§2304 Conflict of interest standards for consultants

Summary

The Administrator must write rules for the whole federal government that explain how consultants must avoid conflicts of interest. The rules must include steps like registration, certification, and ways to enforce the rules. They cover advisory and assistance work for the federal government, help with preparing or submitting bids and proposals for federal contracts, and other contract-related services when needed to spot conflicts that could harm the United States. Intelligence activities defined in section 3.4(e) of Executive Order No. 12333 (or a similar future order) can be left out. The Director of National Intelligence must report to the Intelligence and Appropriations Committees each January 1 about what was exempted. Before the rules are issued, the President must decide if they would seriously hurt the mission of the Defense Department or another agency. If the President finds they would, the President must report that, with full reasons, to the appropriate Senate and House committees, and the rule requirement is then cancelled.