7-6.1 Examples of Deviations

COs will forward deviation requests through the appropriate organizational channels to approval officials who keep copies of all deviation approvals (portfolio managers are delegated authority to approve one time deviations and may redelegate this one time approval authority to their direct reports. The VP, SM, may approve any request for deviations regarding a single purchase or series of purchases.) Following are some examples of deviations:

• Omitting or modifying a provision or clause required by a Practice.
• Supplementing a provision or clause required by a Practice with another provision or clause in a manner that modifies the substance or intent of the original provision or clause.
• Using a provision or clause that differs from the provision or clause required by a Practice that is in regard to the same topic and subject matter.
• Failure to follow a practice that is mandatory within the context of a given business situation.

However, using provisions or clauses included in these practices to replace selected text contained in Provision 4-1: Standard Solicitation Provisions, and Provision 4-2: Evaluation, and Clause 4-1: General Terms and Conditions, does not constitute a deviation and does not require authorization.

Following are some examples of situations that are not considered deviations:

• Clauses written to meet the requirements of a specific purchasing situation that is not outlined in the Practices.
• Procedures or instructions that are developed to meet specific operational needs with the approval of the VP, SM.
• Interim procedures or instructions used to try or test out new techniques and methods.
• Interim procedures or instructions used to promote Postal Service efficiency.