Gifts From Outside Sources

• Gifts from outside sources may not, directly or indirectly, be accepted or solicited if: (1) given because of one's official position; or, (2) received from a prohibited source, such as a defense contractor. (Joint Ethics Regulation, DoD 5500.7-R , section 2-300; 5 CFR 2635.201-2636.205).
• A "gift" includes any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, forbearance, or other item having monetary value. Includes services as well as gifts of training, transportation, local travel, lodgings, and meals
• This provision prohibits acceptance of honorary country club memberships, unless the member pays market value
• A "gift" does not include the following:
  • Coffee, donuts, or similar modest items of food or drink not served as part of a meal;
  • Plaques, certificates, and trophies of little intrinsic value which are intended solely for presentation; and
  • Anything for which the individual pays market value
• Circumstances in which gifts may be accepted include the following:
  • Gifts of less than $20.00, aggregating to not more than $50.00 per source in a calendar year
  • Gifts based upon personal relationships
  • Gifts resulting from outside employment of spouse
  • Gifts accepted under specific statutory authority
  • Discounts and benefits available to the public or to a broadly defined class, and
  • Gifts based on non-Air Force duties or employment relationships