[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 5, Volume 3]
[Revised as of January 1, 2007]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 5CFR2601.103]

[Page 451-452]
 
                    TITLE 5--ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL
 
                CHAPTER XVI--OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT ETHICS
 
PART 2601_IMPLEMENTATION OF OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT ETHICS STATUTORY GIFT 
 
                      Subpart A_General Provisions
 
Sec.  2601.103  Policy.

    (a) Scope. The Office of Government Ethics may use its statutory 
authority to solicit, accept and utilize gifts to the agency that aid or 
facilitate the agency's work. The authority to solicit, accept and 
utilize gifts includes the authority to receive, administer, spend, 
invest and dispose of gifts. Gifts to the agency from individuals or 
organizations can be a useful adjunct to appropriated funds and may 
enhance the agency's ability to fulfill its mission, as well as further 
mutually beneficial public/private partnerships, or other useful 
arrangements or relationships. Such uses of this authority are 
appropriate provided that solicitation or acceptance of a gift does not 
compromise the integrity of OGE, its programs or employees.
    (b) Use of gifts. Gifts to OGE may be used to carry out any activity 
that furthers the mission, programs, responsibilities, functions or 
activities of the agency. Gifts may be used to carry out program 
functions whether or not appropriated funds are available for that 
purpose, provided that such expenditures are not barred by law or 
regulation. Gifts may also be used for official travel by employees to 
events or activities required to carry out the agency's statutory or 
regulatory functions. Gifts to the agency may also be used for the 
travel expenses of spouses accompanying employees on official travel, if 
such travel could be paid for by appropriated funds.
    (c) Sources. Generally, gifts may be solicited or accepted from any 
source, including a prohibited source, provided that the standards of 
this part are met. Gifts generally should be made directly to the agency 
and not through intermediaries. However, where a gift is offered by an 
intermediary, both the intermediary and the ultimate source of the gift 
should be analyzed to determine whether acceptance would be appropriate.
    (d) Endorsement. Acceptance of a gift pursuant to this part shall 
not in any way be deemed to be an endorsement of the donor, or the 
donor's products, services, activities, or policies. Letters to a donor 
expressing appreciation of a gift are permitted.

[[Page 452]]

    (e) Type of gift. The agency may solicit or accept any gift that is 
within its statutory authority. However, as a matter of policy, OGE will 
not solicit or accept gifts of currency pursuant to this part. Donors 
who offer currency should be advised that the gift may be made by check 
or money order payable to the U.S. Office of Government Ethics.