12 Jun 2008 in Ethics and Compliance Offices
Why the FAR Amendments?
Any federal prosecutor worth his or her salt understands exactly why the Federal Government is trying to regulate ethical behavior with amendments to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Unfortunately, the answer has very little to do with reducing fraud or transforming U.S. Government contractors into bastions of ethical behavior and culture.
Why the FAR Amendments?
Any federal prosecutor worth his or her salt understands exactly why the Federal Government is trying to regulate ethical behavior with amendments to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Unfortunately, the answer has very little to do with reducing fraud or transforming U.S. Government contractors into bastions of ethical behavior and culture.
The truth is that failure to comply with the ethical culture requirements of the FAR will be yet another basis for enhanced sentencing of corporations and may be used as a hammer to drive plea agreements. Unfortunately for those who believe ethical behavior matters, it remains unclear whether these latest amendments will only further fuel check-box compliance and consultant nirvana or really make a difference in how government contractors conduct business. What do you think?
