2-6.2 Communication Care must be taken to ensure that these conversations are not perceived to be the promise of a future contract. Effective communication is required among the purchase⁄SCM team, suppliers, and any other members of the Postal Service involved. Communication is imperative for the suppliers to effectively contribute; it enables the purchase⁄SCM team to: Understand, collate, and analyze what is heard from suppliers. Engage with suppliers as equals and partners, taking their thoughts and advice into consideration while retaining authority over the process as a whole. Impart the results of supplier involvement to others clearly and effectively. Share information among the project’s participants.