- 8 - not be the basis for a genuine issue as to a material fact so as to preclude the use of summary judgment. Petitioner contends that it has shown that stock option costs would not be shared in an arm’s-length transaction. Petitioner’s proof on this point consists of the experiences of its officers and employees, some of whom have worked for or with unrelated third parties. Petitioner also relies on the fact that the Federal Acquisition Regulations System (FARS) classifies qualifying employee stock purchase plans as “noncompensatory.” That classification precludes payment by the Federal Government for costs of qualified employee stock options in connection with contracts governed by FARS. Because FARS governs all civil and military Federal executive branch contracts with private business for goods and services, petitioner reasons that a large number of “arm’s-length transactions” do not include the cost-sharing of employee stock options. Respondent counters that the regulations provide that all costs should be included and that stock option costs are “costs” that may be allocated. In addition, respondent relies on an expert’s opinion that stock option costs would be accounted for in an arm’s-length business relationship. Respondent also relies on what he believes are analogous court opinions in which the stock options have been treated as compensation or as part of the consideration for a transaction. Finally, respondent contendsPage: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011