BOP Program Statement 3420.14 § 2

For the purposes of this Program Statement, the following definitions apply:

a. Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The Warden at institutions, the Director at staff training

centers, the Regional Director at regional offices, and the Assistant Director of each division in

the Central Office. In some contexts, it may also include the Director or Deputy Director of the

Bureau.

b. Conflict of Interest. A conflict of interest exists where responsibilities as a public servant

affect, or are affected by, the employee’s private interests.

c. Criminal Organization. A criminal organization is any organization or entity recognized by

the Bureau, DOJ, or other federal, state, or local law enforcement entity as being structured or

coordinated to engage in illegal activities or profiting from the criminal activities of others. It can

include street gangs, prison gangs, security threat groups, motorcycle gangs, members of the

mafia, or any other groups engaging in or profiting from the violation of state, local, or federal

laws.

3420.14 5/15/2026 PROPERTY OF US GOVERNMENT 2

d. During the Conduct of a Procurement. The time between the beginning and end of a

procurement. The conduct of a procurement begins on the earliest date an authorized official

directs a specific action be taken to initiate a procurement. These actions include:

■ Drafting a specification or a statement of work.

■ Reviewing and approving a specification.

■ Computing requirements or a purchase request.

■ Preparing or issuing a solicitation.

■ Evaluating bids or proposals.

■ Selecting sources.

■ Conducting negotiations.

■ Reviewing and approving the award of a contract or contract modification.

The conduct of a procurement ends with the award or modification of a contract or the

cancellation of the procurement.

e. Former Inmate. A person who otherwise meets the definition of inmate (see definition of

“inmate” in Section 2.h.) for whom less than one year has elapsed since their release from

Bureau custody or supervision of a federal court, whichever is later.

f. Government Property. Real and personal property purchased, maintained by, and/or

donated to, the federal government. Real property includes, but is not limited to, structures,

buildings, and land. Personal property includes, but is not limited to, office equipment, fixtures,

tools, machines, food, and other tangible items.

g. Illegal Drugs. Controlled substances acquired or used in violation of any state, local, and /or

federal law.

h. Inmate. Persons in the custody of the Bureau or Bureau contract facilities, including persons

charged with or convicted of offenses against the United States, D.C. Code felony offenders,

persons under supervision of a federal court, and persons held as witnesses, detainees, or

otherwise.

i. Law Enforcement Agency. Any local, state, or federal entity established to carry out and

enforce criminal law.

j. Negotiations. Discussion or communication with another person, or a person’s agent or

intermediary, mutually conducted with a view toward reaching an agreement regarding possible

employment or procurement of goods and/or services.

k. Official Investigation. Refers to any formal process or proceeding conducted by an

authorized administrative entity (such as, but not limited to, the Office of Internal Affairs [OIA],

3420.14 5/15/2026 PROPERTY OF US GOVERNMENT 3

Office of Professional Responsibility, Office of Special Counsel, Office of Personnel

Management, Security and Background Investigation Section, other qualified Bureau employees,

or authorized Equal Employment Opportunity investigators), law enforcement agency (such as

the Federal Bureau of Investigation or Office of the Inspector General), Congress or legislative

agency (such as the General Accountability Office), other regulatory bodies (such as the

Occupational Safety and Health Administration), or any other investigation or inquiry authorized

by the CEO or higher-level official. It generally involves collecting or examining documentary,

video, or audio evidence; interviewing witnesses and taking sworn or unsworn statements; and

taking such other action as is determined to be necessary or appropriate to determine the facts or

uncover the truth of a particular matter.

l. Participate. To take action as an employee through decision, approval, disapproval,

recommendation, rendering of advice, or investigation (applies to Sections 14 through 19 of this

Program Statement).

m. Particular Matter. Matters that involve deliberation, decision, or action that are focused

upon the interests of specific persons, or a discrete and identifiable class of persons. The

particular matters covered by this subpart include a judicial or other proceeding, application,

request for a ruling or other determination, contract, claim, controversy, charge, accusation, or

arrest.

n. Procurement Official. Any officer or employee of an agency who has participated

personally and substantially in any activities involved “during the conduct of a procurement.”

This definition extends to contractors, subcontractors, consultants, experts, and advisors acting on

behalf of, or providing advice to, an agency with respect to procurement (see Section 2.d.).

o. Removal. In the context of discipline or proposed disciplinary actions, removal means

removal from federal service and termination of employment with the Bureau.

p. Social Media. Social media refers to a variety of online communications, websites, and/or

tools, including social networks/platforms, applications (apps), blogs, chat rooms, and forums, to

include those platforms that are widely available to the public and forums which may have

limited access or membership. It may also include forums or communication tools which the user

otherwise intends to be private, such as text messages, emails, messenger applications (such as

Signal or Whatsapp) or direct messages within another app. Some examples of social media

platforms, as of the date of this Program Statement, include, but are not limited to, Facebook, X

(formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, Snapchat, Discord, and TikTok.