Philately (continued)

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 01-52

United We Stand Definitive Stamp

The Postal Service will issue a 34-cent United We Stand definitive stamp on October 24, 2001, in Washington, DC. The stamp may be purchased via telephone at 1 800 STAMPS-24, through mail order from Stamp Fulfillment Services, and via the Postal Store Web site at www.usps.gov. It will also be on sale on October 24, 2001, in Post Offices only in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area and statewide in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, by order of Postmaster General John E. Potter. Designed by Terrence W. McCaffrey, U.S. Postal Service, the stamp will go on sale nationwide November 5, 2001. The stamp will be issued in a self-adhesive convertible booklet of 20 (Item Number 661200) and a self-adhesive coil of 100 (Item Number 779100).

Anticipating unprecedented demand, the Postal Service is intentionally holding off the nationwide sale date of this stamp until November 5 to allow sufficient time for initial shipments to reach most Post Offices. Production and distribution of the stamp will be ongoing to ensure replenished stock and continued sales throughout the next year. Consequently, postmasters should not become alarmed if their initial shipments become depleted due to heavy customer demand, because new shipments will be arriving and reorders will be replenished. This stamp is expected to stay on sale until a new rate is implemented.

The United States flag is one of the most recognized symbols of freedom in the world. The United We Stand stamp features a stirring image of "Old Glory" with the words "United We Stand" across the bottom. The stamp is a fitting tribute to the invigorated patriotic spirit of our nation to unite together in purpose, pride, and determination following the tragic events on September 11, 2001.

How to Order the First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 60 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps by telephone at 1 800 STAMP-24, via the Postal Store Web site at www.usps.gov, and via mail order through the Kansas City, Missouri, Stamp Fulfillment Center. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

UNITED WE STAND
POSTMASTER
900 BRENTWOOD RD NE
WASHINGTON DC 20066-9991

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by December 23, 2001.

Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) also offers first day covers for the United We Stand stamp. Customers may obtain the covers by telephoning 1 800 STAMP-24 or writing to:

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

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

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products for this stamp issue.

Distribution: Item Number 661200, 34-Cent United We Stand Definitive Stamp, Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) Convertible Booklet of 20

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive three waves of distribution for this PSA definitive booklet. Each wave of distribution consists of approximately one-half the standard automatic distribution quantity for a PSA booklet. The first wave began distribution October 10, and will complete shipment by October 25, 2001. SDOs in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area and statewide in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania will be given priority in distribution order. The second wave will complete shipment by November 15, 2001. The third wave will complete shipment by December 6, 2001. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (4,000 booklets).

Initial Supply for Post Offices

From the first wave of distribution, SDOs will make a subsequent automatic distribution to Post Offices for one- fourth their standard automatic distribution quantity using PS Form 3309, Advice of Shipment/Stamp Invoice, and PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition. SDOs must not distribute booklets to Post Offices before October 29, 2001.

Additional Supply

Post Offices requiring additional Item Number 661200, United We Stand, PSA convertible booklet of 20 must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional stamps must order them from the appropriate accountable paper depository (APD) using PS Form 17.

No back-up quantities to the APDs are included in the first wave of shipments. Waves 2 and 3 will include back-up quantities to each APD for filling supplemental orders from SDOs.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs with authorized philatelic centers must provide subsequent distribution of these booklets to each philatelic center from the first wave of automatic distribution.

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products for this stamp issue.

Distribution: Item Number 779100, 34-Cent United We Stand, Definitive Stamp, Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) Coil of 100

SDOs will receive one wave of distribution for this definitive stamp PSA coil of 100. Master carton size is 800 coils. This initial distribution will begin shipment October 19, and will complete shipment by November 16, 2001. SDOs in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area and statewide in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania will be given priority in distribution order.

Initial Supply for Post Offices

SDOs will not make a subsequent automatic distribution to Post Offices. All Post Offices requiring quantities of Item Number 779100 must order them from their designated SDO using a separate PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition. SDOs must not distribute coils to Post Offices before October 29, 2001.

Additional Supply

SDOs must order, as needed, Item Number 779100 from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) using PS Form 3356, Stamp Requisition - Bulk Quantities. All other Post Offices requiring additional quantities of Item Number 779100 must order them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs with authorized philatelic centers must provide subsequent distribution of these coils to each philatelic center from the initial wave of automatic distribution.

- Stamp Services,Government Relations and Public Policy, 10-18-01

UPDATED ANNOUNCEMENT 01-F

2001 Stamps and Postal Stationery

"2001 Stamps and Postal Stationery" (Announcement 01-F, October 2001), which appears on page 5, 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 may also be directed to access the Postal Bulletin through the Postal Service Web site at www.usps.com, then by clicking on Info, and then Postal Periodicals and Publications.

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, by calling 1 800 STAMP-24, or online at www.usps.com by clicking on Buy Stamps & More. 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, by sending an email to sfs@email.usps.gov, or by writing to: INFORMATION FULFILLMENT, DEPT 6270, US POSTAL SERVICE, PO BOX 219014, KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014.

- Stamp Services,Government Relations and Public Policy, 10-18-01

2001 STAMPS AND POSTAL STATIONERY
This schedule is subject to change. Announcement 01-F (October 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.

Celebrate The Century Decade Panes - Withdrawn From Regular Sale and From Sale at Philatelic Centers, but Remain on Sale at Stamp Fulfillment Services

Effective close-of-business December 31, 2001, all Post Offices, stations, branches, postal stores, and authorized philatelic centers must (a) withdraw the Celebrate The Century decade panes listed below and their related products and store-prepared stamp items from sale and (2) prepare them for destruction. The panes and products should be submitted to destruction sites according to local established procedures, under the guidelines in Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures, Part 45, Destroying Stamp Stock.

Absolutely no sales of the Celebrate The Century decade panes listed below and their related products and store-prepared stamp items are permitted at retail counters and outlets after December 31, 2001. However, they remain on sale at Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) through the USA Philatelic Catalog.

- Stamp Services,Government Relations and Public Policy, 10-18-01

The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps, 28th Edition

The new 28th edition of The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps, Item Number 890100, is available for sale at all Post Offices, philatelic centers, and by mail, telephone, and internet order from Stamp Fulfillment Services.

To obtain the initial supply for your Post Office, immediately order Item Number 890100 from your designated stamp distribution office (SDO) using a separate PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition.

All locations may place the new edition of the guide on sale as soon as initial quantities are received. You should promote the new edition of the guide during National Stamp Collecting Month in October.

The new 28th edition features over 30 additional pages, more than 100 new illustrations, hundreds of new listings and prices, plus new features and stamp-related facts. Priced at $17.95, the 612-page guide includes lists of market-based values for all U.S. used and unused stamps and for many valuable stamp errors. In addition, the guide contains more than 2,000 full-color stamp illustrations; extensive lists of philatelic organizations, publications, and resources; and a wealth of basic stamp collecting information. These features make it a valuable tool for beginning, intermediate, and advanced collectors, and it is still one of the best bargains in the hobby.

The printing contractor for the guide will ship the books (which are accountable items) in cartons of 20 to SDOs and Stamp Service Centers (SSCs). You must verify that you received the quantities of the guide recorded on the Advice of Shipment. Installations should report any discrepancies between the quantities shown on the Advice of Shipment and those actually received by using the procedure outlined in Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures, sections 436 or 446, Handling Discrepancies in Stock Received.

Promotional copies of the guide will not be distributed. You can now display the guide in your Post Office by simply removing a copy from your inventory for promotional use. Follow the procedures outlined in Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures, section 428.8, Obtaining Stock for Promotions or Presentations.

Offices must report all sales of Item Number 890100, 28th Edition, The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps, in AIC 092, Philatelic Product Sales.

For the second year, in partnership with HarperCollins Publishers, this book as well as the 2001 Commemorative Stamp Yearbook will be available in bookstores and other retail outlets where books are purchased.

The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps, 27th Edition

As the 28th edition of The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps becomes available, you must withhold all remaining copies of the 27th edition (Item Number 890000) from sale and take the following actions:

1. Retail Outlets. Collect any copies of the 27th edition of the guide from stamp credits. Immediately return them to main stock using PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition. Post Offices. Consolidate all remaining copies of the 27th edition of the guide, if any, into the unit reserve stock. Prepare all 27th editions of the guide in accordance with procedures established for disposing of obsolete and redeemed stock, and submit according to local district quarterly stamp destruction or return schedules.

2. Local Office Philatelic Programs. Submit PS Form 17 or PS Form 17-S, Stamp Distribution Network Stamp Requisition, to the local SDO and SSC for the number of 27th editions of the guide (Item Number 890000) needed for philatelic/promotional programs. You may give one or more copies to local schools, libraries, student groups, stamp clubs, retirement homes, and so on.

3. Stamp Distribution Offices. Stamp all copies of the guide used in promoting philatelic programs "NOT FOR RESALE." The SDO custodian of accountable paper must attest that each item is so stamped and prepare PS Form 3238, Stamps and Stamped Paper Destruction Certificate, endorsed "PHILATELIC PRODUCTS GIVEN TO PHILATELIC PROGRAMS." Program coordinators must acknowledge having received Item Number 890000 and be responsible for its control.

Note: The instructions for providing obsolete editions of the guide for philatelic and promotional purposes are an exception to general guidelines for destroying accountable items, especially regarding obsolete (withdrawn from sale) items. In this instance, it is Postal Service policy not to destroy copies of the previous year's edition of the guide when they can be used for valid promotional and/or educational purposes.

Disposing of Excess Guides

Dispose of all remaining copies of the 27th edition of The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps (Item Number 890000) in accordance with Handbook F-1, section 450, Destroying Stamp Stock. Because disposition instructions are issued annually for past issues of the guide, your Post Office should have only the 28th edition in inventory after you complete the above procedures. If previous editions are on hand, dispose of them immediately, in accordance with Handbook F-1, section 450.

- Stamp Services,Government Relations and Public Policy, 10-18-01

2001 Commemorative Stamp Yearbook

The 2001 Commemorative Stamp Yearbook, Item Number 990100, will soon be available for sale at all Post Offices, philatelic centers, and by mail, telephone, and internet order from Stamp Fulfillment Services.

The yearbook is a 64-page hardbound book that includes 76 commemorative stamps, with mounts, and sells for $49.95. The beautifully illustrated book contains colorful pictures and text featuring celebrated subjects on stamps such as Honoring Veterans, Diabetes, Baseballs Legendary Playing Fields, Lucille Ball, Peanuts, American Illustrators, Roy Wilkins, and 17 other 2001 commemorative stamps. The 76 commemorative stamps have a combined postage value of $31.25.

The yearbooks and stamp packets are being shipped to stamp distribution offices (SDOs) separately from different suppliers.

The printing contractor for the yearbook has already completed its shipments to SDOs. Shipments are in master cartons of 15 books.

The stamp packets will be banded in bundles of 15 and shipped to SDOs in master cartons of 150 packets. Partial cartons will be used for shipments not in multiples of 150.

Minnesota Diversified Industries (MDI) will ship the stamp packets to SDOs in two waves. Wave 1, consisting of one-half the SDO's designated quantity, is scheduled to begin shipment on October 17, and complete shipment on November 1, 2001. The remaining stamp packets will ship in Wave 2 beginning on November 2, and completing on November 16, 2001. All SDOs must verify receipt of the quantities of stamp packets, as recorded on their PS Form 3309, Advice of Shipment/Stamp Invoice, and verify the number actually received. SDOs should also verify that they have received equal quantities of books and stamp packets.

To obtain an initial supply of the 2001 Commemorative Stamp Yearbook, all Post Offices must submit a separate PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition, to their designated SDO. SDOs must not distribute the yearbook to Post Offices before October 18, 2001. All locations may place the yearbook on sale as soon as initial quantities are received.

Offices must report all sales of Item Number 990100, 2001 Commemorative Stamp Yearbook, in AIC 092, Philatelic Product Sales.

For the second year, in partnership with HarperCollins Publishers, the yearbook as well as the 28th edition of The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps will be available in bookstores and other retail outlets where books are purchased.

- Stamp Services,Government Relations and Public Policy, 10-18-01

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. 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.

- Stamp Services,Government Relations and Public Policy, 10-18-01

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

[D-Link]

NOTICE TO ALL EMPLOYEES

THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN FACT SHEET

Percentage returns released October 3, 2001, by the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board

Future performance of the funds will vary and may be significantly different 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 returns of the TSP Funds represent net earnings for the month after deduction of accrued administrative expenses and, except for the G Fund, after deduction of trading costs and accrued investment management fees as well. The returns for the four indexes shown do not include any of these deductions.

* Implemented May 2001.

Please post on bulletin boards. Recycle all previous notices.

Purchasing and Materials

PM, ASM, AND AS-709 REVISIONS

Purchasing Manual, Administrative Support Manual, and Handbook AS-709, Credit Card Policies and Procedures for Local Buying

Effective October 18, 2001, the Postal Service Purchasing Manual (PM), Administrative Support Manual (ASM), and Handbook AS-709, Credit Card Policies and Procedures for Local Buying, are revised to provide new or revised policies regarding contracts with former employees and the use of personal services contracts. A new solicitation provision and a new contract clause accompany these revisions.

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed version of the ASM, as well as into the online versions of the PM, ASM, and AS-709 on the Policies and Procedures page on the Postal Service Intranet at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim and the Postal Service Internet at www.usps.com.

PM Revisions

In PM chapter 1:

• Retitled and revised section 1.7.13 to address contracts with former employees and to create a review and approval procedure for those contracts.

• Added Provision 1-7, Proposed Use of Former Employees, to Appendix A.

• Added Clause 1-14, Use of Former Postal Service Employees, to Appendix B.

In PM subchapter 4.6:

• Retitled and revised section 4.6.3 to discuss when contracting for professional/technical and consulting services is appropriate and to provide new definitions for these services.

• Retitled and revised section 4.6.4 to define and to discuss the uses for personal services contracts.

ASM Revisions

Revised subparagraph 722.31 to add professional/technical, consultant, personal services, and the services of former Postal Service employees to the list of purchases that may not be made using local buying procedures.

Handbook AS-709 Revisions

Revised paragraph 332.21 and Exhibit 3-4 in accordance with these policy changes.

Purchasing Manual (PM)

1 Authority, Responsibility and Policy

* * * * *

1.7 General Policies

* * * * *

[Revise the heading of 1.7.13 to read as follows:]

1.7.13 Contracts with Former Postal Service Officers, Executives, and Employees

[Revise 1.7.13 items a and b, and add item c to read as follows:]

1.7.13.a General. The Postal Service contracts with former officers, executives, and employees when their expertise is deemed important to furthering the business and competitive interests of the Postal Service. Whether these individuals are the subject of personal services contracts, or are key personnel, experts, or consultants employed by a supplier, the following restrictions apply and these procedures must be followed.

1.7.13.b Contracts with Former Officers and Executives

1. Policy. It is Postal Service policy not to contract with former officers or Postal Career Executive Service (PCES) executives or entities with which such individuals have a substantial interest for five years after the date of their separation from the Postal Service (whether by retirement or otherwise) if the contract calls for substantially the same duties as they performed during their career with the Postal Service as determined by the vice president of Human Resources. Purchase teams must enforce this policy when purchasing professional/technical or consulting services (see 4.6.3 for definitions of these types of services), and include Provision 1-6, Prohibition Against Contracting with Former Postal Service Executives or Officers, in relevant solicitations, and Clause 1-11, Prohibition Against Contracting with Former Postal Service Officers or Executives, in resulting contracts.

2. Exceptions. The vice president of Human Resources may grant exceptions to this policy when he or she determines that doing so is in the best interest of the Postal Service. All such exceptions must be documented and included in the contract file.

1.7.13.c Contracts with Other Former Employees

1. Policy. The Postal Service may contract with former employees (other than former officers or executives) or with suppliers proposing the use of former employees during contract performance when the former employee's expertise will further the success of the purchase and the business and competitive interests of the Postal Service. Contracts with former employees or with suppliers offering the services of former employees should not be confused with the employment of annuitants (see 1.7.13.c.2).

2. Reviews and Approvals

(a) All requests for contracts with former employees (non-officer or executive) must be forwarded by the purchasing organization to the manager of Corporate Personnel Management (CPM), for review and approval. The manager of CPM will decide whether the former employee should be hired as a retired annuitant (see Employee and Labor Relations Manual 323.33) or should be contracted with by the purchasing organization. When appropriate, the purchasing organization may award a personal services contract to the former employee (see 4.6.4).

(b) When a supplier proposes using a former employee, the manager of CPM will review the former employee's employment history and advise the purchase team as to whether the substitution of another individual is in the best interest of the Postal Service. If such substitution is the case, the contracting officer must advise the supplier to propose another individual to perform the duties called for. If following contract award, the supplier proposes the use of a former employee, the same review and approval process is required before the former employee may begin work.

3. Provision and Clause. Purchase teams must consider this policy in light of the particular purchase, and the potential need for reviews and approvals, and as necessary, include Provision 1-7, Proposed Use of Former Postal Service Employees, in relevant solicitations, and Clause 1-14, Use of Former Postal Service Employees, in resulting contracts.

* * * * *

4 Purchasing

4.6 Special Categories of Purchases

* * * * *

[Revise the headings and text of 4.6.3 and 4.6.4 to read as follows:]

4.6.3 Professional/Technical and Consultant Services

4.6.3.a Policy. It is the policy of the Postal Service to contract for professional/technical and consultant services when doing so makes good business sense in light of available personnel resources. For example, short-term expertise may be necessary to assist in the development of new customer service programs or to manage spikes in operational workload. In other cases, long-term contracts for these services may prove more fiscally and technically beneficial than the use of career employees. When contemplating contracting for these services, and for personal services (see 4.6.4), purchase teams must consider the financial commitment and potential return on investment. For certain requirements, such as those affecting craft positions and duties, additional reviews and approvals are required; these include meeting legal and labor agreement obligations set forth in Federal regulations and labor union agreements. In these cases, purchase teams must consult with Strategic Initiatives at Headquarters. In addition, reviews and approvals are required for contracts with former Postal Service officers, executives, and employees, regardless of whether these individuals are contracted with directly or are employed or proposed to be employed by a supplier (see 1.7.13).

4.6.3.b Conflicts of Interest. When purchasing professional/technical or consultant services, purchase teams must pay particular attention to the potential for organizational conflicts of interest and consider using Clause 1-8, Organizational Conflicts of Interest, or a similar clause in the contract (see 1.7.7).

4.6.3.c Professional and Technical Services

1. Definitions. Generally, professional services are those performed by individuals or firms of recognized status, in fields such as accounting, engineering, law, and the sciences. Technical services are provided by individuals or firms who are expert in a given field, such as information technology, training, writing and editing, purchasing, marketing and demographics, and other such areas. These services may be used to: (1) provide needed expertise on an individual or group basis; (2) to supplement the career workforce as required by workload; and (3) to provide turn-key services in support of postal operations.

2. Licenses. When prequalifying or purchasing professional services for which individuals are normally required to be licensed (such as medical, legal, accounting, and architecture), licenses must be required as a prerequisite to prequalification or contract award. Acceptable licenses may be limited to those issued by a particular state or entity, but only when local expertise is necessary to successful performance.

3. Required Clauses. All contracts for professional/technical services must include the following clauses:

(a) Clause 4-4, Nondisclosure (Professional Services). This clause may be modified with the approval of the policy-originating official designated in Exhibit 4.6.2 and assigned counsel.

(b) Clause 4-5, Inspection of Professional Services. This clause provides for inspection of the supplier's work product and acceptance of only those products that meet reasonable professional standards. The clause is to be used in lieu of, and not in addition to, the standard inspection and acceptance clauses prescribed in 2.2.

(c) Clause 4-7, Records Ownership. This clause gives the Postal Service ownership of contract files, including copies of all supplier work papers. While this clause is mandatory for professional service contracts, purchase teams have to decide whether to include it or not in technical service contracts, depending on the nature of the service.

4. Other Clauses. Depending on the particular purchase, the following clauses should be included in contracts for professional/technical services:

(a) Clause 4-6, Invoices (Professional Services). This clause is included in all non-fixed price contracts for professional/technical services. The clause requires presentation of invoices showing who performed the services, the hours and partial hours of service provided each day, and the services provided each hour or partial hour. Suppliers may be allowed to set minimum charges for partial hours or days.

(b) Clause 4-8, Key Personnel. This clause requires use of the key personnel identified in the supplier's proposal, unless the purchase team approves substitution, and provides for contract termination for failure to comply.

4.6.3.d Consultant Services

1. Definition. Consultant services are services provided by expert individuals or firms possessing exceptional qualifications in a particular technical or professional field. They are used to enhance the understanding of complex issues and to provide new insights into alternate solutions to, or recommendations on, business or decision-making functions of a postal organization. Consultants neither involve themselves in the day-to-day operations of Postal Service organizations except for study purposes, nor work under the immediate direction and control of Postal Service employees. Usually, consultant service suppliers provide reports or analyses as the deliverable upon completion of their contractual duties.

2. Use. Consultant services are used to enhance the understanding of complex issues and to provide new insights into alternate solutions to, or recommendations on, business or decision-making functions of a postal organization.

4.6.4 Personal Services Contracts

4.6.4.a Definition. A personal services contract is a contract with an individual under the terms of which the individual will: (1) work under the direct supervision of postal personnel; (2) work on postal premises and use postal equipment; and (3) perform duties similar in nature to those of postal employees. A personal services contract may create the appearance of an employee-employer relationship, and may result in additional costs, such as tax withholding. For this reason, purchase teams should strive to use contracting vehicles other than personal services contracts, but, when deemed appropriate and effective, they may be used, subject to the reviews and approvals described in 1.7.13.

4.6.4.b Use. Personal services contracts may be awarded for professional/technical services but may not be awarded for consultant services.

4.6.4.c Contracts. All personal services contracts should be written to ensure that the Postal Service does not incur unnecessary costs or liabilities. Purchase teams should work with assigned counsel to ensure that the interests of the Postal Service are protected in areas such as taxes, unemployment liability, etc.

* * * * *

Appendix A - Solicitations

* * * * *

A.3 Solicitation Provisions

* * * * *

[Add Provision 1-7 to read as follows:]

Provision 1-7 Proposed Use of Former Postal Service Employees (October 2001)

In its proposal, the supplier must identify any former Postal Service employee it proposes to engage in the performance, directly or indirectly, of the contract. The Postal Service reserves the right to require the supplier to replace the proposed individual with an equally qualified individual.

* * * * *

Appendix B - Contract Clauses

* * * * *

B.3 Clauses

* * * * *

[Add Clause 1-14 to read as follows:]

* * * * *

Clause 1-14 Use of Former Postal Service Employees (October 2001)

During the term of this contract, the supplier must identify any former Postal Service employee it proposes to be engaged, directly or indirectly, in contract performance. Such individuals may not commence performance without the contracting officer's prior approval. If the contracting officer does not provide such approval, the supplier must replace the proposed individual with another individual equally qualified to provide the services called for in the contract.

* * * * *

Administrative Support Manual (ASM)

* * * * *

7 Purchasing and Materials

* * * * *

72 Purchasing

* * * * *

722 Local Buying Authority

* * * * *

722.3 Prohibited and Restricted Purchases

722.31 Prohibited Purchases

* * * * *

[Add items h and i as follows:]

h. Professional/technical, consultant, or personal services (see PM 4.6.3 and 4.6.4).

i. The services of former Postal Service employees. Contact the Area Human Resources office or the servicing P&MSC.

* * * * *

Handbook AS-709, Credit Card Policies and Procedures for Local Buying

* * * * *

3 Cardholder's Local Buying Procedures

* * * * *

33 The Six Steps of Local Buying

* * * * *

332 Review Your Purchase Request

* * * * *

332.2 Prohibited Purchases

332.21 Items Subject to Statutory and Legislative Requirements

* * * * *

[Add items g and h as follows:]

g. Professional/technical, consultant, or personal services.

h. The services of former Postal Service employees.

* * * * *

Exhibit 3-4, Prohibited Purchases With the I.M.P.A.C. Credit Card

* * * * *

[Add items g and h to page 1 of Exhibit 3-4 as follows:]

g. Professional/technical, consultant, or personal services (contact your servicing P&MSC and see Purchasing Manual 4.6.3 and 4.6.4).

h. The services of former Postal Service employees (contact your Area Human Resources office or your servicing P&MSC).

* * * * *

- Purchasing Policies and Programs,Purchasing and Materials, 10-18-01

Postal Products Unlimited, Inc., Catalog Now on eBuy

On August 31, 2001, Postal Products Unlimited, Inc.'s full-line supply and equipment catalog was converted to eBuy (see Postal Bulletin 22057, 8-23-01, page 102, for the introductory eBuy article). Postal Products Unlimited has supplied its Postal Service-specific products for over 15 years, and those products can now all be purchased using the Postal Service Intranet.

National Ordering Agreement

All of the supplies and equipment offered on eBuy are included in National Ordering Agreement (NOA) 412735-97-H-1512. When using eBuy, remember that Administrative Support Manual (ASM) 722, Local Buying Authority, does not apply to orders placed under contracts or ordering agreements that are listed on eBuy (http://ebuy.usps.gov).

Credit Card Payments

Effective November 1, Postal Products Unlimited will no longer accept credit cards as a form of payment for items in its eBuy catalog. eBuy will certify Postal Products Unlimited electronic invoices and send them to San Mateo accounts payable for processing. Typically, San Mateo accounts payable holds payment of invoices for approximately 28 days before sending the electronic funds transfer to Postal Products Unlimited as payment. Postal Products Unlimited charges will appear on the eBuy accounting period (AP) summary invoice report that is mailed to the "ship to" Federal Standard Requisitioning and Issue Procedures (FEDSTRIP) address for reconciliation.

Postal Service to Receive Rebate

The Postal Service will save money on the purchase price of every line item ordered from Postal Products Unlimited. For example, the Postal Service will receive deep discounts on all eBuy orders, regardless of quantity, with savings up to 70 percent off the catalog unit price. Additionally, the Postal Service receives a periodic rebate from Postal Products Unlimited based on the total nationwide value of Postal Products Unlimited orders placed through eBuy.

eBuy Required

Employees having access to the Postal Service Intranet must use eBuy whenever the supply or service is listed on eBuy. The only exception to this requirement is for users who do not have access to the Postal Service Intranet. Those individuals without this access may continue to place telephone orders with suppliers using their FEDSTRIP number. When placing telephone orders with Postal Products Unlimited, users must have both product number(s) and their FEDSTRIP number ready. The finance number associated with each user's FEDSTRIP number will be charged for items ordered via telephone.

Shipping

All items will be shipped by Standard Mail from Postal Products Unlimited. For items too large to ship via the mailstream, a Government Bill of Lading (GBL) will be issued. Postal Products Unlimited has been authorized to use the Postal Service Web-based Freight Traffic Management System (FTMS) to prepare all GBLs.

Orders for in-stock, high-usage items will ship within 24 to 48 hours, and orders shipping directly from off-site distribution centers will ship within 5 to 7 business days. The lead time for custom and/or made-to-order items will vary. Please refer to the catalog or call Postal Products Unlimited Customer Service Department at 1-800-229-4500 for more specific product lead times.

Returns

To return an item, please contact the Postal Products Unlimited Customer Service Department and request a Return Authorization (RA) Number and specific return instructions. Postal Products Unlimited will submit an electronic credit request to eBuy, and the original order will be credited.

Javits-Wagner-O'Day

Postal Products Unlimited has been an approved Javits- Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) Act distributor since 1999 and has included JWOD manufactured items (excluding office supplies) in its eBuy catalog.

Questions

For questions, the contacts are as follows:

• Postal Products Unlimited, call Tom Ronco, national sales manager, 800-229-4500, extension 1003.

• eBuy program, call James Leonard, eBuy program manager, 202-268-6230.

• Postal Products Unlimited NOA, call Peggy Garrity, contracting officer, 215-931-5167.

• Purchasing policy questions regarding the use of eBuy, call Mike Harris, 202-268-5653, or Bob Glasner, 202-268-2895.

- Purchasing Policies and Programs,Purchasing and Materials, 10-18-01

Retail

ALL IRT AND DEBIT/CREDIT CARD OFFICES

Setting Clocks for Standard Time

Managers must ensure that before opening for business on Monday, October 29, 2001, the clocks in all integrated retail terminals (IRTs) and debit/credit card terminals under their control are set back (in most locations) 1 hour to reflect the change to Standard Time. Facilities with Saturday night operations should reset the time as soon as possible after the 2 a.m. start time, Sunday, October 28, 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 GuaranteedTM 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.

Integrated Retail Terminals (IRTs)

On the UNISYS III Supervisor Disk, select 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 Standard 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 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, October 29, 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 Standard Time. No manual changes are necessary.

IBM and NCR POS ONE Terminals

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

- Point of Service,
Retail, Consumers and Small Business, 10-18-01

Items Authorized for Sale in Self Service Vending Machines

Listed below are items authorized for the Self Service Stamp Vending Program for calendar year 2002. Products not on this list (except FIRSTCLASS PHONECARDS® and coils of 500 and 3,000) must not be placed in vending machines. Also, products ending in "11" are to be placed only in booklet machines and the booklet/stamp combination machines (PBSM-624). No "11" products may be placed in commodity machines. All stamp item numbers will now have six digits, and all products previously ending in "X" will now end in "11."

Check with your stamp distribution office (SDO) for availability of stamp vending products. In FY 2002, Self Service will not reproduce Love Letters and Apples/Oranges books.

For all items marked with an asterisk in the tables below, the first day of issue will be announced in a future Postal Bulletin.

Quarter I
Products Used in Multi-Commodity Vending Machines

Products Used Only in Multi-Commodity Vending Machines - Not For Sale Over the Counter

Criss-Cross Products Used in Booklet Vending Machines

Self Service will not repackage the products listed in the table below after SDO inventories are exhausted. Vending personnel should check with their SDO for availability of the following products.

Products That Self Service Will Not Repackage

The National Stamp Vending Inventory and Vending Products Information are both posted on our intranet Web site at http://retail.usps.gov.

- Self Service,Retail, Consumers and Small Business, 10-18-01