Contact the Motor Pool Office for more information or consult their Web site at http://www.washington.edu/admin/motorpool.
UW Motor Pool

Anti-Kickback, Conflict of Interest, and Whistleblower Regulations
Federal Regulations (FAR 52.203-7) require the University to implement procedures designed to prevent and detect violations of the Anti-Kickback Act of 1986 (41 USC 51-58). This is published as a reminder of the policies and procedures in place at the University of Washington.

1. Kick-back Defined. “Kick-back” as defined by Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) means any money, fee, commission, credit, gift, gratuity, thing of value, or compensation of any kind that is provided directly or indirectly to any prime contractor, prime contractor employee, subcontractor or subcontractor employee for the purpose of improperly obtaining or rewarding favorable treatment in connection with a prime contract or in connection with a subcontract relating to a prime contract. University employees are prohibited under federal and state laws from accepting or offering kick-backs.

2. Ethics in Public Service Act. The Ethics in Public Service Act codified in Chapter 42.52 of the Revised Code of Washington prohibits State of Washington employees from accepting a gift, gratuity or additional compensation for personal services rendered as part of official duties.
Regulations published by the State Ethics Board prohibit the use of University facilities and equipment for personal business use. E-mail and local telephones may be used for personal non-business uses so long as the use is minimal and does not interfere with the carrying out of official duties. Internet Web usage is permitted only for official business purposes. Each faculty and staff member is individually responsible for compliance with these rules.

3. Procurement Integrity Provisions. The Procurement Integrity provisions of Public Law 100-679 (1988) prohibit University employees from offering promises of future employment, business opportunities, money, gratuities, or other things of value to federal procurement agents. University employees are precluded from soliciting information about proprietary or source selection information from any federal officer or employee prior to the award of a contract. University employees responsible for a federal contract over $100,000 may be required to certify before the award that they have no information concerning a violation of the procurement integrity provisions.

4. Outside Consulting Work. Acceptance and conduct of outside consulting work by faculty, academic and professional staff and compensation received thereof are required by University policies codified in Vol. IV-47 of the University Handbook and in the University Operations Manual.

5. Internal and Governmental Audits. Internal audits conducted by the University’s Internal Audit Department, and external audits conducted by the Office of the State Auditor and the Office of Naval Research, among others, provide checks and balances to University procedures.

6. Purchasing Procedures. The Purchasing Department solicits competitive bids for most purchases on behalf of the University. Purchases may not be made by University personnel unless authorized in advance by a department employee with signature authority, and by a Purchasing Department Buyer. Purchasing procedures are described in Section D.52 of the University Operations Manual. No gift or benefit of any kind may be offered to or accepted by a state employee involved in the purchasing process as an inducement to buy a particular product or restrict competition. (Revised code of Washington Sections 43.19.1937 and 42.18.190). Check writing and accounting functions are conducted by the General Accounting Office.

7. “Whistleblower” Provisions and Protection. University employees may report improper governmental actions to the Office of the State Auditor. To encourage the reporting of improper governmental actions, employees are protected from reprisal or retaliatory action by the provisions of state law. The Whistleblower law is codified in Chapter 42.40 of the Revised Code of Washington. Procedures for reporting improper governmental actions are in the University Operations Manual Section D47.1.

Summary of the Provisions and Protections of RCW 42.40 “Whistleblower”

Chapter 42.40 RCW was enacted to encourage employees of the State of Washington to report improper governmental actions to the State Auditor’s Office. “Improper governmental action” means any action by an employee that violates state law, abuses authority, wastes public funds, or endangers public health or safety. “Improper governmental action” does NOT include personnel actions involving employee grievances and related complaints.

Allegations of improper governmental action must be filed in writing with the State Auditor’s Office. Telephone calls are not accepted. Allegations can be reported using the Whistleblower Reporting Form or in a separate letter. In either case, the report should include: