Can I accept this?
Describe a lunch, a ticket or a conference pass and get a yes, a no or an “only if” under the federal gift rules, with the rule behind it.
- For Feds and Contractors
- Runs in Your Browser
- Cites 5 CFR 2635
The Answer
Answer the questions and the answer appears here, with the rule it rests on.
This is a first read, not a ruling, so confirm with your agency’s designated ethics official before you act.
This covers federal executive branch employees under 5 CFR 2635; congressional staff, state and local employees follow their own rules, and your agency’s supplemental rules or an ethics pledge can be stricter.
How It Works
- Say whether you work in government or are offering the gift.
- Answer up to six questions about the gift and the giver.
- Get a yes, a no or an “only if”, with the rule it rests on and a link to share.
Sources
- 5 CFR 2635 Subpart B, gifts from outside sources
- U.S. Office of Government Ethics
- FAR 52.203-3, Gratuities
Last reviewed . Free, with no account.
Questions
Can a federal employee accept a gift from a contractor?
Usually only if it is worth $20 or less per occasion, no more than $50 a year from that contractor, and not cash (5 CFR 2635.204(a)). Other exceptions cover personal friendships, widely attended gatherings the agency approves, and some awards.
What is the $20/$50 gift rule?
A federal employee may accept gifts worth $20 or less per occasion from a prohibited source, as long as gifts from that source total no more than $50 in a calendar year. The employee can’t pay the amount over $20 to keep a pricier gift.
Can a federal employee accept a free lunch from a vendor?
A meal from a vendor who does business with the agency is a gift, so it is allowed only within the $20 and $50 limits or another exception. Coffee, soft drinks and pastries offered outside a meal aren’t gifts at all.
Can federal employees attend a conference for free?
Yes on the day they speak for their agency, when the sponsor offers it. Otherwise free attendance at a widely attended gathering needs the agency’s decision, in advance, that attending is in its interest.
Can a federal employee accept a gift card?
Not one that works like cash at many stores: cash and cash equivalents are excluded from the $20 exception. A card for a single store is treated like any other item worth its face value.
Does Gift Check cover state, local or congressional employees?
No. It applies the rules for federal executive branch employees. States, localities and Congress have their own gift rules, and agency supplemental rules or an ethics pledge can be stricter.
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