Generally, the Postal Service accepts the supplier’s product or service when it conforms to the contract specifications or criteria. At the time of acceptance, no outstanding nonconformities remain. The Postal Service’s payment to the supplier prior to a timely rejection of the supplier’s product or service does not constitute acceptance.
Acceptance is the responsibility of the CO or the COR. However, acceptance can be performed by the client for direct delivery items. When this responsibility is assigned to a COR or other party, acceptance by that person is binding on the Postal Service. COs may contract with third parties to perform contract administration responsibilities related to acceptance.
Contracts should specify the place of acceptance. Products accepted at a place other than destination may not be Inspected (inspection process determines whether the purchase will be accepted or rejected) again for acceptance at destination, but should be examined for quantity, damage in transit, and possible substitution or fraud. Additional information on Inspection can be found in Section 4-3, Receipt and Inspection.
