Opinion Release Papers-10-02- Charitable Donations under the FCPA

What is a company to do if, in order to obtain a contract with a foreign government, they must agree to invest a percentage of the proceeds of the transaction into the community in which it operates as a “charitable donation”? This issue was considered in the second FCPA Opinion Procedure Release of 2010, 10-02. This issue is often negotiated with the foreign government and can include cash or in-kind contributions of computers, equipment or appliances to schools, communities or organizations. While not a payment to a governmental official, it is still a payment to a governmental entity for the purpose of securing a lucrative contract and requires careful consideration. This spectra is currently required in some countries by law and these payments have generated some questions with regard to compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) as such donations could be interpreted as corruptly giving or offering anything of value to any “foreign official” in order to assist “in obtaining or retaining business for or with, or directing any business to, any person . . . .” 15 U.S.C. § 78dd-2(a)(1).  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices