Organizational Conflict of Interest Policy

The California High-Speed Rail Authority adopted an Organizational Conflict of Interest Policy in September 2011 which prescribes ethical standards of conduct applicable to persons or entities entering into contracts with the California High-Speed Rail Authority as authorized under section 185000 et seq. of the California Public Utilities Code, and applies to subcontractors as well as prime contractors. This Policy is supplemental to the Authority’s general Conflict of Interest Code and does not modify or supersede any requirements in that Code.

This Policy is intended to accomplish the following: promote integrity, competitiveness transparency and fairness in the Authority’s procurements and contracts; prevent bidders and proposers from obtaining or appearing to obtain an unfair competitive advantage with respect to the Authority’s procurements and contracts; provide guidance to enable contractors to make informed decisions while conducting business with the Authority; and protect the Authority’s interests and confidential and sensitive information concerning the high-speed rail project.

Originally adopted in 2011, this policy was subsequently updated in 2020.

Organizational Conflict of Interest Policy

Public Comment Period on Amended Organizational Conflict of Interest Policy

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) is required under its federal grant agreements and various laws and regulations to have an Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCOI) Policy that includes procedures for identifying and preventing real and apparent organizational conflicts of interest. An organizational conflict of interest exists when the nature of the work to be performed may result in an unfair competitive advantage to the contractor or impair the contractor’s objectivity in performing the contract work.

The Authority has made proposed amendments to its OCOI Policy to provide clarification and align with current program direction. We are inviting the public to comment on the amended Policy.

Please provide any comments by Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 5:00PM via email to Legal@hsr.ca.gov.

LINK TO PROPOSED POLICY