§  1.3002   Structural rules and prohibitions.

   (a) General prohibitions. An employee shall not:

   (1) Directly or indirectly, solicit or coerce the offering of a gift,
   donation or bequest to the Commission from a regulated entity or other
   prohibited source; or

   (2) Accept gifts of cash pursuant to this subpart.

   (b) Referral of offers to designated agency ethics official. Any person
   who seeks to offer any gift to the Commission under the provisions of
   this subpart shall make such offer to the Commission's designated
   agency ethics official. In addition, any Commission employee who is
   contacted by a potential donor or the representative thereof for the
   purpose of discussing the possibility of making a gift, donation or
   bequest to the Commission shall immediately refer such person or
   persons to the Commission's designated agency ethics official. The
   designated agency ethics official shall, in consultation with other
   agency ethics officials, make a determination concerning whether
   acceptance of such offers would create a conflict of interest or the
   appearance of a conflict of interest. Agency ethics officials may also
   advise potential donors and their representatives of the types of
   equipment, property or services that may be of use to the Commission
   and the procedures for effectuating gifts set forth in this subpart.
   The Commission may, in its discretion, afford public notice before
   accepting any gift under authority of this subpart.