November 5, 2012

Alleged Conflict of Interest at Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) received a congressional request on behalf of a constituent alleging that another Federal agency's use of support provided by the Department of Energy (Department) facilitated an organizational conflict of interest (OCI).  Specifically, it was alleged that support provided by Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) was inappropriate in that it amounted to direct competition with the private sector, an activity prohibited by Federal Regulation.  The competition allegedly occurred when SNL provided products similar to those that had been successfully developed and demonstrated by the constituent.  It was further alleged that SNL began its prohibited competitive activity after serving in a position where it provided technical oversight of the constituent's work. 

Topic: Management & Administration