The Postal Service prefers to buy commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technology rather than make or develop its own unique, custom-designed solutions. Occasionally, however, the Postal Service needs to accommodate a unique process or nonstandard need. Whenever possible, the purchase/SCM team should reevaluate client requirements to ensure conformity with existing technology and to minimize customization of COTS products and the time and expense of programming and maintenance associated with this customization.
