Ethics in Federal Contracting

Overview

Stay compliant and protect your career with a fast, practical introduction to ethics in federal contracting. In just one day, this Phoenix Canyon Crash Course covers the laws, regulations, and standards that shape ethical conduct in acquisition.

You’ll examine bribery, conflicts of interest, fraud, procurement integrity, and post-employment restrictions for former federal employees — all through real-world examples and interactive case studies.

By the end of the day, you’ll have the knowledge and tools to recognize, avoid, and respond to ethical challenges in contracting, reduce organizational risk, and maintain public trust throughout the acquisition process.

This course is part of the Phoenix Canyon Crash Course Series — a collection of 1-day, high-impact classes designed for busy acquisition professionals. Each Crash Course delivers the essentials you need, fast — so you stay compliant, effective, and ahead of the curve without being away from the mission for days at a time.

Learning Outcomes

• Here is what you will learn:

  • Explain the purpose of ethics in federal acquisition and its role in maintaining public trust.

  • Identify and avoid common problem areas under federal ethics laws and regulations.

  • Recognize fraud, bribery, gratuities, and other misconduct risks in the contracting process.

  • Apply the Standards of Ethical Conduct (5 C.F.R. 2635) to real-world case studies.

  • Understand the Procurement Integrity Act and its restrictions on information disclosure, employment discussions, and post-government compensation.

  • Recognize post-government employment restrictions and how they affect federal personnel.

  • Assess remedies and consequences for misconduct, including suspension, debarment, and fiscal violations under the Antideficiency Act.

Syllabus

• Module 1 – Introduction to Federal Ethics

  • Purpose and principles of ethics in government contracting

  • Unique ethical requirements for federal employees

• Module 2 – Government-wide Ethics Statutes

  • Bribery (18 U.S.C. §201)

  • Post-employment restrictions (18 U.S.C. §207)

  • Financial conflicts of interest (18 U.S.C. §208)

  • Salary supplementation (18 U.S.C. §209)

  • Case study discussions

• Module 3 – Standards of Ethical Conduct (5 C.F.R. 2635)

  • Gifts from outside sources

  • Gifts between employees

  • Conflicting financial interests

  • Seeking employment and outside activities

  • Use of public office for private gain

  • Case study: ethical dilemmas in acquisition teams

• Module 4 – Fraud and Misconduct in Federal Contracting

  • False statements and false claims

  • Kickbacks, wire fraud, product substitution

  • Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act

  • Case study: detecting and preventing fraud

• Module 5 – Procurement Integrity Act (41 U.S.C. §§ 2101–2107)

  • Restrictions on disclosing procurement information

  • Employment discussions with offerors

  • Prohibition on post-government compensation from contractors

  • Penalties for violations

• Module 6 – Other Ethical Considerations

  • Conflicts of interest in source selection

  • Gratuities, antitrust, and subcontractor issues

  • Buying-in and other misconduct risks

  • Touchpoint: Antideficiency Act as an ethics safeguard in fiscal responsibility

• Module 8 – Capstone Review & Knowledge Check

  • Interactive review exercise

  • End-of-day knowledge check quiz

Award-Winning Faculty

At Phoenix Canyon, you’ll learn from award-winning instructors with decades of government and military experience. Our team includes U.S. Armed Forces veterans, professionals trained in top law and MBA programs, and former Contract Specialists, CORs, and program leaders who have served across both DoD and civilian agencies. That’s why Phoenix Canyon’s instructors are so highly regarded — we bring the skills, education, and experience that turn complex subjects and policy into training that’s clear, dynamic, and immediately usable on the job.

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Available Dates
Dates for this course will be announced soon.

Don’t see a date that works for your team? We offer custom group sessions delivered virtually or onsite.

Course Snapshot

• Phoenix Canyon Format: Crash Course Series

• Level: Introductory

• Duration: ⏱ 1 day

• Credits: 8 CLP | 6 CPE

• Tuition: $695

• Delivery: Virtual

• Catalog ID: #0102

Who Should Attend:

This 1-day Crash Course is designed for federal acquisition, fiscal, legal, and program professionals who need a fast, practical introduction to ethics in contracting. It’s ideal for busy staff who can’t step away for multi-day training but still need to understand ethical rules, standards of conduct, and compliance responsibilities in the federal acquisition process.

Student Reviews

“Melinda has a gift for creating an environment where growth feels natural and achievable. She blends deep expertise with genuine encouragement, inspiring you to lead with both skill and authenticity.”

— Nandi A. excerpt from student email