WGU Courses and Certificates Ethics-In-Technology Question # 14 Topic 2 Discussion

Since the U.S. military contract explicitly requires new parts, using refurbished parts violates the contract and potentially U.S. federal regulations. The engineer ethically and legally must report this violation because it could:

Compromise national security

Violate contract law

Lead to safety risks in military operations

Reporting to a government agency (such as the Department of Defense or an inspector general) ensures that the issue is properly investigated and addressed.

Whistleblower Protection Act (1989) – Protects employees who report unethical or illegal activities.

Defense Contracting & Ethics (False Claims Act) – Companies must comply with military contract specifications.

Deontological Ethics (Moral Obligation to Report Violations) – Engineers have a duty to act responsibly when ethical violations occur.

ACM & IEEE Engineering Ethics – Require professionals to prioritize honesty, safety, and compliance with regulations.

Relevant Ethical References in Technology:Thus, the correct answer is A. Report the activities to the government, as the engineer must expose contract violations involving military equipment.