Federal employees are subject to some specific laws and regulations regarding the acceptance of gifts, both from other employees and from outside sources. Certain types and values of gifts are permitted between employees. In addition, exceptions to the prohibitions permit certain gifts from outside sources, such as awards, free attendance, and honorary degrees. The following documents provide the details regarding gift limitations and exceptions. For additional information or assistance with specific questions, contact your IC's Ethics Officials (see links below).
- Presidential Inaugural Events and the Federal Ethics Regulations (
, 2 pages): HHS Guidance on Inaugural Events. OGE Legal Advisory (LA-12-10 , 3 pages) regarding Inaugural Events.
- Holiday Season Gift Rules: OGC summary of rules for gifts between employees, from outside sources, and for attendance at parties, social events, and charitable fundraising) Holiday Poem.
- Gifts Between Employees
- Gifts From Outside Sources
- Exception: Awards from Outside Organizations
- Exception: Awards from Outside Organizations: List of Awards with Cash Prize which are Approved for NIH Employees (Updated twice yearly)
- Exception: Awards from Outside Organizations: List of Awards with Tangible (non-cash) Prize which are Approved for NIH Employees (updated as awards are identified and approved)
- Exception: Widely Attended Gatherings (WAG), and Free Attendance
- Exception: Honorary Degrees
- Gifts From Foreign Entities