POLICY

A. Purpose

This policy minimizes the appearance of a conflict of interest by prohibiting employees from acting or giving the appearance of acting on behalf of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab), the University of California, or the U.S. Department of Energy when communicating with local, state or federal government officials without authorization.

B. Persons Affected

This policy applies to all employees.

C. Exceptions

Not applicable

D. Policy Statement

1. Employees may not act or give the appearance of acting on behalf of Berkeley Lab, the University of California, or the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) when communicating with local, state or federal government officials unless they are authorized to do so. To act or give the appearance of acting on behalf of Berkeley Lab, the University of California, or the DOE in such instances without authorization may be construed as a conflict of interest.
2. When corresponding with local, state and federal government officials, a writer may use Berkeley Lab letterhead only when authorized to represent Berkeley Lab or the University. Letters expressing personal views must be written on personal stationery. If Berkeley Lab letterhead is used for corresponding with principal local, state and federal government officials, including executive branch appointees, members of Congress, the state legislature, and their staffs, copies of the correspondence must be sent to the appropriate division director and to the Executive Director of Government and Community Relations.
3. When employees give opinions as independent professionals, they must state clearly that they are speaking for themselves and not on behalf of Berkeley Lab, the University of California or DOE. This includes when providing expert testimony at a formally constituted hearing before congressional, legislative, commission, or other local, state or federal government entities.

E. Roles and Responsibilities

Managers, supervisors, and employees have the responsibility to adhere to the provisions of this policy.

F. Definitions/Acronyms

None

G. Recordkeeping Requirements

None

H. Implementing Documents

None

I. Contact Information

Government and Community Relations Office

J. Revision History

DOCUMENT INFORMATION

Source Requirements Documents

• University of California Policy on Relations of University Staff Members with State and Federal Officials
• Contract 31, Clause I.008, FAR52.203-12, Limitations on Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions (OCT 2010)
  

Implementing Documents

None