42 U.S.C. § 2210a: Conflicts of interest relating to contracts and other arrangements

being able to render impartial, technically sound, or objective assistance or advice in light of other activities or relationships with other persons, or being given an unfair competitive advantage. Such person shall insure, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Commission, compliance with this section by any subcontractor (other than a supply subcontractor) of such person in the case of any subcontract for more than $10,000. it is unlikely that a conflict of interest would exist, or such conflict has been avoided after appropriate conditions have been included in such contract, agreement, or arrangement; except that if the Commission determines that such conflict of interest exists and that such conflict of interest cannot be avoided by including appropriate conditions therein, the Commission may enter into such contract, agreement, or arrangement, if the Commission determines that it is in the best interests of the United States to do so and includes appropriate conditions in such contract, agreement, or arrangement to mitigate such conflict. the conflict of interest cannot be mitigated; and adequate justification exists to proceed without mitigation of the conflict of interest. The Commission shall publish rules for the implementation of this section, in accordance with section 553 of title 5 (without regard to subsection (a)(2) thereof) as soon as practicable after November 6, 1978 , but in no event later than 120 days after such date.