CORE PRINCIPLES

1. Integrity
Credential holders shall conduct themselves with honesty and transparency in all professional activities. Integrity forms the foundation of public trust and is essential to maintaining the credibility of both the individual professional and the credentialing body. This principle requires truthfulness in communications, accuracy in representations, and consistency between stated values and actual conduct.
2. Accountability
Professionals bear responsibility for their decisions, actions, and omissions. Accountability requires credential holders to acknowledge errors, accept consequences, and take corrective action when standards are not met. It extends to both individual conduct and the oversight of work performed by teams or subordinates under their direction.
3. Competence
Credential holders shall maintain and continuously develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform their professional duties effectively. Competence requires ongoing education, awareness of regulatory changes, and honest assessment of one's capabilities. Professionals must not undertake responsibilities beyond their qualifications without appropriate supervision or support.
4. Confidentiality
The nature of federal contracting often involves access to sensitive information, including proprietary data, procurement-sensitive materials, and pre-decisional government information. Credential holders must protect confidential information and disclose it only when authorized or legally required. This obligation continues beyond the termination of specific engagements or employment relationships.
5. Compliance with Federal Laws and Regulations
Federal contracting is governed by an extensive body of statutes, regulations, and agency-specific requirements. Credential holders must demonstrate thorough knowledge of applicable legal frameworks and ensure their conduct and professional recommendations align with these requirements. Ignorance of applicable law does not excuse violations of this principle.
6. Professional Respect
Credential holders shall treat all individuals—including colleagues, clients, government personnel, competitors, and the public—with dignity and respect. Professional environments must be free from discrimination, harassment, and conduct that undermines the collaborative nature of federal contracting. Respect extends to intellectual property, professional reputation, and the diverse perspectives that contribute to effective government contracting practices.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

Ethical Behavior in Federal Contracting Environments
Credential holders shall:

• Conduct all business dealings with honesty and fairness

• Avoid any action that could reasonably be perceived as an attempt to improperly influence government officials or procurement decisions

• Refuse to participate in bid rigging, price fixing, or other anticompetitive practices

• Decline to offer or accept bribes, kickbacks, or other improper inducements

• Report suspected fraud, waste, or abuse through appropriate channels

• Maintain independence and objectivity in professional judgments

Truthful Representation of Credentials
Credential holders shall:

• Accurately represent their FederalMI credentials, including the specific designation earned and its current status

• Use only those credential designations that they have been authorized to use

• Not misrepresent the scope, authority, or recognition of FederalMI credentials

• Clearly distinguish between personal opinions and positions that might be attributed to FederalMI

• Promptly cease use of credential designations upon suspension, revocation, or expiration

Proper Use of Digital Badges and Credential Marks
Credential holders shall:

• Display FederalMI digital badges and marks only in accordance with usage guidelines provided by the Institute

• Ensure that digital badges link to valid, current verification of credential status

• Not alter, modify, or misuse official FederalMI marks or logos

• Remove or deactivate digital badges if credential status changes or expires

Avoidance of Conflicts of Interest
Credential holders shall:

• Identify and disclose actual or potential conflicts of interest to affected parties

• Recuse themselves from decisions where personal interests could compromise professional judgment

• Not use their position or access to information for personal gain or the benefit of third parties

• Maintain appropriate boundaries between personal financial interests and professional responsibilities

• Seek guidance when uncertain whether a conflict of interest exists

Accurate Documentation and Reporting
Credential holders shall:

• Ensure that all professional documentation, including proposals, cost estimates, progress reports, and compliance certifications, is accurate and complete

• Not falsify records or knowingly submit misleading information

• Maintain documentation in accordance with applicable retention requirements

• Correct errors or omissions promptly upon discovery

• Support claims and representations with appropriate evidence

Respectful Conduct in Professional Settings
Credential holders shall:

• Foster inclusive and collaborative work environments

• Refrain from harassment, discrimination, or bullying based on protected characteristics or any other basis

• Address professional disagreements constructively and without personal attacks

• Respect the confidentiality of personnel matters and sensitive discussions

• Contribute to the professional development of colleagues and subordinates

ENFORCEMENT AND DISCIPLINARY ACTION
Complaint Process
Any individual or organization may submit a formal complaint alleging that a FederalMI credential holder has violated this Code of Professional Conduct. Complaints must be submitted in writing to the FederalMI Ethics Committee and include:

• The name and credential designation of the individual against whom the complaint is filed

• A detailed description of the alleged violation, including dates and circumstances

• Supporting documentation or evidence, if available

• Contact information for the complainant

Anonymous complaints may be accepted at the discretion of the Ethics Committee when sufficient detail and evidence are provided.
Investigation Procedures
Upon receipt of a complaint, the Ethics Committee shall:

• Conduct a preliminary review to determine whether the complaint falls within the scope of this Code

• Notify the credential holder of the complaint and provide an opportunity to respond

• Gather additional information, documentation, or testimony as necessary

• Maintain confidentiality to the extent possible while conducting a thorough investigation

• Complete the investigation within a reasonable timeframe, typically not to exceed 90 days unless circumstances require extension

The credential holder shall have the right to present evidence, provide witnesses, and respond to allegations throughout the investigation process.
Possible Outcomes
Following investigation, the Ethics Committee may recommend one or more of the following actions to the FederalMI Governance Board:

• No Action: The complaint is dismissed due to insufficient evidence or determination that no violation occurred

• Written Warning: The credential holder receives formal notice of conduct that, while not warranting more severe action, requires correction

• Mandatory Remediation: The credential holder must complete specified education, training, or other corrective measures

• Probation: The credential is maintained under specified conditions for a defined period

• Suspension: The credential is temporarily suspended for a specified period, during which the holder may not represent themselves as credentialed or use FederalMI marks

• Revocation: The credential is permanently revoked, and the individual is prohibited from reapplying for a specified period or indefinitely

The severity of disciplinary action shall be proportionate to the nature and gravity of the violation, taking into account factors such as intent, harm caused, prior disciplinary history, and cooperation with the investigation.
Final Authority
The FederalMI Governance Board retains final authority over all disciplinary decisions. The Board shall review the Ethics Committee's findings and recommendations and render a final decision. Credential holders may appeal decisions to the full Governance Board within 30 days of notification, presenting grounds for reconsideration based on procedural errors, new evidence, or other substantial reasons.
Decisions of the Governance Board are final and binding. Credential holders who have had credentials revoked may petition for reinstatement only after the period specified in the revocation decision and upon demonstration of rehabilitation and compliance with reinstatement requirements.

AFFIRMATION STATEMENT

By applying for, accepting, and maintaining a FederalMI credential, all credential holders explicitly agree to uphold the principles and standards set forth in this Code of Professional Conduct. This agreement constitutes a condition of certification and continued good standing with the Federal Management Institute.
Credential holders acknowledge that violations of this Code may result in disciplinary action, including revocation of credentials, and that such actions may be disclosed to relevant parties, including employers, government agencies, and the public, as appropriate.

The Federal Management Institute reserves the right to amend this Code of Professional Conduct as necessary to reflect evolving professional standards, legal requirements, and the needs of the federal contracting community. Credential holders will be notified of substantive changes and are responsible for staying current with current standards.
Adherence to this Code serves the broader purpose of maintaining public confidence in the federal procurement system and ensuring that credentialed professionals represent the highest standards of ethical and competent practice.

This Code of Professional Conduct is a governing document of the Federal Management Institute and applies to all individuals holding active FederalMI credentials.