Table of Contents: 1 Authority, Responsibility and Policy

1 Authority, Responsibility and Policy

1.1 Authority and Responsibility

1.1.1 Purchasing Manual

1.1.1.b Background

1.1.2 Responsibility for Purchasing Policy

1.1.2.b Purchasing Policy Committee

1.2 Publication and Changes

1.2.1 Publication

1.2.1.b Availability

1.3.2 Authorization of Deviations

1.3.2.b Approval

1.4 Purchasing Authority

1.4.1 Vice President, Purchasing and Materials

1.4.2 Delegations of Authority

1.5 Contracting Officers

1.5.1 Authority

1.5.2 Delegations

1.5.3 Actions Exceeding a Contracting Officer's Authority

1.5.4 Contracting Officers' Representatives

1.5.5 Appointment and Selection

1.5.5.a Appointment Authority

1.5.5.b Selection

1.5.6 Waivers and Interim Appointments

1.5.7 Continuing Professionalism

1.5.8 Termination

1.6 Meaning of Words and Terms

1.6.2 Definitions

1.7 General Policies

1.7.1 Competition

1.7.2 Best Value

1.7.3 Contracts with Postal Service Employees and Their Immediate Families

1.7.4 Release and Exchange of Information

1.7.5 Privacy Protection

1.7.6 Advance Payments and Progress Payments

1.7.6.c Progress Payments

1.7.7 Conflicts of Interest

1.7.7.a Organizational Conflicts of Interest

1.7.8 Standards of Conduct

1.7.9 Gratuities or Gifts

1.7.10 Supplier Clearances

1.7.11 Strategic Alliances

1.7.12 Buy American Policy

1.7.12.b Supplies

1.7.12.c Construction Materials

1.7.12.d List of Excepted Articles and Materials

1.7.13 Contracts with Former Postal Service Officers, Executives, and Employees

1.7.13.a General. The Postal Service contracts with former officers, executives, and employees when their expertise is deemed important to furthering the business and competitive interests of the Postal Service. Whether these individuals are the subject of personal services contracts, or are key personnel, experts, or consultants employed by a supplier, the following restrictions apply and these procedures must be followed.

1.7.13.b Contracts with Former Officers and Executives

1.7.13.c Contracts with Other Former Employees

1.7.14 Year 2000 Compliance

1.8 Anticompetitive Practices

1.9 Contingent Fees

1.9.2 Representation and Clause

1.9.3 Bona Fide Employee or Agency

1.9.4 Misrepresentation or Violation

1.10 Administrative Matters

1.10.1 Electronic Commerce