7-10.5 Submitting Improvement Opportunities

Anyone may propose an improvement opportunity (IO) for consideration. The stimulus for IOs can include, but are not limited to:

• Internal or external assessments (e.g., best practices).
• Management directives.
• Analysis of defects or root cause.
• Lessons learned.
• External process reviews (e.g., organizational-level reviews).

The originator(s) of an IO should complete and submit an IO form to SMI that identifies:

• Text (e.g., Process Step, Task, Topic, etc.) in which the change is sought.
• Proposed wording.
• Rationale for the change.
• Potential effects of the change in terms of cost or personnel.
• Other documents (e.g., supporting directives or manuals) that may or will be affected by the proposed changes.
• Any other relevant information.

Once received, IOs will be reviewed for effectiveness and, if appropriate, submitted to SCMC for review. SCMC will review all IOs that are submitted for consideration by SMI to determine which IOs will be recommended to the VP, SM, for approval. SMI is responsible for reviewing and approving changes that are administrative and editorial in nature.

Information on changes and updates to Postal Service SPs and Ps will be posted online in the “What’s New” section of this Web site. The originator of IOs will be notified of the result of their submission, whether approved or rejected.