Code of ethics for a cleared defense workforce
The IH Services Code of Ethics
Twelve principles every employee, and everyone we do business with, is expected to live by. Eight cover how we treat people, customers, and the law. Four cover the security duties that come with working on cleared sites.
The IH Services code of ethics sets 12 principles for our employees and anyone we do business with. Principles 1 to 8 cover personal respect, respect for customers, society, the environment, and the company, and compliance with the law, business standards, and corporate policies. Principles 9 to 12 cover security: SEAD 3 self-reporting, reporting security concerns, protecting national security interests, and the integrity of security clearances.
How we treat people, customers, and the law
Personal respect
We respect all individuals, whatever their origin, beliefs or age, and we do not tolerate discrimination. We are also committed to equal employment opportunity.
Respect for customers
Clients are our priority. Therefore, we shall always deal with our clients in an honest, efficient and courteous manner. We shall also abide by our commitments to customers.
Respect for society
We shall be honest, efficient and courteous in all dealings with institutions, authorities and incorporated groups, as well as their representatives.
Respect for the environment
All IH Services’ business and affairs comply with applicable environmental rules. We shall not pollute or cause any environmental risk in any of our clients’ or IH Services’ premises.
Respect for the company and its interests
We shall be honest, loyal and transparent in the exercise of our functions, duties and responsibilities at work. We shall neither compete, directly or indirectly, with IH Services nor disclose any of IH Services’ confidential proprietary information.
Conformity with the law
We ensure that all IH Services’ businesses and affairs comply with the law in all material respects. We do not tolerate any activity, behavior, act or omission which constitutes a criminal offence.
Compliance with business standards
We neither carry out unlawful business operations nor participate in a black market for goods and services. We do not use blackmail or other illegal means in business dealings.
Compliance with corporate policies and procedures
We adhere to the letter of corporate policies and procedures and do not deliberately circumvent them.
Our security obligations on cleared sites
Most facility services codes stop at honesty and safety. Ours goes further, because our crews work inside cleared facilities, classified workspaces, and restricted areas. As a result, these four principles carry the same weight as the first eight.
Self-reporting and personal life changes
Employees holding a security clearance must comply with Security Executive Agent Directive 3 and complete self-reporting for all unofficial foreign travel, foreign contacts and activities, and any personal life changes. Ethical conduct requires cleared personnel to be aware of all of their self-reporting requirements and timely completion.
Reporting security concerns
Employees have an ethical obligation to promptly report security violations, suspicious contacts, unauthorized disclosures, foreign travel reporting requirements, attempted access to restricted information, and any concerns about compliance with foreign ownership, control, or influence (FOCI) mitigation requirements.
Duty to protect national security interests
Every employee working in support of government contracts or within a cleared environment shares the responsibility for protecting national security interests. Ethical conduct requires vigilance, accountability, and strict adherence to all security policies, procedures, and contractual obligations.
Integrity of security clearances
Employees working in cleared facilities, classified workspaces, or restricted areas must comply with all physical security, visitor control, and badge requirements, and must report attempted access to restricted information or any activity that may compromise company, customer, or national security interests.
For defense contractors, the NISPOM rule (32 CFR Part 117) incorporates the SEAD 3 reporting requirements that principle 9 refers to, such as reporting foreign travel and foreign contacts.
Ethics is our force multiplier. Live these twelve principles every shift and you multiply the FORCE of everyone beside you: safer people, honest work, less waste, and clients who never wait.
Our code of ethics for sourcing and supplier quality teams
If your supplier questionnaire asks for a code of ethics or code of conduct, download the one-page PDF above for your file. For the rest of our qualification data, including CAGE code, UEI, NAICS codes, and safety rates, see supplier qualification data. For our security program, see certifications and compliance.
Code of ethics: questions buyers ask
What is the IH Services Code of Ethics?
The IH Services Code of Ethics is a set of 12 principles that every employee, and anyone IH Services does business with, is expected to follow. The first eight cover respect for people, customers, society, the environment, and the company, along with compliance with the law, business standards, and corporate policies. The last four cover the security duties of people who work on cleared sites.
Who must follow the IH Services Code of Ethics?
All IH Services employees, and anyone IH Services does business with, including suppliers and subcontractors. In addition, principles 9 to 12 apply specifically to employees who hold a security clearance or work in cleared facilities, classified workspaces, or restricted areas.
How does the code address security clearances?
Four principles cover it. First, cleared employees must comply with Security Executive Agent Directive 3 and complete their self-reporting on time. Second, every employee must promptly report security concerns. Third, everyone supporting government contracts shares the duty to protect national security interests. Finally, employees in cleared or restricted areas must follow all physical security, visitor control, and badge requirements.
What is Security Executive Agent Directive 3 (SEAD 3)?
SEAD 3 sets the reporting requirements for people who hold a security clearance. For defense contractors, the NISPOM rule, 32 CFR Part 117, incorporates SEAD 3, including the reporting of foreign travel and foreign contacts. Under principle 9 of our code, every cleared IH Services employee must comply with it.
Can I download the IH Services Code of Ethics?
Yes. A one-page PDF of the code is available on this page for your supplier file or qualification questionnaire.