International Mail

IMM REVISION

International Mail - Mailing to Uzbekistan

Effective June 14, 2001, the Individual Country Listing for Uzbekistan in the International Mail Manual (IMM) is revised to reflect a temporary prohibition against mailing meats and meat products, milk and dairy products, and seeds to Uzbekistan.

We will incorporate this change into both the printed version of IMM Issue 25 and the online IMM, which can be accessed via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

International Mail Manual (IMM)

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Country Conditions for Mailing - Uzbekistan

Prohibitions (130)

[Add the following entry to the list of Prohibitions:]

The government of Uzbekistan has instituted a temporary prohibition against mailing meats and meat products, milk and dairy products, and seeds to Uzbekistan.

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- Marketing, International Business, 6-14-01

IMM REVISION

International Mail - Mailing to Bosnia-Herzegovina

Effective July 1, 2001, the Individual Country Listing for Bosnia-Herzegovina in the International Mail Manual (IMM) is revised to reflect a temporary prohibition against mailing meats and meat products and milk and dairy products to that country.

We will incorporate this change into both the printed version of IMM Issue 25 and the online IMM, which can be accessed via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

International Mail Manual (IMM)

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Country Conditions for Mailing - Bosnia-Herzegovina

Prohibitions (130)

[Add the following entry to the list of Prohibitions:]

The government of Bosnia-Herzegovina has instituted a temporary prohibition against mailing meats and meat products and milk and dairy products to Bosnia- Herzegovina.

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- Marketing, International Business, 6-14-01

IMM REVISION

International Mail - Miscellaneous Revisions

Effective June 14, 2001, clarifying/corrective language is being incorporated into specified sections of Chapters 1 and 2 of the International Mail Manual (IMM).

We will incorporate these changes into both the printed version of IMM Issue 25 and the online IMM, which can be accessed via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

International Mail Manual (IMM)

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1 International Mail Services

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120 Preparation for Mailing

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123 Customs Forms

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123.3 Privately Printed Forms

[Replace the first sentence in the second paragraph with new text as follows (the remainder of 123.3 is unchanged):]

Mailers seeking authorization to print their own customs forms must send a written request to the USPS location cited above. The request must be accompanied by sample artwork for PS Form 2976 or PS Form 2976-A, as appropriate.***

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123.6 Required Usage

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123.61 Conditions

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Exhibit 123.61
Customs Declaration Forms Usage

[Revise the wording in the "Comment" column for Global Express Mail (EMS) so that it reads "See Note 3..." rather than "See Note 4..." (all other entries in Exhibit 123.61 are unchanged):]

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123.62 Known Mailers

[Replace the text in the Note and add the Exception as follows (the remainder of 123.62 is unchanged):]

Note: "Known mailers" are exempt from the customs form requirement that would otherwise apply to mailpieces weighing 16 ounces or more, provided that the following conditions of entry are met:

a. The mailpieces do not contain merchandise items or other contents that are potentially dutiable.

b. The postage is paid through an advance deposit account (see exception below) and is accounted for on the required mailing statement.

c. The mailer certifies on the mailing statement that the mailpieces do not contain dangerous materials that are prohibited by postal regulations.

d. The import regulations of the destination country do not require that a customs form be affixed to the individual mailpieces.

Exception: Mailpieces that are paid for by postage meter do not qualify for the "known mailer" exemption, except for metered International Priority Airmail (IPA) and International Surface Air Lift (ISAL) items that bear the service endorsements prescribed in 292.222a and 293.92, respectively.

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130 Mailability

131 General

131.1 Domestic Limits

[Change the second sentence in 131.1 to read as follows (the remainder of the text is unchanged):]

***Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail.

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132 Written, Printed, and Graphic Matter

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132.2 Reply Cards and Envelopes

[Replace the text in 132.2 and add a new Exception as follows:]

Mailpieces that are sent to foreign addressees may not contain prepaid reply cards or envelopes that bear a U.S. postage stamp, meter stamp, meter impression, or a domestic business reply indicia. See 373 for regulations governing mailer use of International Business Reply Service (IBRS).

Exception: The prohibition against enclosing U.S. domestic business reply cards or envelopes does not apply when they are bound into, are stapled to, or form an integral part of the printed page of mailpieces that are paid for at publishers' periodical rates. Such enclosures may be admitted so long as they are not used as response vehicles by foreign recipients and the postal administrations of the destination countries do not object to their presence in U.S. origin publications.

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135 Mailable Dangerous Goods

135.1 Biological Substances

135.11 General Conditions

[Change the Domestic Mail Manual cross reference to read as follows (the remainder of the text is unchanged):]

DMM CO23.10

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135.4 Marking

135.44 Shipper's Declaration

[Replace the text in 135.44 with the following:]

Registered airmail letter-post items that contain infectious biological substances (i.e., etiologic agents) must be accompanied by a shipper's declaration for dangerous goods. That shipping paper must be placed in an adhesive backed plastic envelope or other document carrier that is affixed to the exterior of the mailpiece. A shipper's declaration for dangerous goods is not required when the contents are limited to noninfectious biological substances. See USPS Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail, sections 326 and 622.2f.

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150 Postage

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152 Payment Methods

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152.2 Stamps

[Replace the text in 152.2b and 152.2d as follows (152.2a and 152.2c are unchanged):]

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b. Mailer precanceled stamps may be used with international mail under the same conditions as are applicable to domestic mail. See DMM P023.

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d. Nondenominated postage stamps (except for those that bear uniquely domestic markings, such as First- Class Presort, Bulk Rate, Presorted Standard, or Nonprofit Organization) may be affixed to postal items that are sent to foreign countries. The value of such stamps is linked to either a current or a former domestic rate (e.g., the "H" stamp has a postage value of $0.33). Since the international postage rates are always higher than the comparable domestic postage rates, mailers who affix a single nondenominated postage stamp to their outbound mailpieces must add additional postage to comply with the international rate schedule. Note: The nondenominated Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp, which has a postage value that is equivalent to the domestic rate for 1-ounce letter, may be used for international mailing purposes.

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[Revise header and text in 152.32 to read as follows:]

152.32 Usage Criteria

To use a permit imprint for international mailing purposes, a mailer must enter a minimum of 200 pieces or 50 pounds of mail that are identical in size and weight and addressed to recipients in foreign countries. All of the mailpieces bearing a permit imprint do not have to be addressed to the same destination country. See 292.13 and 293.2 for the minimum quantity requirements that govern the entry of International Priority Airmail (IPA) items and International Surface Air Lift (ISAL) items, respectively.

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2 Conditions for Mailing

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230 Global Priority Mail

231 Description

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231.4 Service Areas

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231.42 Destinations

[Replace text of 231.42 with the following:]

Below is an alphabetical list of the destination countries to which Global Priority Mail (GPM) items may be sent and the rate group designation that is associated with each of those geographic locations:

Note: See Exhibits 232.11 and 232.12 for the GPM Flat- Rate Envelope rates and the Variable-Weight Option rates that correspond to Rate Groups 1-5, respectively.

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233 Preparation Requirements

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233.3 Customs Form Required

[Replace the Customs Form Required table with the following (the note below the table is unchanged):]

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240 Letter-Post

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242 Postage

242.1 Rates

[Replace the text in 242.1 with the following:]

The country-specific rate group designations that apply to airmail and economy (surface) letter-post items, airmail and economy (surface) M-bags (see 260), and books and sheet music (see 295) are as follows:

Note: See the Individual Country Listings for the airmail and economy (surface) postage rates that are applicable to specific destination countries and territorial possessions.

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243 Weight and Size Limits

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243.2 Size Limits

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243.24 Nonstandard Surcharge

[Replace the text in 243.24 with the following:]

An $0.11 per-piece surcharge is applied to airmail letter- post items (but not to economy (surface) letter-post items) that weigh 1 ounce or less, if any of the following dimensional standards apply:

a. The length exceeds 11-1/2 inches.

b. The height exceeds 6-1/8 inches.

c. The thickness exceeds 1/4 inch.

d. The length divided by the height results in an aspect ratio that is less than 1.3 or more than 2.5.

244 Preparation Requirements

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244.2 Marking

[Replace the text in 244.2 with the following:]

a. Letter-post items, which because of their size, shape, or configuration might be mistaken for another class of international mail, should be marked "LETTER" on the address side of the mailpiece.

b. Letter-post items that are paid for at the airmail rate of postage must be marked "AIRMAIL/PAR AVION" or have PS Label 19-A, Par Avion Air Mail, or PS Label 19-B, Air Mail Par Avion, affixed to the address side of the mailpiece.

c. Mailpieces that are paid for at the economy (surface) rate of postage for books and sheet music must be marked "BOOKS" or "SHEET MUSIC," as applicable. See 295.41.

d. Economy (surface) items that qualify as matter for the blind must bear the marking "FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND" in the upper-right corner of the address side of the mailpiece. See 274.2.

e. Privately printed postcards must bear the marking "POSTCARD." See 251.14.

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244.4 Packaging

[Replace the text in 244.4 with the following:]

The following packaging methods may be used when entering letter-post items:

a. Mail matter is admissible in envelopes, sleeves, or wrappers of varying sizes and thickness. Note: Transparent plastic packaging is acceptable for international mailing purposes.

b. Bulkier items are admissible in boxes, cartons, tubes, or other types of containers that are commonly used to transmit shipments that are in package form.

c. Folded mailpieces, without envelopes, are admissible, provided that all of the open sides are secured with tape, tabs, or wafer seals of sufficient quantity and strength as to prevent the mailpieces from opening or being damaged during postal handling.

d. Letter-post items, in card form, are admissible, so long as their overall dimensions do not exceed 4-3/4 x 9-1/4 inches. See 243.23.

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260 Direct Sacks of Printed Matter to One Addressee (M-bags)

261 General Description

261.1 Definition

[Delete the first bulleted item in the listing, which refers to "minimum weight."]

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261.2 Allowable Contents

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261.22 Merchandise

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[Replace the text in 261.22e with the following (261.21 and 261.22a-d are unchanged):]

e. The M-bag must be accompanied by a fully completed PS Form 2976, Customs - CN 22 (Old C1) and Sender's Declaration, which is to be affixed to PS Tag 158, M-bag Addressee Tag.

262 Postage

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262.1 Rates

[Delete the text in 262.1, and add 262.11, 262.12, and 262.13 as follows:]

262.11 Airmail M-bags

M-bags that are paid for at the airmail rate of postage may contain any type of allowable printed matter or merchandise items (see 261.22). See the Individual Country Listings for the minimum bag charge for "weights up to 11 pounds" and the per-pound rate for "each additional pound or fraction of a pound" over 11 pounds.

262.12 Economy (Surface) M-bags

Economy (surface) M-bags that contain either publishers' periodicals (see 294) or books and sheet music (see 295) are subject to postage rates that are specifically applicable to those two categories of printed matter. Mailers who enter other types of qualifying printed matter, or printed matter in combination with allowable merchandise items, are required to pay the "regular" M-bag postage rates. See the Individual Country Listings for the minimum bag charge for "weights up to 11 pounds" and the per-pound rate for "each additional pound or fraction of a pound" over 11 pounds.

Exception: The 200 pieces or 50 pounds minimum entry requirement (see 295.12) does not apply to books and sheet music that are enclosed in an M-bag. Economy (surface) M-bags containing that category of printed matter may be tendered at either USPS retail counters or bulk mail acceptance locations.

262.13 International Surface Air Lift (ISAL) M-bags

M-bags that are entered in conjunction with an International Surface Air Lift (ISAL) mailing (see 293) may contain all types of allowable printed matter or merchandise items (see 261.22). See 293.71 for the rate of postage that applies to M-bags mailed to each ISAL destination country.

262.2 Payment of Postage

[Replace the headings and text in 262.21 and 262.22 with the following:]

262.21 Postage Calculation

The amount of postage paid by the mailer is determined by the weight of the sack's contents, rounded to the next whole pound. For example, if the total weight of the printed matter in an M-bag is 23.2 pounds, exclusive of the tare weight of the sack, the postage computation is based on a total content weight of 24 pounds.

262.22 Stamps, Postage Meter, PVI Labels, or Permit Imprint

M-bag postage can be paid by the following means:

· By affixing postage stamps, meter stamps, or a postage validation imprinter (PVI) label to PS Tag 158, M- Bag Addressee Tag.

· By placing a permit imprint on PS Tag 158, M-Bag Addressee Tag, and making payment through an advance deposit account. When that method of payment is used, the postage must be accounted for on PS Form 3651-M, Postage Statement - International M-Bag - Permit Imprint. (Note: PS Form 3651-M is not to be used when publishers' periodicals are mailed in M-bags. See 294.262.)

263 Weight and Size Limits

263.1 Weight Limits

[Replace the text in 263.1 with the following:]

There is no minimum weight requirement for the entry of airmail M-bags, economy (surface) M-bags, or International Surface (ISAL) M-bags. The maximum weight limit for any type of M-bag is 66 pounds, which includes the tare weight of the sack.

Note: Customers who tender M-bags that weigh less than 11 pounds are required to pay the minimum "11-pound bag charge" that is applicable to the country of destination where the sack and its contents are to be delivered.

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264 Preparation Requirements

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264.3 Customs Forms Required

[Replace the text in 264.3 with the following:]

M-bags that contain potentially dutiable printed matter or any category of printed matter that is combined with allowable merchandise items (see 261.22) must be accompanied by a fully completed PS Form 2976, Customs - CN 22 (Old C1) and Sender's Declaration, which is to be affixed to PS Tag 158, M-bag Addressee Tag.

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280 Parcel Post

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282 Postage

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282.3 Pickup Service

[Replace the dollar amount in the first sentence with $10.25 (the remaining text in 282.3 is unchanged).]

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284 Preparation Requirements

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284.2 Marking

[Replace the text in 284.2 with the following:]

Parcel Post packages that are paid for at the airmail rate of postage must be marked "AIRMAIL" or "PAR AVION" or bear one of the two prescribed airmail labels (i.e., either PS Label 19-A or PS Label 19-B). The airmail marking or label should be placed below and to the left of the delivery address.

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290 Commercial Services

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292 International Priority Airmail Service

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292.4 Preparation Requirements for Individual Items

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[Existing sections 292.43 and 292.44 are combined into a single reference that is numbered 292.43; the section headers and exhibit numbers that follow after 292.43 are renumbered as follows: 292.45 is now 292.44; 292.46 is now 292.45; 292.47 is now 292.46.]

[Replace the headings and text in 292.43 and 292.44 with the following:]

292.43 Sealing and Packaging

Mail that is sent via the IPA service may be sealed at the sender's option. See 244.4 for the packaging methods that are applicable to all letter-post items.

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292.452 Presorted Mail

Exhibit 292.452 (p. 4)
Foreign Exchange Office and Country Rate Groups

[Delete the superscript "3" from the "Exchange Office" column for Poland; all other country entries are unchanged.]

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293 International Surface Air Lift (ISAL) Service

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293.7 Postage

293.71 Rates

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Exhibit 293.71
International Surface Air Lift Service Network Countries and Rates

[Delete the entire row for the country entries of Armenia, Burundi, Estonia, Gibraltar, Lithuania, and Tonga; all other entries in Exhibit 293.71 are unchanged.]

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293.9 Preparation Requirements

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293.93 Sealing and Packaging

[Replace the text in 293.93 with the following:]

Mail that is sent via the ISAL service may be sealed at the sender's option. See 244.4 for the packaging methods that are applicable to all letter-post items.

293.94 Makeup Requirements for ISAL

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[Replace the heading and text in 293.945 with the following:]

293.945 ISAL M-bags

Subject to the provisions of 260, Direct Sacks of Printed Matter to One Addressee (M-bags) may be entered as ISAL mail and sent to all destination countries that are referenced in Exhibit 293.71. When using that method of mail preparation, the sender must complete PS Tag 155, Surface Airlift Mail, and PS Tag 158, M-bag Addressee Tag, and securely attach each of those tags to the neck of the sack. Merchandise items, in combination with related printed matter, may be placed into ISAL M-bags, provided that the contents and method of preparation conform to the requirements that are specified in 261.22.

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294 Publishers' Periodicals

294.1 Description

294.11 Definition

[Replace the text in 294.11 with the following:]

Publishers' periodicals are domestically approved publications that include magazines, newspapers, journals, and other types of periodical publications. See DMM E211.

294.12 Eligibility

[Replace the text in 294.12 with the following:]

In order to be admissible at publishers' periodical rates, qualifying mail matter, as defined in 294.11, must be tendered by the publisher or registered news agent who is authorized to enter that particular publication. When such mailpieces are tendered by anyone other than the designated publisher or registered news agent, the mailer has the option of paying either the airmail letter-post rate or the economy (surface) letter-post rate.

294.2 Postage

[Replace the heading and text in 294.26 with the following:]

294.26 Payment of Postage

294.261 General

Unless the use of Centralized Postage Payment (CPP) procedures has been authorized, the publisher or registered news agent must use a periodicals mail indicia and pay postage through an advance deposit account that is established at the Post Office of original/additional entry. Periodical postage must be computed at the applicable per-copy rate and accounted for on PS Form 3541, Postal Statement-Periodicals One Issue or One Edition, or PS Form 3541-M, Postage Statement-Periodicals All Issues in a Calendar Month, as appropriate. Postage stamps, precanceled stamps, meter stamps, and permit imprints may not be used to pay publishers' periodical rate postage. Permissible enclosures are subject to the payment of letter-post rates as specified 294.29.

294.262 M-Bags

For M-bag mailings, the publisher or registered news agent must place meter stamps or an authorized indicia in the designated block on PS Tag 158, M-Bag Addressee Tag. When postage is paid through an advance deposit account, it must be computed at the applicable per-copy rate and accounted for on either PS Form 3541 or PS Form 3541-M, as appropriate.

Note: The $0.25 per pound postage rate discount that is available to publishers or registered news agents who "drop ship" their mail at the New Jersey International and Bulk Mail Center (NJI&BMC) does not apply to M-bags.

[Replace the heading and text in 294.27 with the following:]

294.27 Payment of Postage While Application Is Pending

When an application to mail at periodical rates is pending, the publisher or registered news agent must adhere to the following procedures:

a. Upon tendering a mailing, complete PS Form 3541 or PS Form 3541-M, as appropriate, and annotate the applicable periodicals mailing statement with the words "Pending Application."

b. Simultaneously complete PS Form 3651-LP, Postage Statement - International Letter-post Permit Imprint.

c. Pay postage at the airmail letter-post rate or the economy (surface) letter-post rate, whichever is less.

When the application for periodicals mailing privileges is approved, the postage charges paid on previously reported mailings will be adjusted based on rates for publishers' periodicals and according to the general procedures provided in Domestic Mail Manuel (DMM) E216.

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[Replace the heading and text in 294.28 with the following:]

294.28 Rates of Postage

294.281 Per-Copy Rate

Publishers' periodicals that are individually addressed or are enclosed in an M-bag must be accounted for on PS Form 3541 or PS Form 3541-M, as appropriate, and be paid for at the per-copy rate.

294.282 Bulk Packages

Unaddressed copies made up in bulk packages are not subject to publishers' periodical rates. Such items must be paid for at either the airmail letter-post rate or the economy (surface) letter-post rate, whichever is less. When that method of preparation is used, stamped or metered postage may be affixed to the exterior wrappers. The postage payment amount is based on the aggregate weight of the mailpieces that constitute the bulk package.

[Add a new 294.29 as follows:]

294.29 Publishers' Periodicals Containing an Enclosure

When individually addressed publishers' periodicals are accompanied by an enclosure, the following postage payment procedures apply:

· The host mailpiece must be paid for at the applicable per-copy rate and accounted for on PS Form 3541 or PS Form 3541-M, as appropriate.

· The enclosure must be paid for at the airmail letter- post rate or the economy letter-post rate, whichever is less, and accounted for on PS Form 3651-LP, Postage Statement - International Letter-post Permit Imprint.

[Replace the heading and text in 294.3 with the following:]

294.3 Conditions for Mailing

Publishers' periodicals are subject to the following conditions for mailing:

a. Weight Limit: 4 pounds to all destination countries.

b. Size limits: Same as for other categories of letter- post items. See 243.2.

c. Markings and Endorsements:

· When publishers' periodical rate postage is paid through an advance deposit account, the mailpieces must be endorsed "PERIODICALS Postage paid at...." At the mailer's option, the simplified endorsement "PERIODICALS" may be substituted. See DMM C200.4.2.

· When publishers' periodical rate postage is paid by means of a meter stamp (see 294.26), the simplified endorsement "PERIODICALS" should be used.

· When a publisher or registered news agent enters a particular publication at more than one postal location, the prescribed endorsement is "PERIODICALS Postage paid at ...and Additional Mailing Offices."

· When a mailer's application to enter at the publishers' periodical rate is currently pending, the prescribed endorsement is "Application to Mail at PERIODICALS Postage Rates Pending at..." See DMM E211.10.5g.

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294.4 Makeup Requirements for Publishers' Periodicals

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294.42 Sacking and Labeling

294.421 Country Sacks and Labels (Except Canada)

[Replace the Note, which is between the two labeling examples, with the following (the remaining text in 294.421 is unchanged):]

Note: More than one separation is required for China, Great Britain, and Japan (see Exhibit 294.42). When publishers' periodicals are mailed to those destination countries, the label should reflect the destination exchange office name along with the city code and the country name.

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295 Books and Sheet Music

295.1 Description

[Replace the heading and text in 295.12 with the following:]

295.12 Maximum Quantity Requirements

To use the economy (surface) books and sheet music classification, the mailer must tender at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of mail matter that conforms to the content description in 295.11.

The minimum weight requirement can be met by entering (1) individually addressed mailpieces that have a combined weight of 50 pounds or more; or (2) individually addressed mailpieces, plus one or more M-bags, that have a combined weight of 50 pounds or more. See 262.12 for a regulatory exception that relates to the mailing of M-bags that contain books and sheet music.

295.2 Postage

295.21 Rates

[Replace the text in 295.21 with the following:]

See the Individual Country Listings for the economy (surface) postage rates that are applicable to books and sheet music mailings.

295.22 Postage Payment Methods

[Replace the text in 295.22 with the following:]

295.221 General

a. Identical-weight mailpieces can be paid for by (1) affixing meter stamps to the packaging or (2) using an authorized permit imprint. When postage is paid through an advance deposit account, the mailer must complete PS Form 3651-LP, Postage Statement - International Letter-post Permit Imprint.

b. Nonidentical weight mailpieces must have meter stamps affixed to the packaging unless the mailer is authorized to use a Manifest Mail System (MMS) as specified in DMM P710.

295.222 M-Bags

M-bags that contain books or sheet music can be paid for by (1) affixing meter stamps or a postage validation imprinter (PVI) label to PS Tag 158, M-Bag Addressee Tag or (2) using an authorized permit imprint and paying postage through an advance deposit account. When M-bag postage is paid through an advance deposit account, the mailer must complete PS Form 3651-M, Postage Statement - International M-Bag - Permit Imprint.

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295.4 Makeup Requirements for Books and Sheet Music

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295.43 Sacking and Labeling

295.431 Country Sacks and Labels (Except Canada)

[Replace the Note, which is between the two labeling examples, with the following (the remaining text in 295.431 is unchanged):]

Note: More than one separation is required for China, Great Britain, and Japan (see Exhibit 295.43). When mailpieces containing books or sheet music are mailed to those destination countries, the label should reflect the destination exchange office name along with the city code and the country name.

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- Marketing, International Business, 6-14-01

ICM UPDATE

International Customized Mail

On April 30, 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: May 1, 2001, through April 30, 2003.

b. Type of mail: Global Express Mail Service (EMS) or Airmail Parcel Post (APP). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for Qualifying Mail.

c. Destination countries: Japan.

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

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

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

3. Provide Mailer with technical assistance necessary to prepare the necessary information linkages, electronic data files, and data exchanges.

4. Arrange with carriers to transport Qualifying Mail to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authority.

5. Furnish Mailer with tracking reports, if applicable to the service, and delivery performance reports on a regular basis.

6. Apply a Postal Service shipping label and Customs documentation to each package intended for delivery in Japan.

7. Send an electronic data file to Japan that will allow the Customs officials to review the contents of each shipment before the packages arrive.

e. Minimum volume commitment: The Mailer has agreed to tender a minimum volume of 25,000 packages or a minimum of $500,000 in international postage in each calendar year of the Agreement.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Establish the necessary linkages with the Postal Service.

2. Exchange electronic information with the Postal Service according to the specifications and instructions the Postal Service provides.

3. Provide the Postal Service with notification of new dedicated permit numbers used for Qualifying Mail, 1 week in advance of using the new permit numbers.

4. Provide the appropriate Postal Service acceptance sites a schedule of mailings, including the intended date of tender, weight, volume, and location where mail will originate, in accordance with the instruction the Postal Service provides.

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage for Qualifying Mail rates contained in Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

- International Business, 6-14-01

NEW FORM

PS Form 5626, Global Express Mail Service® - Delivery Receipt for Inbound EMS Service

The March 2001 edition of PS Form 5626, Global Express Mail Service ® - Delivery Receipt for Inbound EMS Service, is now available from the Material Distribution Center (MDC). The new edition is a single-ply label to conform to the new Signature Capture program. The color scheme has been changed from the international orange and blue to the domestic red and blue.

International Service Centers seeking to obtain copies of the form can requisition them 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, to MDC Customer Service at TOKS001L.

· Official Mail: Mail a completed PS Form 7380 to the MDC at the following address:

SUPPLY REQUISITIONS
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
500 SW GARY ORMBSY DR
TOPEKA KS 66624-9702

The relevant ordering information for PS Form 5626 is as follows:

NSN: 7530-02-000-9933
PSIN: PS5626
Unit of Issue: RL
Bulk Pack Qty: 8
Price: $11.93
Edition Date: June 2001

- International Networks Operations, 6-14-01

Philately

Migratory Waterfowl Survey - Duck Stamp Cards

The Postal Service is again helping the Department of Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service conduct its annual survey using Federal Duck Stamp Cards to measure the harvest of migratory waterfowl during the coming hunting season. Some Post Offices, stations, and branches have been randomly selected to participate.

The Department of Interior will notify each participating postmaster and then send the materials directly to the postmaster or to the selected branches and stations of some larger Post Offices. Only the selected units may distribute the Federal Duck Stamp Cards.

Each shipment includes:

· Federal Duck Stamp Cards for the hunter's name and address.

· Instructions for Postal Service window personnel.

· Acknowledgement postcard (Form M.S. 7).

Managers should:

· Inform employees of survey instructions.

· Acknowledge receipt of the materials using enclosed postcard (Form M.S. 7).

Window personnel should:

· Give a Federal Duck Stamp Card to all purchasers of Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation (duck) stamps, including collectors and nonhunters, at the time of purchase.

· Ask the customer to fill in the name and address portion and to return the card to you for mailing. The customer detaches and keeps the stub (hunting diary) portion of the card to record daily hunting activity.

· If customers are purchasing stamps for resale or for distribution to other hunters, give them one instruction sheet and a name and address card for each stamp. Ask them to request the actual stamp recipient to fill in, detach, and mail the business reply portion of the card without delay. Stamp collectors should receive only one card.

Customer participation is voluntary but essential to the survey's success. The cooperation of all postmasters, managers, and window personnel involved is appreciated.

- Retail, Consumers and Small Business, 6-14-01

UPDATED ANNOUNCEMENT 01-D

2001 Stamps and Postal Stationery

"2001 Stamps and Postal Stationery" (Announcement 01-D, June 2001), which appears on page 15, 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, 6-14-01

2001 STAMPS AND POSTAL STATIONERY
This schedule is subject to change. Announcement 01-D (June 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 (21 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.

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. 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.

May 18, 2001

SHELBY TWP POST OFFICE STATION

POSTMASTER

7755 22 MILE RD

SHELBY TWP MI 48317-9992

UTICA POST OFFICE STATION

POSTMASTER

8785 HALL RD

UTICA MI 48317-9998

Arkansas District

PEANUTS STATION

STATION MANAGER

6909 BASELINE RD

LITTLE ROCK AR 72209-9998

Arkansas District

PEANUTS STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 9998

NORTH LITTLE ROCK AR 72214-9998

USPS

PEANUTS STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 9998

MONTOURSVILLE PA 17754-9998

USPS

PEANUTS STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 9998

HERSHEY PA 17033-9998

May 23, 2001

USPS

HONORING VETERANS STATION

POSTMASTER

313 NORTH OAKLAND AVE

OAKLAND NE 68045-9992

USPS

HONORING VETERANS STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 9998

DIGHTON KS 67839-9998

USPS

HONORING VETERANS DUKE CORNING STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 9998

RAPID CITY SD 57702-9998

USPS

HONORING VETERANS SIOUX FALLS VA STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 9998

SIOUX FALLS SD 57104-9998

May 24, 2001

USPS

HONORING VETERANS STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 9998

WESSINGTON SPRINGS SD 57382-9992

USPS

HONORING VETERANS STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 9998

ARLINGTON SD 57212-9998

June 14, 2001

USPS

PEANUTS STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 9998

KULPSVILLE PA 19443-9998

PEANUTS COMIC STRIP STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 9998

PIPESTEM WV 25979-9998

May 23, 2001

American Legion

HONORING VETERANS STATION

POSTMASTER

202 WEST MADISON ST

MT AYR IA 50854-9998

American Legion

HONORING VETERANS STATION

POSTMASTER

101 WEST MAIN ST

TINGLEY IA 50863-9998

June 18, 2001

PEANUTS STATION

POSTMASTER

109 RAILROAD ST

OAK HILL OH 45656-9998

PEANUTS STATION

POSTMASTER

114 SOUTH FORSYTHE ST

PILETON OH 45661-9998

PEANUTS STATION

POSTMASTER

125 EAST 2ND

WAVERLY OH 45690-9998

PEANUTS STATION

POSTMASTER

37 SALT CREEK RD

WAKEFIELD OH 45687-9998

PEANUTS STATION

POSTMASTER

MAIN ST

BEAVER OH 45613-9998

PEANUTS STATION

POSTMASTER

6618 SR 104

JASPER OH 45642-9998

PEANUTS STATION

POSTMASTER

8502 SR 124

LATHAM OH 45646-9998

- Stamp Services,Public Affairs and Communications, 6-14-01

Special Cancellation Die Hubs

Postmasters and plant managers who have any of the special cancellation die hubs listed below may use them for the periods designated. At the end of the period, these die hubs must be withdrawn and stored. Postmasters and plant managers who do not have these special die hubs may not request them from the sponsors.

Post Offices

NOTICE AND CORRECTION

Proper Identification of Damaged Mail Transport Equipment Rolling Stock

Please disregard the article titled "Notice: Proper Identification of Damaged Mail Transport Equipment Rolling Stock" in Postal Bulletin 22051 (5-31-01, page 59). The article that appears here has the correct information.

All users of mail transport equipment (MTE) are requested to promptly identify, "red tag," and isolate damaged or defective wheeled containers used to transport mail. Damaged rolling stock must be removed from service and placed in a holding area for return to the servicing mail transport equipment service center (MTESC).

Although all MTE items passing through the MTESCs are scanned for obvious defects, use of the orange PS Form 4707, "Out of Order" tag, will ensure that broken rolling stock is identified and scheduled for repair. Please help the MTESC network keep your rolling stock serviceable by tagging all defective containers.

- Mail Transport Equipment,Network Operations Management, 6-14-01

NOTICE AND CORRECTION

Removal of Trash From Mail Transport Equipment

Please disregard the article titled "Notice: Removal of Trash from Mail Transport Equipment" in Postal Bulletin 22051 (5-31-01, page 59). The article that appears here has the correct information.

Mail processing centers and facilities must immediately stop shipping excess or broken office and workroom furniture, equipment, garbage, and trash to the mail transport equipment service centers (MTESCs) in excess containers or cardboard boxes. Incidents of this type have increased sharply during 2001. This practice creates environmental health and safety problems at the receiving MTESCs, which must spend unbudgeted funds to dispose of the refuse through waste management contractors.

Future shipments of this type will be returned to the originating offices, which will be billed for the additional shipping and handling expenses.

Refer to Handbook AS-701, Material Management, for instructions on disposing of unneeded or broken equipment.

- Mail Transport Equipment,Network Operations Management, 6-14-01

Postal Employees

HANDBOOK REVISION

Handbook EL-814, Postal Employee's Guide to Safety

Handbook EL-814, Postal Employee's Guide to Safety, March 2001 edition, is available at the Material Distribution Center (MDC) or can be found on the Policies and Procedures page of the Postal Service Intranet at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim.

Handbook EL-814 provides simple, easy-to-locate safety rules and procedures so that you can familiarize yourself with those rules that apply to your job. It is intended for reference only.

Managers should order sufficient copies for all their employees. Local Postal Service employee development centers (PEDCs) should order enough to hand out during new employee orientation. Order using 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 to the following address:

SUPPLY REQUISITIONS
500 SW GARY ORMSBY DR
TOPEKA KS 66624-9702

The relevant ordering information is as follows:

PSN: 7610-01-000-9089
PSIN: HBKEL814
Unit of Issue: EA
Quick Pick #: 359
Bulk Pack Quantity: 400
Price: $.1049
Edition Date: March 2001

- Safety Performance Management,Employee Resource Management, 6-14-01

2001 U.S. Postal Service National Awards Program for Diversity Achievement

The U.S. Postal Service seeks nominations, for its 2001 National Awards Program for Diversity Achievement, of all employees who made significant contributions to encourage, promote, and celebrate diversity within the organization. See flyer on page 31.

All employees* are eligible for nomination and participation! Soon Postal Service facilities nationwide will receive nomination kits, which can be displayed in either a freestanding or a hanging position. Please display the nomination kit in a highly visible area.

*Excluding Diversity Development and Hispanic Program specialists and managers, except where noted as an essential member of a team or committee.

Nomination deadline is July 13, 2001.

- Diversity Development,Human Resources, 6-14-01

THE U.S. POSTAL SERVICE NATIONAL AWARDS PROGRAM for Diversity Achievement

The Postal Service focuses on the Voice of the Customer, Voice of the Employee, and Voice of the Business. We listen to the needs of our diverse customer, employee, and supplier base so we can respond with initiatives that balance corporate and workforce goals.

By managing and valuing diversity as an integral part of our business, we sustain high customer satisfaction, improve employee and organizational effectiveness, and gain new opportunities for revenue and growth.

Award winners will be selected for exceptional contributions and achievements related to diversity.

Nominees must demonstrate awareness and actions that reinforce the U.S. Postal Service’s commitment to managing and valuing diversity in support of CustomerPerfect!TM objectives.

Nomination forms are available at all postal facilities and can be completed by employees and returned via business reply mail to Headquarters.

Nomination forms are accepted June 13 - July13. Winners will be honored at an awards ceremony in Virginia on September 26, 2001.

Purchasing and Materials

PM REVISION

Purchasing Manual 4.6.5 and Appendix B

Effective June 14, 2001, Purchasing Manual (PM) section 4.6.5, Information Technology, and Appendix B, Contract Clauses, are revised to align Postal Service policies and procedures regarding information technology (IT) accessibility with the approaches taken by other federal agencies.

These sections were previously revised in Postal Bulletin 22047 (4-5-01, pages 53-54) in order to incorporate the Access Board standards and to require that suppliers certify that IT they supply conforms to them.

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was amended in 1998 to ensure that IT acquired by the federal government, including the Postal Service, is accessible. The enforcement provision of Section 508 takes effect June 21, 2001.

The PM revisions follow; they include new definitions of IT and undue burden, clarification of applicability of the accessibility standards to contracts already in existence, guidance regarding exceptions, requirements development, market research and documentation, and a revised Clause 4-18, Information Technology Accessibility Standards.

These revisions will apply to IT contracts awarded on or after June 21, 2001. In order to accomplish this result, contracting officers must include the current version of Clause 4-18 (June 2001), whether the solicitation leading to the award contained the previous (April 2001) version of Clause 4-18 or not. Such a change will require the agreement of the supplier or the issuance of a change pursuant to the Changes clause.

We will incorporate these revisions into an incremental update of the PM on the Policies and Procedures page on the Postal Service Intranet at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim/manuals and the Postal Service Internet at http://www.usps.com; click on About USPS, then Doing Business with Us, then Purchasing Publications, and then relevant contract writing systems.

Purchasing Manual (PM)

* * * * *

4 Purchasing

* * * * *

4.6.5 Information Technology

4.6.5.a Definitions

* * * * *

[Revise 4.6.5.a.5 to read as follows:]

5. Information Technology (IT). Encompasses all types and categories of computer, networking, and telecommunications systems (where voice and/or data may be transmitted by cable, telephone, or wireless), and all associated hardware, firmware, software, and services. This includes emerging technologies such as wireless handheld data collection devices, information kiosks, transaction machines, electronic commerce services, distance learning systems, World Wide Web sites, multimedia, and office equipment such as FAX machines and copiers. IT also includes information technology and any equipment or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment that is used in the creation, conversion, or duplication of data or information. IT does not include any equipment that contains embedded technology that is used as an integral part of the product but the principal function of which is not the acquisition, storage, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information. For example, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) equipment, such as thermostats or temperature control devices and medical equipment where information technology is integral to its operation, is not IT.

* * * * *

[Add new subparagraph 4.6.5.a.8 as follows:]

8. Undue Burden. A significant difficulty or expense.

* * * * *

4.6.5.b Policy

* * * * *

[Revise 4.6.5.b.2 to read as follows:]

2. Accessibility

(a) Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act as amended in 1998 requires the Postal Service to ensure that information technology (IT) purchased by the Postal Service allows employees with disabilities and individuals with disabilities who are members of the public to have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to the access and use of information by employees and members of the public who do not have disabilities, unless doing so would impose an undue burden (see below).

(b) Applicability

(1) General. Unless an exception applies, purchases of IT must meet the applicable accessibility standards at 36 CFR part 1194. Exception determinations are required prior to contract award, except for indefinite delivery contracts and the other circumstances enumerated at subparts (3)(a) through (3)(d) below.

(2) Indefinite Delivery Contracts. Exception determinations are not required prior to award of indefinite delivery contracts, except for requirements that are to be satisfied by initial award. Contracting officers who award indefinite delivery contracts must indicate to requiring and ordering activities which IT the supplier indicates as compliant and show where full details of compliance can be found (e.g., supplier's or other exact web site location). Before task or delivery orders are issued, requiring and ordering activities must ensure IT meets the applicable accessibility standards at 36 CFR part 1194, unless an exception applies. Accordingly, indefinite delivery contracts may include noncompliant IT items; however, any task or delivery order issued for noncompliant items must meet an applicable exception.

(3) The accessibility standards at 36 CFR part 1194 do not apply to:

(a) Taking delivery for items ordered prior to June 21, 2001.

(b) Within-scope modifications of contracts awarded before June 21, 2001.

(c) Exercising unilateral options for contracts awarded before June 21, 2001.

(d) Multiyear contracts awarded before June 21, 2001.

(c) Exceptions

(1) General. The requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act as amended do not apply to IT that -

(a) Is acquired by a supplier incidental to a contract.

(b) Is located in spaces frequented only by service personnel for maintenance, repair, or occasional monitoring of equipment.

(c) Is being acquired as IT that is available in the commercial marketplace, and the IT meets all the accessibility standards that can be met within time to meet the Postal Service's delivery requirements.

(d) Would impose an undue burden on the Postal Service.

(2) Basis. In determining whether compliance with all or part of the accessibility standards in 36 CFR part 1194 would be an undue burden, the Postal Service must consider the difficulty or expense of compliance.

(3) Documentation

(a) Undue Burden. The requiring or ordering activity must document in writing the basis for an undue burden decision and provide the documentation to the contracting officer for inclusion in the contract file.

(b) Commercial Items. When acquiring commercial items, the requiring or ordering activity must document in writing, for provision to the contracting officer for inclusion in the contract file, the extent to which commercial items fail to meet specific accessibility standards and a description of the market research performed to establish the extent of the commercial IT's noncompliance.

* * * * *

Appendix B Contract Clauses

* * * * *

B.3 Contract Clauses

* * * * *

[Revise Clause 4-18 to read as follows:]

Clause 4-18 Information Technology Accessibility Standards (June 2001)(4.6.5)

a. Information technology purchased under this contract or order must conform to the applicable provisions of the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board's Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards (36 CFR part 1194) at the time of delivery, except when the contracting officer has advised that compliance is not required.

b. At the time of delivery, the supplier must provide documentation of the commercial availability of accessibility features incorporating the standards of the applicable provisions of 36 CFR part 1194 for the commercial off-the-shelf products ordered under this contract.

* * * * *

- Purchasing Policies and Programs,Purchasing and Materials, 6-14-01

Retail

Dinero Seguro System Access Process Change

Effective June 14, 2001, PS Form 5011, Training Confirmation Sure Money/Dinero Seguro, is no longer necessary. Instructions issued in Postal Bulletin 22047 (4-5-01, page 66) are rescinded.

All employees who will be selling Dinero Seguro will receive both Dinero Seguro and Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) training. After receiving the training, employees will be required to sign PS Form 1357, Request For Computer Access, with the following statement in box 13a:

"I HAVE RECEIVED DINERO SEGURO AND BANK SECRECY ACT (BSA) TRAINING."

PS Form 1357 preprinted with this statement will be mailed to each selling location and will also be available on the Retail Intranet at retail.usps.gov on the Dinero Seguro webpage. If preprinted forms are not available, employees may print the statement in box 13a. No logon access will be provided without this statement.

The employee and supervisor must sign the form. A signature in block 16 is not required. Mail completed forms to:

ATTN DINERO SEGURO
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICE CENTER
SECURITY OFFICE
2825 LONE OAK PARKWAY
EAGAN MN 55121-9340

Eagan Security will provide logon IDs by mail. Once login IDs have been received, employees may begin selling Dinero Seguro. All incomplete forms will be returned.

- Retail Marketing,Retail, Consumers and Small Business, 6-14-01

Rate Modification - Retail Update

Self Service

Stamp Packet Distribution

Item 314100 (50-1c Stamp Packets) - for multi- commodity machines only.

Checklist

· Order program card or rate chip for electronic lobby scales.

· Remove all Express Mail packets, postcard rate books, and banded stamped postcards. Change product identifier for new Bison postcard rate. Product identifier can be found at http://retail.usps.gov/html/programs/selfservice.html.

· Set prices on the keyboards of newer machines or the program boards of older machines. Check machine handbook.

· Stamps By Mail® form: the printer, Cyril-Scott, has held all recent Stamps By Mail print orders in order to use the new form with the rate changes. The printer will start production of the new form on June 18. All orders received at the printer prior to that date will be included in that printing. Forms from that printing cycle should be distributed around the end of July. Refer to Postal Bulletin 22042 (1-25-01, pages 82-83) for instructions on how to order Stamps By Mail forms and for a copy of the order form.

IRT/POS ONE Checklist

Coordinators

· Contact the appropriate IRT hotline if you have received an insufficient quantity or no diskettes by June 26th.

MOS hotline: 1-800-346-0902
Unisys hotline: 1-800-247-6478

Postmasters

· Contact the district IRT coordinator if you have received no disk by June 28th. Install update disk before opening for business on the first day of the rate change. If discovered at the last minute that an update disk is faulty, do not wait for a new disk to be mailed. Borrow an update disk from a neighboring retail unit.

POS ONE Locations

IBM and NCR will distribute new software for the rate change via download over the network. Before leaving at the end of each day, be sure the following procedures have been performed so that your POS ONE system receives any new data:

· All units have closed out.

· All users are logged off.

· Once final 1412 is completed, no users can log on.

· All machines are left powered on.

Retail Operations Checklist

Action Items That Should Be Completed by June 14, 2001

· Maintain contact with Rate Implementation Coordinator for information, material updates, and guidance.

· Develop contingency plan to address additional lobby traffic: for example, lobby directors during peak periods.

· Ensure all retail unit employees are informed by their management and prepared to handle the new rates and related issues.

· Ensure contract postal unit (CPU) and contract Post Office (CPO) staff are knowledgeable about the new rates (domestic and international) and are prepared to address customer concerns by June 15th.

Action Items in Progress or to Be Completed by July 1, 2001

· Ensure each CPU, CPO, Post Office, and retail unit receives rate charts (domestic and international), posters, scale charts, brochures, manuals, and publications.

· Ensure updated signage is installed on menu boards and parcel slides in all postal stores.

· Ensure existing signage is updated on all traditional office menu boards.

· Ensure all weighing and rating units, electronic scales, and fan scales are updated with the new rates.

· Ensure new rate (domestic and international) information is displayed in customer lobbies and all old rate information is removed and disposed of.

Employees please refer to Postal Bulletin 22051 (5-31-01, pages 72-73) for the complete retail action item checklist for modified postage rate implementation. Visit http://retail.usps.gov for current and updated information.

- Pricing and Classification Implementation,Pricing and Product Design, 6-14-01

It's on the menuboard Postal locations will receive new continuity menuboards reflecting the modified rates that take effect July 1. The menuboards, featuring improved information about Postal Service products and services, will help increase revenue by communicating more options and upselling to customers. And, by informing customers about their choices before they reach the window, the menuboards will help speed up transactions and decrease wait time.

Uniforms: Top to bottom What's up next in the retail uniform program? The bottoms. Heather gray bottoms are the newest uniform elements for retail associates. These include trousers for men and slacks, skirts, and skorts (part shorts, part skirt) for women. Maternity wear also is available. In addition, there will be accessories, including a silver button cover, silver tie bar, and a black belt with a silver logo buckle.

In the first phase of the program, the new blue/gray striped button shirt was introduced. It features a straight bottom finish for women, which allows them to wear the shirt out or tucked in.

Employees who receive a uniform allowance may continue to wear the current blue uniform bottoms until further notice.

Due to feedback received about the first phase, which introduced a new shirt and neckwear, we are reviewing different styles of women's neckwear to replace the knotted loop.

POS ONE is moving The POS ONE deployment is moving forward on an accelerated

ahead schedule. More than 39,000 terminals have been deployed to more than 8,600 retail sites. Planned hardware installations were completed in 7 months - 5 months ahead of schedule.

Feedback Send comments and questions to:

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

Retail Coaches'
Corner

Welcome to the June Corner!

This month's edition has information on e-labels, the Pitney Post Card debit card, a revised PS Form 2528, and modified rates that take effect July 1.

Acceptance of Electronic Rate e-Labels for Delivery Confirmation and Signature Confirmation Service Items

Customers can print or use e-labels and apply postage from a home or office personal computer (PC) or bring the item into the Post Office to purchase postage. Electronic option rates vary based on confirmation service requested. No acceptance scans of these labels are required at the retail counters. Reference information provided to the field:

Postal Bulletin 22047 (4-5-01, pages 7-9) POS IBM/NCR message: 4-12-01 IRT units message: 4-11-01 Straight Talk: 3-21-01

This Month's Questions

What is the fee for Delivery Confirmation service electronic option for Priority Mail? Parcel Post? Media Mail?

Priority Mail: no additional fee. Parcel Post or Media Mail: $0.12. Signature Confirmation service electronic option fee is $1.25, regardless of mail class.

Do Delivery Confirmation and Signature Confirmation Service e-labels require acceptance scans when presented at the retail counter?

No. This includes items with USPS-printed labels e/USPS Delivery Confirmation (PS Label 314) and e/USPS Signature Confirmation (PS Label 315), or privately printed labels.

Pitney Post Card Debit Card

Pitney Bowes has introduced a debit card for customers to use in purchasing retail products and services. It looks like a corporate card but is actually a bankcard. Process these the same as other debit cards.

PS Form 2528, Structured On-the-Job Training Certification

A revised PS Form 2528 for training new Sales and Services Associates is now available.

Rate Change

Information about the July 1, 2001, rate changes was published in the May 31 and June 14, 2001, issues of the Postal Bulletin (22051 and 22052). The new rates can also be found on the Postal Service website at www.usps.com.

Comments From the Field

Nancy from Connecticut reminds retail associates:

· Inform business customers about the district business centers. Keep the address and phone number handy to provide our customers. Business center locations can be found on the Internet at www.usps.com.

· Identify customers who come to the Post Office for stamps only and suggest using the Stamps By Mail program. Encourage local managers to implement the program in the unit.

· Internet auction sites are extremely popular. Be sure to inform customers who buy and sell items this way that they can turn to the Postal Service for shipping. Advise them on the best way to ship their products internationally as well as domestically.

Questions or comments? Submit them via cc:Mail: Retail Coaches Corner.

05/04/01

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 5540
WASHINGTON DC 20260-5540

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

Service Orders for Postal Bulletin

New Order

Change of Address
(Include Postal Bulletin mailing label.)

Change of Address/Quantity
(Include Postal Bulletin mailing label.)

New Order

Attention Line

Company Name

Delivery Address

City State ZIP+4

Daytime Telephone

Attention Line

Postal Facility Name

Delivery Address

City State ZIP+4

Person to Contact

Daytime Telephone

Subscription: Domestic - $140.00 per year; International - $175.00 per year

Subscription Orders: 202-512-1800

Subscription Inquiries: 202-512-1806 Fax: 202-512-2250

Single Copies (back to 16 issues): Domestic - $10.00; International - $12.50

Current Quantity __________ New Quantity __________

Missing Issues: If postal facilities that receive the Bulletin from GPO do not receive their order, they should call the Postal Bulletin editor at 202-268-2836. All other facilities should contact their administrative post office.

Address and Quantity Changes and Subscription Problems: Postal facilities may send address and quantity changes and subscription queries via cc:Mail to POSTAL BULLETIN or via the Internet to pbulleti@email.usps.gov . Please include old and new address and quantities, and the "PO0" subscription number from your address label. Postal facilities may also complete this form and mail it to:

ATTN POSTAL BULLETIN
US POSTAL SERVICE
475 L'ENFANT PLZ SW RM 5540
WASHINGTON DC 20260-5540

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