employee’s official duties.
Limitations on fundraising in a personal capacity
Subpart H also emphasizes that an employee’s outside activity may violate principles or standards in other Subparts in 5 C.F.R. part 2635. These include the principle that an employee must endeavor to avoid actions creating an appearance of violating any of the ethical standards and the prohibition against use of official position for private gain. The information on this page is not a substitute for individual advice. Agency ethics officials should be consulted about specific situations. Skip Section Navigation
Laws & Regulations Statute: 18 U.S.C. § 205: Activities of officers and employees in claims against and other matters affecting the GovernmentStatute: 18 U.S.C. § 203: Compensation to Members of Congress, officers, others in matters affecting the GovernmentStatute: 5 U.S.C. app. 4 §§ 501-505: Outside earned income and activities
Federal Register Issuances: View More Legal Advisories & Opinions
Legal Advisories Judicial Opinions DOJ Office of Legal Counsel Opinions Education Resources 14 General Principles CardA Brief Wrap on EthicsA Brief Wrap on EthicsCode of EthicsDo It RightDo It RightEthics & Procurement Integrity: What You Need to Know as a Federal Employee Involved in the Procurement and Acquisition ProcessEthics & Procurement Integrity: What You Need to Know as a Federal Employee Involved in the Procurement and Acquisition ProcessSelected Subparts of the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch 5 CFR Part 2635: A Quick Reference GuideTake the High RoadTake the High RoadTo Serve With Honor: A Guide on the Ethics Rules that Apply to Advisory Committee Members Serving as Special Government Employees (2008) U.S. Office of Government Ethics