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Bechtel’s Impact Report

Business Ethics

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Bechtel procurement policy on business ethics

Code of Conduct front coverOur Code of Conduct summarizes the standards of conduct that guide our actions; it applies globally to all Bechtel employees as well as to members of the board of directors, agents, consultants, contract labor, and others when they are representing or acting for, or on behalf of, Bechtel. We seek customers and partners who share our values and standards of conduct, and we expect our partners, subcontractors, and suppliers worldwide to be guided by these principles as well.

A basic component of Bechtel’s policy on business conduct is, of course, compliance with law. The Bechtel group of companies and its employees are subject to and must comply with all applicable laws of the United States and the countries in which they do business. The same applies to our suppliers and subcontractors. Although some Bechtel policies are based on legal requirements, others embody our company’s broader commitment to ethical business conduct.


General standards

Fair treatment

Bechtel employees are expected to act fairly at all times. This includes not allowing undue external factors to interfere with the implementation of our fair-treatment policy and avoiding actions that might create a perception that suppliers or contractors have “a friend at Bechtel” who could exert improper influence on their behalf.

No misrepresentation

Honesty is an integral part of ethical behavior, and trustworthiness is essential for strong, lasting relationships. Bechtel employees may not misrepresent themselves, including their level of authority, or the company to anyone. We expect the same of our suppliers.

Proprietary and confidential information

Bechtel respects the confidentiality of proprietary information received from suppliers and contractors, and Bechtel employees will not improperly use or disclose such information. Likewise, when suppliers have access to information that is proprietary to Bechtel, we expect them to protect and maintain its confidentiality as well.

Gifts and entertainment

Bechtel chooses its suppliers and contractors based on the quality and value of the goods and services that they are able to provide. It is Bechtel’s policy to never solicit or accept gifts or gratuities that may influence or appear to influence a Bechtel employee’s decision in the selection of bidders for the supply of equipment or services. Therefore, suppliers and contractors should refrain from offering anything to Bechtel employees. Modest promotion items may be acceptable, but all gifts that exceed nominal value, are given to improperly influence a Bechtel employee, or otherwise are prohibited by law will not be accepted by Bechtel or its employees.

Conflicts of interest

Employee participation in outside activities should not infringe on an employee’s ability to do his or her assigned Bechtel job and may require advance approval. Bechtel employees may not, as a general rule, be a supplier to Bechtel or work for a potential supplier while employed by Bechtel.

Raising ethics or compliance questions and concerns

Bechtel suppliers, subcontractors, and other third party business partners can ask questions about our Code of Conduct or report any suspected misconduct involving Bechtel through the Bechtel Ethics Help Line, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Read our Ethics policy.