Commitment to ethical practices in public procurement
EF 1 - Introduction
All Hillsborough County (County) employees are expected to avoid conflicts of interest and uphold the highest standards of integrity and fairness in their duties and the expenditure of public funds. This includes compliance with Board Policy 02.16.00.00 (Fraudulent Misconduct Policy) and Administrative Directive #MS-15 (Fraudulent Misconduct Implementation Procedures), adherence to the current Hillsborough County (County) Statement of Ethics, compliance with Human Resources policies on conflict and disclosure, and observance of the Florida Statutes, Chapter 112, Part III, Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees.
Additionally, Procurement Services follows the Code of Ethics of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP), reinforcing its commitment to ethical practices in public procurement.
EF 2 - Fraudulent Misconduct
All employees of the County, officers, elected officials (who adopt this policy), all officers and employees under the jurisdiction of the County’s Board of County Commissioners (Board) and anyone doing business for or with the County are prohibited from placing County resources at risk through fraudulent misconduct, misappropriation of assets, and fraudulent reporting of information.
EF 3 - Hillsborough County Ethical Procurement Standards
In order to fulfill the duties as a public servant, Hillsborough County employees:
EF 3.1 Statement of Ethics
- Will adhere to legal, professional, and trade rules and standards.
- Will demonstrate and be dedicated to the highest ideals of honor and integrity in all relationships to merit the respect, trust and confidence of government officials, other public officials, employees, and the public.
EF 3.2 Conflict of Interest
- Will actively avoid conflicting interest or even the appearance of a conflict of interest
- Will perform duties without favor
- Will refrain from engaging in any outside matters of financial or personal interest incompatible with the impartial and objective performance of duties
- Will not, directly or indirectly, seek or accept personal gain which would influence, or appear to influence, the conduct of official duties
- Will not use public property or resources for personal or political gain
EF 4 - Restrictions on Current and Former Employees
EF 4.1 Contemporaneous Employment Prohibited
- Under the Code of Ethics, employees of the Board or the County Administrator's Office are prohibited from having outside business interests, secondary employment, or engaging in activities that could conflict with their county responsibilities. Employees in the County Administrator's Office are specifically barred from selling or renting goods, services, or property to the County, or working with businesses regulated by or conducting business with the County. County Administrator employees must also avoid any job or contract that creates ongoing conflicts between personal interests and public duties. All employees are required to promptly disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest in accordance with the deadlines outlined in the Procurement Policy.
EF 4.2 Restriction on Representation of Others by Former Employees
- Former employees shall adhere to the Code of Ethics Ordinance regarding representing others before the Board after leaving County employment
EF 4.3 Restriction Regarding Current Employee’s Former Employer
- New employees must wait one (1) year after leaving a previous employer before being involved in any procurement where that former employer is a vendor. During this period, they cannot serve on evaluation committees, make recommendations, or make decisions related to that former employer.
EF 5 - Employee Purchase of Surplus Property
County employees are discouraged from acquiring surplus County property via County auction, sale, or competitive bid to avoid any appearance of conflict-of-interest.