1 Authority, Responsibility and Policy

1 Authority, Responsibility and Policy

1.1 Authority and Responsibility

1.1.1 Background

1.1.2 Responsibility for These Guidelines

1.2 Publication and Changes

1.2.1 Publication

1.3.2 Authorization of Deviations

1.3.2.b Approval

1.4 Purchasing Authority

1.4.1 Vice President, Supply Management

1.4.1.b Contracting Authority

1.4.2 Contracting Officers

1.4.3 Contracting Officers' Representatives

1.4.4 Appointment and Selection

1.4.4.a Appointment Authority

1.4.4.b Selection

1.4.5 Waivers and Interim Appointments

1.4.6 Continuing Professionalism

1.4.7 Termination

1.5 Meaning of Words and Terms

1.5.2 Definitions

1.6 General Policies

1.6.1 Business Objectives and Practices

1.6.2 Best Value

1.6.3 Competition

1.6.4 Contracts with Postal Service Employees and Their Immediate Families

1.6.5 Release and Exchange of Information

1.6.6 Privacy Protection

1.6.7 Advance Payments and Progress Payments

1.6.7.c Progress Payments

1.6.8 Conflicts of Interest

1.6.8.a Organizational Conflicts of Interest

1.6.9 Standards of Conduct

1.6.10 Gratuities or Gifts

1.6.11 Supplier Clearances

1.6.12 Strategic Alliances

1.6.13 Domestic Preference

1.6.13.c Construction Materials

1.6.13.d List of Excepted Articles and Materials

1.6.14 Contracts With Former Postal Service Officers, Executives, and Employees

1.6.14.b Contracts With Former Officers and Executives

1.6.14.c Contracts With Other Former Employees

1.7 Anticompetitive Practices

1.8 Contingent Fees

1.8.3 Bona Fide Employee or Agency

1.8.4 Misrepresentation or Violation