The Department's regulations on standards of conduct and conflicts of interest are in 34 CFR part 73, Standards of Conduct.

(a) Suspected violations of the Gratuities clause at FAR 52.203-3 must be reported to the HCA in writing detailing the circumstances.

(b) The HCA evaluates the report with the assistance of the Designated Agency Ethics Officer. If the HCA determines that a violation may have occurred, the HCA refers the report to the SPE for disposition.

Any Departmental personnel who have evidence of a suspected antitrust violation in an acquisition must -

(1) Report that evidence through the HCA to the Office of the General Counsel for referral to the Attorney General; and

(2) Provide a copy of that evidence to the SPE.

Any Departmental personnel who suspect or have evidence of attempted or actual exercise of improper influence, misrepresentation of a contingent fee arrangement, or other violation of the Covenant Against Contingent Fees, must report the matter promptly in accordance with the procedures in 3403.203.

Exceptions under FAR 3.601 must be approved by the HCA.