Spiffs, or spiffy sales incentives, are fairly common in the private sector. Do a great job in a sales demo? You might get a gift card. Go above and beyond in a briefing? Your boss may treat you to lunch. Celebrate your employment anniversary? Maybe a coffee card or flowers.
Government employees, meanwhile, are sitting and thinking – huh? Spiffs aren’t just uncommon in federal government, the Department of Justice has deemed them illegal for government purchases. When it comes to simple gifting, federal employees have actual dollar limits on gifts they can receive. Why the hullabaloo? Events in Washington, D.C. last week highlight just why that’s the case.
In a story that seems made for TV, two individuals were arrested last week after two men were arrested on charges of “False Impersonation of an Officer of the United States.” The individuals set up a penthouse lifestyle in a luxury D.C. apartment complex and then proceeded to dish out spiffs left and right, from alleged use of a government vehicle to free apartments and even weapons. Even if the story the individuals were dishing was believed, it is clear the government employees on the receiving end weren’t familiar with the government’s negative policy toward unofficial bonuses. The government doesn’t give any gifts that don’t come with a tax statement and a paperwork trail.
One might assume that gifting rules just apply to what federal government employees can receive from vendors or contractors. But the rules also apply to outside organizations. That’s why government employees are often squirrely about any event that requires them to accept anything. And it’s also why sometimes you see a special table at an event exclusively for government attendees – i.e., it’s the one with the cheap meal and no swag.
Those rules often seem over the top. Until you read a story like the one that unfolded last week, and see the (incredibly small) number of very gullible government employees who don’t realize over-the-top gifts aren’t one of the perks that come with a government job. Even if the offer comes from within your agency, it should go without saying the government – even a special secret group – is not going to be gifting you a penthouse apartment or a free ride for your spouse.
