EAO 578

Direct communications with a potential contracting partner over the terms of a prospective deal constitutes participating in a procurement or contract negotiation. Affiliates are different persons for purposes of Chapter 572 of the Government Code. Therefore, Section 572.069 of the Government Code does not prohibit a former employee of a state agency from accepting employment from an affiliate of a person that was involved in procurements or contract negotiations in which the employee participated during his state service.