The Board of Education (Board) has adopted a “Code of Silence” policy Board Policy CA(LOCAL)) and a “Conflict of Interest Disclosures” Board Policy BBFA(LOCAL) to enforce its commitment to ethical contracting standards and improve accountability and public confidence. It is important to avoid both the appearance of conflicts and actual conflicts of interest. The “Code of Silence" shall mean a prohibition on any communication regarding any solicitation, bid, or other competitive solicitation between: 

 

1. Any person who seeks an award from the District or its affiliated entities (including, but not limited to, the HISD Foundation and the HISD Public Facility Corporation), including a potential Vendor or Vendor's representative, and
2. Board members, the Superintendent of Schools, senior staff members, principals, department heads, directors, managers, or other District representatives who have influence in the evaluation or selection process.   

 

The “Code of Silence” time period shall begin when the solicitation is issued and ends upon the execution of the contract. During the “Code of Silence”, campaign contributions, gifts, donations, loans, and any other items of value are prohibited between these parties, including candidates who have filed for election to the to the Board. 

The “Conflicts of Interest Disclosures” requires a Board member to disclose and recuse himself or herself from voting on any contract, agreement, or any other District transaction involving an entity or related officer and/or key employee who has provided campaign contributions during the preceding 12-month period in excess of $2,000. 

If a vendor violates this prohibition during this time frame, consideration of the vendor for award shall be invalidated. The restricted contact period shall begin upon the date of issuance of a solicitation and shall end upon execution of the awarded contract by all parties. 

The “Conflicts of Interest Disclosures” requires a Board member to disclose and recuse himself or herself from voting on any contract, agreement, or any other District transaction involving an entity or related officer and/or key employee who has provided campaign contributions during the preceding 12-month period in excess of $2,000. 

Board Policy CAA (LOCAL) Policy pertaining to the “Code of Silence” and Board Policy BBFA(LOCAL) Policy pertaining to “Conflicts of Interest Disclosures” are attached by URL link above and incorporated by reference. Please review the policies carefully and ensure that the policies are followed in all respects. Vendor agrees and understands that non-compliance with the “Code of Silence” policy may result in disqualification. Furthermore, the failure of a Board member to disclose a conflict of interest may result in the debarment of a Vendor for 24 months. 

During the course of this Agreement, Vendor will maintain business ethics standards aimed at avoiding real or apparent impropriety or conflicts of interest. No gift, favor, loan, service, entertainment, or anything of more than token value shall be accepted by a District employee from any District vendor or prospective vendor seeking to do business with the District.  See HISD Policy CDC (LOCAL).  Items of token value include trinkets of minimal value such as coffee mugs, key chains, caps, and the like. If at any time Vendor believes there may have been a violation of this obligation Vendor shall notify HISD of the possible violation. HISD is entitled to request a representation letter from Vendor, its subcontractors or agents at any time to disclose all things of value passing from Vendor, its subcontractors or agents to HISD’s personnel or its authorized agents and representatives.