[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 48, Volume 5] [Revised as of October 1, 2006] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 48CFR803.7000] [Page 154-155] TITLE 48--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM CHAPTER 8--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PART 803_IMPROPER BUSINESS PRACTICES AND PERSONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST--Table of Contents Subpart 803.70_Contractor Responsibililty To Avoid Improper Business Practices Sec. 803.7000 Policy. Source: 57 FR 58718, Dec. 11, 1992, unless otherwise noted. It is Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) policy to contract with companies that conduct business with the highest degree of integrity and honesty. To demonstrate this commitment to integrity and honesty, contractors should have standards of conduct and internal control systems that are designed to promote such standards, to facilitate the timely discovery and disclosure of improper conduct in connection with Government contracts, and to assure that corrective measures are promptly instituted and carried out. For example, a contractor's system of management controls should provide for-- (a) A written code of business ethics and standards of conduct and an ethics training program for all employees; [[Page 155]] (b) A mechanism, such as a hotline, by which employees may report suspected instances of improper conduct, and instructions that encourage employees to make such reports; (c) Disciplinary action for improper conduct; (d) Periodic reviews of company business practices, procedures, policies, and internal controls for compliance with standards of conduct and the special requirements of Government contracting; (e) Internal and/or external audits as appropriate; (f) Timely reporting to appropriate Government officials of any suspected or possible violations of law in connection with Government contracts or any other irregularities in connection with such contracts; and (g) Full cooperation with any Government agencies responsible for either investigation or corrective actions. [57 FR 58718, Dec. 11, 1992, as amended at 63 FR 69218, Dec. 16, 1998]