What about gifts? SGEs, like all employees, are subject to 5 C.F.R. 2635.202(a), which prohibits the acceptance of gifts from a “prohibited source” and gifts given because of an employee’s official position.
The definition of “prohibited source” includes any person seeking official action from the employee’s agency, doing or seeking to do business with the employee’s agency, conducting activities regulated by the employee’s agency, or having interests that may be substantially affected by the employee’s official duties; the definition also includes organizations the majority of whose members fall within any of these categories. (Link to 5 C.F.R. 2635.203(d) for more information)
SGEs pose unique issues, because many SGEs are employed by, or have substantial professional and business relationships with, such prohibited sources. However, SGEs (and other Government employees) may accept various benefits resulting from outside business or employment activities, where it is clear that such benefits are not offered or enhanced because of the employee’s official position. For example, you may attend a holiday party held by your employer or use their transportation, if provided. This exception continues to be of particular importance to SGEs. (Link to 5 C.F.R. 2635.204(e)(2) for more information)