Ethics Guide

Be accurate when making entries in HJF books and records

Be truthful and accurate when making statements related to Foundation business

Use customer-furnished property in a manner authorized by your supervisor

Don't violate copyright laws

Protect confidential business information such as:

1. Trade secrets
2. Information concerning the bid, bidding techniques, or operations of a supplier
3. Future employment or business opportunities
4. Personal information about current or former employees of HJF

Don't engage in "insider trading" or the exchange of "inside information" to obtain any gain for yourself or others

• "Insider trading" can generally be defined as personally using nonpublic information to trade in securities or using that information to "tip" others so that they may trade in securities on the basis of that information.
• "Inside information" is information obtained as a result of being a Foundation employee that is not generally available to the public.

Don't enter into an agreement that unreasonably restrains free trade in competing for awards and contracts (e.g., no bid rigging or collusion with competitors)

Don't use your position to improperly influence anyone

• "Improper Influence" includes threatening or taking steps to prevent an employee from reporting information to a government agency, to the Business Conduct Officer, or to the Ethics Hotline, and it includes any retaliation against an employee on the basis of such reporting.

Don't engage in lobbying activities unless specfically authorized by Foundation management

• Use of HJF funds or appropriated funds for political contributions or lobbying activities is prohibited unless authorized. If you think an activity or communication might involve lobbying, contact the Foundation's Office of the General Counsel for guidance.

Don't commit HJF to a contract, subcontract, cooperative aggreement, grant or subaward unless authorized to do so

Disclose all conflicts of interest.

• A conflict of interest may arise in any situation that, based on the surrounding circumstances, could call into question an employee's impartiality. For example, a close personal relationship that might cause an employee to choose between personal interests and interests of the Foundation is considered a conflict of interest.