Anti-Human Trafficking Code of Conduct

Purpose:

This Order sets forth the General Services Administration’s (GSA’s) policy on preventing Human Trafficking. The Anti-Human Trafficking Code of Conduct implements the Federal law cited in the “Reference” section of this Order.

Background:

On January 5, 2023, the Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2022 (“the Act”), Public Law 117-348, was signed into law requiring the Government to make certain efforts to prevent human trafficking.  Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons, involves the exploitation of someone for the purpose of compelled labor or a commercial sex act using force, fraud, or coercion.  Human trafficking happens everywhere and is a violation of human rights and Federal law. GSA’s Anti-Human Trafficking Code of Conduct supports the Government’s efforts under the Act to deter activities that will facilitate and support trafficking in persons. The Act prohibits employees from engaging in human trafficking while employed by the Government in a full-time or part-time capacity.  It also requires executive branch employees to receive human trafficking training and be equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to prevent, recognize, report, and address human trafficking.  Employees are required to report any suspected cases of misconduct, waste, fraud, or abuse relating to trafficking in persons to the Inspector General and GSA’s agency trafficking in persons point of contact.

Applicability:

This Order applies to:

1. All GSA employees, including temporary employees, persons stationed abroad while working for the United States, and detailees from other Government agencies.
2. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) only to the extent that the OIG determines it is consistent with the OIG’s independent authority under the IG Act, and it does not conflict with other OIG policies or the OIG mission.
3. The Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (CBCA) only to the extent that the CBCA determines it is consistent with the CBCA’s independent authority under the Contract Disputes Act, and it does not conflict with other CBCA policies or the CBCA mission.

Summary of Changes:

Not Applicable

Cancellation:

This Order does not cancel or supersede any previous Order.

Roles and Responsibilities:

1. The Office of the General Counsel is responsible for providing advice and counsel to ensure the Order is carried out in accordance with applicable laws.
2. The Office of Human Resources Management is responsible for ensuring the training and certification tracking requirements related to this Order are carried out in accordance with applicable laws and bargaining unit obligations.
3. The Office of Mission Assurance serves as the agency trafficking in persons point of contact for any suspected cases of misconduct, waste, fraud, or abuse relating to trafficking in persons.
4. The OIG is responsible for investigating any suspected cases of misconduct, waste, fraud, or abuse relating to trafficking in persons. The OIG is also required, in consultation with the Administrator, to submit an annual report to Congress, which shall be publicly accessible, containing (1) the number of suspected violations reported; (2) the number of investigations; (3) the status and outcomes of such investigations; and (4) any recommended actions to improve the program and operations.