[vjvjvjvjghv]

Ethics rules only apply to the lower ranks and as far I know, they are quite strict. Once you move up the chain, most rules become optional.

[verst]

I was a GS-15 before (same level most CTOs in government have). Maybe senior executive service roles (SES) might not concern themselves with ethics violations.

In any case the vast majority of government employees are on the general schedule.