Life can be complicated. Whether in our personal or professional lives, we are often met with questions to which we don’t have the answers. And when it comes to legal or technical questions, we need to be sure we get the answers right.
This begs the question, “Where can we get our questions answered?” Sure, we can use search engines, new generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology, or even ask our Uncle Bob. (Sure, Uncle Bob has been retired for 10 years, but he knew a whole lot about the Buy American Act back then.) These can be valuable resources, but it is important to fact-check every piece of information. We can’t afford misinformation; we must be sure our sources are reliable and our path forward is correct.
The laws that apply to contractors who perform work for a government agency or work on projects funded by grants are complex. However, confusion or a lack of understanding of the rules cannot be used as an excuse for noncompliance. It is important to always seek advice to ensure compliance with both the spirit and letter of the law.
Most laws and regulations were put in place because something bad happened in the past, and regulators are trying to prevent the same bad thing from happening again. Whether you are a Manson employee, a vendor, a subcontractor, a business partner, or digging a hole in your backyard, it’s imperative that you comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations without exception.
Manson’s Code of Ethics contains a decision chart that helps us make good ethical choices. But you don’t need to be a Manson employee to use it; this decision chart will work for anyone, anywhere, any time. If you follow the steps carefully, you can be certain you are doing the right thing.
Before you begin, ask yourself these three questions:
1. Is what you are about to do legal? (Does it comply with laws, regulations, and the contract terms?)
2. Is it consistent with sound values? (Is it fair, honest, and ethical?)
3. Would this look OK to others if seen on the news? (Can you be transparent? Are you trying to hide what you are doing?)
If the answer to any of these questions is “NO,” you should stop. If you are unsure if the answer is “YES,” you need to ask a subject matter expert.
When faced with any decision, know when to stop and seek help before you act. Life can be complicated, but making sound ethical decisions is as easy as one, two, three.
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