ICM UPDATE

International Customized Mail

On February 13, 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 27, 2001, through December 31, 2004.

b. Type of mail: International Priority Airmail Service (IPA) and International Surface Air Lift Service (ISAL). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for Qualifying Mail.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

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

1. Furnish Mailer, or Mailing Agent, with the equipment and supplies necessary for the use of Qualifying Mail.

2. Provide Mailer, or Mailing Agent, with the preparation requirements for Qualifying Mail and any training necessary to prepare Qualifying Mail in conformity with Postal Service requirements.

3. Transport Qualifying Mail to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authority.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to tender a minimum of $10 million in international postage in each calendar year of the Agreement.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Provide the Postal Service with notification of intent to drop ship mail at a specific International Service Center (ISC) 2 weeks before the initial shipment to that ISC.

2. Provide the Postal Service with notification of new dedicated permit numbers 2 weeks in advance of using the new dedicated permit numbers.

3. Provide the appropriate Postal Service acceptance sites with projections of mailing to include the intended date of mailing, weight, and volume of the mailings.

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage for IPA and ISAL Qualifying Mail at a rate discounted at fifteen (15) percent off of nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing.

Note: If Mailer does not tender at least $10 million in actual postage on an annualized basis, the Mailer must reimburse the Postal Service the amount of the additional discount it received above the discount earned subject to the Agreement in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

- International Business, 3-22-01

Service Change to Bermuda - Global Express GuaranteedTM

Global Express Guaranteed transit time for delivery of documents to Bermuda has changed from 1 business day to 2 business days for the following locations:

· Bermuda, Island of

· Devonshire Parish

· Hamilton

· Paget Parish

· Pembroke Parish

The transit time for delivery of documents to Bermuda has changed from 2 business days to 3 business days for the following locations:

· Hamilton Parish

· Sandy Parish

· Smiths Parish

· Southampton Parish

· St. Georges

· Warwick Parish

- Expedited/Package Services, 3-22-01

ICM UPDATE

International Customized Mail

On February 22, 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: March 8, 2001, through December 31, 2002.

b. Type of mail: Global Express Mail Service (EMS) and other International Services. Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for Qualifying Mail.

c. Destination countries: Australia, Canada, China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.

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

1. Furnish the Mailer with the equipment and supplies necessary for the use of Qualifying Mail.

2. Provide the Mailer with the preparation requirements for Qualifying Mail and any training necessary to prepare Qualifying Mail in conformity with Postal Service requirements.

3. Provide a system, which will include a computer workstation, in-line scale, printers, and manifesting software to produce a manifest, EMS labels, customs documents, and customized reports.

4. Provide at the end of each postal accounting period an Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) mailing statement showing a beginning balance, deposits, a listing of each shipment mailed and date, label numbers, office of mailing, number of shipments, postage and fees, and the ending balance in the account.

5. Transport Qualifying Mail to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authority.

6. Return items refused by the addressee and undeliverable items to the sender by EMS at no extra charge provided that the return rate is no more than four (4) percent of ICM mailings.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to tender a minimum volume of 16,000 pieces annually.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Provide the Postal Service with notification of all dedicated EMCA numbers 2 weeks in advance of using the EMCA numbers.

2. Tender Qualifying Mail to the Postal Service, in accordance with instruction the Postal Service provides, at a location the Mailer and the Postal Service mutually agree upon.

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage for EMS international shipments to Australia, Canada, China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and the United Kingdom according the following rate chart:

- International Business, 3-22-01

Retail Acceptance Tips - Global Express GuaranteedTM

Global Express Guaranteed is the Postal Service's premier guaranteed international service. As the service's volume increases, the need for proper retail acceptance procedures becomes even more critical for successful delivery.

The following are remedies to the most frequently made retail acceptance errors:

1. Complete the Global Express Guaranteed mailing label properly (complete all required fields).

2. Verify that the shipper has signed the mailing label.

3. Advise the shipper that additional charges for duties and taxes may be required.

4. Advise the shipper that clearance delay is not part of the guarantee and does not warrant a refund.

5. Verify that the shipper has listed the value on the label for all merchandise shipments.

6. Ensure that the shipment is not destinating for Brazil, as Global Express Guaranteed does not service Brazil at this time.

7. Ensure that the mailing label is the current version (version 21h).

8. Verify that the retail consolidation unit (RCU) transmission was successful to avoid having missing acceptance records.

9. Ensure proper and timely dispatch of Global Express Guaranteed shipments to the airport mail center (AMC) or airport mail facility (AMF).

10. Ensure that the shipment does not contain human remains.

11. Ensure that the shipment does not contain cash.

12. Verify that any Post Office box accepted for recipient address is being sent only to countries listed on page 4 of Publication 141, Service Guide for Global Express Guaranteed (January 7, 2001), and that no Post Office box address is accepted for sender's address.

13. Verify that the mailing label is completed in English.

14. Verify that the shipper telephone number is provided on the mailing label.

15. Verify that the consignee telephone number is provided on the mailing label.

16. Inform the shipper of correct delivery days for shipments to Mexico.

17. Verify that all copies of the mailing labels are legible.

18. Communicate to the shipper that delivery days are Monday through Friday.

19. Ensure that the shipper understands the service features of the various international products and services (Global Priority Mail, Global Express Mail, etc.).

- Expedited/Package Services, 3-22-01

Mail Recovery Centers

ASM REVISION

MRC Headquarters Field Units

Effective March 22, 2001, the Administrative Support Manual (ASM) is revised to include the reporting relationship for (a) the Mail Recovery Centers (MRCs) in Atlanta, Georgia, St. Paul, Minnesota, and San Fransisco, California, and (b) Customer Contact Management.

These revisions will be incorporated into the printed version of ASM Issue 14 and in the next online revision available via the corporate intranet at http://blue.usps.gov.

Administrative Support Manual (ASM)

1 Postal Organization

11 Authority and Responsibilities

111 General Organization

111.6 Field Organization

* * * * *

111.65 Support

* * * * *

111.652 Headquarters Field Units

* * * * *

[Add item h as follows:]

h. Consumer advocate field offices.

(1) Mail Recovery Centers.

(2) Customer Contact Management.

* * * * *

- Mail Recovery Program,Consumer Affairs Operations, 3-22-01

POM REVISION

MRC Addresses

Effective March 22, 2001, the Postal Operations Manual (POM) is revised to list the Mail Recovery Center (MRC) addresses for administrative mail and undeliverable mail processing.

These revisions will be incorporated into the printed version of POM Issue 9 and in the next online revision available via the corporate intranet at http://blue.usps.gov.

Postal Operations Manual (POM)

* * * * *

6 Delivery Services

* * * * *

692 Mail Recovery Centers

692.1 Letter Mail

692.11 Addresses

[Replace the existing text in 692.11 with the following:]

The MRC addresses for administrative mail and undeliverable mail processing are as follows:

* * * * *

- Mail Recovery Program,Consumer Affairs Operations, 3-22-01

Philately

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 01-25

University of South Carolina Stamped Card

The Postal Service will issue a 20-cent University of South Carolina stamped card (Item Number 220200) in Columbia, SC 29201, on April 26, 2001. The stamped card, designed by Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, MD, is based on a painting by T. Ulor and goes on sale nationwide April 27, 2001.

Chartered as the South Carolina College on December 19, 1801, the University of South Carolina will celebrate its bicentennial in 2001. Reestablished as the University of South Carolina in 1906, the school prides itself on being the first institution of higher learning funded entirely by a state. Today the University of South Carolina at Columbia offers 350 degree programs and serves more than 26,000 students from 50 states and more than 100 countries.

This stamped card, part of the Postal Service's Historic Preservation series, features a detail of a painting (circa 1820) that depicts the historic Horseshoe district on the main campus in Columbia. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the "Old Campus District," this site is the original campus of the university.

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 stamped cards at their local Post Office; by telephone at 1 800 STAMP-24; and at the Postal Store Web site, www.usps.com. They should address the cards (to themselves or others) and

place them in a large envelope addressed to:

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA STAMPED CARD
POSTMASTER
1601 ASSEMBLY ST
COLUMBIA SC 29201-9991

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the cards or envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by May 26, 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 stamped card's issuance.

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products for this stamp issue.

Distribution

The 20-cent University of South Carolina stamped card (Item 220200) is to be sold only at regular Post Office windows within the state of South Carolina, through SFS in Kansas City, MO, and at postal retail stores and authorized philatelic centers nationwide.

Initial Supply to Post Offices

To obtain an initial supply of this stamped card, all South Carolina Post Offices must immediately submit a separate PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition, to their designated stamp distribution office (SDO). SDOs must not distribute stamped cards to Post Offices before April 17, 2001.

Additional Supply

The Government Printing Office (GPO) will disburse all of these stamped cards; therefore, they will not have any cards available for reordering. South Carolina Post Offices requiring additional stamped cards must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17.

Philatelic Requirement

Although sale of the University of South Carolina stamped card is restricted to Post Offices within the state of South Carolina, authorized philatelic centers nationwide will be supplied this stamped card for philatelic sale.

Sales Policy

Only Post Offices within the state of South Carolina and authorized philatelic centers nationwide must acquire and maintain a supply of this new stamped card. It will remain on sale at authorized Post Offices until it is officially withdrawn from sale.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 3-22-01

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 01-26

Northwestern University Stamped Card

The Postal Service will issue a 20-cent Northwestern University stamped card (Item Number 220600) in Evanston, IL 60201, on April 28, 2001. The stamped card, designed by Howard Paine of Delaplane, VA, and illustrated by Arnold C. Holeywell of Warrenton, VA, goes on sale nationwide April 30, 2001.

The Postal Service commemorates the 150th anniversary of the founding of Northwestern University with the issuance of this stamped card as part of the Historic Preservation series. After the university's act of incorporation was approved by the Illinois State Legislature, Governor Augustus C. French signed it into law on January 28, 1851. Northwestern was originally established to serve the people of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin, the states that had been carved from the Northwest Territory. Today Northwestern's students come from all 50 states and several foreign countries.

The stamp art, a tempera painting by Arnold C. Holeywell, features the main tower of University Hall, which is Northwestern's oldest building on the Evanston campus.

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 stamped cards at their local Post Office; by telephone at 1 800 STAMP-24; and at the Postal Store Web site, www.usps.com. They should address the cards (to themselves or others) and place them in a large envelope addressed to:

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY STAMPED CARD
POSTMASTER
1101 DAVIS ST
EVANSTON IL 60201-9991

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the cards or envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by May 28, 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 stamped card's issuance.

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products for this stamp issue.

Distribution

The 20-cent Northwestern University stamped card (Item Number 220600) is to be sold only at regular Post Office windows within the state of Illinois, through SFS in Kansas City, MO, and at postal retail stores and authorized philatelic centers nationwide. Distribution of this stamped card will correspond with this policy.

Initial Supply to Post Offices

To obtain an initial supply of this stamped card, all Illinois Post Offices must immediately submit a separate PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition, to their designated stamp distribution office (SDO). SDOs must not distribute stamped cards to Post Offices before April 19, 2001.

Additional Supply

The Government Printing Office (GPO) will disburse all of these stamped cards; therefore, they will not have any cards available for reordering. Illinois Post Offices requiring additional stamped cards must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17.

Philatelic Requirement

Although sale of the stamped card is restricted to Post Offices within the state of Illinois, authorized philatelic centers nationwide will be supplied this stamped card for philatelic sale.

Sales Policy

Only Post Offices within the state of Illinois and authorized philatelic centers nationwide must acquire and maintain a supply of this new stamped card. It will remain on sale at authorized Post Offices until it is officially withdrawn from sale.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 3-22-01

CORRECTION

Stamp Announcement 01-23 - Yale University Stamped Card (Item 220100)

The address in Postal Bulletin 22044 (2-22-01, page 65) had an incorrect address for first day of issue postmarks. The correct address is:

YALE UNIVERSITY STAMPED CARD
POSTMASTER
50 BREWERY ST
NEW HAVEN CT 06511-9991

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 3-22-01

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 01-27

University of Portland Stamped Card

The Postal Service will issue a 20-cent University of Portland stamped card (Item Number 220700) in Portland, OR 97208, on May 1, 2001. The stamped card, designed by Richard Sheaff of Scottsdale, AZ, and illustrated by John Pirman of New York, NY, goes on sale nationwide May 2, 2001.

The University of Portland is an independently governed Catholic University that was founded by Archbishop Alexander Christie as Columbia University in 1901 and received its current name in 1935. The oldest building on campus, Waldschmidt Hall (constructed in the early 1890s, before the university's inception), is depicted on this stamped card. Considered the university's signature building, Waldschmidt Hall was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on September 22, 1977. The stamped card is in commemoration of the university's 100th anniversary as part of the Postal Service's Historic Preservation series. John Pirman's illustration of Waldschmidt Hall is computer- generated and is his first project for the Postal Service.

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 stamped cards at their local Post Office; by telephone at 1 800 STAMP-24; and at the Postal Store Web site, www.usps.com. They should address the cards (to themselves or others) and place them in a large envelope addressed to:

UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND STAMPED CARD
POSTMASTER
715 HOYT ST
PORTLAND OR 97208-9991

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the cards or envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by May 31, 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 stamped card's issuance.

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products for this stamped card issue.

Distribution

The 20-cent University of Portland stamped card (Item 220700) is to be sold only at regular Post Office windows within the state of Oregon, through SFS in Kansas City, MO, and at postal retail stores and authorized philatelic centers nationwide.

Initial Supply to Post Offices

To obtain an initial supply of this stamped card, all Oregon Post Offices must immediately submit a separate PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition, to their designated stamp distribution office (SDO). SDOs must not distribute this stamped card to Post Offices before April 23, 2001.

Additional Supply

The Government Printing Office (GPO) will disburse all of these stamped cards; therefore, they will not have any cards available for reordering. Oregon Post Offices requiring additional stamped cards must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17.

Philatelic Requirement

Only Post Offices within the state of Oregon and authorized philatelic centers nationwide must acquire and maintain a supply of this new stamped card. It will remain on sale at authorized Post Offices until it is officially withdrawn from sale.

Sales Policy

Although sale of the University of Portland stamped card is restricted to Post Offices within the state of Oregon, authorized philatelic centers nationwide will be supplied this stamped card for philatelic sale.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 3-22-01

CORRECTION

Announcement 01-B (2001 Stamps and Postal Stationery) and Stamp Announcement 01-21 (Mt. McKinley International Rate Stamp - Item 561500)

The first day of issue for the Mt. McKinley 80-cent international rate stamp (Item Number 561500) is being changed from March 23, 2001, to April 17, 2001. Nationwide sale date will be April 18, 2001. All orders for first day of issue cancellations must be postmarked by May 17, 2001.

The distribution date as detailed in Postal Bulletin 22044 (2-22-01, pages 60-61) is also being changed. Stamp distribution offices must not distribute these stamps to Post Offices before April 11, 2001. Again, do not ship Items 561500, 561510 (retail store packages), and 315300 (vending packets) to Post Offices prior to April 11, 2001.

Please note that the date correction should also be made in Announcement 01-B (March 2001), 2001 Stamps and Postal Stationery, which appears in Postal Bulletin 22045 (3-8-01, pages 46-47). The first day of issue for Mt. McKinley should be changed to April 17, 2001.

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 3-22-01

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 cancellations have been extended for 30 days.

February 26, 2001

Harris Stowe State College

HARRIS-STOWE STATION

POSTMASTER

1720 MARKET ST RM 2078

ST LOUIS MO 63155-9623

February 14, 2001

VALENTINE'S DAY STATION

POSTMASTER

1 CHURCH CIRCLE

ANNAPOLIS MD 21401-9998

February 14 & 19, 2001

2001 A STAMP ODYSSEY STATION

POSTMASTER

1 CHURCH CIRCLE

ANNAPOLIS MD 21401-9998

March 19, 2001

DIABETES AWARENESS STATION

POSTMASTER

5610 MAIN ST

BEAVER OH 45613-9998

DIABETES AWARENESS STATION

POSTMASTER

2590 STATE ROUTE 418

CYNTHIANA OH 45624-9998

DIABETES AWARENESS STATION

POSTMASTER

8502 STATE ROUTE 124

LATHAM OH 45646-9998

DIABETES AWARENESS STATION

POSTMASTER

37 SALT CREEK RD

WAKEFIELD OH 45687-9998

DIABETES AWARENESS STATION

POSTMASTER

125 E 2ND ST

WAVERLY OH 45690-9998

March 27, 2001

American Diabetes Association

DIABETES AWARENESS STATION

POSTMASTER

344 W 3RD AVE

ANCHORAGE AK 99501-9998

DIABETES AWARENESS STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 69998

FAIRBANKS AK 99706-9998

DIABETES AWARENESS STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 9998

JUNEAU AK 99803-9998

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 3-22-01

Post Offices

NOTICE TO ALL EMPLOYEES

THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN FACT SHEET

C, F, and G Fund Returns Released March 8, 2001

*Through 1990 the F Fund was Invested in the Wells Fargo Bond Index Fund.

The C Fund is invested in the Barclays Equity Index Fund, which tracks the S&P 500 stock index. The F Fund is invested in the Barclays U.S. Debt Index Fund, which tracks the Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond index. Because of expenses and changing balances in the C and F Funds, their returns vary from Barclays' returns. The G Fund is invested in special issues of U.S. Treasury securities.

Future performance of the three funds will vary and may differ significantly from the returns shown above. See the "Summary of the Thrift Savings Plan" for detailed information about the funds and their investment risks.

The monthly C, F, and G Fund returns represent net earnings after deduction of accrued administrative expenses. The C and F Fund returns also reflect the deduction of trading costs and accrued investment management fees.

The C, F, and G Fund monthly returns are dollar-weighted: they reflect net earnings on the changing balances invested during the month. The C, F, and G Fund returns for the last 12 months assume, except for the crediting of earnings, unchanging balances (time- weighting) from month to month and that earnings are compounded on a monthly basis.

Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board

Please post on bulletin boards.

Recycle all previous notices.

Purchasing and Materials

Copiers and Copier Maintenance Cost Savings

On December 20, 2000, the Postal Service entered into a national strategic partnership with the Ricoh Corporation for the purchase and/or lease of digital copiers and for related copier maintenance.

As the Postal Service faces increasing financial pressure, every purchase decision becomes more critical. Decisions regarding the maintenance of existing copiers should not be made without considering today's copier market. A nationwide contract was awarded to the Ricoh Corporation, and the lower cost resulting from it can make a real difference. For example, a new digital copier, complete with networking capability, can prove less costly than a maintenance agreement for an older analog copier.

The table below itemizes the direct cost of ownership for each of the copiers under the Postal Service/Ricoh strategic partnership. These prices include the purchase or lease of the new equipment, amortized over a 4-year period, and all maintenance and supplies (except paper and staples). Prices are calculated on a per-copy basis for ease in comparing these figures to those within a proposed maintenance agreement.

For complete purchase or lease pricing and product descriptions, see the Greensboro Purchasing and Materials (PMSC) Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/purchase/material/pmsc/greensboro/.

Most copier maintenance agreements offered by other providers include minimum monthly usage terms or overage charges that would severely penalize the Postal Service if estimated usage is inaccurate. The Ricoh maintenance included in the table does not have such provisions - the Postal Service pays only for the copies made. Also consider the cost-per-copy prices on laser printers. The industry average price is $0.05 per print, and an office operation can save considerable expense by replacing several of these laser printers with one strategically located digital copier.

Efficiency can also be gained by having a digital copier available on the Postal Service local area network (LAN) as a system printer. Documents can be sent directly from the workstation to the copier for printing, collating, and binding.

The Greensboro PMSC can assist in calculating pricing under the new Ricoh contract. Contact Wanda Bost, Greensboro PMSC, at 800-627-7211.

- Purchasing Policies and Programs, Purchasing and Materials, 3-22-01

Retail

ALL IRT AND DEBIT/CREDIT CARD OFFICES

Setting Clocks for Daylight Saving Time

Managers must ensure that before opening for business on Monday, April 2, 2001, the clocks in all integrated retail terminals (IRTs) and debit/credit card terminals under their control are set forward (in most locations) 1 hour to reflect the change to Daylight Saving Time. Facilities with Saturday night operations should reset the time as soon as possible after the 2 a.m. start time, Sunday, April 1, 2001.

The correct system time in integrated retail terminals (IRTs) is critical since their internal clocks are used to verify Express Mail and Global Express Guaranteed (GXG) acceptance times and service commitments. The IRT system time is also printed on customer receipts and employee reports. It is very important that the debit/credit card terminal clocks be set to the correct day, date, and time as this will help reduce the possibility of accepting an expired card.

IRTs

On the UNISYS III Supervisor Disk, select menu item 11, Set System Date and Time, from the Control menu, and perform the following steps:

1. Observe that the date appears.

2. Press ENTER key to accept the current date. The time appears.

3. Press CE key to clear the time.

4. Enter correct Daylight Saving Time in military format (examples: 8 AM = 0800, 1:30 PM = 1330).

5. Press ENTER key to save the corrected time. The Control menu appears.

6. Observe that the corrected time is displayed in the upper right hand corner of the screen.

On the MOS IRT Control Disk, select menu item 5, Change Fees and Tables, from the Main menu; then select item 5, Set Unit Date and Time, from the Change Fees and Tables menu.

Debit and Credit Card Terminals

For Debit and Credit Card Terminals, follow these steps:

You must make an entry for each selection, even if the display is correct.

To verify the existing date and time of the clock in the terminal, follow these steps:

Displaying the Clock and Calendar

Retail Consolidation Unit (RCU)

The time for the RCU/VAX will be updated automatically by the Raleigh Information Systems FSCS VAX Support Group. However, all RCU operators should validate the correct time and date when they log on to the RCU on Monday, April 2, 2001, and notify Raleigh if the time and date are incorrect.

Mobile Data Collection Devices (MDCDs)

The Delivery Confirmation handheld scanners will automatically change to Daylight Saving Time. No manual changes are necessary.

IBM and NCR POS ONE Terminals

The IBM and NCR POS ONE terminals will automatically change to Daylight Saving Time. No manual changes are necessary.

- Point of Service,
Retail, Consumers and Small Business, 3-22-01

Dinero Seguro Phone Card Suspension

Effective March 15, 2001, Post Offices will no longer provide Dinero Seguro customers with free phone cards (including both Worldcom and Qwest).

Please keep the phone cards you already have until we provide further instructions.

- Retail Marketing,Retail, Consumers and Small Business, 3-22-01

FedEx Retail Agreement - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will the existing FedEx drop boxes in smaller towns be moved to the Post Office and become the only location?

A. FedEx will make that determination.

2. What does it cost to send a FedEx piece?

A. FedEx pricing varies by service. Per our agreement with FedEx, you do not need to be familiar with those prices. If customers inquire, politely refer them to 1-800-GO FEDEX, where such questions can be answered.

3. What if customers want to give their FedEx pieces to our carriers?

A. Politely advise the customers that we can not take their FedEx pieces. Customers must deposit their pieces in the FedEx drop box, or they may call 1-800-GO FEDEX.

4. What if a FedEx piece will not fit into a drop box?

A. If customers ask about this at the retail counter, politely refer them to call 1-800-GO FEDEX to arrange for pickup.

5. What if other carriers want a similar agreement?

A. The FedEx Drop Box Agreement is nonexclusive. Postal Service national headquarters will handle any discussions with other prospective partners. Do not make any local agreements.

6. What if the site selected is currently occupied?

A. Anything that is contemplated to be moved in favor of a FedEx drop placement will be worked out by the Postal Service District Implementation team and FedEx on a case-by-case basis.

FedEx may place a drop box at any Post Office, station, or branch location.

7. Will FedEx customers have access to our lobbies to complete their paperwork?

A. Yes, they are our customers too. However, we will not keep FedEx supplies in our lobbies. FedEx supplies are available at the drop boxes and are maintained by their couriers.

8. When customers call 1-800-GO FEDEX, will they speak with a person or be routed through a call messaging system?

A. FedEx has indicated that customers will speak directly with a FedEx representative.

9. Does the Postal Service anticipate retail associate hours to increase due to the time required to answer customers' questions?

A. No. Politely advise customers to call 1-800-GO FEDEX. Doing so will not result in an increase in work hours.

10. Who will be responsible for tracking the number of FedEx packages, and how will we be sure of the accuracy?

A. FedEx scans each piece removed from a drop box. FedEx is responsible for supplying the Postal Service with collection data reports using a mutually agreed upon system.

11. Will Postal Service employees be provided with preprinted 1-800-GO FEDEX cards to give to customers who have questions?

A. No. Politely refer customers to 1-800-GO FEDEX when they have questions.

12. Is this a 7-year agreement, or is there a provision for canceling the agreement prior to 7 years?

A. A 7-year agreement has been signed.

13. Is FedEx rate information posted on their drop boxes?

A. No. Politely instruct customers to call 1-800 GO FEDEX.

14. What if customers approach the retail counter, wanting to mail FedEx pieces?

A. Politely direct customers to deposit their pieces in the FedEx drop box. In exceptional circumstances and in the interest of good customer relations, you may accept the FedEx piece (do not weigh or rate the piece) and deposit it in the drop box if the customer insists that we accept it.

15. What if the FedEx drop box is overflowing or pieces are on the ground?

A. FedEx monitors its drop boxes. However, in the spirit of good partnership, you should call 1-800-GO FEDEX to report the issue.

16. What do you do if you observe customers or couriers dropping FedEx packages at the back dock?

A. There are no provisions for FedEx packages to be left at the back dock. Politely inform customers and couriers of the FedEx drop box location for deposit.

17. What if FedEx or Postal Service packages are received in the incorrect box?

A. As soon as you discover that packages have been deposited into the wrong drop box or collection box, immediately transfer the packages to the correct receptacle. If the pick-up time has already occurred for the correct drop box or collection box, meaning the package will not "go out" on the day deposited, contact the other party to arrange pick- up. At no time should you convert to the other party's service a package that has been tendered to either the Postal Service or FedEx by mistake, unless the customer initiates the service change.

18. What does the agreement allow for in terms of FedEx marketing material?

A. FedEx may place promotional materials on their drop boxes only. Postal Service headquarters must approve all other requests.

Note: Questions and concerns have already been raised concerning the transportation agreement. Those issues will be addressed in conjunction with the implementation scheduled for August 2001.

- Retail Operations,
Retail, Consumers and Small Business, 3-22-01

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 emailaddress 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.

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