A cornerstone of Complete Intelligence Technologies’ success has been the high degree of professionalism and integrity demonstrated every day by our employees throughout the company. As we grow in numbers and in the variety of clients and locales that we serve, we must provide clear guidelines regarding how we should approach important issues and decisions that may arise as we strive to provide the best service to our clients and the best work environment for our employees. The attached Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (the “Code”) provides the key source for that guidance.
The objective of the Code: provide information on the expectations and processes that guide our business behavior on a variety of issues. Our goal: ensure that the Code is clear, practical, and consistent. However, no document can address every situation, so we encourage you to raise questions to your manager or another appropriate person if something is unclear.
We are strongly committed to the expectations and guidelines expressed in the Code. We hope it is a helpful guide for how we do our business, and fully anticipate that everyone from the CEO to the newest employee will embrace and adhere to it.
This Code applies to all officers, directors, and employees of Complete Intelligence Technologies, Inc. and its contractors (the “Company”) and to all of its business activities. This Code shall be incorporated in all contracts with individual consultants whom the Company engages to perform services for its customers, and they shall be expected to comply with this Code. As used in this Code, “employees” shall include such individual consultants and the Company’s outside directors.
Responsibility for the Company’s commitment to integrity rests with each employee. All employees are expected to:Adhere to the highest standards of ethical business conduct.Know and comply with this Code and our other corporate policies and proceduresMaintain a work environment that encourages open and honest communication regarding ethics and business conduct issues and concerns.Avoid placing or seeming to place pressure on employees that could cause them to deviate from acceptable ethical behaviorSeek advice and guidance when unsure of a specific action, andReport suspected violations of this Code.
Employees who violate this Code will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Violations also may result in civil or criminal penalties. An employee who witnesses a violation and fails to report it may be subject to discipline, and a manager may be subject to discipline to the extent that a violation reflects inadequate oversight.
Retaliation against employees who report what they believe in good faith to be a violation of this Code or any law or regulation applicable to The Company, who assist another in making such a report or who cooperate with an investigation of any such violation is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.
The Company aspires to conduct its business following uncompromising ethical standards and in full compliance with all laws and regulations. As a government contractor, The Company has a unique role as a steward of public resources. In the course of conducting Company business, integrity must underlie all Complete Intelligence relationships. The Company expects every employee to adhere to high ethical standards, promote ethical behavior, and be honest and forthright in dealings with one another as well as with customers, business partners, and the public. Employees must not engage in conduct or activity that may raise questions as to The Company’ honesty, impartiality, or reputation or otherwise cause embarrassment to the Company. Every action should be judged by considering whether it is legal, in the best interests of our stockholders, employees, and customers, and able to withstand public scrutiny.
The Company and its employees must obey all applicable laws and regulations that affect The Company business. Some laws and regulations are discussed in this Code.
Although the Company does not expect its employees to be experts in legal matters, it holds each employee responsible for being familiar with the laws governing his or her areas of responsibility. If you have a question concerning the application of any law or regulation to a contemplated action, it is your responsibility to seek guidance.
The Company’ policy on equal employment opportunity prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, physical or mental disability or veteran or any other status or classification protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, transfers, promotions, terminations, compensation, and benefits.
The Company is committed to maintaining a work environment free from all forms of discrimination and harassment. In keeping with this commitment, The Company will not tolerate discrimination or harassment by anyone, including a supervisor, co- worker, supplier, vendor, consultant, visitor, or customer of The Company. Harassment consists of unwelcome conduct, whether verbal, physical or visual, that is based upon a person’s protected status, such as race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or physical or mental disability. All employees are responsible for helping assure that we avoid harassment in the workplace and immediately reporting any harassment experienced or witnessed.
Our policy is to provide a working environment free of the problems associated with the use and abuse of controlled substances or alcohol. The distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of illegal drugs or other controlled substances, except for approved medical purposes, at any Company office or site where The Company’ employees are engaged in work-related activities is strictly prohibited. In no event should any employee be under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or controlled substances (other than controlled substances approved for medical purposes) while present at any such office or site. There may be certain Company celebrations where alcohol is provided by the Company. Moderate, responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages at these Company authorized celebrations will not violate this policy.
Each employee must accurately record their time daily following The Company’ established timekeeping policies and procedures. Each employee is expected to read, fully understand, and follow those policies and procedures. In reporting your time electronically, you are certifying that your time is being charged following those policies and procedures. Improperly shifting cost from one contract to another, charging labor or materials, and falsifying timecards are strictly prohibited. If you have any questions or doubts regarding how to charge time or record costs, it is your responsibility to seek guidance.
The Company must comply with TINA in the conduct of its U.S. Government business. The purpose of TINA is to give the U.S. Government an effective means of negotiating a fair and reasonable price.
TINA requires disclosure of cost or pricing data and certification that such data are accurate, complete, and current. Employees involved in negotiating government contracts and subcontracts must ensure that all cost and pricing data, communications, and representations of fact are accurate, complete, current, and truthful.
All employees are responsible for the protection and appropriate use of Company assets, which include physical assets as well as intellectual property and confidential information. Although Company assets are intended to be used only for legitimate business purposes, it is recognized that occasional personal use by employees may occur without adversely affecting The Company’ interests.
For example, employees may occasionally use Company computers to send and receive personal e-mail and Company telephones to make or receive personal, local telephone calls – so long as such activity does not interfere with The Company’ business and adheres to The Company’ policies for appropriate communication. The Company reserves the right to access, review, delete, disclose, or use any employee personal communications and other material stored in Company computers or telephones. Thus you should not have any expectation of privacy regarding and use of any company assets, Company originating communications, and company materials.
The government-furnished property shall be used, maintained, accounted for, and disposed of following the applicable contract requirements and government regulations.
The use, expenditure, and disposal of Company resources must be documented as required by Company procedures. Documents and other records must be maintained following the applicable requirements of the law, contracts, and Company policies and shall not be used for personal gain or benefit. No employee or anyone acting on The Company’ behalf shall take any action to circumvent The Company’ system of internal controls or provide misleading information in Company documents and records.
Employees shall use all software only following the terms of The Company’ license agreements or other contracts under which the software is supplied. Company licensed software may not be copied or provided to any third party unless authorized under the applicable license agreement.
It is essential for all employees to safeguard The Company’ trade secrets and confidential information and to refuse any improper access to trade secrets and confidential information of any other company or entity, including our competitors. Company proprietary information must not be discussed with others within the Company, except on a strict need-to-know basis.
If there is a need to disclose Company trade secrets or confidential information to any person outside The Company, such disclosure must be done only in conjunction with an enforceable non-disclosure agreement. Similarly, The Company’ rights in its goods, services, products, and software must be protected by the use of appropriate agreements whenever such goods, services, products, and software are used, transferred, or disclosed. For the purposes hereof, “confidential information” also includes information relating to Company employees and other persons or entities that The Company is obligated by law or agreement to maintain in confidence.
The Company must comply with the Privacy Policy.
Employees, contractors, and customers must comply with the Terms of Use to the Services used.
Each employee has the legal duty to carry out his or her responsibilities with the utmost good faith and loyalty to The Company. A “personal conflict of interest” occurs when your interests (for example, financial gain, career development, or reputation advantage), or those of your immediate family, interfere in any way or even appear to interfere with The Company’ legitimate business interests or your ability to make objective and fair decisions when performing your job. Immediate family members include your spouse or former spouse; parents, step-parents, and grandparents (of both you and your spouse); children, stepchildren, and grandchildren (of you and your spouse) and their spouses; siblings and their spouses; and any others living in your household. Employees should avoid any activity that could reasonably be expected to put them in a conflict of interest situation.Although not every situation contrary to this policy can be listed here, the following circumstances are prohibited:Competing against the CompanyServing as a consultant to or as a director, trustee, officer, or employee of a company, organization, or government agency that competes or deals with or is a supplier or vendor to or customer of the Company.Holding a significant financial interest (other than ownership of stock of a publicly held company where the amount owned is both less than 1% of the stock outstanding and worth less than $50,000) in a company doing business with or competing with The Company if you are in a position to influence The Company’ business transactions with that company.Accepting gifts, gratuities or entertainment from any customer, competitor or supplier or vendor of goods or services to The Company, except to the extent they are lawful, consistent with marketplace practices, infrequent and nominal in amount (less than $50) and are not in cash or offered in consideration for improper action or in a manner that could hurt The Company’ reputation for impartiality and fair dealing.Using for personal gain, any business opportunities that are identified through your position with The Company.Using Company property, information, or position for personal gain,Having a personal interest or potential for gain in any Company transaction (excluding commissions or bonuses payable following a Company-approved compensation plan or agreement).Maintaining employment or any other relationship with another organization, or engaging in any other business or activity, that adversely affects your job performance at The Company.Placing Company business or recommending that Company business is placed with a firm owned or controlled by a Company employee or his or her immediate family (as defined above).
If you are in doubt, whether a situation or certain activity constitutes a conflict of interest, it is your responsibility to seek guidance.
An “organizational conflict of interest” occurs when, because of The Company’ other activities or relationships with other persons, The Company is unable or potentially unable to render impartial assistance or advice to the Government, The Company’ objectivity in performing the contract work is or might be otherwise impaired, or the Company has an unfair competitive advantage.
For example, an organizational conflict of interest may result when the nature of work performed by The Company on one contract (such as developing a specification) creates an actual or potential conflict of interest on a future procurement or contract opportunity. It is the responsibility of each employee to recognize and report to their supervisors any activities or relationships that might create an organizational conflict of interest so that The Company can take appropriate actions to avoid any such organizational conflict.
The Company shall not employ or retain any person or agency to solicit or obtain any U.S. or Foreign Government contract for the Company upon an agreement or understanding for a commission or other contingent fee, except for employees or established commercial agencies that neither exert nor propose to exert improper influence to solicit or obtain Government contracts nor hold themselves out as being able to obtain any Government contract through undue influence. No employee shall agree to pay a commission or other fee contingent upon award of a Government contract without first obtaining the Managing Director’s permission to do so.See also “Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)” infra.
Business courtesies such as gifts, entertainment, services, or favors should not be offered to any government employee or representative. When dealing with nongovernment personnel in connection with government contracts or subcontracts, similar restrictions apply. It is a crime to offer, provide, solicit, or accept anything of value either in return for favorable consideration on a government contract or subcontract or because of an official act performed or to be performed.
Business courtesies offered to commercial, nongovernment customers must demonstrate good business judgment, must be consistent with marketplace practices, infrequent, nominal in amount (less than $50 or as otherwise indicated by law) and legal, and must not be in cash or offered in a manner that could hurt The Company’ reputation for impartiality and fair dealing. When in doubt regarding the appropriateness of a business courtesy, seek guidance, and always err on the side of caution.
Knowingly making a false claim or misleading statement to the government is a violation of the law and can subject both The Company and individual employees to civil and criminal sanctions, including fines, suspension, debarment, and prison sentences. It is the responsibility of each employee to ensure that all claims and statements submitted to the government are truthful and not misleading. Also, the highest standard of honorable and ethical conduct shall be observed in all relationships with The Company’ competitors. The advancement of The Company’ business interests through the dissemination of unverified information or other unfair actions intended to damage competitors is prohibited, as are any other dishonorable activities.
Integrity and fair dealing are core components of our business practices. All suppliers, vendors, and other business partners should be treated fairly and uniformly following The Company’ established purchasing policies and procedures. Employees must not engage in any activity prohibited under antitrust laws, including boycotting, price-fixing, refusal to deal, price discrimination, or disparate treatment of suppliers and vendors. Paying bribes, accepting kickbacks, and obtaining or using third-party insider information in dealings with suppliers, vendors, and business partners are expressly prohibited and will not be tolerated.
Employees are expected to conduct themselves and The Company’ business in such a manner as to comply with federal and state antitrust laws that prohibit monopolies and agreements that unreasonably restrain trade. The Company will not enter into a subcontract or teaming agreement that unreasonably restricts sales by the other party directly to the U.S. government of items made or supplied by the other party and will not otherwise act to restrict unreasonably the ability of any other party to sell directly to the U.S. government. Conversely, The Company will not enter into agreements where, as a subcontractor or teaming partner, we are subject to any unreasonable restriction to sell our products or services directly to the U.S. government.
Finally, The Company must independently develop its pricing on all bids and proposals for government contracts and subcontracts without any consultation, communication, or agreement with any other competing offeror, and The Company shall not disclose its prices to any other competitor before bid opening or contract award.
The Company is prohibited from using federal funds to pay persons, such as lobbyists or consultants, to influence or attempt to influence executive or legislative decision- making in connection with the award or modification of any Government contract. No employee may hire such a lobbyist or consultant without the CEO’s prior written authorization.
Corporations are prohibited from making contributions of money or other resources to candidates, officeholders, and political parties at the federal level. The Company respects the right of employees to be involved in political activity and to contribute their own time and resources. Such activity, however, must not take place on Company time or property nor involve The Company’ name, and The Company will not reimburse employees for any contributions they may make. Laws and regulations governing contributions to state and local candidates vary from state to state, and all employees shall act following all such laws and regulations.
All national security classified information must be handled and safeguarded in strict compliance with U.S. Government-mandated procedures.
During the conduct of any procurement, The Company must not solicit or accept from any source any proprietary or source selection information regarding that procurement. This prohibition begins with the development, preparation, and issuance of a solicitation and concludes with the award of a contract, a contract modification or extension. As used herein, proprietary information includes information contained in a bid or proposal, cost or pricing data, and any information submitted to the Government by a contractor and properly designated as proprietary. Source selection information includes such information as listings of offerors and prices, listings of bidders before bid opening, source selection plans, technical evaluations of proposals, competitive range determinations, rankings (except for sealed bidding), source selection board reports and evaluations, source selection advisory board recommendations, and other information determined by the head of the agency or contracting officer to be information that could jeopardize the integrity or successful completion of the procurement if disclosed.
Particular concerns apply to hiring or retaining a government or former government employee as an employee or consultant of The Company. Also, there are special constraints regarding any communication concerning possible employment of government employees who are designated as “procurement officials.” Company employees shall not conduct any discussions regarding, or make any offer of, future employment to any government employee without first clearing such action with The Company’ CEO and legal counsel.
The Federal Government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy regarding its contractors and their employees who engage in or support severe forms of trafficking in persons, procurement of any sex act on account of which anything of value is given or received by any person or use of forced labor. No Company employee shall violate this policy.
It is always essential that employees conducting international business know and abide by the laws of the United States and the countries that are involved in such business activities or transactions. These laws govern the conduct of Company employees throughout the world. If you participate in these business activities, you should know, understand, and strictly comply with these laws and regulations, including those relating to export controls, anti-bribery, and anti-boycotts discussed below. If you are not familiar with these laws and regulations, seek guidance before negotiating any transaction involving a foreign country or entity.
These are specific laws and regulations to be followed when exporting materials, equipment, weapons, (International Traffic in Arms Regulations, ITAR) technology, data, software, information, and services (“items”). These laws and regulations apply not only to exports of such items outside the United States but also to “deemed exports” within the United States when export-controlled items are disclosed to foreign nationals in the United States, including to employees of The Company or its teammates who are not U.S. nationals. Before transferring any item outside of the United States or to a foreign company or national within the United States, it is the responsibility of each employee to ensure that all relevant export laws and regulations are followed. This responsibility includes verifying (according to The Company’ export procedures) that the correct license is used on any export declaration or other document required for export. If you have any doubts about exports, it is your responsibility to seek guidance.
The FCPA is intended to prevent bribery of foreign officials by representatives of U.S. companies to secure a business advantage. It prohibits the payment or offering of anything of value directly or indirectly to a foreign government official, political party, party official, or candidate to influence an official act of the person or the government to obtain such an advantage.
It is the responsibility of each employee involved in international business activities to become familiar with the requirements of the FCPA and to seek guidance before engaging the services of any foreign consultant or marketing representative or making any offer or payments that might violate the FCPA.
A request to participate in any activity that could have the effect of promoting a boycott or restrictive trade practice fostered by a foreign country against customers or suppliers located in a country friendly to the United States or against a U.S. person, firm or corporation may be a violation of the law and must be reported promptly to your immediate supervisor.
Persons who possess material, non-public information concerning Company business or that of Company customers, suppliers, vendors, business partners, or competitors may not trade in The Company’ securities or those of such customers, suppliers, vendors, business partners, or competitors nor reveal the information to anyone (or provide trading “tips” based upon such information) until the information has been adequately disclosed to the public. These prohibitions are based on federal securities laws, and, as used in those laws, “material” information is information that a reasonable investor likely would consider important in deciding to purchase or sell a security, and that could affect the price of the security.
The Company’s Compliance Officer will administer this Code of Business Ethics and Conduct. All questions relating to this Code and the Company’s business practices, in general, should be directed to the Compliance Officer.
Employees are expected to know and comply with this Code and The Company’ other policies and procedures. Employees who have questions about this Code or concerns regarding compliance must seek guidance. Employees should address such questions or concerns to their immediate supervisors or the Compliance Officer. Employees who wish to seek advice anonymously should feel free to use The Company’ address at ab@completeintel.com for reporting violations described in the next section.
It is the responsibility of any employee knowing any activity that is or may be in violation of this Code or any law or regulation applicable to The Company’ business to report such activity. Employees should make such reports to their immediate supervisors or the Compliance Officer.
It is The Company’ policy that there will be no retaliation against any employees who report what they believe in good faith to be a violation of this Code or any law or regulation applicable to The Company or who assist others in making any such report.
Persons reporting potential violations should be aware that, while a Company representative receiving a report of a suspected breach will take steps to keep such report confidential, the need to investigate and correct any impropriety may require disclosure of the matter reported.
The Company reserves the right to use any lawful method of investigation that it deems necessary to determine whether any person has engaged in conduct that, in its view, interferes with or adversely affects its business. Every employee is expected to cooperate fully with any investigation of any violation of the law, The Company’ policies and procedures, or this Code.
WAIVER OF THIS CODE If any employee believes that a waiver of this Code is necessary or appropriate, including, but not limited, to any potential or actual conflict of interest, a request for a waiver and the reasons for the request must be submitted to the Compliance Officer for a decision by the CEO. Any waiver of this Code for officers and directors may be made only by the Board of Directors. AMENDMENT OF THIS CODE This Code may only be amended by the Company’s Board of Directors.
