Selling to State and Local Governments: A Discussion on Pay-to-Play, Lobbying, and Gift Issues

This moderated discussion will identify compliance issues for state and local government contractors. A business may be subject to special restrictions or disclosure requirements regarding its political activities, sales activities may trigger lobbying disclosure, and entertaining potential clients may violate government ethics rules. Rules vary by jurisdiction, but the panelists will discuss common pitfalls and best practices that contractors should know.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand how state and local contractors may be subject to special rules on political activities and what to do next

2. Identify triggers for when lobbying registration and reporting are required in the context of sales to state agencies

3. Discuss how to provide gifts and entertainment to state and local officials