4-5.8 Simple Returns

A simple return is the actual return of a product to the supplier when the product does not mandate corrections or replacement. Items that are shipped without a receiving document or mistakenly delivered or accepted (such as wrong items or wrong quantity) are eligible for simple returns. Suppliers are responsible for delivering the items explicitly established in the awarded contract. The receiving activity or client should contact the contracting officer or the National Materials Customer Service for return authorization and instructions. Where a contract is involved, the contracting officer should be informed of the error and resolution. This information will be used by the contracting officer in supplier performance evaluations.

In accordance with Clause B-4: Variation in Quantity, the supplier is responsible for delivering each item quantity within any allowable variations. If the supplier delivers, and the Postal Service receives, quantities of any item in excess of the quantity called for (after considering any allowable variation in quantity), these excess quantities will be treated as being delivered for the supplier’s convenience. Quantities in excess of $100 will, at the option of the Postal Service, either be returned at the supplier’s expense or retained and paid for at the contract unit price. The Postal Service may retain excess quantities up to $100 in value without compensating the supplier for them, and the supplier waives all right, title, or interests in them. Items with a cumulative value of $100 are, therefore, “excepted” or “exempted” from returns.