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Updated on March 3, 2025

Widely Attended Gatherings (WAG) Questionnaire

Important: After you click on "Submit", scroll to the BOTTOM of the page. If you see an asterisk*, you need to go back through the form and answer the questions that *requires information to process.

Non-Federal Entities inviting DoD personnel to an event should complete this Widely Attended Gatherings (WAG) Questionnaire to provide the necessary information for Ethics Review

A Widely Attended Gathering is an event where attendance is generally expected to include a significant number of individuals from various sectors, often including both public and private entities. These gatherings can encompass conferences, seminars, workshops, and social events that are open to a broad audience. Within the context of the Department of Defense, such events may involve discussions on policy, technology, and collaboration with non-federal entities.

For members of the DoD, it is essential to assess the nature of these events before accepting invitations. Non-federal entities are required to provide specific information about their gatherings to ensure compliance with ethical standards and regulations set forth by the DoD. This includes details such as the event's purpose, agenda, and funding sources. The rationale behind this requirement is to prevent any potential conflicts of interest and to maintain transparency in interactions between government employees and private organizations.

Understanding the guidelines surrounding Widely Attended Gatherings helps to ensure that DoD personnel engage in events that align with their ethical obligations while fostering constructive partnerships with external organizations.

The Department of Defense Standards of Conduct Office regularly receives requests from non-Federal entities (e.g., defense contractors, professional associations, charities) to permit DoD personnel to accept the gift of free attendance at an upcoming event (e.g., gala, award ceremony, round table, luncheon). Department of Defense Standards of Conduct Office instituted a policy to no longer provide "blanket" WAG determinations for most events.

Instructions:

You cannot save information on the form and come back to it later. Allow yourself 15 minutes to complete.
Submitting this request constitutes that you have read, understand, and agree to the following.

This form should be submitted not less than 45 days in advance of a scheduled program. Final determination will occur no earlier than 90 days in advance. Please realize that all Armed Forces units have specific military missions and training requirements. Attendance in public programs will only be authorized when such support is in the best interests of the DoD and the Military Services and does not interfere with mission or training programs. In all cases, operational commitments must take priority and can cause previously scheduled appearances to be cancelled.
Submitting this request does not guarantee attendance.
In order to be processed, you must answer each question on this form. Your request will not be processed until each question is answered. Unanswered questions will result in a delay and subject to unavailability.
Spell out each acronym.
DoD attendance is subject to last-minute cancellation due to mission requirements with little-or- no notice. A back-up plan is recommended.
Certify you are 18 years old or older.
You understand that you are acting on behalf of the requesting organization and certify that the information provided is complete and accurate to the best of your knowledge. You understand that representatives from the military services will contact me to discuss arrangements involved prior to final commitment, or to inform me of their inability to attend this event. You also understand that operational commitments take priority and can preclude a scheduled appearance at an approved public activity.
The appropriate DoD Ethics Officials must make a decision for respective Service or DoD Agency clients/invitees.

Name and contact information for a point of contact who can provide prompt responses to any concerns or questions.

Name of Invitee(s):

Indicate if invitee(s) are authorized to bring guests and number

Name of the event:

Sponsor(s) or organizer(s) of the event:

Date of the event:

Location of the event:

Unit

Street

City

Region

Zip

Nature and purpose of the event:

Approximate total number of attendees:

Is an entity other than the event sponsor paying the cost for DoD invitees?

If YES - Identify that entity and the names of the DoD invitees it will pay for.

Is an entity other than the sponsor designating the DoD invitees?

If YES - Identify that entity and the names of the DoD invitees that it designates.

Does the invitation include an unsolicited offer for the employee to bring a guest?

If YES - How many?

Will others in attendance also be accompanied by a guest?

Does the person / organization extending the invitation have any matter(s) pending before DoD and, if so, is the DoD employee who has been invited to the event involved in these matters? If Yes, Explain.

What is the estimated cost per person of food, refreshments and entertainment at the event? $_______ per person.

If different from the value listed in question above, identify the ticket or entry fee cost to attend the event. Tickets cost $_____ per person

Identify other gifts being offered in addition to free attendance (i.e., free parking, memento, transportation, etc.)

Identify the estimated cost of these other gifts.

Is this a fundraising event (e.g., is any portion of the admission price tax deductible)?

If available, portion of admission suggested as tax deductible

Is this an event recurring from year to year?

What agency interests are served by having the individual attend the event?

Link to Invitation or Event

Is there anything else you feel we should be aware of?

Widely Attended Gathering (WAG) Requests

Widely Attended Gatherings (WAG) Questionnaire

Widely Attended Gathering Form Starts Here