An analysis of DOD's standards of conduct applicable to personnel assigned to the contracting arena.

Abstract

The standards of conduct , DOD Directive 5500.7, establish the basic guidelines for ethical behavior for all Department of Defense (DOD) personnel. Based on the author's review of literature and interviews conducted with Federal law enforcement agencies, the standards are adequately doing their job, prescribing the required standards of ethical conduct. As a means to continue to accomplish this task and enhance its role, a "Study Guide of Ethics and Standards of Conduct" has been developed for use by procurement personnel. The study guide amplifies the major areas of the standards through the use of lectures, group discussions and relevant case examples. Its purpose is to keep the standards fresh in the minds of procurement personnel and relevant to the ethical challenges they may encounter.