Information Technology Use Policy

Purpose

This policy defines the appropriate use of Information Technology equipment and services by GovC employees.

Definitions

Information Technology – All telephone equipment, wireless devices, computer hardware, software, networks, photographic and audio recording devices, voice/fax/data services, internet services, and other similar property or systems that are provided by GovC or its customers.

Policy

General

Information Technology equipment and services, along with all electronic storage of data, are provided to employees for business use and are considered GovC property. Access to Information Technology equipment and services imposes certain responsibilities and obligations. Access will be granted subject to required compliance with all GovC policies and any applicable laws and regulations. All Information Technology equipment and services are subject to inspection, examination, monitoring, or disclosure by GovC, and users should not have any expectation of privacy with respect to any Information Technology equipment and services.

Personal Use of E-Mail, Internet and Telephones

E-mail systems, internet access, instant messaging and local telephone services that are provided by GovC may be used by employees for occasional and limited personal communications. However, employees are specifically prohibited from personal use of Information Technology resources that involve metered or usage-based fees (e.g. long-distance telephone service). All personal use of Information Technology should be confined to work breaks and other free time.

E-Mail Messages - GovC E-mail messages are commercial communications which carry no special privacy rights. Although certain laws restrict access to and distribution of E-mail messages, system users should assume that E-mail messages may be saved, copied and/or reviewed by GovC personnel, government regulators, or others.

Customer Site and Use of Customer Provided IT

GovC personnel located at customer sites, or using government provided equipment must adhere to the applicable policies of the customer.

GovC Rights to IT - As the owner, provider or coordinator of Information Technology, GovC has the right, with or without notice, to inspect, examine, monitor, or disclose usage of these resources. GovC may access employee E-mail, internet access records, telephone and wireless device usage records, computer files, computer networks, or other GovC owned or controlled property for purposes that include, but are not limited to: (a) monitoring and enforcing compliance with this policy; (b) quality control; (c) assessing job performance; and (d) monitoring compliance with Federal, State and Local laws.

Policy Violations - It is a violation of this policy for a GovC employee to use Information Technology in any way that:

1. Fails to comply with Federal, State or Local statutes and/or regulations;

2. Fails to comply with GovC policies and guidelines in the areas of ethics, professional conduct, anti-discrimination, and anti-harassment in the workplace;

3. Accesses, transmits, or downloads pornographic or obscene information or content;

4. Fails to comply with copyright, licensing or other intellectual property protections or use restrictions;

5. Transports or transmits classified, sensitive, or confidential information in violation of governmental or contractual requirements;

6. Inappropriately discloses or solicits the intellectual property, confidential information, or proprietary information of GovC or others without prior written authorization from the owner(s) of such information;

Employees found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary review and action up to and including termination of employment with GovC. Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of all employees to ensure that Information Technology equipment, services and data provided by GovC are used appropriately, responsibly, in a professional manner, and in accordance with this policy.