December 12, 2016
It’s the holiday season and gifts abound. The Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch define “gift” as anything that has monetary value. Keep in mind, the gift rules apply every day of the year to federal employees in every executive branch agency at every pay level and position.
Riddle #1-- I’m okay when I’m sentimental, but with purchasing power I can be detrimental
Answer: Greeting Card versus Gift Card
Under the Standards Conduct, employees may accept greeting cards and other items that have little intrinsic value, because they are not considered “gifts.”
Gift cards, however, are generally considered “gifts” and are therefore subject to the gift restrictions. Unless an exception applies, federal employees generally cannot accept gifts from persons or organizations that do business with, are regulated by, or are otherwise affected by their agencies. Neither can they accept gifts that are offered because of their official positions. When it comes to gifts from one employee to another, an employee generally cannot accept a gift from an employee who earns less pay.
For more information about how gift cards are treated under the Standards of Conduct, please see OGE’s Legal Advisory LA-15-04, Treatment of Gift Cards under the $20 De Minimis Gift Exception
https://www.oge.gov/Web/OGE.nsf/All+Advisories/E72454B5D609228785257E96005FBF15/$FILE/LA-15-04.pdf?open. Federal employees with gift acceptance questions should speak with an agency ethics official.