[Decision Concerning Retired Navy Officer's Activities as Government Contractor Employee]

The Navy requested a decision concerning whether a retired Navy officer's activities on behalf of a defense contractor constituted a conflict of interest. GAO held that the former officer's activities did not constitute a conflict of interest, since: (1) he did not participate in contract negotiations, but merely obtained technical background information for others to use; and (2) the contractor took precautionary steps to shield him from participating in contract negotiations. Accordingly, the Navy should not disturb the officer's retirement pay.