The USPS may use commercial third-party providers to make payments to suppliers on its behalf. A third-party provider may be used when it is a common practice in the commercial market place or when it is determined that a third-party provider can conduct reviews of billing information and make payments accurately and efficiently. When a third-party is used, the contracting officer must ensure that the contract provides controls and processes for the review and verification of billing information and that payment or any payment exceptions are properly authorized. The contract must also include the terms and conditions that detail the process and procedures for invoicing and payment to the third-party supplier for its reimbursements of payments made and for payment of services of the third-party provider.
