Code of Ethics
Code of Ethics
Each Member shall conduct himself/herself according to the highest standard by adhering to the following code:
Honesty
H.1
Accept only those assignments which have the potential of providing a genuine benefit to the client and for which the member possesses the requisite experience and competence to perform the tasks.
H.2
Advise clients when the Member believes their requests will not be fundable.
H.3
Establish agreements with clients regarding the archiving of notes, documentation, and computer files at project completion.
H.4
Charge fees that are reasonable and commensurate with the services delivered and the responsibility accepted, and agree to all payment terms in advance.
H.5
Immediately disclose to the client circumstances or interests that the Member believes may influence or appear to influence their judgment and objectivity.
H.6
Report to E-mpa® any E-rate-related judgment levied against the Member organization, or any individual in the Member organization. (Examples: Debarment or Legal Judgment)
Integrity
I.1
Maintain the highest standards of honesty, integrity and confidentiality in all relationships with clients, keeping as the utmost concern the client’s best interest.
I.2
Understand that if debarred from the E-rate program or convicted of a felony, membership in E-mpa® will be suspended, pending review of the E-mpa® Board of Directors.
I.3
Honor copyrights, trademarks, service marks, terms of use and other legally binding agreements.
I.4
Avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance of such.
I.5
Refuse to accept commissions, remuneration, or other benefits from a third party in connection with the recommendations to a client.
I.6
Offer to withdraw from a consulting assignment when the Member believes their objectivity or integrity may be impaired.
I.7
Report to appropriate authorities and to USAC ongoing occurrences of malfeasance, dangerous behavior, or illegal activities.
I.8
Refrain from inviting an employee of an active or inactive client to consider alternative employment without prior discussion with the client.
I.9
Respect the intellectual property rights of clients, other consulting firms, and sole practitioners, and not use proprietary information or methodologies without permission.
I.10
Refrain from advertising services in a deceptive manner, misrepresenting or denigrating individual consulting practitioners, consulting firms, or the E-rate management and consulting profession.
I.11
Report any perceived violations of the Code to E-mpa® and promote adherence to the Code by all individuals working on behalf of the Member.
I.12
Guard the competitive bidding process and use every reasonable effort to ensure that each client conducts a “fair and competitive bidding process.”
I.13
Ensure that clients are aware of and in agreement with actions taken on the clients’ behalf.
I.14
Obtain explicit written authorization from each client when certifying forms or performing other E-rate related work on their behalf.
I.15
Refrain from disseminating false or misleading information to clients, colleagues, the FCC, USAC, media outlets or their representatives.
I.16
Immediately sever any relationship that would require the consultant to violate this Code of Ethics.
Competence
C.1
Obey all laws governing the preparation and submission of E-rate forms and applications as regulated by the FCC, the Universal Service Administrative Company, local, state and federal government.
C.2
Maintain current knowledge of E-Rate programs rules and regulations by attending USAC training sessions, reading USAC News Briefs, reviewing FCC appeal decisions, participating in USAC conference calls, and participating in professional development programs provided by E-mpa® as appropriate to the individual member or company.
C.3
Retain all client information, records and documents prepared for submission to USAC for a period of ten years from the last date of service.
Professionalism
P.1
Act at all times in the best interest of the client.
P.2
Extend professional courtesies to all colleagues in the E-rate management field while maintaining respect for a colleagues practice and area of specialty.
P.3
Work to further the goals of the E-rate Management Professionals Association, Inc. by setting the example for professional standards and working to improve education throughout the E-rate management field.
P.4
Provide clients with a list of competent E-rate management professionals or consultants who would be capable of completing any outstanding work should the member become incapable of completing the contract.
P.5
Honor all commitments, contracts, and services schedules.
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