In an election year, the internet is littered with politics, or maybe your angry aunt on Facebook just makes it seem that way. Elections affect many industries, including national security and its workforce. And if you work in the DC metro, you’re likely tired of the chatter already.
The line drawn between what you do professionally and your own personal politics may seem grayed… however, political contributions as a contractor are pretty black and white.
Can Federal Contractors Make Political Donations?
One investigator asks:
“Does anyone know the clear guidance for contract investigators making political donations to federal campaigns? I read this guidance and it appears we cannot donate, but I can hardly believe this applies to us lowly contract investigators??? I’m ready to quit this job and donate to help unite this melting pot of a country 🙂”
Per the Federal Election Commission, “Federal government contractors are prohibited from making contributions or expenditures, or promising to make any such contribution or expenditure, to any political party, committee, or candidate for federal office, or to any person for any political purpose or use.”
Essentially, corporations are barred from making contributions in connection with federal elections.
However, an individual may make a contribution to party committees, subject to limits. Employees of federal government contractors can contribute from personal funds, allowing contributions from their personal accounts.
This question was posed from a subscriber at ClearanceJobsBlog.com, where you can read and discuss government security clearance process, how to get a security clearance job, and background investigations issues.
Much about the clearance process resembles the Pirate’s Code: “more what you’d call guidelines than actual rules.” This case-by-case system is meant to consider the whole person, increase process security, and allow the lowest-risk/highest-need candidates to complete the process. This article is intended as general information only and should not be construed as legal advice. Consult an attorney regarding your specific situation.
