ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- One of the 14 Principles of Ethical Conduct found in the Joint Ethics Regulation states "Federal employees shall not hold financial interests that conflict with the conscientious performance of duty."

In order to ensure work assignments are not made when a potential conflict of interest exists and to protect employees from possible sanctions (including, in some cases, criminal sanctions) for violating the conflict of interest rules, some depot employees are required to file an Office of Government Ethics Form 450 annually.

Currently ANAD has 225 OGE 450 filers.

Through OGE Form 450, employees provide financial disclosures which assist managers in making decisions on the assignment of work, so employees do not perform duties conflicting with their personal financial interests.

Directors determine who must file an OGE Form 450 based on criteria provided by the Office of Government Ethics. The criteria pertain to employees' decision-making authority and involvement in contracting and procurement, administering grants and licenses, actions having a direct and substantial impact on the interest of any non-federal entity, or "when the agency concludes that the duties and responsibilities of the employee's position require the employee to file such a report to avoid involvement in a real or apparent conflict of interest."

An employee must file an OGE Form 450 if he or she is a purchase card holder with annual purchases exceeding $150,000. Employees who are purchase card holders who do not exceed the threshold amount of $150,000 annually may be required to file an OGE Form 450 if they meet certain criteria.

Employees receive e-mail notice of their requirement to file this form.

Once an employee submits an OGE Form 450, the employee's supervisor and an ethics counselor review the financial information to determine if a potential conflict of interest exists.

If a conflict exists, there will be dialogue between the employee, their supervisor and an attorney designated as an ethics counselor. The conflict may be resolved by the employee signing a statement agreeing to not participate in any decision affecting the financial interest involved. Sometimes, modification of the employee's job assignments may be required or the employee may be required to divest the conflicting financial interest.

If you receive notice you are required to file an OGE Form 450, please do so promptly. Reports are due by close of business Feb. 17. The Legal Office is available to answer any questions on conflicts of interest by calling Ext. 6518.