BOP Program Statement 3420.14 § 16

Bureau employees, acting in their official capacities, must avoid situations that affect or appear to

affect their private interests, financial or non-financial. An employee may not engage in outside

activities that conflict with their official duties.

Bureau employees must not purchase, directly or indirectly, from the DOJ, the Bureau, or the

agent of either property formerly used by the Bureau. Without written approval, an employee

3420.14 5/15/2026 PROPERTY OF US GOVERNMENT 21

may not purchase or use property that has been forfeited to the government and offered for sale

by the DOJ, Bureau, or the agent of either (5 C.F.R. § 3801.104). Employees seeking approval

must submit a request to the Ethics Officer.

a. Prohibitions. Employees are prohibited from taking official action, on behalf of the

government, on matters that affect the financial interests of:

■ The employee, spouse, minor child, or a general partner of an employee.

■ An organization where the employee is an officer, director, trustee, partner, or employee.

■ An organization the employee is negotiating with for future employment (18 U.S.C. §

208).

b. Waivers. The Director may grant an individual waiver if the interest is found not to be so

substantial as to affect the employee’s service to the Bureau.

An employee with a conflict of interest may ask to have themselves recused from the matter, sell

the asset, or resign.

An employee must seek written authorization before participating in a matter that could lead a

reasonable person to question their impartiality, even if there is no statutory conflict of interest (5

C.F.R. § 2635.502).

Procurement officials: see Section 19, Procurement Integrity.