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Conflict of Interest

Conflict of Interest

 

Employee-Vendor Relationship

A relationship in which:

  • An employee, acting alone, proposes for a consideration to provide services to a University department, or an employee owns or controls more than 10% interest in any business which proposes for a consideration to provide services to a University department; or
  • A near relative of an employee, acting alone, proposes for a consideration to provide services to a University department, or a near relative of an employee owns or controls more than 10% interest in any business which proposes for a consideration to provide services to a University department, and the employee has, in any connection with his or her University employment, any responsibility for, or will be involved in any manner in, the departmental decision to accomplish or approve the agreement.  (Excerpts from BUSINESS AND FINANCE BULLETIN BUS-34, SECURING THE SERVICES OF INDEPENDENT CONSULTANTS)

Basic Policies

  • Separation of Interests – It is the policy of the University to separate an employee’s University and private interests, and to safeguard the University and its employees against charges of favoritism in the acquisition of goods, materials, and services.
  • Conflict of Interest – The State of California Political Reform Act prohibits an employee from making or participating in the making of a decision if there exists a financial conflict of interest.  Requirements governing such decision making are set forth in the University’s Conflict of Interest Code and shall be observed by the University in contracting for consulting services.
  • Exceptions/Approvals – No contract for consulting services shall be made with any employee-vendor unless there has been a specific determination by the Responsible Administrative Official (UCLA Purchasing) that the goods or services are not available either form commercial sources or from the University’s own facilities.  The Responsible Administrative Official is delegated authority, within constraints imposed by the Political Reform Act, for approving an employee-vendor contract only in exceptional cases when there are unusual or extenuating circumstances.  (Excerpts from BUSINESS AND FINANCE BULLETIN BUS-34, SECURING THE SERVICES OF INDEPENDENT CONSULTANTS)

When a Conflict of Interest occurs, the University employee or near relative shall complete the University Conflict of Interest Form.  All paperwork must be completed and approved by the Responsible Administrative Official (UCLA Purchasing) prior to services being rendered.

For complete guidelines see BUSINESS AND FINANCE BULLETIN G-39, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY AND COMPENDIUM OF SPECIALIZED UNIVERSITY POLICIES GUIDELINES, AND REGULATIONS RELATED TO CONFLICT OF INTEREST