International Mail

ICM UPDATE

International Customized Mail

On November 17, 2000, the Postal Service amended an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement dated November 16, 1999. The Agreement was published on page 29 of Postal Bulletin 22014 (12-30-99). The Amendment modifies the Agreement to specify an acceptance site, to allow for single "end of run" pieces which are not included in International Priority Airmail (IPA) mailings, and to specify the rates. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service previously announced entering into an International Customized Mail Service Agreement with this qualifying mailer and hereby makes public the following information regarding this Amendment:

a. Term: Other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

b. Type of mail: Other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

c. Destination countries: Other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

d. Services provided by the Postal Service: Arrange to transport mail from the Mailer's production facility in Weston, FL, and the information service center (ISC) in Chicago to appropriate international destinations.

e. Minimum volume commitments: Other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

f. Worksharing: Other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

g. Rates: The Mailer will pay postage for all Qualifying Mail in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

No more than fifty (50) individually metered pieces of mail which would qualify as ICM mail if presented in bulk may be presented to the Detached Mail Unit at an agent's facility at a rate of $0.40 per piece.

h. Penalty: Other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

- International Business, 3-8-01

ICM UPDATE

International Customized Mail

On January 30, 2001, the Postal Service amended an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement dated August 17, 1998. The Agreement was published on page 43 of Postal Bulletin 21981 (9-24-98). The Amendment modifies the Agreement to extend the existing Agreement and to specify a new rate for Air Parcel Post that will become effective on February 1, 2001. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service previously announced entering into an International Customized Mail Service Agreement with this qualifying mailer and hereby makes public the following information regarding this Amendment:

a. Term: August 31, 1998, through April 30, 2001.

b. Type of mail: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

c. Destination countries: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

d. Services provided by the Postal Service: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

e. Minimum volume commitments: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

f. Worksharing: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

g. Rates: The postage for parcel shipments intended for delivery outside the United States shall be paid at a discount of one and one-half percent (1 1/2%) off nondiscounted published rates for all Air Parcel Post shipments worldwide.

- International Business, 3-8-01

ICM UPDATE

International Customized Mail

On January 25, 2001, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a qualifying mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service hereby makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: February 2, 2001, through August 2, 2006.

b. Type of mail: Priority Mail, Express Mail, Parcel Post, other International Products and Services, and other Domestic Products and Services. Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM and Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) for Qualifying Mail.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Services provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to:

1. Participate with Mailer in the development and execution of a joint commercial business plan.

2. Participate with Mailer in a joint management team to monitor service performance of ICM Mail and consider other subjects, as the team may deem necessary.

3. Participate with Mailer in joint marketing and sales efforts for the purpose of maximizing sales.

4. Provide Mailer, upon request and at no cost, any training necessary for the preparation of ICM Mail at a site within the continental United States.

5. Return undeliverable Express Mail, Priority Mail, Standard Mail to Mailer at an address within the continental United States subject to the terms and conditions of DMM.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to tender a minimum of US $2 million in postage derived from ICM Mail on an annualized basis or 1 million pounds of ICM Mail on an annualized basis for the duration of the Agreement.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Make payment to the Postal Service in accordance with the requirements set forth in DMM except as otherwise specified in the Agreement.

2. Notify the Postal Service of each acceptance site and corresponding permit number.

3. Tender at least 50 pounds or 200 pieces of ICM Mail for each mailing statement presented to the Postal Service after the date of February 14, 2001.

4. Obtain all necessary Customs clearances for ICM Mail before tendering U.S. destinating ICM Mail to the Postal Service.

5. Tender all ICM Mail at sites mutually agreed upon by both Mailer and Postal Service. All Priority Mail must be presented to the Postal Service business mail entry office of the Post Office where the permit account is held.

6. Provide the Postal Service with schedules of mailings to include the intended date and site of tender, anticipated weight, and volume.

7. Participate with the Postal Service in joint marketing and sales efforts for the purpose of maximizing sales.

8. Implement a manifest system that meets the approval of the Postal Service Rates and Classification Service Center and use that system for all mailings after that date.

9. Provide the Postal Service with an analog telephone line to allow the Postal Service to receive information from the manifest mailing system.

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage for ICM Mail in accordance with the applicable rates as published by the Postal Service at the time of tender.

- International Business, 3-8-01

Notice for Employees Requesting Leave for Conditions Covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act

Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), employees have certain obligations to provide notice and/or other information to their employers. Failure to provide such notice or documentation could result in denial of leave or other protections afforded under the Act.

I. Qualifying Conditions

The FMLA provides that employees meeting the eligibility requirements must be allowed to take time off for up to 12 workweeks in a leave year for the following conditions:

1. Because of the birth of a son or daughter (including prenatal care), or in order to care for such son or daughter. Entitlement for this condition expires 1 year after the birth.

2. Because of the placement of a son or daughter with you for adoption or foster care. Entitlement for this condition expires 1 year after the placement.

3. In order to care for your spouse, son, daughter, or parent who has a serious health condition. Also, in order to care for those who have a serious health condition and who stand in the position of a son or daughter to you or who stood in the position of a parent to you when you were a child.

4. Because of a serious health condition that makes you unable to perform the functions of your position.

II. Eligibility

For an absence to be covered by FMLA, you must have been employed by the Postal Service for a total of at least 1 year and must have worked a minimum of 1,250 hours during the 12-month period before the date your absence begins. Once eligible for a given condition, if your work hours subsequently fall below 1,250 during the postal leave year, your eligibility for FMLA protected absences for that condition remains in effect for the duration of the leave year. However, if a second and unrelated condition arises in the leave year, you must meet the 1,250 eligibility test anew in order to obtain FMLA protected leave for that (i.e., second) reason.

III. Type of Leave or Pay

Absences counted toward the 12 workweeks allowed for the qualifying conditions that can be any one or a combination of the following:

1. Time off you take as annual leave, sick leave, and/or leave without pay (LWOP) in accordance with current leave policies and collective bargaining agreements.

2. In the case of job-related injuries or illnesses, time off during which you are receiving continuation of pay (COP) and/or time during which you are placed on the Office of Workers' Compensation Program (OWCP) payroll.

IV. Documentation on Request for Absence

Supporting documentation is required for your absence request to receive final approval. Documentation requirements may be waived in specific cases by your supervisor. However, failure to provide requested documentation could result in a denial of FMLA-protected leave.

1. For qualifying condition (1) or (2) - You must provide the birth or placement date.

2. For qualifying condition (3) or (4) - You must provide documentation from the health care provider.

a. In both of these cases - The medical report must include:

(1) The health care provider's name, address, phone number, and type of practice and the patient's name.

(2) A certification that the patient's condition meets the FMLA definition of serious health condition, supporting medical facts, and a brief statement as to how the medical facts meet the definition's criteria.

(3) The approximate date the serious health condition commenced, its probable duration, and the probable duration of the patient's present incapacity, if different.

(4) Whether it is a medical necessity that you be absent intermittently or work on a reduced schedule as a result of the serious health condition; and if so, the probable duration of such schedule, an estimate of the probable number of and the interval between treatments and/or episodes of incapacity, the period required for recovery, if any, and whether the medical need for absence is best accommodated through intermittent absence or a reduced work schedule.

b. For absence due to pregnancy or a chronic serious health condition - The medical certification must include whether the patient is presently incapacitated and the likely duration and frequency of episodes of incapacity.

c. If additional or continuing treatments are required - The medical certification must include the nature and regimen of the treatments, an estimate of the probable number of treatments, the length of absence required by the treatments, and actual or estimated dates of the treatments, if known.

d. For absence due to your own serious health condition, including pregnancy, permanent/long term condition, or a chronic condition - The medical certification must include whether you are unable to perform work of any kind, parts of the job you are unable to perform, and whether you must be absent for treatments.

e. For absence to care for a family member with a serious health condition - The medical certification must include whether the patient requires assistance for basic medical or personal needs or safety or for transportation; or if not, whether your presence to provide psychological comfort would be beneficial to the patient or assist in the patient's recovery, and the probable duration of the need for care on an intermittent or reduced work schedule basis. You must indicate on the form the care you will provide and an estimate of the time period.

3. If the serious health condition is a result of a job-related injury or illness - The documentation requirements are provided separately.

4. If the time off requested is to care for someone other than a biological parent or child - Appropriate explanation or evidence of the relationship may be required.

Supporting information that is not provided at the time of the request for absence must be provided within 15 days of receipt of notice, unless this is not practical under the circumstances. If the Postal Service questions the adequacy of a medical certification, a second opinion may be required. If the first and second opinions differ, a third and final opinion may be required. These opinions are obtained off the clock. However, the Postal Service will pay for these opinions, plus reasonable out-of-pocket travel expenses incurred to obtain the opinions.

Employees may be required to provide recertification periodically.

During your absence, you must keep your supervisor informed of your intentions to return to work and status changes that affect your ability to return.

V. Benefits

Health Insurance - To continue your health insurance during your absence, you must continue to pay the employee portion of the premiums. This payment continues to be withheld from your salary. If the salary for a pay period does not cover the full employee portion, you will be invoiced and are required to make the payment. Failure to make the required payments results in loss of coverage until you return to work.

Life Insurance - Your basic life insurance and any optional life insurance that you carry continue while you are in a pay status. In an LWOP status, these are continued at no cost to you for 1 year. After you are in a non-pay status for 1 year, this coverage is discontinued, but you have the option to convert the coverage to an individual policy within 31 days of the discontinuance in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM's) current Federal Employee Group Life Insurance policy on conversion - see OPM's web site - http://www.opm.gov/insure.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) - If you participate in the FSA program, see your employee brochure for the terms and conditions of continuing coverage during leave without pay.

VI. Placement and Documentation on Return to Duty

At the end of your FMLA covered absence, you will be returned to the same position you held when the absence began (or to an equivalent position), provided you are able to perform the functions of the position and would have held that position at the time you returned had you not taken the time off. To return to work after an absence due to your own incapacitation, you must provide certification from your health care provider that you are able to return to work and to perform the essential functions of your position.

The certification should be provided as soon as your physician anticipates your return to work, and no later than one workday before the anticipated return-to-work date. Providing this certification as early as possible will facilitate the return-to-work process and help you avoid unnecessary delays due to incomplete medical information. The medical information requested is basic to the treatment provided by the physician, and should be readily available. There is no need for a diagnosis or other private information to be included.

If you are a nonbargaining unit employee and your absence was for your own serious health condition, the statement from your medical provider that you are able to return to work is all that you must provide.

If you are a bargaining unit employee and your absence was for your own serious health condition, you must also provide the medical certification noted on page 21 and be medically cleared before you return to work under any one of the following circumstances:

1. The absence exceeds 21 calendar days.

2. The absence is due to any of the causes specified below.

3. Overnight hospitalization is required during the absence.

The medical report provided must contain enough information to determine that you can return to work without risk of injury or illness to self or others. It must identify any restrictions that prevent you from performing your duties, and whether there is a need for a special accommodation. It must include whether or not you will need to be absent intermittently or to work on a reduced schedule as a result of the condition, and if so, the probable duration of such schedule and an estimate of the probable number of and the interval between any expected treatments and/or episodes of incapacity.

Examples of specific information that may be necessary are:

1. For absence exceeding 21 calendar days - Treatment dates, progress to date, and any side effects experienced due to medication that could affect job performance.

2. For absence due to exposure to a communicable or contagious disease - The nature of the disease and certification that you can return to work without risk of transmission.

3. For absence due to mental or nervous condition - Treatment dates, progress to date, certification of your compliance with medication, side effects experienced due to medication that could affect job performance, certification that adequate control has been established (including, where applicable, certification that you can accept supervision), and you are able to work without risk of harm to self or to others.

4. For absence due to diabetes - The conditions and/or symptoms related to diabetes that caused the incapacity to work, certification that the conditions and/or symptoms have resolved, progress to date, and certification that adequate control has been established and that you are able to return to work safely.

5. For absence due to cardiovascular disease involving high blood pressure - Conditions and/or symptoms related to high blood pressure that caused the incapacity to work, certification that the conditions and/or symptoms have resolved, certification of your compliance with medication, side effects experienced due to medication that could affect job performance, and certification that adequate control has been established and that you are able to return to work safely.

6. For absence due to cardiovascular disease other than high blood pressure - Conditions and/or symptoms that caused the incapacity to work, progress to date, certification of your compliance with medication, side effects experienced due to medication that could affect job performance, and certification that you are able to return to work safely.

7. For absence due to epilepsy (seizure disorder) - Conditions and/or symptoms related to seizure disorder that caused the incapacity to work, side effects experienced due to medication that could affect job performance, certification of your compliance with medication, and certification that adequate control has been established and that you are able to return to work safely.

8. For absence during which overnight hospitalization is required - The nature of the hospitalization, the date of admission, the date of official discharge, progress to date, certification of your compliance with medication, side effects experienced due to medication that could affect job performance, and certification that you are able to return to work safely.

A postal medical officer will evaluate the medical information and make the final determination of your suitability for return to work.

NEW HANDBOOK

Handbook EL-803, Maintenance Employee's Guide to Safety

A new handbook, EL-803, is published and distributed to the Material Distribution Center. You can also find it on the Postal Service Intranet at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim (the Policies and Procedures web page).

Maintenance managers should order sufficient handbooks to cover all their employees. Local postal employee development centers (PEDCs) should order enough to hand out during new employee orientations.

Employees may order copies of HBK EL-803 by one of the following means:

· Touch Tone Order Entry: Call 1-800-332-0317, option 1, then option 2.

· cc:Mail: Send an F3Fill-completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, by cc:Mail to MDC Customer Service at TOKS001L.

· Official Mail: Send a completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, to the following address:

SUPPLY REQUISITIONS
500 GARY ORMSBY DR
TOPEKA KS 66624-9702

The relevant ordering information is as follows:

PSN: 7610-01-000-9085
PSIN: HBKEL803
Unit of Issue: EA
Quick Pick #: NA
Bulk Pack Quantity: 200
Price: $0.4975
Edition Date: November 2000

- Safety Performance Management,Employee Resource Management, 3-8-01

LEVEL 15-18 Offices

Safety and Health Inspections

The Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM) 824 requires an annual safety and health inspection of its facilities. During the next 30 days, Safety Performance Management at Headquarters is mailing to Level 15 through 18 offices a package containing a safety inspection checklist and instructions for completing an inspection. Postmasters (PMs) or installation heads (IHs) (or their designees) in those offices must use the checklist to complete a safety and health inspection within 30 days of receiving the package.

The PMs/IHs must do the following:

1. Contact the servicing safety office if they do not receive a mailing that includes the inspection checklist and instructions.

2. Post the inspection.

3. Contact the servicing safety office if they need technical or programmatic assistance.

4. Ensure abatement of all deficiencies in accordance with the instructions.

5. Certify completion of the inspection to the servicing safety office.

- Safety Performance Management,Employee Resource Management, 3-8-01

Philately

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 01-24

Great Plains Prairie Souvenir Sheet

The Postal Service will issue a souvenir sheet of ten 34-cent Great Plains Prairie stamps (Item Number 450900) in Lincoln, NE 68501, on April 19, 2001. The stamps, illustrated by John D. Dawson of Hilo, Hawaii, go on sale nationwide April 20, 2001. The Great Plains Prairie souvenir sheet is the third in an educational series designed to promote appreciation of North America's major plant and animal communities. The previous issues in the Nature of America series were Sonoran Desert (1999) and Pacific Coast Rain Forest (2000).

The artwork includes 25 animal and plant species native to the mixed-grass prairie of the American Great Plains illustrating both the immense scale of the ecosystem and the individual environments of many important species. While the scene is imaginary, all species represented are appropriate and were recommended by scientists. A description of the prairie and a list of the common and Latin names of the plants and animals included in the art appear on the back of the stamp pane. The prairie stretches from the edge of the eastern woodlands and oak savannas to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Many people often underestimate the prairie's complexity and significance as an ecosystem. It is an important part of the American landscape and is one of the largest grasslands in the world.

How to Order the First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, by telephone at 1 800 STAMP-24, and at the Postal Store Web site, www.usps.com. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

GREAT PLAINS PRAIRIE SOUVENIR SHEET
POSTMASTER
700 R ST
LINCOLN NE 68501-9991

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by May 19, 2001.

Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and postal stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by telephoning 1 800 STAMP-24 or writing to:

INFORMATION FULFILLMENT
DEPT 6270
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 219014
KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014

First day covers remain on sale for at least 1 year after the stamp's issuance.

Philatelic Products

The Postal Service will issue a pane of ten 34-cent Great Plains Prairie commemorative stamps in Lincoln, NE, on April 19, 2001. In addition, uncut press sheets featuring Great Plains Prairie commemorative stamps will be available at SFS.

Uncut Press Sheet: Item Number 450984 - $20.40 (USA Philatelic catalog).

The Great Plains Prairie uncut press sheets may be ordered by telephone at 1 800 STAMP-24, by fax at 816-545-1212, and by mail from:

STAMP FULFILLMENT SERVICES
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 7247
PHILADELPHIA PA 19101-9014

Distribution: $3.40, Great Plains Prairie Souvenir Sheet of 10 Stamps, Item 450900

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive approximately three-quarters of their standard automatic distribution quantity for pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) sheet stamps. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (2,000 panes/20,000 stamps).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

SDOs will make a subsequent automatic distribution to Post Offices for one-half of their standard automatic distribution quantities using PS Form 3309, Advice of Shipment/Stamp Invoice, and PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition. SDOs must not distribute stamps to Post Offices before April 12, 2001.

Additional Supply

Post Offices requiring additional souvenir sheets must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional souvenir sheets must order them from the appropriate accountable paper depository (APD) using PS Form 17.

For filling supplemental orders, all APDs, except for the Denver APD, will receive 150,000 additional souvenir sheets. The Denver APD will receive 146,000 souvenir sheets.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs will not receive a separate philatelic distribution of this souvenir sheet for subsequent distribution to authorized philatelic centers. Philatelic centers must be supplied their needed quantities from the initial automatic distribution received by SDOs.

Sales Policy

All Post Offices must acquire and maintain a supply of each new commemorative stamp as long as customer demand exists, until inventory is depleted, or until the stamp is officially withdrawn from sale. If supplies run low, Post Offices must reorder additional quantities using their normal ordering procedures.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 3-8-01

Pictorial Cancellation Requirements

The following pages are intended as a reminder that all pictorial announcements must be sent to U.S. Postal Service Headquarters for approval before being used for an event. No exceptions are allowed. Please use the Pictorial Cancellation Announcement form, reproduced for your convenience on page 34. Refer to Handbook PO-230, Pictorial Cancellations, for detailed information about the entire process of making pictorial cancellations available for events.

If you think that it is too late to send in the Pictorial Cancellation Announcement form, send it in anyway. If it is approved, but late, we may contact you to extend the cancellation period for an additional 30 days. If there is a problem with your pictorial, you will be notified within 2 days of receipt. If there are no problems, the pictorial will appear in the appropriate Postal Bulletin. We will also arrange for additional national publicity. You may also fax the form to 202-268-2714 in an emergency.

The graphic on page 35 is a reminder that you are cancelling postage and that the pictorial cancellation hand stamp device must touch the stamp(s). This is most important, although sometimes difficult because of the unusual shape of the pictorial.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 3-8-01

UPDATED ANNOUNCEMENT 01-B

2001 Stamp and Postal Stationery

"2001 Stamps and Postal Stationery" (Announcement 01-B, March 2001), which appears on page 38, is intended to replace the quarterly announcement of the same name, previously printed and sent to customers on request through Stamp Fulfillment Services in Kansas City. The announcement is a listing of stamps and postal stationery items scheduled for issuance during calendar year 2001. Post Offices may wish to post this schedule on their bulletin boards.

Customers also may be directed to the Postal Store Web site at www.usps.com to access this information through the Postal Service link to the Postal Bulletin.

This announcement will be updated every 2 to 3 months, as changes warrant.

How to Order First Day of Issue Cancellations and Covers

Customers may purchase new stamps or postal stationery items at their Post Office, from the USA Philatelic catalog, online at the Postal Store at www.usps.com, or by calling 1 800 STAMP-24. Then they should prepare their own covers by affixing new stamps to the upper right corner of envelopes or postcards of their choice, and address those envelopes, postcards, or postal stationery items to themselves or others. (Postage must equal the current First-Class Mail rate.) For sturdiness, include a card of postcard thickness in each cover (envelopes only) submitted, and tuck in the flap. Place the cover in a larger envelope addressed to: NAME OF ISSUE, POSTMASTER, CITY, STATE, and ZIP CODE (followed by -9991). Covers submitted for first day of issue cancellations may include additional uncancelled stamps only if the uncancelled stamps were issued before the first day of issue of the new stamps or postal stationery items. All orders must be postmarked on or before the deadline indicated below.

The U.S. Postal Service offers uncacheted first day covers for new stamp issues and postal stationery items post- marked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has its own catalog number in USA Philatelic, issued quarterly. Customers may request a free catalog by phoning 1 800 STAMP-24 or writing to: INFORMATION FULFILLMENT, DEPT 6270, US POSTAL SERVICE, PO BOX 219014, KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 3-8-01

2001 STAMPS AND POSTAL STATIONERY
This schedule is subject to change. Announcement 01-B (March 2001)

This is a periodic announcement of new stamps and postal stationery items being issued during the calendar year. For additional information on stamps and stamp products visit our Postal Store Web site at www.usps.com.

C: Change in previously announced date and/or site
N: New issue
P: Pictorial first day postmark
+ Customers must affix additional postage to bring total postage to at least the minimum First-Class Mail rate for an envelope (34 cents) or stamped
card (20 cents), depending on which is used. Also, the cost for a stamped envelope is the value of the postage plus 8 cents, and the cost for a
stamped card is the value of the postage plus 2 cents.

NEW PUBLICATION

Publication 194, Treasury of Stamp Cards 2000

Back by Popular Demand!

Treasury of Stamp Cards 2000 (see page 42) has been reissued as a new publication. (Before 1997, Treasury of Stamp Cards was issued as Publication 192.)

This new Publication 194 is available from the Material Distribution Center (MDC) and can be ordered by one of the following means:

· Touch Tone Order Entry: Call 1-800-332-0317, option 1, then option 2.

· cc:Mail: Send an F3Fill-completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, by cc:Mail to MDC Customer Service at TOKS001L.

· Official Mail: Send a completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, to the following address:

SUPPLY REQUISITIONS
500 GARY ORMSBY DR
TOPEKA KS 66624-9702

The relevant ordering information for Publication 194 is as follows:

NSN: 7610-05-000-4021
PSIN: PUB194
Unit of Issue: EA
Bulk Pack Quantity: 600
Edition Date: 10/00
Price: $0.0753

Treasury of Stamp Cards 2000 gives the scoop on recent stamp issues, plus it is a neat way to showcase collected stamps. It also provides an inside look at special tools used by stamp-collecting pros. This is a great tool to use with children of all ages. It provides fascinating facts and the stories behind 14 stamps issued in 2000. It is the place to save these stamps by placing them on the appropriate treasury of stamp card. Children can learn about collecting stamps as well as the fascinating facts and stories behind the stamps.

Order Treasury of Stamp Cards 2000 while quantities last. Provide them to schools and young patrons of the Post Office.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 3-8-01

Pictorial Cancellations Announcement

As a community service, the Postal Service offers pictorial cancellations to commemorate local events celebrated in communities throughout the nation. A list of events for which pictorial cancellations are authorized appears below. If available, the sponsor of the pictorial cancellation appears in italics under the date. Also provided, as space permits, are illustrations of those cancellations that were reproducible and available at press time.

People attending these local events may obtain the cancellation in person at the temporary post office station established there. Those who cannot attend the event, but who wish to obtain the cancellation, may submit a mail order request. Pictorial cancellations are available only for the dates indicated, and requests must be postmarked no later than 30 days following the requested pictorial cancellation date.

All requests must include a stamped envelope or postcard bearing at least the minimum First-Class Mail postage (33 cents per envelope or 20 cents per postcard). Items submitted for cancellation may not include postage issued after the date of the requested cancellation. Such items will be returned unserviced.

Customers wishing to obtain a cancellation should affix stamps to any envelope or postcard of their choice, address the envelope or postcard to themselves or others,insert a card of postcard thickness in envelopes for sturdiness, and tuck in the flap. Place the envelope or postcard in a larger envelope and address it to: PICTORIAL CANCELLATIONS, followed by the NAME OF THE STATION,ADDRESS, CITY, STATE, ZIP + 4 CODE, exactly as listed below (using all capitals and no punctuation, except thehyphen in the ZIP + 4 code).

Customers can also send stamped envelopes and postcards without addresses for cancellation, as long as they supply a larger envelope with adequate postage and their return address. After applying the pictorial cancellation, the Postal Service returns the items (with or without addresses) under addressed protective cover.

The following pictorial cancellation has the correct pictorial. Pictorial that appeared in Postal Bulletin 22044 (2-22-01, page 70) was incorrect.

February 11, 2001

EXHIBITION STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 9998

WISCONSIN RAPIDS WI 54494-9998

The following pictorial cancellation has been extended for 30 days.

February 8, 2001

City of Portland, Mayor's Office

CITY HALL STATION

POSTMASTER/PHILATELIC SERVICES

PO BOX 3480

PORTLAND OR 97208-96154

March 27, 2001

American Diabetes Association

DIABETES AWARENESS DAY STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 5066

MILWAUKEE WI 53201-9998

DIABETES AWARENESS DAY STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 7000

GREEN BAY WI 54307-7000

DIABETES AWARENESS DAY STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 7990

MADISON WI 53707-7990

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 3-8-01

Postal Employees

REVISED PUBLICATION

Publication 71, Notice for Employees Requesting Leave for Conditions Covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act

A revised Publication 71, Notice for Employees Requesting Leave for Conditions Covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act, February 2001, is available on pages 18-21 (centerfold) of this Postal Bulletin.

Major revisions to Publication 71 are located in paragraph II, Eligibility, and paragraph VI, Placement and Documentation on Return to Duty.

Publication 71 is displayed on the Policies and Procedures page of the Postal Service Intranet at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub71.pdf. Publication 71 and other leave information may be obtained through the Intranet page located under Employee Resource Management, Compensation, at http://blue.usps.gov/hrisp/comp/leave.htm.

Managers, postmasters, and supervisors should ensure that a copy of revised Publication 71 is promptly provided to employees who work in their areas of responsibility.

Note: Publication 71 should be provided to employees again when circumstances lead the supervisor to believe that the employee may be entitled to leave protected by the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), or when an employee requests FMLA protection and management determines that the absence is not FMLA protected.

All other editions of Publication 71 are obsolete and should be recycled immediately.

Employees will be notified again through the Postal Bulletin when supplies of Publication 71 are available from the Material Distribution Center.

- Compensation,Employee Resource Management, 3-8-01

Purchasing and Materials

HANDBOOK REVISION

AS-701, Material Management - Title, Address, EXSEL Changes Made

Effective immediately, Handbook AS-701, Material Management, is revised to reflect title, address, and Excess Serviceable Equipment Listing (EXSEL) reporting process changes for retail vending equipment.

These revisions will be incorporated into an incremental update of the online version of Handbook AS-701 available on the corporate intranet at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim (click on Handbooks) and in the next printed edition.

Handbook AS-701, Material Management

* * * * *

6 Asset Recovery: Redistribution, Recycling, and Disposal

* * * * *

624.242 Retail Vending Equipment

[Revise 624.242 to read as follows:]

This equipment, although reported as excess, requires additional reporting procedures. DMMSs must:

a. Contact the district retail specialist to confirm that all inactive retail vending equipment is properly reported as excess.

b. Review Material Logistics Bulletins for current and obsolete vending equipment. (See 64 for disposal instructions.)

c. Enter equipment as excess, or as restricted use with a planned use date, not to exceed 6 months.

624.243 Inspection Service Items

[Revise 624.243 to read as follows:]

Security containers are reported through normal channels for excess reporting. All other items listed (see exhibit 624.243) must be reported via memorandum to the local postal inspector in charge (see Table 624.24).

* * * * *

625.22 PMSC MMS

* * * * *

[Revise d. to read as follows:]

d. Verification of Vending Equipment (Area Office). Verify data for accuracy, reviewing for omission of obsolete or discontinued equipment, and ensure that the area retail manager is provided a copy.

* * * * *

646.6 Retail Vending Equipment

646.61 Reporting

[Revise 646.61 to read as follows:]

Report all inactive retail vending equipment items to district materials management specialist. Retail vending equipment items that are obsolete, are surplus, or have been listed as excess for a period of up to 6 months should be considered for disposal action. Supervised destruction is no longer the mandatory disposal method for retail vending equipment items. Disposition actions may consist of any of the eight methods listed in 647.1, Methods and Priority, or any other specific method directed by Self Service (Retail, Consumers and Small Business). For example, they may be shipped to the Maintenance Support and Repair Facility (MSRF) at the following address for parts cannibalization.

MAINTENANCE SUPPORT AND REPAIR FACILITY
6045 SHELBY DR
MEMPHIS TN 38741-7613

Telephone: 901-367-4200

646.62 Disposition

[Revise 646.62 to read as follows:]

Self Service (Retail, Consumers and Small Business) retains authority over disposition of all retail vending equipment items. Therefore, offices with inactive, obsolete, or surplus customer vending items that are being considered for disposal action must submit by memorandum a listing of those items to their district or area retail manager for necessary approvals.

* * * * *

- Materials, Purchasing and Materials, 3-8-01

PUBLICATION 247 REVISION

Ordering Procedures for Postmarking Ring Dies and Die Hubs

Effective immediately, Publication 247, Supply and Equipment Catalog, is revised to reflect changes pertaining to ordering ring dies and die hubs.

Special cancellation die hubs are nonpostal cancellations. Post Offices may not order a special die hub on behalf of a sponsor before contacting and receiving authorization from Headquarters Business Mail Acceptance (BMA). After authorization has been granted, BMA supplies PS Form 3617, Order for Special Canceling Machine Die Hubs. Additional setup fees are incurred for these dies.

Special cancellation die hubs may be ordered only if the request meets the description outlined in Domestic Mail Manual G900.2.1 (Philatelic Services, Special Cancellations).

These revisions will be incorporated into an incremental update of the online version of Publication 247 available on the corporate intranet at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim (click on Publications) and in the next printed edition.

Publication 247, Supply and Equipment Catalog

* * * * *

1 Introduction

* * * * *

123 Requisitioning Special Orders

* * * * *

123.323 Postmarking Ring Dies and Die Hubs

123.3231 Essential Information

[Revise 123.3231 to read as follows:]

SUPPLIER: HANLEY POSTAL SUPPLY INC
ATTN DIANE WILER
PO BOX 10006
ERIE PA 16514-0006
TELEPHONE 814-898-2720
FAX 814-898-2825

Additional engraving: Postal facilities may order up to 4 characters, letters, or numbers, per die, of additional engraving detail that may be used to identify specific machines or locations on either the lead or trail ring dies (or both). The cost of a lead or a trail with the additional engraving is $35.00 ($31.50 for the die and $3.50 for the additional engraving). A lead and trail set with additional engraving on both dies is $70.00.

SUPPLIER: PITNEY BOWES INC
ATTN TRINH WONG
WALTER WHEELER JR DR
LOCATION 12-29
STAMFORD CT 06926-0700
TELEPHONE 203-356-5283
FAX 203-356-6067

SUPPLIER: INTERNATIONAL PTT COMPANY
ATTN JIM JIRANEK
1400 ALPINE RD
WELLSVILLE PA 17365-9779
TELEPHONE 717-248-9665
FAX 717-248-4241

Note: Prices shown are valid for orders placed on or before 2/28/2002. For orders placed after 2/28/2002, consult the Postal Bulletin or call the supplier for current pricing.

123.3232 Ordering Procedures

[Revise 123.3232 to read as follows:]

Ordering procedures for postmarking ring dies and die hubs are as follows:

a. Complete all information requested on PS Form 4636, Postmarking Dies and Engraved Station Die Hubs Requisition, (see Exhibit 14 on page 54) to reflect current data in all fields.

b. Use a separate form for each supplier. Ensure that the exact engraving is specified in the appropriate field. If necessary, call the suppliers for help in selecting the correct ring die; however, have the machine model and serial number available prior to calling. Also, contact your local maintenance department for assistance in determining the correct part number.

c. Complete all information blocks in the lower portion of PS Form 4636.

d. If paying by using the Postal Service International Merchant Purchase Authorization Card (I.M.P.A.C.) VISA credit card, include the expiration date and card number. If paying by check or money order, make them payable to the appropriate supplier for the total amount and attach the check or money order to PS Form 4636.

e. Submit the completed forms directly to the suppliers at the addresses listed in 123.3231.

f. Delivery of all ring dies and die hubs will be made within 60 days from the date the supplier receives the order, with the exception of part number 07413 with artwork, which will be delivered within 90 days after the supplier receives the order. Shipping charges are included in the prices of all parts. Parts will be shipped via First-Class Mail.

g. Questions or problems may be addressed to Materials Customer Service at 1-800-332-0317, option 4.

PS Form 4636 (February 1996, NSN 7530-02-000-9293, no quick pick number) may be ordered from the Material Distribution Center (MDC) on PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, or via Touch Tone Order Entry (TTOE).

Year dates may also be ordered from the MDC using either PS Form 7380 or TTOE.

To order type sets (months, days, etc.), local maintenance departments must submit a request to the MDC using PS Form 4984, Repair Parts Requisition. Use the Federal Standard Requisition and Issue Procedure Address Activity Code (FEDSTRIP AAC).

* * * * *

- Materials, Purchasing and Materials, 3-8-01

Retail

New Indicia Being Tested

Shown with this article is a replica of the indicia produced by the IJ65 postage meter, a Neopost product, currently in testing. Mail bearing this indicia will be entered into the regular mailstream as testing is extended to the field. Mail bearing this indicia should be processed in the same manner as any other mail bearing authorized postage.

- Postage Technology Management,Retail, Consumers and Small Business, 3-8-01

It's tax time The Tax Drive Period is here. It began February 26, so make sure the new POP is up in all retail lobbies. Please note there's a new vending sign in the Tax POP kit (except postal stores). It's made of a special material that clings to almost any surface - making tape, tacks, or frames unnecessary. Just peel off the backing and place the sign. Make sure that this new "Buy Stamps FAST...at Vending" cling sign is placed near vending to drive customers to your convenient self service area before they get in line.

New postal store signage On March 9, new signage will begin shipping to all postal retail stores.

The signage will consist of new slatwall headers, 6 large and 6 small. The new large headers are Postmark Gallery, Stamps, Stamp Collecting, Collectibles, Stationery, and Shipping Supplies. The new small headers are Priority Mail, Express Mail, Self-Adhesive Stamps, Pre-stamped Envelopes and Cards, Limited Edition, and New for You.

The new headers better describe the products we have for sale in our postal stores and correspond to the sections described in the postal store planograms.

In addition to the headers we will be shipping two additional elements, parcel slide translites and a parcel slide sticker. The parcel slide translites promote registered mail, certified mail with return receipt, insured mail, and Signature ConfirmationTM. The parcel slide sticker, "To Confirm, Protect, and Secure," illustrates and explains extra services available to the customer at retail.

Please discard all of your old elements and replace with the new elements upon receipt of this kit. When changing out your parcel slide translites take this opportunity to replace any burnt out bulbs.

Please follow the planogram enclosed with your new signage kit for directions on installing this new signage.

Additional signs or orders for signage packages for new postal stores can be placed with the Material Distribution Center in Topeka. A list of the new elements and the appropriate PSIN and PSN numbers will be available on the Retail Web site at http://blue.usps.gov.

ReadyPost Phase IV ReadyPostTM implementation will wrap up this month. The national Postal Service brand of shipping supplies will be reaching its final destinations - Allegheny, Capital Metro, Great Lakes, and Southwest areas. More than 30,000 retail locations will offer ReadyPost materials to customers.

Feedback Send comments and questions to:

WHAT'S IN STORE
US POSTAL SERVICE
1735 N LYNN STREET RM 6042
ARLINGTON VA 22209-6057

D-Link

Retail Coaches'
Corner

Welcome to the March Corner!

This month's article is dedicated specifically to those offices that have been part of the Sales Skills Management Process.

Survey Questions:

1. Did your retail associates receive training in the Standard Retail Transaction Process? This process is found in the sales skills training course number 41201-00?

2. Did you and your retail associates understand the importance of the Standard Retail Transaction Process and how it relates to your unit and customers?

Please submit your answers and comments to the Retail Coaches Corner via cc:Mail.

Let's review each step of the Standard Retail Transaction Process:

Step 1. Start with your customers. Logical starting point.

Step 2. Greet your customers. Don't you like a pleasant greeting when shopping? This is important to them, too.

Step 3. Inquire to determine your customers' needs. Why? Without asking questions, how do you know what the customers want or need?

Step 4. Review the process to understand the key factor in the transaction. This depends on whether your customers have needs other than mailing an item (see 4A) or have an item to mail (see 4b).

Step 4A. Your customers may want to get a book of stamps, to pick up mail, or to get a money order. If that's all, suggest one additional item (move to Step 9). Example: customer completes a change of address, picks up mail, or purchases a money order. Suggest a book of stamps or a phone card.

Step 4B. Follow HAZMAT acceptance procedures to inquire about contents.

Step 5. Ask, "When do you want it to arrive?"

Step 6. Recommend a class of mail.

Step 7. Explain features of that class of mail.

Step 8. Offer appropriate special services - give your customers options or choices to select.

Step 9. Suggest an additional item. This is an opportunity to generate additional revenue. Customer satisfaction surveys* tell us that customers appreciate our suggestions.

Step 10. Offer or explain method of customer payment options. Customer satisfaction surveys* also tell us only 27% of our customers are informed that we accept debit or credit cards. So, even if your customers already have cash in hand, inform them of their options. If customers give you no indication of payment option, be sure to suggest they use debit or credit cards. Also mention the cash back option with debit cards. Of course, we do still accept cash.

Step 11. Complete transaction accurately.

Step 12. Thank your customers in a professional manner. Customers appreciate this step overwhelmingly, according to research studies.

* Customer Satisfaction Measurement - Residential (CSM-R) Survey information from quarter 1 of fiscal year 2001.

The 12-step process is a national standard, which provides a roadmap for retail employees to follow. If used correctly, it will maximize customer satisfaction.

Submit questions or comments via cc:Mail to Retail Coaches Corner.

Postal Bulletin Distribution

The GPO distributes the Postal Bulletin for the Postal Service to all postal facilities except classified stations and branches, contract postal units, and detached mail units, which receive copies from their administrative post office. The Postal Bulletin is also available online at http://www.usps.com (click on Info, then Postal Periodicals and Publications).

If your postal facility has access to cc:Mail, you may send a request for a new subscription order, an address and/or quantity change, or a subscription query to the cc:Mail address POSTAL BULLETIN. If you are using another email product, you can use the Internet email address pbulleti@email.usps.gov.

If you do not have access to email, you may complete the order form and mail it to:

ATTN POSTAL BULLETIN
US POSTAL SERVICE
475 L'ENFANT PLZ SW RM 2800
WASHINGTON DC 20260-1540

Either way you send it, please include the "PO0"subscription number from your address label.