What is the purpose of FAR’s conflict of interest regulations?

The purpose of the FAR's conflict of interest regulations is to ensure impartiality and fairness in procurement actions. These regulations are designed to prevent situations where personal interests might conflict with the interests of the government, thereby helping to maintain the integrity and trustworthiness of the procurement process. By addressing potential conflicts, the regulations promote fair competition and prevent unfair advantages, ensuring that all contractors can compete on a level playing field. This is essential for public trust and the effective use of government resources.

The other options do not accurately describe the primary intent of these regulations. For instance, while preventing unethical behavior could be a byproduct of enforcing conflict of interest rules, it does not encompass the broader objective of ensuring fairness in procurement actions. The regulations do not limit the types of products purchased or aim to increase contractor profits; rather, their focus is on maintaining integrity, thereby supporting the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the government acquisition process.