CFR > Title 43 - Public Lands: Interior > SUBTITLE A—Office of the Secretary of the Interior > PART 2—RECORDS AND TESTIMONY; FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT > SUBPART H—Legal Process: Testimony by Employees and Production of Records (§2.80 to §2.90) > 2.90—Must I get approval before testifying as an expert witness on a subject outside the scope of my official duties?

2.90—Must I get approval before testifying as an expert witness on a subject outside the scope of my official duties?

(a) You must comply with 5 CFR 2635.805(c), which details the authorization procedure for an employee to testify as an expert witness, not on behalf of the United States, in any judicial or administrative proceeding in which the United States is a party or has a direct and substantial interest. This procedure means:
(1) You must obtain the written approval of your Deputy Ethics Official;
(2) You must be in an approved leave status if you testify during duty hours; and
(3) You must state for the record that you are appearing as a private individual and that your testimony does not represent the official views of the Department.
(b) If you testify as an expert witness on a matter outside the scope of your official duties, and which is not covered by paragraph (a) of this section, you must comply with 5 CFR 2635.802 and CFR 3501.105.