Code
of Ethics
This
booklet, Setting the Standard, has been adopted by the NetStar Technologies
as our Company's Code of Ethics. It summarizes the virtues and principles
that are to guide our actions in business. We expect our agents, consultants,
contractors, representatives, and suppliers to be guided by them as well.
There
are numerous resources available to assist you in meeting the challenge
of performing your duties and responsibilities. There can be no better
course of action for you than to apply common sense and sound judgment
to the manner in which you conduct yourself. However, do not hesitate to
use the resources that are available whenever it is necessary to seek clarification.
NetStar
Technologies aims to "set the standard" for ethical business conduct. We
will achieve this through six virtues: Honesty, Integrity, Respect, Trust,
Responsibility, and Citizenship.
Honesty:
to be truthful in all our endeavors; to be honest and forthright with one
another and with our customers, communities, suppliers, and shareholders.
Integrity:
to say what we mean, to deliver what we promise, and to stand for what
is right.
Respect:
to treat one another with dignity and fairness, appreciating the diversity
of our workforce and the uniqueness of each employee.
Trust:
to build confidence through teamwork and open, candid communication.
Responsibility:
to speak up - without fear of retribution - and report concerns in the
work place, including violations of laws, regulations and company policies,
and seek clarification and guidance whenever there is doubt.
Citizenship:
to obey all the laws of the United States and the other countries in which
we do business and to do our part to make the communities in which we live
better
Treat
in an Ethical Manner Those to Whom NetStar Technologies Has an Obligation
We
are committed to the ethical treatment of those to whom we have an obligation.
For
our employees we are committed to honesty, just management, and
fairness, providing a safe and healthy environment, and respecting the
dignity due everyone.
For
our customers we are committed to produce reliable products and
services, delivered on time, at a fair price.
For
the communities in which we live and work we are committed to acting
as concerned and responsible neighbors, reflecting all aspects of good
citizenship.
For
our shareholders we are committed to pursuing sound growth and
earnings objectives and to exercising prudence in the use of our assets
and resources.
For
our suppliers we are committed to fair competition and the sense
of responsibility required of a good customer.
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We
are committed to the ethical treatment
of those to whom
we have an obligation. |
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Obey
the Law
We
will conduct our business in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
The laws and regulations related to contracting with the United States
government are far reaching and complex, thus placing burdens on NetStar
Technologies that are in addition to those faced by companies without extensive
government contracts. Compliance with the law does not comprise our entire
ethical responsibility. Rather, it is a minimum, absolutely essential condition
for performance of our duties.
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We
will conduct our business in accordance with all
applicable laws
and regulations. |
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Promote
a Positive Work Environment
All
employees want and deserve a work place where they feel respected, satisfied,
and appreciated. Harassment or discrimination of any kind and especially
involving race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability,
and veteran or marital status is unacceptable in our work place environment.
Providing
an environment that supports the honesty, integrity, respect, trust, responsibility,
and citizenship of every employee permits us the opportunity to achieve
excellence in our work place. While everyone who works for the Company
must contribute to the creation and maintenance of such an environment,
our executives and management personnel assume special responsibility for
fostering a context for work that will bring out the best in all of us.
Work
Safely: Protect Yourself and Your Fellow Employees
We
are committed to providing a drug-free, safe, and healthy work environment.
Each of us is responsible for compliance with environmental, health, and
safety laws and regulations. Observe posted warnings and regulations. Report
immediately to the appropriate management any accident or injury sustained
on the job, or any environmental or safety concern you may have.
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We
are committed to providing a drug-free, safe,
and healthy work
environment. |
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Keep
Accurate and Complete Records
We
must maintain accurate and complete Company records. Transactions between
the Company and outside individuals and organizations must be promptly
and accurately entered in our books in accordance with generally accepted
accounting practices and principles. No one should rationalize or even
consider misrepresenting facts or falsifying records. It is illegal, will
not be tolerated, and will result in disciplinary action.
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No
one should rationalize or even consider
misrepresenting
facts or falsifying records. |
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Record
Costs Properly
Employees
and their supervisors are responsible for ensuring that labor and material
costs are accurately recorded and charged on the Company's records. These
costs include, but are not limited to, normal contract work, work related
to independent research and development, and bid and proposal activities.
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Employees
and their supervisors are responsible for...
the Company's
records. |
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Strictly
Adhere to All Antitrust Laws
Antitrust
is a blanket term for strict federal and state laws that protect the free
enterprise system. The laws deal with agreements and practices "in restraint
of trade" such as price fixing and boycotting suppliers or customers, for
example. They also bar pricing intended to run a competitor out of business;
disparaging, misrepresenting, or harassing a competitor; stealing trade
secrets; bribery; and kickbacks.
Antitrust
laws are vigorously enforced. Violations may result in severe penalties
such as forced sales of parts of businesses and significant fines for the
Company. There may also be sanctions against individual employees including
substantial fines and prison sentences. These laws also apply to international
operations and transactions related to imports into and exports from the
United States. Employees involved in any dealings with competitors are
expected to know that U.S. and foreign antitrust laws may apply to their
activities and to consult with the Legal Department prior to negotiating
with or entering into any arrangement with a competitor.
Know
and Follow the Law When Involved in International Business
The
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), a federal statute, prohibits offering
anything of value to foreign officials for the purpose of improperly influencing
an official decision. It also prohibits unlawful political contributions
to obtain or retain business. Finally, it prohibits the use of false records
or accounts in the conduct of foreign business. Employees involved in international
operations must be familiar with the FCPA. You must also be familiar with
the terms and conditions of 1976 Securities and Exchange Commission and
Federal Trade Commission consent decrees resulting from past issues. The
FCPA and the consent decrees govern the conduct of all NetStar Technologies
employees throughout the world.
If
you are not familiar with documents or laws, consult with the Legal Department
prior to negotiating any foreign transaction.
International
transfers of equipment or technology are subject to other U.S. Government
regulations like the International Traffic and Arms Regulations (ITAR),
which may contain prior approval and reporting requirements. If you participate
in this business activity, you should know, understand, and strictly comply
with these regulations.
It
may be illegal to enter into an agreement to refuse to deal with potential
or actual customers or suppliers, or otherwise to engage in or support
restrictive international trade practices or boycotts.
It
is also important that employees doing business in foreign countries know
and abide by the laws of those countries.
Follow
the Rules in Using or Working with Former Government Personnel
U.S.
government laws and regulations governing the employment of or services
from former military and civilian government personnel prohibit conflicts
of interest ("working both sides of the street"). These laws and rules
must be faithfully and fully observed.
Follow
the Law and Use Common Sense in Political Contributions and Activities
Federal
law prohibits corporations from donating corporate funds, goods, or services
directly or indirectly - to candidates for federal offices. This includes
employees' work time. As a matter of policy we will not make political
contributions in foreign countries.
Carefully
Bid, Negotiate, and Perform Contracts
We
must comply with the laws and regulations that govern the acquisition of
goods and services by our customers. We will compete fairly and ethically
for all business opportunities. In circumstances where there is reason
to believe that the release or receipt of non-public information is unauthorized,
do not attempt to obtain and do not accept such information from any source.
Appropriate
steps should be taken to recognize and avoid organizational conflicts in
which one business unit's activities may preclude the pursuit of a related
activity by another Company business unit.
If
you are involved in proposals, bid preparations, or contract negotiations,
you must be certain that all statements, communications, and representations
to prospective customers are accurate and truthful. Once awarded, all contracts
must be performed in compliance with specifications, requirements, and
clauses.
Avoid
Illegal and Questionable Gifts or Favors
To
Government Personnel:
Federal,
state and local government departments and agencies are governed by laws
and regulations concerning acceptance by their employees of entertainment,
meals, gifts, gratuities, and other things of value from firms and persons
with whom those departments and agencies do business or over whom they
have regulatory authority. It is the general policy of NetStar Technologies
to strictly comply with those laws and regulations. With regard to all
federal Executive Branch employees and any other government employees who
work for customers or potential customers of the Company, it is the policy
of NetStar Technologies to prohibit its employees from giving them things
of value. Permissible exceptions are offering NetStar Technologies advertising
or promotional items of nominal value such as a coffee mug, calendar,
or similar item displaying the Company logo, and providing modest refreshments
such as soft drinks, coffee, and donuts on an occasional basis in connection
with business activities. "Nominal value" is $10.00 or less. (Note: Even
though this policy may be more restrictive than the U.S. Government's own
policy with regard to federal Executive Branch employees, this policy shall
govern the conduct of all Lockheed Martin employees.) Legislative, judicial,
and state and local government personnel are subject to different restrictions;
both the regulations and Company Policies pertaining to them must be consulted
before courtesies are offered.
To
Non-Government Personnel:
As
long as it doesn't violate the standards of conduct of the recipient's
organization, it's an acceptable practice to provide meals, refreshments,
and entertainment of reasonable value in conjunction with business discussions
with non-government personnel. Gifts, other than those of reasonable value
($50.00 or less), to private individuals or companies are prohibited unless
specifically approved by the appropriate Ethics Officer or the Company
Office of Ethics and Business Conduct.
To
Foreign Government Personnel and Public Officials:
The
Company may be restricted from giving meals, gifts, gratuities, entertainment,
or other things of value to personnel of foreign governments and foreign
public officials by the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and by laws of foreign
countries. Employees must discuss such situations with Legal Counsel and
consult the Hospitality Guidelines (maintained by the Legal Department)
prior to making any gifts or providing any gratuities other than advertising
items.
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Employees
must discuss such situations
with Legal Counsel... |
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To
NetStar Technologies Personnel:
NetStar
Technologies employees may accept meals, refreshments, or entertainment
of nominal value in connection with business discussions. While
it is difficult to define "nominal" by means of a specific dollar amount,
a common sense determination should dictate what would be considered lavish,
extravagant, or frequent. It is the personal responsibility of each employee
to ensure that his or her acceptance of such meals, refreshments, or entertainment
is proper and could not reasonably be construed in any way as an attempt
by the offering party to secure favorable treatment.
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It
is the personal responsibility of each employee... |
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NetStar
Technologies employees are not permitted to accept funds in any form or
amount, or any gift that has a retail or exchange value of $20 or more
from individuals, companies, or representatives of companies having or
seeking business relationships with NetStar Technologies. If you have any
questions about the propriety of a gift, gratuity, or item of value, contact
your Ethics Officer or the Company Office of Ethics and Business Conduct
for guidance.
If
you buy goods or services for NetStar Technologies, or are involved in
the procurement process, you must treat all suppliers uniformly and fairly.
In deciding among competing suppliers, you must objectively and impartially
weigh all facts and avoid even the appearance of favoritism. Established
routines and procedures should be followed in the procurement of all goods
and services.
Steer
Clear of Conflicts of Interest
Playing
favorites or having conflicts of interest - in practice or in appearance
runs counter to the fair treatment to which we are all entitled. Avoid
any relationship, influence, or activity that might impair, or even appear
to impair, your ability to make objective and fair decisions when performing
your job. When in doubt, share the facts of the situation with your supervisor,
Legal Department, or Ethics Officer.
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When
in doubt, share the facts of the situation with
your supervisor,
Legal Department, or Ethics Officer. |
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Here
are some ways a conflict of interest could arise:
-
Employment
by a competitor or potential competitor, regardless of the nature of the
employment, while employed by NetStar Technologies.
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Acceptance
of gifts, payment, or services from those seeking to do business with NetStar
Technologies.
-
Placement
of business with a firm owned or controlled by an employee or his/her family.
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Ownership
of, or substantial interest in, a company which is a competitor or a supplier.
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Acting
as a consultant to a NetStar Technologies customer or supplier.
Maintain
the Integrity of Consultants, Agents, and Representatives
Business
integrity is a key standard for the selection and retention of those who
represent NetStar Technologies. Agents, representatives, or consultants
must certify their willingness to comply with the Company's policies and
procedures and must never be retained to circumvent our values and principles.
Paying bribes or kickbacks, engaging in industrial espionage, obtaining
the proprietary data of a third party, or gaining inside information or
influence are just a few examples of what could give us an unfair competitive
advantage in a government procurement and could result in violations of
law.
Protect
Proprietary Information
Proprietary
company information may not be disclosed to anyone without proper authorization.
Keep proprietary documents protected and secure. In the course of normal
business activities, suppliers, customers, and competitors may sometimes
divulge to you information that is proprietary to their business. Respect
these confidences.
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Keep
proprietary documents protected and secure. |
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Obtain
and Use Company and Customer Assets Wisely
Proper
use of company and customer property, facilities, and equipment is your
responsibility. Use and maintain these assets with the utmost care and
respect, guarding against waste and abuse. Be cost-conscious and alert
to opportunities for improving performance while reducing costs. The use
of company time, material, or facilities for purposes not directly related
to company business, or the removal or borrowing of company property without
permission, is prohibited.
All
employees are responsible for complying with requirements of software copyright
licenses related to software packages used in fulfilling job requirements.
Do
Not Engage in Speculative or Insider Trading
In
our role as a U.S. company and a government contractor, we must always
be alert to and comply with the security laws and regulations of the United
States.
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...
we must always be alert... |
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It
is against the law for employees to buy or sell NetStar Technologies stock
based on "insider" information about or involving the Company. Play it
safe: don't speculate in the securities of NetStar Technologies when you
are aware of information affecting the company's business that has not
been publicly released or in situations where trading would call your judgment
into question. This includes all varieties of stock trading such as options,
puts and calls, straddles, selling short, etc. Two simple rules can help
protect you in this area: (1) Don't use non-public information for personal
gain. (2) Don't pass along such information to someone else who has no
need to know.
This
guidance also applies to the securities of other companies (suppliers,
vendors, subcontractors, etc.) for which you receive information in the
course of your employment at NetStar Technologies.
For
More Information:
In
order to support a comprehensive Ethics and Business Conduct Program, NetStar
Technologies has developed education and communication program in many
subject areas.
These
programs have been developed to provide employees with job-specific information
to raise their level of awareness and sensitivity to key issues. Topics
include:
| Antitrust
Compliance |
Labor
Charging |
| Domestic
Consultants |
Leveraging
Differences |
| Drug-Free
Workplace |
Material
Costs |
| Environment,
Health and Safety |
Organizational
Conflicts of Interest |
| Ethics |
Procurement |
| Ex-Government
Employees |
Procurement
Integrity |
| Export
Control |
Product
Substitution |
| Foreign
Corrupt Practices Act |
Record
Retention |
| Government
Property |
Security |
| International
Military Sales |
Software
License Compliance |
| Kickbacks
& Gratuities |
Truth
in Negotiations Act |
Company
Policy Statements relating to the above topics can be obtained from your
supervisor.
Warning
Signs - You're On Thin Ethical Ice When You Hear...
"Well,
maybe just this once..."
"No
one will ever know..."
"It
doesn't matter how it gets done as long as it gets done."
"It
sounds too good to be true."
"Everyone
does it."
"Shred
that document."
"We
can hide it."
"No
one will get hurt."
"What's
in it for me?"
"This
will destroy the competition."
"We
didn't have this conversation." |
You
can probably think of many more phrases that raise warning flags. If you
find yourself using any of these expressions, take the Quick Quiz on the
following page and make sure you are on solid ethical ground. |
Quick
Quiz - When In Doubt, Ask Yourself:..
1.
Are my actions legal?
2.
Am I being fair and honest?
3.
Will my action stand the test of time?
4.
How will I feel about myself afterwards? 5. How will it look in the newspaper?
6.
Will I sleep soundly tonight?
7.
What would I tell my child to do? |
If
you are still not sure what to do, ask... and keep asking until you are
certain you are doing the right thing. |
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