Conflict of interest means that because of activities or relationships with other persons or organizations, a person is unable or potentially unable to render impartial assistance or advice to the Government, that the person’s objectivity in performing the contract is or might be otherwise impaired, or that the person has or might acquire an unfair competitive advantage.

Candidates are carefully screened for real or potential conflicts of interest. Information that is relevant to a conflict of interest determination includes stock holdings and investments of the candidate, the candidate’s spouse, and minor children; current positions held or under negotiation; any contracts, grants or cooperative research and development assignments candidate is working on or has under negotiation; any other sources of income; and any other relevant information that may have a bearing on the candidate's proposed participation in the Fellowship Program.

Candidates must be free of conflict of interest prior to becoming MDFP participants.