Know the Code: Third Party Oversight
/By the Office of Ethics and Compliance
Know the Code is a monthly series highlighting different sections of the County of San Diego Code of Ethics.
You might not think you have any part in vendor and contractor management because you are not a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or part of a purchasing and contracting team. But we all can contribute to the due diligence and oversight of the County’s third-party relationships including with vendors and contractors.
The Department of Purchasing and Contracting (DPC) provides guidance for Ethical Practices and Conduct in Procurement (DPC Policy P-105):
We treat suppliers, members of the public and fellow employees respectfully, fairly and honestly. Discussions with suppliers, customers and other parties will be sensitive to appropriate procurement confidentially and fairness issues.
Perform our duties in compliance with all federal, state and local laws; and avoid any involvement in illegal, unethical or improper conduct.
Conduct our official County duties in conformance with the County’s policies and procedures, and in accordance with the highest standards of ethical and legal conduct.
Ensure that County funds and resources are used with extreme care, guided by prudent judgment and good business practices.
Create a work environment that promotes open and honest communications and encourages raising ethical concerns without fear of retribution or retaliation.
Assume responsibility for knowing, understanding and having a practical working knowledge of the laws and regulations applicable to procurement and our duties.
The County Code of Ethics is applicable in the performance of all County business, and is openly shared with vendors, suppliers, and contractors to ensure all County procurement transactions are accomplished ethically.
If you have questions about policies and procedures, you can contact management. In cases of records retention or disclosure, in addition to your department, you can contact DPC, County Counsel or Office of Ethics and Compliance.
Check out the OEC webpage on InSite for information about upcoming Ethics & Compliance program events, training and resources including monthly “Know the Code” articles and micro-training videos.
If you have questions about ethics and compliance training or how to access the training and other ethics and compliance resources, please contact the OEC team at oec@sdcounty.ca.gov, 619-531-5174. HHSA staff may also contact the dedicated HHSA Compliance and Privacy team at compliance.hhsa@sdcounty.ca.gov, 619-338-2807.