OCI

An Organizational Conflict of Interest exists when a contractor's relationships, interests, or activities may impair objectivity in performing contract work or create unfair competitive advantage. OCIs can arise from unequal access to information, biased ground rules, or impaired objectivity.

Contracting officers must identify and mitigate potential OCIs during acquisition planning and source selection. Contractors must disclose potential conflicts and may be required to implement mitigation plans. Unresolved OCIs can result in proposal rejection, contract termination, or debarment. Sophisticated contractors proactively manage potential conflicts through firewalls and recusal procedures.