Organizational Conflicts of Interest: Recent Developments, Trends to Watch, and Lessons for Navigating the Future

The program, presented by Tracye Winfrey Howard, provides an in-depth examination of the legal framework and practical aspects surrounding organizational conflicts of interest in the context of government contracts. Viewers will gain a comprehensive understanding of the different types of OCIs, recent legislative and regulatory changes, and strategies for identifying, mitigating, and responding to OCI issues. Through case studies, discussions, and analysis of bid protest decisions, viewers will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate OCI challenges and ensure compliance with the legal and ethical requirements in government contracting.

Learning Objective:

1. Define and differentiate between organizational conflicts of interest (OCIs) and personal conflicts of interest (PCIs) in the context of government contracts
2. Identify the three main types of OCIs: impaired objectivity, biased ground rules, and unequal access to information, and understand their implications for fair competition and unbiased decision-making
3. Analyze the legal framework governing OCIs, including relevant provisions in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and recent legislation and regulatory changes
4. Evaluate recent bid protest decisions and cases related to OCIs, extracting lessons learned and best practices for mitigating OCI risks
5. Formulate effective strategies for identifying, mitigating, and responding to OCI issues, including the development of mitigation plans, the establishment of firewalls, and proactive communication with contracting officers