Remember Not to Work for Contractors While on Furlough, Army Says

The Army has published a memo for employees providing ethics guidance on procuring outside employment during planned fiscal 2013 furloughs.

The memo said Army civilians “should be mindful” when seeking outside employment, and warned employees to consider executive branch ethics regulations and existing laws such as the STOCK Act.  It also reiterated prohibitions against employees working with contractors while furloughed.

“If [Defense] personnel are considering an opportunity to serve in an outside position in their personal capacities, whether the position is compensated or uncompensated, they should immediately disqualify themselves from participating in [Defense] matters that could affect their prospective employer to avoid a conflict of interest,” the memo, which was published Friday, said.

The other services have not released similar guidance, but have made references to past Defense Department ethics regulations in furlough guidance. The Air Force, for example, told employees in a February 2013 announcement to refer to requirements specified by the Joint Ethics Regulations, a Defense Department document outlining ethical rules for employees.

Defense civilians face 11 furlough days beginning July 8, and notices have begun to be delivered. Furloughed employees may face financial hardships, and some reports are indicating that they may be eligible for unemployment benefits. 

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