What is a Letter of No Objection?

A Letter of No Objection is a written statement from a federal agency or department which clarifies that the employing agency does not object to an employee or the close family member of an employee receiving certification from an SBA contracting program; that such certification would not violate any of the employing agency’s specific ethics rules; and that there are no ethical concerns with the business pursuing federal contracts. The appropriate department or military service personnel, such as an ethics official sign it. 

The federal government is responsible for ensuring contracts are awarded fairly and equitably. Federal ethics guidelines limit the award of federal contracts to businesses owned or controlled by government employees or close family members of government employees. These ethics rules are intended to prevent conflicts of interest in performing government duties and favoritism or preferential treatment within the procurement process.