Source: http://www.megawattelectric.com/ethics/
Timestamp: 2017-06-28 22:36:37
Document Index: 561406557

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art\n3', 'art 12', '§ 51', '§ 286', '§ 371', '§ 1341', '§ 604', '§ 2515', '§ 2306', '§ 254', '§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 15', '§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 53', '§ 53']

Ethics | Megawatt Eletric, LLC.
Megawatt Electric LLC – Code of Business Ethics and Conduct
Megawatt Electric LLC (“MW”) is committed to performing with excellence at all levels of its organization and to conducting its business with the highest degree of integrity and honesty in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. MW’s reputation is one of its most important assets, and through adoption of this Policy, MW is documenting in writing its standard of conduct with the intention of preserving and strengthening its reputation for ethical conduct, integrity, skill, and responsibility in its dealings with others and complying with FAR subpart 3.10, a copy of which is provided at Attachment 1.
Employees are required to comply with this policy
MW expects every employee to review and understand this policy and to strictly comply with these requirements and applicable federal, state and local law. Employees are never authorized to violate these laws.
Employees are required to familiarize themselves with applicable laws and regulations
In many instances, MW’s work and actions are governed by specific contractual requirements. In addition, many of these items (and others) are specifically governed by state or local law. A list of potentially applicable federal law is attached hereto at Attachment 2 and Attachment 3 and potentially applicable Alaska state law is attached hereto at Attachment 4. MW’s employees are required to familiarize themselves with these requirements as they are applicable.
Employees are required to ask about the policy and its requirements
If an employee is uncertain as to his or her obligations in a specific instance, or unclear as to whether certain conduct is authorized or appropriate, the employee is expected to inquire of management as described further below.
Employees are required to report violations of this Policy
Employees are required to report any actual or suspected violations of this Policy or applicable laws, as further described below. While these reports may be made anonymously and/or confidentially, the reports will be investigated as described below.
Employees are required to conform to these ethical standards
Employees are required to conform their conduct to the highest standards of ethical conduct. There are numerous laws and regulations which governMW’s work. Some of these laws and regulations are the same on all projects; others are different depending on the owner and its specific requirements. In all of these contracts, it is MW’s goal to perform its work to the highest level and to ensure that all conduct byMW and its employees conforms to the ideals of honesty and integrity. This requirement plays into many functions of the work at various levels, including but not limited to:
ensuring the work meets the quality requirements of the contract and applicable laws and regulations;
ensuring the quality of the documentation of the work meets the requirements of the contract and applicable laws and regulations;
ensuring all MW employees deal fairly with others;
ensuring all MW employees avoid improper efforts to influence others;
ensuring all MW employees avoid conflicts of interest;
ensuring all MW employees comply with competitive rules;
ensuring all MW employees act appropriately in regards to political and fundraising activities;
ensuring all MW employees avoid discriminatory or harassing behavior;
ensuring that MW employees maintain a safe work place environment;
ensuring all MW employees comply with environmental regulations; and
ensuring all MW employees with the authority to make certifications of any nature, including but not limited to certifications regarding the quality or nature of the work performed by MW, the appropriateness of pricing information provided by MW, and MW’s entitlement to payment for a specific item, do so appropriately, consistent with the requirements of any such certification.
III. Risk of Violations
Violating any of these standards is very serious and can result in severe remedies being imposed on both the employee(s) and MW
Failure to comply with this Policy may result in disciplinary action, including termination of any individual’s employment. Serious violations may also subject the company and the violator to serious civil or criminal liability under various federal, state and local laws.
Federal liabilities. At a federal level, these remedies may include:
Criminal liability, with the possibility of both imprisonment and fines (See Attachment 2);
Civil liability, including damages, fines, and forfeitures (See Attachment 2);
Suspension or debarment of MW (see Attachment 5);
Contractual liabilities, including damages and termination for default; and
Removal and discipline, up to and including termination, of employees who violate these standards.
State liabilities. Liabilities may be slightly different state by state, but will typically be similar to the federal items listed above.
The Ethics Compliance Officer is responsible for day-to-day enforcement of MW’s Ethics Policy regarding overall conduct of the company’s Management Team, employees, agents and other representatives. The designation of the Ethics Compliance Officer and a more complete description of the Ethics Compliance Officer’s responsibilities are set forth at Attachment 6. The President is responsible for oversight of the Ethics Compliance Officer’s performance and conduct.
Ethics Compliance Committee
The Ethics Compliance Committee reviews information and reports provided by the Ethics Compliance Officer, as well as making recommendations as appropriate for changes to this Policy and any related plans. The members of the Ethics Compliance Committee are selected by the officers of the company. The initial Committee members are identified in Attachment 7.
MW is committed to ensure that its employees and management have access to resources needed to address questions regarding compliance with this code before a violation occurs. Employees are to certify their receipt of this Policy and their commitment to comply with it in the form attached at Attachment 10.
Employees with questions regarding application of this Policy should first contact their supervisor, or the Ethics Compliance Officer for guidance before action is taken that may violate MW’s Ethics Policy.
For questions or reporting call the home office at 907-277-6047 or email tpotter@megawattelectric.com. Anonymous reporting can be done through the MW Ethics Hotline 1-888-909-4522 or send an anonymous e-mail message via a link found at www.megawattelectric.com/ethics.
MW maintains a training program appropriate for the work currently under contract. The initial training program acknowledgement is attached hereto at Attachment 8. Employees are expected to attend and participate in those trainings as outlined within the program.
Self-monitoring is key to MW’s Ethics Policy. All MW employees must report all known and suspected unethical or illegal conduct. Reports must be made to either the Ethics Compliance Officer or the employee’s direct supervisor or the MW Ethics Hotline (by either phone or email). Failure to report known wrongful activity is itself a violation of this Policy.
Management or employees concerned about whether their own conduct is unethical or illegal are required to immediately disclose such activity to their direct supervisor or the Ethics Compliance Offic
Management and employees who are concerned about directly reporting such wrongful activity to their supervisor or the Ethics Compliance Officer may call the anonymous MW Ethics Hotline 1-888-909-4522 or send an anonymous email message via a link found at www.megawattelectric.com/ethics.
Supervisors receiving reports of possible violations from subordinates shall provide prompt notice to the Ethics Compliance Officer, who shall be responsible for determining the appropriate response and coordinating any subsequent investigation in cooperation with the supervisor.
Any retaliation against any employee who in good faith reports a violation or suspected violation of this Policy is strictly forbidden. Such retaliation is itself considered violation of MW’s Ethics Policy.
The Ethics Compliance Officer, upon receipt of a report or complaint alleging a violation of this Policy, shall immediately authorize an investigation. This investigation shall be conducted by the Ethics Compliance Officer or her designee. The Ethics Compliance Officer shall keep the Ethics Compliance Committee apprised of the investigation and shall provide a written report at the conclusion of the investigation to the Ethics Compliance Committee.
MW will respect the confidentiality of any report or complaint as much as possible, consistent with MW’s legal obligations and the necessity to investigate any allegation that this Policy has been violated.
The investigation may consist of personal interviews and any other method or review as the Ethics Compliance Officer or her designee deems appropriate.
MW may take immediate steps, at its discretion, to protect against any risk of violation it discovers in the course of its investigation.
MW will make timely written disclosure of any violations of this Policy as required by applicable federal, state or local law. The President will be responsible for the submission of this disclosure.
Attached to this policy are copies of the following items:
Attachment 1, FAR Subpart 3.10; FAR 52.203-13; FAR 25.203-14
Attachment 2, Federal Anti-Fraud/False Claims Laws
Attachment 3, Contractor Certifications & Representations
Attachment 4, Alaska State Procurement Laws
Attachment 5, Rules on Debarment
Attachment 6, Designation of Ethics Compliance Officer and Description of Responsibilities
Attachment 7, Identification of Ethics Compliance Committee members
Attachment 8, Training Program
Attachment 9, Acknowledgement of Training/ Orientation
Attachment 10, Employee Compliance Certification
FAR Subpart 3.10; FAR 52-203-13; FAR 52.203-14.
48 C.R.F. Subpart 3.10 Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (FAR Supart 3.10)
3.1000 Scope of subpart
3.1001 Definitions
3.1002 Policy
(b) Contractors should have a written code of business ethics and conduct. To promote compliance with such code of business ethics and conduct, contractors should have an employee business ethics and compliance training program and an internal control system that–
(a) Requirements. Although the policy in Section 3.1002 applies as guidance to all Government contractors, the contractual requirements set forth in the clauses at 52.203-13, Code of Business Ethics and Conduct, and 52.203- 14, Display of Hotline Poster(s), are mandatory if the contracts meet the conditions specified in the clause prescriptions at 3.1004.
(b) Fraud Hotline Poster
3.1004 Contract Clauses
Unless the contract is for the acquisition of a commercial item under part 12 or will be performed entirely outside the United States–
(b) (1) Insert the clause at FAR 52.203-14, Display of Hotline Poster(s), if–
(ii) (A) The agency has a fraud hotline poster; or
(2) In paragraph (b)(3) of the clause, the contracting officer shall–
Current through August 7, 2008; 73 FR 45885
48 C.F.R. 52-203-13 (FAR 52-203-13)
(b) Code of business ethics and conduct. (1) Within 30 days after contract award, unless the Contracting Officer establishes a longer time period, the Contractor shall–
(c) Awareness program and internal control system for other than small businesses. This paragraph (c) does not apply if the Contractor has represented itself as a small business concern pursuant to the award of this contract. The Contractor shall establish within 90 days after contract award, unless the Contracting Officer establishes a longer time period-
(ii) For example, the Contractor’s internal control system should provide for–
(d) Subcontracts. The Contractor shall include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (d), in subcontracts that have a value in excess of $5,000,000 and a performance period of more than 120 days, except when the subcontract—
48 C.F.R. 52-203-14 (FAR 52-203-14)
(b) Display of fraud hotline poster(s). Except as provided in paragraph (c)–
(3) Any required posters may be obtained as follows.
(Contracting Officer shall insert–(i) Appropriate agency name(s) and/or title of applicable Department of Homeland Security fraud hotline poster); and (ii) The website(s) or other contact information for obtaining the poster(s).)
(d) Subcontracts. The Contractor shall include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (d), in all subcontracts that exceed $5,000,000, except when the subcontract–
FEDERAL ANTI-FRAUD/FALSE CLAIMS LAWS
Subject Matter/Notes
41 U.S.C §§ 51-58
Subcontractors at any tier may not pay prime contractors to obtain a government contract.
18 U.S.C. § 286; 18 U.S.C. § 371
Addresses claims and general conspiracy to defraud the government.
False Claims Act, Criminal Liabilities
Sets forth basis for criminal liability.
Theft from Federal Programs
Applies to theft from agencies receiving federal funds by “agents” of those agencies.
Prohibitions on false statements, including statements, false entries, oral, and unsworn statements.
18 U.S.C. §§ 1341-1350
Applies mail and/or telecommunications used to defraud the United States.
Applies to procurement fraud on a government contract or subcontracts thereunder valued at $1 million or more.
Audit and inspection (quality assurance) rights.
Applies to anyone who knowingly alters a document with intent to influence proper administration of any matter within jurisdiction of a department or agency of the United States. Violators are subject to fines, imprisonment for up to 20 years, or both.
Prohibits kickback by subcontractors and suppliers.
41 U.S.C. § 604
False or unsupported claims submitted to contracting officer; necessity for certification.
Applies to any request related to the payment of money by the United States, directly or indirectly.
Forfeiture of Claims Act
28 U.S.C. § 2515
Provides for forfeiture of entire claim if any part of it is tainted by fraud.
Program Fraud Act
Administration alternative to litigation in civil false statements and smaller false claims cases.
10 U.S.C. § 2306a; 41 U.S.C. § 254
Cost or pricing data on negotiated contracts or subcontracts; modifications of contracts in excess of $650,000; necessity for certification.
CONTRACTOR CERTIFICATIONS & REPRESENTATIONS
FAR § 52.204-3
Ownership and tax status of bidder/offeror.
FAR § 52.203-5
Agents engaged to solicit award.
FAR § 52.219-1
Status of bidder/offeror under various SBA-related preference programs.
Disclosure Statement – Cost Accounting Prac-tices and Certification
FAR § 52.230-1
Applicability of cost accounting standards to offeror.
FAR § 52-203-2
Price competition and actions to influence others in submitting offers in connection with a solicitation.
FAR § 15.406-2
Applicable when contractor submits cost or pricing data for proposals or modifications (equitable adjustments).
FAR § 52.215-13
Applicable when subcontractor submits cost or pricing data for pricing of contract modifications (equitable adjustments).
FAR § 52-209-5
Debarment (actual or proposed), suspension, defaults, civil or criminal charges of fraud or criminal offense in connection with any public contract or subcontract.
FAR § 52.222-8
Certification that Davis-Bacon wages are fully paid and data on pay roll records forms (e.g., social security numbers) is accurate and complete.
FAR § 52.222-25
Affirmative Action Program Status
Exemption from Application of Service Contract Act Provisions
FAR § 52.222-48
Contractor certification that services qualify as “commercial items” and priced based on catalog or market prices.
FAR § 52.223-4
Applies if specification required use of EPA designated products.
NC State and Local Sales and Use Tax
FAR § 52.229-2
Certification and payment of NC taxes.
FAR § 52.232-5
Amounts requested are only for performance in accordance with specifications, terms, and conditions of contract; payments to subcontractor have been made from previous payments; timely payments to subcontractors will be made; and payment request includes no amount which prime contractor intends to withhold (retain) from subcontractor or supplier.
FAR § 52.233-1
Claims in excess of $100,000.00.
Termination for Convenience Settlement Proposals (Total Cost Basis)
FAR § 53.301-SF 1436
Proposal reflects recognized commercial accounting practices and includes only those charges allocable to terminated contract and is fair and reasonable.
Termination for Convenience Schedule of Accounting Information
FAR § 53.301-SF 1439
Disclosure of contractor’s accounting practices.
ALASKA STATE PROCUREMENT LAWS
AS 36.30.620
Contractor is required to certify any claim.
Commissioner of Administration or the Commissioner of Transportation and Public Facilities may debar or suspend a person from award of contracts.
AS 36.30.640
Identifies numerous reasons for debarment or suspension.
Misrepresentations, Fraud, and Attempted Fraud
AS 36.30.687
Prohibits the use of misrepresentation or fraud in support of any claim.
AS 36.30.880
All parties to act in good faith.
Reporting of Anti-Competitive Practices
AS.36.30.920
Persons suspecting collusion or anti-competitive practices shall report same to Attorney General.
AS 36.30.930
Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of the requirements of the Procurement Code.
RULES ON DEBARMENT
FAR 9.406-2 Causes for Debarment
(b) (1) A contractor, based upon a preponderance of the evidence, for any of the following—
FAR 9.407-2 Causes for suspension
(7) Delinquent Federal taxes in an amount that exceeds $3,000. See the criteria at 9.406-2(b)(1)(v) for determination of when taxes are delinquent;
DESIGNATION OF ETHICS COMPLIANCE OFFICER
Megawatt Electric LLC hereby designates Tamara Potter as its Ethics Compliance Officer. Ms. Potter can be reached at the following:
510 W. Fireweed Lane
Fax (907) 277-6003 (NOT CONFIDENTIAL)
juding@megawattelectric.com
The company’s Ethics Compliance Officer is the company’s ethics and business practices coordinator. This person is the company’s first point of contact for all questions by employees and third parties, including governmentagencies and officials, regardingMW’s Ethics Policy and related practices.
The Ethics Compliance Officer shall develop procedures necessary to implement and maintain compliance with this code and shall develop and maintain procedures to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of all contract awards, this code, and all applicable federal, state and local laws.
The Ethics Compliance Officer shall implement and maintain the MW Ethics Hotline and email system by which employees may report instances of improper conduct. Such systems shall provide for anonymous reporting. Instructions on how to make such reports shall be made readily available to all employees and should encourage reporting of all instances of improper conduct.
The Ethics Compliance Officer shall cause a hotline poster conforming to FAR 52.203-14 to be displayed at common work areas and job sites involving performance under all federal contracts. The Ethics Compliance Officer shall also ensure that MW’s website display an electronic version of the hotline poster for the benefit of its employees.
On an annual basis or as appropriate, the Ethics Compliance Officer may perform internal or external audits as necessary to maintain compliance with this code and special requirements imposed by any particular government contract.
On an annual basis, MW’s Ethics Compliance Officer may provide a written report to the Compliance Committee regarding the status of MW’s compliance with terms and conditions of each federal contract held by the company during the current fiscal period. Such reports may also specifically address the status of the company’s compliance under this code including a summary of known investigations of potential wrongdoing and disciplinary actions taken.
As appropriate, MW’s Ethics Compliance Officer may provide a written report to the Compliance Committee regarding the status of MW’s compliance with terms and conditions imposed on all other contracts held by the company, including those with various state and local governments, during the current fiscal period.
MW’s employees receive formal training on this Policy and applicable laws governing compliance on an annual basis and as required by the Training Policy. Such training shall be provided by the Ethics Compliance Officer or legal counsel or their designees. Following completion of initial training, and on an annual basis thereafter, each member of management shall sign to affirm his or her commitment to comply with this Policy.
The Ethics Compliance Officer shall make periodic training opportunities available to supervisors and employees to ensure compliance with this Policy and related internal reporting mechanisms. These opportunities may be offered in connection with other training events or meetings.
The Ethics Compliance Officer shall ensure that all current and future employees are provided a copy of this Policy, and those employees shall certify receipt using the form provided in Attachment Ten.
IDENTIFICATION AND ROLE OF ETHICS COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE
Identification of Ethics Compliance Committee members.
The initial members of the Ethics Compliance Committee are:
Tony Gongliewski;
Tamara Potter; and
Role of Ethics Compliance Committee.
The Compliance Committee shall have authority to engage accountants, consultants and legal counsel as needed to ensure the following:
MW’s books and records of account are maintained in strict accord with General Accepted Accounting Principles;
MW’s Management Team and employees maintain high standards of business integrity and honesty required by this Code of Ethics and Business Conduct;
MW is in compliance with the terms and conditions of each contract and subcontract, regardless of source or amount; and
MW’s operations are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
The Compliance Committee shall perform periodic reviews of MW’s business practices, procedures, policies, and internal controls for compliance with this code and special requirements of government contracting.
MW. shall hold training for its management level employees at the roll out of this Policy and annually thereafter, or as otherwise necessary to ensure that management is kept informed of changes to the Policy or applicable laws.
MW shall hold initial training on all projects in excess of $5 million to provide training to the management and employees of those respective projects and to ensure they are familiar with the applicable requirements for the job.
MW shall provide ongoing training through use of already scheduled meetings, such as new hire orientation for jobsite employees and safety meetings, to continue raising awareness and discussion within MW of the ethical obligations of MW and its employees.
MW, through its Ethics Compliance Committee, shall continue to assess the needs for training within MW and shall provide such training as it deems appropriate.