Administrative Services

ASM Revision: Participation in Community Service Activities
Directives and Forms Update


 

ASM REVISION: Participation in Community Service Activities

Continuing to be a responsible and contributing member of the communities we serve is one of the main cornerstones of the Postal Service's long-term reform efforts. Throughout the organization, postal employees form community partnerships that improve the quality of life where they live and work.

Over time, the boundary of what the organization can and cannot do has become blurred. Below is a new policy that clarifies this issue so postal managers can make decisions that are in the best interest of customers, employees, and the organization.

Questions regarding the interpretation of this new policy can be directed to the Law Department.

Administrative Support Manual (ASM)

3 Communications

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33 Communications With the Public

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333 Community Relations

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333.7 Participation in Community Service Activities

.71 General

.711 Purpose

This policy is designed to assist the Postal Service and its employees in contributing to the health and well-being of the communities it serves, and to maintain and enhance its connection with the community while fulfilling its mission of accepting, processing, and delivering the mail reliably and efficiently.

.712 Definitions

For purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:

a. Accountable manager means an area vice president, vice president, or higher level officer only.

b. Charitable sponsorship means paying all or part of the entrance fee for an event on behalf of one or more Postal Service employees or customers when such fee exceeds the actual cost of participation and when this excess amount is, in effect, a donation to a non-profit organization. Common examples include the following:

(1) A charitable fund raising dinner for which the cost of a seat or table is considerably more than the market value of the food provided.

(2) A walk, run, or ride for which entrants are sponsored with donations to the organizer or a designated beneficiary.

Note: Advertising and marketing sponsorships intended primarily to promote the sale of Postal Service products and services are not included within this definition.

.713 Scope

The scope of this policy is as follows:

a. Activities Covered. Except as provided in 333.713b, this policy covers all proposed contributions of Postal Service money, property, time, or effort (i.e., work hours) to support a community service event, project, or cause.

b. Activities Not Covered. The following community service activities are authorized by other statutes, regulations, or policies and are therefore not covered by this policy:

(1) The Combined Federal Campaign (5 C.F.R.Part 950).

(2) The Postal Employees' Relief Fund (a charitable organization).

(3) The Employee Social and Recreational Fund (Employee & Labor Relations Manual (ELM) 615.4).

(4) Blood drives (ELM 519.25).

(5) Donations of surplus property (Handbook AS-701, Material Management, Subpart 647).

(6) Disposal of dead mail (Postal Operations Manual (POM) 691.5).

(7) Free or reduced rate mailings (39 C.F.R. Part 3001, Subpart C, Appendix A).

(8) Other programs established by Postal Service regulations or approved by the postmaster general.

.714 Responsibility

Only an area vice president or Headquarters officer may approve participation in a community service activity.

a. Field personnel must submit a request to the district manager, who upon concurrence will forward it to the area vice president for final approval.

b. Headquarters personnel must submit a request to the appropriate vice president.

Employees should seek approval only of activities that appear to comply with this policy and may reject proposed activities without seeking higher-level approval.

.72 Criteria

.721 Mandatory Criteria

To be approved, a community service activity must meet the following mandatory criteria:

a. Subject Matter. A community service project, event, or cause must fit within at least one of the following categories:
(1) Assisting victims of a disaster.

(2) Relieving hunger (including, but not limited to, food drives).

(3) Promoting education/literacy.

(4) Enhancing the environment (including, but not limited to, community cleanups).

(5) Promoting wellness (including, but not limited to, marrow donation, cancer research, and blood drives).

(6) Promoting child safety and well-being.

b. Avoid Controversy. A supported project, event, or cause must not be political or religious, and it must not be likely to involve the Postal Service in controversy.

c. Increase Brand Value. Support of a project, event, or cause must reflect favorably on the Postal Service and enhance the value of its brand.

d. Obtain Recognition. An accountable manager or designee must ensure that the Postal Service is suitably recognized for its support. The appropriate steps to follow are set forth in PS Form 3337-A, Community Service Participation Pre-Event Evaluation. See 333.76 and Exhibit 333.76.

e. Have Results Reported. To measure the value of community services activities, and to allow for publicity of such activities at the area and national levels, an accountable manager or designee must en-sure that PS Form 3337-B, Community Service Participation Post-Event Evaluation (see 333.77 and Exhibit 333.77), is completed and submitted to the following address:

COMMUNITY RELATIONS
US POSTAL SERVICE
475 L'ENFANT PLAZA SW RM 10523
WASHINGTON DC 20260-3100

.722 Suggested Criteria

In determining whether to support a particular charitable project, event, or cause, it is appropriate to consider whether this support is likely to benefit the Postal Service in some additional manner, such as by improving labor-management relations, enhancing employee development (e.g., managerial, technical, or interpersonal skills), or promoting Postal Service products and services.

.73 Employee Activity

.731 On-the-Clock

An accountable manager may authorize employees to provide community services on-the-clock only if such service meets all of the following conditions:

a. Meets the criteria set forth in 333.721.

b. Is entirely voluntary on the part of the participating employees.

c. Will not interfere with, or detract from, the successful completion of Postal Service business.

d. Is scheduled far enough in advance to avoid disruption of Postal Service business.

.732 Off-the-Clock

The Postal Service encourages its employees to volunteer and to contribute to the charities of their choice. Any employee who wishes to serve a charitable organization in an executive or board capacity should seek advice from a Postal Service ethics official before doing so. The wearing of Postal Service uniforms while off-the-clock is governed by ELM 934.6.

.74 Postal Service Property and Postal Service Funds

.741 Postal Service Property

This policy covers the following Postal Service property:

a. Communications Equipment. An accountable manager may approve incidental use of Postal Service communications equipment (electronic mail, telephones, fax machines, photocopiers, etc.) to disseminate information about a community service event or project for which employee work hours have been authorized under 333.731.

b.Vehicles or Facilities. Where appropriate, an accountable manager may approve incidental use of Postal Service vehicles or facilities in conjunction with a community service event or project for which employee work hours have been authorized under 333.731. In determining whether to approve such use, officials must consider the following:

(1) The risk of an accident or injury resulting from such use.

(2) The possible costs to the Postal Service of such an accident or injury.

(3) Postal Service policy regarding conduct on Postal Service property (POM 124).

· Only an appropriately rated Postal Service employee should operate a Postal Service vehicle. The Postal Service does not loan its vehicles to other organizations.

c. Postage. Except as provided by law or regulation, the Postal Service does not supply free or reduced-rate postage for the mailings of a charitable organization.

d. Postal Service Mailings. A mailing sent by the Postal Service under its own name and mailing permit may provide information about a community service event supported by the Postal Service.

.742 Postal Service Funds

This policy covers the following Postal Service funds:

a. Donations. Except as provided in 333.742b, this policy does not authorize the donation of Postal Service money to charities.

b. Charitable Sponsorships. An accountable manager may sponsor the participation of one or more employees or customers in a charitable event if all of the criteria in 333.721 are met and if there is adequate funding in an existing budget to pay for the sponsorship.

.75 Questions and Answers About the Postal Service's Community Service Policy

.751 General

Q The Postal Service serves communities all over the country by delivering mail. Why should it do anything else?

A Community service not only helps others, but it also helps boost employee morale and enhance the Postal Service's public image. The better our employees feel about the organization, the more motivated they will be to make it succeed. And if customers view the Postal Service as a positive force in their community, they will bring us more business.

Q How are our employees and customers going to know about our community service projects?

A This policy includes a pre-event evaluation (see 333.76 and Exhibit 333.76) that suggests many different ways of securing pre-event and day-of-event publicity. Italso includes a post-event evaluation (see 333.77and Exhibit 333.77) for submission to the Community Relations manager at Headquarters, who coordinates post-event recognition.

.752 Causes That Can Be Supported

Q Has the Postal Service decided to focus on certain causes?

A The policy lists six approved causes:

1. Assisting disaster victims.

2. Relieving hunger.

3. Promoting education/literacy.

4. Enhancing the environment.

5. Promoting wellness.

6. Promoting child safety and well-being.

Q Suppose the (fictitious) civic association called "Keep Downtown Beautiful" organizes an effort to restore Ye Olde Inne, a local landmark. May the Postal Service assist?

A No. Employees cannot be allowed to help out on official time because preserving history is not an approved cause. There are many worthwhile causes, but the Postal Service can best leverage its limited resources by focusing on just a few of them.

.753 Acceptable Actions by the Postal Service and Employees

The following questions and answers concern acceptable actions by the Postal Service and its employees regarding sponsoring employees, sponsoring customers, donating work hours, and publicizing events.

Q Suppose a (fictitious) organization called "Crisis Care" organizes a 5-mile walk for cancer survivors and their families, and three employees want to participate. The entrance fee is $500 per person. Can the Postal Service sponsor these employees?

A Yes. Since promoting wellness is an approved cause, the area vice president may sponsor the employees if there is adequate funding in an existing budget. No official below the area vice president may approve a community service sponsorship, or any other community service activity.

Q The policy says that the Postal Service can also sponsor the participation of customers in a charitable event. Who qualifies as a customer?

A A representative of a business mailer or commercial mailer.

Q Suppose "Keep Downtown Beautiful" schedules a clean-up day in the spring and asks all local businesses to help pick up trash, plant flowers, and paint over graffiti. Can the postmaster assign employees to help out?

A Yes. Since enhancing the environment is an approved cause, the postmaster can participate if he or she obtains approval from the area vice president, and if employee participation is entirely voluntary. The postmaster cannot order or pressure employees to participate in a community service event. If bargaining unit workers might be involved, the postmaster needs to talk to local union officials in advance about their participation. Also, the postmaster must put the needs of the Postal Service first - work on the clean-up cannot interfere with, or detract from, the successful completion of Postal Service business.

Q Suppose "Keep Downtown Beautiful" asks the post office to make copies of a flyer publicizing the clean-up day. Can the Postal Service approve this request?

A If the area vice president approves employee participation in the clean-up day, he or she may also allow incidental use of Postal Service communications equipment such as a photocopier or fax machine.

.754 Unacceptable Actions by the Postal Service and Employees

The following questions and answers concern unacceptable actions by the Postal Service and its employees regarding loaning vehicles, waiving postage costs, donating money, raising funds from employees and customers, and sponsoring events.

Q If "Keep Downtown Beautiful" needs a vehicle to haul painting and gardening equipment, can the postmaster loan one for a day?

A No. The Postal Service does not loan its vehicles to other organizations. However, if the area vice president has approved an appropriately rated employee to participate in the clean-up day, this employee may operate the vehicle. In deciding whether to authorize use of a Postal Service vehicle, an area vice president must weigh the risk of an accident or injury resulting from the proposed use and the possible costs to the Postal Service of an accident or injury.

Q Suppose "Keep Downtown Beautiful" wants to mail out flyers about the clean-up day. Can the Postal Service waive the cost of postage?

A No. The Postal Service may send out a mailing about a community service event that it is supporting, but the Postal Service must do so under its own name and mailing permit. The Postal Service cannot waive or reduce the cost of postage for any customer.

Q Suppose "Crisis Care" asks the postmaster for a $100 donation. Can this request be approved?

A No. The postmaster must refuse this request because the policy does not authorize the donation of Postal Service funds, even for an approved cause.

Q Suppose "Crisis Care" asks the postmaster to encourage employee contributions to its annual campaign, or to allow someone from "Crisis Care" to attend a stand- up talk and seek donations. Can this request be approved?

A No. The postmaster must decline these requests as well. It is unethical for a Postal Service official to solicit donations in the workplace, and it is illegal for an organization to solicit donations from Postal Service employees through any means other than the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). The postmaster could suggest that "Crisis Care" participate in the CFC if it is not already doing so.

Q Suppose "Crisis Care" asks the postmaster for permission to set up a table in the post office lobby so that it can solicit donations from Postal Service customers. Can this request be approved?

A No. The postmaster must also decline this request. The community service policy permits incidental use of Postal Service facilities in conjunction with an approved project or event, but this use must comply with the rules governing conduct on Postal Service property (POM 124.5). Except in very limited circumstances, it is illegal to solicit contributions on Postal Service premises.

Q Suppose "Crisis Care" is bringing a popular entertainment group to the local civic center for its biggest fund raiser of the year, and it offers the Postal Service the opportunity to be an official sponsor. For $20,000, the Postal Service could have its name and logo on all promotional materials, souvenirs, banners, etc., to promote its products and services at the event. Can this request be approved?

A No. Since Postal Service employees would not be participating in this event, it would not be a community service activity. However, it might be a worth while commercial sponsorship. The invitation should be referred to the Advertising manager at Headquarters.

.755 Organizations the Postal Service Can and Cannot Work With

The following questions and answers concern the acceptability or unacceptability of the Postal Service and its employees working with unions, churches, political groups, and controversial groups.

Q How does this policy affect the annual food drive sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC)?

A The policy allows the food drive to function as it has in the past.

Q Suppose the (fictitious) "First Baptist Church" organizes a campaign to provide clothing to people whose homes were destroyed by a hurricane. The minister asks the postmaster whether letter carriers could pick up donations from people's homes and bring them to a collection center. Can this request be approved?

A No. Even though assisting disaster victims is an approved cause, the area vice president should not approve this request. Although there is nothing religious about collecting clothing, doing so in conjunction with one particular denomination may be perceived as favoritism toward that denomination, even if no favoritism is intended. Other religious groups within the community may feel that they have been slighted.

Q Suppose a clothing drive similar to the one described above is organized by the (fictitious) "Interfaith Council," an ecumenical association of churches, temples, and mosques in the local metropolitan area. Could the Postal Service participate?

A If the "Interfaith Council" has a non-religious purpose, such as serving the needs of the disadvantaged, the area vice president could approve the Postal Service's participation in the clothing drive. However, if the council's main function is to promote religion, then the Postal Service should not participate in any of the council's functions.

Q Suppose a clothing drive similar to the one described above is organized by the (fictitious) political association called the "Young Federalists." Could the Postal Service participate?

A No. The area vice president should not approve this request. Again, although there is nothing political about collecting clothing, doing so in conjunction with one political party may be perceived as favoritism toward that party, even if no favoritism is intended. Members of other political parties may feel that they have been slighted. However, participation in community service activities sponsored by non-partisan organizations is acceptable.

Q Suppose "Crisis Care" organizes a 5-mile walk for gays with cancer, and three openly gay employees request Postal Service sponsorship. Can this request beapproved?

A Yes. The area vice president could sponsor the employees' participation in this walk if there is adequate funding in an existing budget. Although some people may object to a gay lifestyle, the Postal Service prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Therefore, as far as the Postal Service is concerned, supporting an organization's efforts to assist gays who are victims of cancer is not controversial. However, it is important to remember that the policy prohibits the Postal Service from promoting the political agenda of any organization. The event or project must serve an approved cause such as promoting wellness or relieving hunger.

Q Suppose a local health clinic widely known for performing abortions asks the Postal Service to buy a table at a fund-raising dinner. Can this request be approved?

A No. Although abortion is legal, it is very controversial, and the Postal Service has no policy for or against it. The Postal Service's mission is to help bind the nation together, and appearing to take a position one way or another on an issue of impassioned political debate would detract from this mission.

.76 Pre-Event Evaluation

.761 Purpose

Sponsorship and event marketing provide the Postal Service with an opportunity to solidify community goodwill by being a participant in recognized community activities. Properly conducted participation can enhance the good name of the Postal Service with exposure outside normal business channels. It also allows the Postal Service to identify new business opportunities.

Sponsorship and events involve a close association with a particular program. In return for this commitment, the Postal Service gains certain rights or entitlements that can be used as part of a comprehensive sales, marketing, promotional, and publicity opportunity. This entitlement should position the best business case for the Postal Service while fostering community/charitable involvement.

A sponsorship/event has a three-fold purpose:

1. To enhance the Postal Service's position in the community as an integral part of daily living.

2. To give employees a chance to be involved as volunteers and make them proud of Postal Service sponsorship.

3. To identify possible new sources of commercial and retail sales.

.76 PS Form 3337-A

The pre-event evaluation is designed to provide you with guidance for making a solid business decision regarding a charitable sponsorship or event. The first and most important task is to gather and research as much information as possible on potential prospects prior to making a decision.

When completing PS Form 3777-A, Community Service Participation Pre-event Evaluation, you don't need all "yes" answers to approve a sponsorship or event. However, in the final analysis, you should weigh the cost against the advertising and public relations value, retail sales opportunities, and employee involvement possibilities. A successful sponsorship or event is one that clearly meets or surpasses the criteria for making a good business case based on strong returns in finances, public relations, or employee relations.

In every case, the impact on your budget should be a strong consideration. Money for sponsorships and events should be considered and forecasted when preparing your annual marketing plan.

.763 Guidance for Completing PS Form 3337-A

Complete PS Form 3337-A as follows:

a. Section A: Pre-Event Assessment Steps. Always complete Section A. Then complete Section B through Section F as applicable (as marked in the answer to "Business Case" in the "Sponsorship/Event Information" section at the top of the form).

b. Section B: Commercial Sales. Sponsorship/events can be particularly beneficial in building the Postal Service's commercial business by helping to open new accounts through contracts with the sponsorship/event organizer and other companies that are participating in the program or that have a relationship with the sponsorship/event organizer.

c. Section C: Retail Sales. Sponsorship/events offer three potential sources of retail sales revenue:

(1) On-site sales of philatelic and retail merchandise, postage, and shipping services.

(2) Merchandise sales through local post offices immediately prior to and during the event.

(3) Direct-to-consumer/employee sales.

d. Section D: Advertising Value. Mass media advertising, on-site signs, and other entitlements are vehicles through which the Postal Service can solidify its association with a sponsorship/event and extend the value of its mainline advertising against a key audience segment.

e. Section E: Public Relations. Sponsorships/events provide an opportunity to generate non-paid, positive media impressions for the Postal Service. For example, sponsoring bicycling safety clinics conducted by members of the Cycling Team can generate significant broadcast and print media coverage and enhance the Postal Service's standing in the community. Public Affairs and Communications can assist you in identifying opportunities to obtain favorable publicity for the Postal Service based on participation in the sponsorship/event.

f. Section F: Employee Involvement. Sponsorship/events provide an opportunity to involve a broad range of Postal Service employees and their families in activities associated with the sponsorship/event program. The event can be used to reward extraordinary performance, increase pride in the Postal Service, celebrate the diversity of our workforce,and become involved in community relation programs that are extensions of participating in the sponsorship/event.

.764 Evaluation Assistance

Evaluation assistance for all of the various "business cases" (Sections B through F) is available from Marketing managers and advertising and promotion specialists. Evaluation assistance for a particular "business case" is also available from the following personnel:

a. For Section B, contact Sales.

b. For Section C, contact a Retail specialist.

c. For Section E, contact Public Affairs andCommunications.

d. For Section F, contact a Human Resource specialist.

.77 Post-Event Evaluation

.771 Purpose

It is essential to measure the value received from the sponsorship/event in which the Postal Service participated. The sponsorship/event should measure its performance against the objectives established in the pre-event assessment process. Objectives that were established in evaluating the sponsorship/event marketing opportunity can be compared with actual performance. The results are critical in determining future participation decisions and in strengthening the future negotiating position of the Postal Service regarding sponsorships/events. The Community Relations manager will conduct an annual review of the Postal Service's overall community outreach efforts.

.772 Procedure

PS Form 3337-B, Community Service Participation Post- event Evaluation, should be completed within 30 days of the sponsorship/event and forwarded to the following address:

COMMUNITY RELATIONS
US POSTAL SERVICE
475 L'ENFANT PLAZA SW RM 10523
WASHINGTON DC 20260-3100

Exhibit 333.76
PS Form 337-A, Community Service Participation Pre-event Evaluation (1 of 2)

Exhibit 333.76
PS Form 337-A, Community Service Participation Pre-event Evaluation (2 of 2)

Exhibit 333.77
PS Form 3337-B, Community Service Participation Post-event Evaluation

Directives and Forms Update

Effective immediately, Publication 223, Directives and Forms Catalog (June 1999), is revised. The tables below contain the document ID, edition date, title, national stock number (NSN), and the postal and public supply source for all new, revised, and obsolete directives and forms. Use this article to keep Publication 223 current. Information on how to order directives and forms can be found in chapter 1 of Publication 223.

IWEB = Intranet = http://blue.usps.gov; click on Information, then Policies and Procedures.WWW = USPS Web page = http://www.usps.com.PE = Postal Explorer = http://pe.usps.gov.F3 = F3 Fill Software.

New Directives

Revised Directives

Obsolete Directives

- Policies and Procedures Information, Public Affairs and Communications, 1-11-01

Customer Relations

Mail Alert

The mailings below will be deposited in the near future. Offices should honor the requested home delivery dates. Mailers wishing to participate in these alerts, for mailings of 1 million pieces or more, should contact Business Service Network Operations at 800-419-2769 at least one month preceding the requested delivery dates. The Postal Service also offers electronic Mail Alerts via ADVANCE. For more information, see the ADVANCE Notification & Tracking System Technical Guide on the Internet at http://www.ribbs.usps.gov/files/advance/ ADVTECH.PDF or contact the National Customer Support Center at 800-458-3181.

—Business Service Network Operations, Sales, 1-11-0

Domestic Mail

DMM REVISION

Labeling List Changes

Effective January 11, 2001, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) L001 and L002 are amended to reflect changes in mail processing operations. Although mailers are encouraged to label according to these revised lists immediately, they must comply with these changes no later than March 25, 2001. These changes will be incorporated into the online DMM available via Postal Explorer (http://pe.usps.gov) on February 8, 2001, and will be included in the printed version of DMM Issue 57.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

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L Labeling Lists

L000 General Use

L001 5-Digit Scheme - Periodicals Flats and Irregular Parcels and Standard Mail (A) Flats

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L002 3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Matrix

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- Logistics, Network Operations Management, 1-11-01

Breast Cancer Research Semipostal Stamp

The price of the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp will not be affected by the changes in postage rates starting January 7, 2001. The stamp will continue to be sold for 40 cents. The net differential above the new 34-cent First-Class single-piece first ounce rate and the selling price of 40 cents will be given to breast cancer research.

In accordance with Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) P022.1.6, the postage value of the Breast Cancer Research stamp is the First-Class singe-piece first ounce rate effective on the date of purchase. This implies that Breast Cancer Research stamps purchased before January 7, 2001, have a 33-cent postage value. However, since Breast Cancer Research stamps do not bear a numerical denomination, and there is no mechanism in place to distinguish Breast Cancer Research stamps by the date of purchase, it is presumed that, on or after January 7, 2001, Breast Cancer Research stamps will have a postage value equivalent to the First-Class first ounce rate effective on the date of posting (i.e., 34 cents). Therefore, pieces bearing Breast Cancer Research stamps on or after January 7, 2001, should not be treated as short paid mail.

- Corporate Accounting, Finance, 1-11-01

NOTICE:

New Signature Confirmation Service Launch Date February 4, 2001

February 4, 2001, is the new launch date for our latest special service, Signature ConfirmationTM. This date has been changed from the previously announced date ofJanuary 7, 2001. This service was approved as part of the Omnibus Rate, Fee and Classification Case, Docket No.R2000-1. The revisions to the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) necessary to implement Signature Confirmation service were introduced in Postal Bulletin 22039-A (12-21-00) as section S919.

Signature Confirmation service is highly anticipated by USPS mailers. It provides the sender with delivery date and time information, as well as the recipient's signature, printed name, and address upon request.

Available only at the time of mailing, Signature Confirmation will be sold for use on Priority Mail and Package Services (Parcel Post, Bound Printed Matter, Library Mail, and Media Mail). It will not be available for APO/FPO destinations or to United States territories, possessions, and freely associated states listed in DMM Section G011.2.0 (with the exception of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands).

A waiver of signature option will be available to customers. This option allows the delivery employee to sign for the article on the first delivery attempt, if the addressee or addressee's agent is not available to accept the mailing and the item can be left in a secure location.

On February 4th, this service can be purchased at the retail window for $1.75 per piece for Priority Mail and Package Services. We will also offer an electronic option at a reduced fee of $1.25 for mailers who establish an electronic link with the Postal Service.

Retail option customers will receive the typed first initial and last name of the recipient, as well as date, time, and ZIP Code of delivery by visiting the USPS Web site at www.usps.com. They will be able to receive informationon the date and time of delivery by calling the toll-free telephone number 1-800-222-1811. Customers will be able to request to have a copy of the delivery record faxed or mailed to them by visiting the Web site or calling the toll- free number. Information will be returned in a USPS response letter that includes an image of the recipient's signature, signature alternative, or legal mark, as well as printed name, address, and delivery information. When customers choose the waiver of signature option, a signature will not be included with the delivery information in the response letter.

Electronic option mailers will send and receive their Signature Confirmation information electronically. Complete information on the electronic option is available in Publication 91, Delivery Confirmation Services Technical Guide, November 2000.

When launched, Signature Confirmation service maybe combined with Insured Mail, Registered Mail, COD,and Special Handling. It can also be combined with Restricted Delivery if purchased with insurance for more than $50, COD or Registered Mail. Items must be endorsed accordingly.

Retail acceptance procedures for Signature Confirmation service are the same as for Delivery ConfirmationTM service using POS ONE, IRT, or handheld scanner. The new hot pink PS Form 153, Signature Confirmation retail label, is also similar to PS Form 152, Delivery Confirmation service label. The waiver of signature section on the PS Form 153 has been added for customers who wish to use that option. Delivery procedures are the same as those used for Express Mail.

A service talk for delivery employees and retail talking points will be in the next issue of the Postal Bulletin onJanuary 25, 2001.

This new service offers our expedited and package shippers a convenient and cost-effective proof of delivery service. Additional information on Signature Confirmation service can be found on the Postal Intranet, on the Delivery Confirmation site, at http://blue.usps.gov/delconf/ and after February 4, 2001, on the Internet at www.usps.com, keyword Signature Confirmation. For electronic customers, Publication 91, Delivery Confirmation Service Technical Guide, November 2000, has been updated with information on Signature Confirmation and is available on the USPS Internet Web site, keyword Pub 91.

- Information Systems,Expedited Package Services, 1-11-01