Employment at the Oregon Institute of Technology is a public trust. The ethical standards that an Oregon Tech employee must maintain the highest standards of honesty, integrity, impartiality and professionalism in conducting business on behalf of the University. Employees responsible for maintaining the integrity of the competitive, procurement and contracting processes act as stewards of the University and taxpayers’ dollars so it is especially important that Oregon Tech employees avoid even the perception of a conflict of interest. Oregon Tech staff should familiarize themselves with the Purchasing and Contract Ethics Policy.
Oregon Tech is subject to the provisions in the Procurement and Contracting Code 580-061-0000 “Code of Ethics.” The Code of Ethics states that on an annual basis Oregon Tech employees in relation to Procurement and Contracting Code 580-060, 580-061, 580-062, 580-063 will sign a statement that the employee has reviewed and will comply with the Oregon Tech Code of Ethics. In the near future, Oregon Tech will provide an online tool so that employees responsible for procuring or contracting for goods and services may complete the necessary Ethics Statement which fulfills this Oregon Tech Standard. When the online tool is available, this site will be updated.
Declaration of Conflict or Potential Conflict of Interest
The procurement of goods and services at Oregon Tech must be free of the undue influence of outside interests. There may be situations in which financial or other personal considerations may compromise, or have the appearance of compromising, an employee's professional judgment in the execution of any part of the procurement or contracting process. Any conflicts or potential conflicts of interest regarding the procurement or contracting process must be reported to PACS before making the procurement or executing the contract. Conflicts of Interests regarding the research integrity of a research project or proposal are managed through the Office of Grants & Sponsored Research process. Their decision on the conflict of interest relating to research integrity does not mitigate conflicts of interest in the procurement or contracting area.
Any employee that participates on a committee conducting an evaluation of a competitive procurement must complete the Oregon Tech Declaration of No Conflict of Interest.
Additional Ethics Information
For additional information regarding ethics laws pertaining to public officials Oregon Tech staff are advised to review the Oregon Government Ethics Commissions' Guide to Ethics Laws for Public Officials, which provides guidance on the provisions of the statute (ORS 244) pertaining to ethics and public officials.
The Oregon Tech Office of Sponsored Projects & Grants Administration (SPA) also provides guidance on ethics and conflict of interest as it pertains to research.
To report known or suspected fraudulent acts or financial irregularities, please review the Fraud, Waste and Abuse Reporting Policy.