Work on important DOE projects comes with the responsibility that we individually and collectively act with fairness and honesty. A “conflict of interest” happens when your personal interests – family, friends, or money – could unfairly affect your work decisions. It makes it hard to be truly fair.
What is a conflict of interest?
It’s when your personal interests influence, or even appear to influence, your judgment at work to the detriment of UCOR or the DOE. We must avoid even the appearance of biased decisions.
For example:
- Financial interests: If your family owns a company bidding for our work, and you’re involved in vendor selection.
- Outside employment: If your other job relates to our work and interferes with your duties here.
- Personal relationships: Supervising a family member.
Why does it matter?
Unhandled conflicts cause problems:
- Harm trust: It damages trust with coworkers, clients, and the public.
- Cause legal trouble: DOE rules are strict; violations can lead to fines or lost contracts.
- Damage our reputation: It creates a bad image for our company.
How to avoid conflicts of interest
Keep things fair and honest:
- Be aware: Understand conflicts.
- Come forward: If you suspect a conflict, tell your supervisor or the Ethics Officer immediately.
- Step aside: Remove yourself from decisions if a conflict exists.
- Ask questions: If unsure, ask our Ethics Officer.
Your honesty protects our company’s reputation and ensures our integrity in DOE work.
Ethics questions? Contact UCOR Ethics Officer Mark Pfizenmayer, Mark.Pfizenmayer@orcc.doe.gov.
