52.203-14
Display of Hotline Poster(s)
Contractors must display specified fraud hotline posters at U.S. worksites and on company websites, unless they have an internal ethics program, and must flow down this requirement to certain subcontracts.
Overview
FAR 52.203-14 requires contractors performing work in the United States to display agency fraud hotline posters in common work areas and on company websites, unless they have an internal ethics and reporting program. The clause also mandates flow-down of these requirements to certain subcontracts, with exceptions for commercial products/services and work performed entirely outside the U.S.
Key Rules
- Display of Hotline Posters
- Contractors must prominently display specified agency or DHS fraud hotline posters in common work areas and at contract work sites in the U.S.
- Electronic Posting
- If the contractor has a company website for employee information, electronic versions of the posters must also be displayed online.
- Poster Source
- The Contracting Officer will specify which posters are required and where to obtain them.
- Exception for Internal Programs
- Contractors with an internal ethics and reporting program are exempt from displaying agency posters, except for any required DHS posters.
- Subcontractor Flow-Down
- The clause must be included in subcontracts above the FAR 3.1004(b)(1) threshold, except for commercial products/services or work performed outside the U.S.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Specify required posters and sources; ensure clause is included in applicable contracts.
- Contractors: Display posters as required, maintain electronic postings if applicable, and flow down the clause to eligible subcontracts.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance and provide poster information.
Practical Implications
- This clause promotes awareness and reporting of fraud, waste, and abuse in government contracts.
- Contractors must ensure physical and electronic compliance, and properly flow down requirements to eligible subcontractors.
- Common pitfalls include failing to display posters, omitting electronic postings, or not including the clause in required subcontracts.