The OIG investigated allegations that a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) manager violated conflict-of-interest laws by (1) authorizing purchase card payments to an organization cofounded by a family member, and (2) influencing the award of an FWS contract to another company, which then hired the FWS manager’s family member.
We did not find any evidence the FWS manager had a significant role in the contract award or in the hiring of the family member or violated conflict-of-interest laws or regulations.
We also considered whether the FWS manager violated regulations pertaining to impartiality in performing official duties (5 C.F.R. § 2635.502) or misuse of position (5 C.F.R. § 2635.702). We concluded the FWS manager’s actions were not sufficient to have violated either rule.