Administrative Services

ASM REVISION

Information Security

Effective March 7, 2002, Administrative Support Manual (ASM) 13, subchapter 87, Security Program, is revised. The change reflects a new title and the security policies and organizational responsibilities covering protection of Postal Service information resources.

We will incorporate this revision into the printed version of ASM 14 and into an incremental update of the online ASM 13, accessible through the Postal Service Policy Net page on the Intranet at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on Manuals.

Administrative Support Manual (ASM)

8 Information Resources

[Change the title and replace existing subchapter 87 as follows:]

87 Information Security

871 Introduction

871.1 Purpose

The purpose of information security in the Postal Service is to protect the organization's business interests, personnel, and the public, and to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of Postal Service information resources. Confidentiality is the characteristic that refers to the privacy of information, making sure that unauthorized personnel do not gain access. Integrity is the characteristic that refers to the accuracy and completeness of the information. Availability is the characteristic that refers to authorized users being able to access the information whenever it is needed.

871.2 Policy

The Postal Service is committed to creating and maintaining an environment that protects its information resources from accidental or intentional unauthorized use, modification, disclosure, destruction, or denial of service resulting from internal failure, human error, attack, or natural catastrophe. To meet this commitment, information security policies and practices will be developed that reflect business and industry prudent practices, support compliance with applicable Federal regulations, and hold executives and managers accountable.

871.3 Guiding Principles

The following principles guide the development and implementation of Postal Service information security policies and practices:

a. Information is:

(1) A critical asset that must be protected.

(2) Restricted to authorized personnel for authorized use.

b. Information security is:

(1) A cornerstone of maintaining public trust.

(2) A business issue - not a technology issue.

(3) Risk-based and cost effective.

(4) Aligned with Postal Service priorities, industry prudent practices, and government requirements.

(5) Directed by policy but implemented by business owners.

(6) Everyone's business.

871.4 Scope

871.41 Information Resources

These policies apply to all information, in any form, related to Postal Service business activities, employees, or customers, that has been created, acquired, or disseminated using the Postal Service's resources, brand, or funding. These policies apply to all technologies associated with the creation, collection, processing, storage, transmission, analysis, and disposal of information. These policies also apply to all information systems, applications, products, services, telecommunications networks, computer-controlled mail processing equipment, and related resources, which are sponsored by, operated on behalf of, or developed for the benefit of the Postal Service.

871.42 Organizations and Personnel

These policies apply to all Postal Service functional organizations and personnel, which includes Postal Service employees, contractors, vendors, business partners, and any other authorized users of Postal Service information systems, applications, telecommunication networks, data, and related resources.

871.5 Importance of Compliance

871.51 Maintaining Public Trust

The public entrusts vast amounts of information to the Postal Service every day - information that the Postal Service is required by law and prudent business practice to protect. Compliance with information security policies will help protect information resources and enhance the reputation of the Postal Service as an institution deserving of public trust.

871.52 Continuing Business Operations

The Postal Service is committed to delivering superior customer service in an increasingly competitive marketplace through the effective use of technology, information, and automation. Compliance with information security policies will help ensure the continuous availability and integrity of the technological infrastructure critical to the Postal Service's ability to perform its mission.

871.53 Protecting Postal Service Investment

Postal Service information resources represent a sizable financial investment in technologies and in information that can never be replicated. These information resources are of paramount importance to the mission of the Postal Service and to the country, and must be protected.

871.54 Abiding by Federal Regulations

Postal Service information security policies are designed to ensure compliance with the following government requirements, some of which are not statutorily required but are considered to be prudent business practice:

a. Title 39, CFR, Section 267, Protection of Information, revised July 1, 2000.

b. Freedom of Information Act of 1966.

c. Privacy Act of 1974, as amended.

d. Office of Management and Budget, Circular No. A-130, Management of Federal Information Resources, December 1985, as amended.

e. Public Law 100-235, Computer Security Act of 1987.

f. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

g. Information Technology Management Reform Act (Clinger-Cohen Act), February 10, 1996.

h. Presidential Decision Directive 63, Protecting America's Critical Infrastructures, May 22, 1998.

i. Presidential Decision Directive 67, Ensuring Constitutional Government and Continuity of Government, October 21, 1998.

j. Government Information Security Reform Act, November 29, 2000.

872 Responsibility

The Postal Service security program is divided into several areas of responsibility as described in the following subsections.

872.1 Corporate Information Security Office

The manager, Corporate Information Security Office (CISO), is responsible for setting the overall strategic direction for the Postal Service information security program.

872.11 Information Security Program

The Information security program includes the following subprograms:

a. Information Security Policies, Procedures, and Standards. Creates and evaluates computer security policies, procedures, and standards to support a Postal Service-wide information security program that incorporates prudent practices from industry and government.

b. Risk Management. Provides overall policy and consulting support on the identification and assessment of known security risk factors and their successful mitigation.

c. Information Security Awareness. Provides management and guidance to ensure that all employees are aware of their security responsibilities and the secure use of information resources.

d. Information Security Assurance (ISA). Provides the business impact assessment (BIA) process by which the sensitivity and criticality of each information resource is determined and the security requirements are identified. For information resources determined to be sensitive, critical, and business-controlled, provides a formal security evaluation and management approval process to ensure the information resource is secure at a level appropriate to its criticality and sensitivity designation. Determines the associated protection mechanisms and controls as well as the plans for their acquisition and implementation. Determines the residual risk before the information resource is put into production and periodically over the life of the information resource. Provides requirements for periodic testing and evaluation of the effectiveness of protection mechanisms.

e. Information Security Technology Assessment. Evaluates and recommends security products for implementation. Makes recommendations for the deployment of new security products in a responsible manner.

f. Security Architecture. Manages and develops the security architecture to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of Postal Service information resources, including review, evaluation, and recommendation of advanced security technologies.

g. Network Security. Provides overall policy and consulting support for the Postal Service network and penetration testing. Determines criteria for the evaluation of firewalls, recommends encryption solutions, and reviews servers and business partner connectivity.

h. Business Continuity and Contingency Planning. Provides overall policy and consulting support on effective planning for continued business operations under all conditions and situations.

i. Information Security Incident Management. Provides overall policy and consulting support for detecting, responding to, and reporting information security incidents. Receives and tracks information security incident reports through resolution, escalates serious incidents, and incorporates "lessons-learned" into ongoing security awareness and training programs. Provides support to the Office of Inspector General (OIG), OIG Computer Intrusion Team; Inspection Service, Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT); and the Virus Response Team (VRT) as requested in response to any information security incident.

j. Compliance. Provides consulting support on industry and government prudent practices concerning inspections and evaluations, and recommends remedial action to address any significant deficiencies. Conducts administrative investigations for the purpose of maintaining information security.

872.12 Requirements

Information security in the Postal Service will be cost-effective and aligned with postal business goals and objectives. Postal Service functional organizations are responsible for the following:

a. Identifying their information resources.

b. Determining the value of the information resource to the organization.

c. Determining how long the Postal Service can tolerate unavailability of the information resource and how quickly it must be returned to normal operations.

d. Identifying threats to information resources.

e. Identifying the business impact of a security incident and appropriate countermeasures commensurate with the value of the resource.

f. Completing step-by-step methodologies to ensure that security countermeasures identified and implemented will protect resources at the level necessary to continue business operations.

Note: Security requirements defining how the Postal Service protects these resources and assets are defined in Handbook AS-805, Information Security.

872.13 Information Security Services

The information security program has defined information security services, consisting of concepts, properties, and processes that guide development of policies and processes needed to protect information resources. Security services function as follows:

a. Authorization. Determines whether, and to what extent, personnel should have access to computer resources.

b. Accountability. Associates each user ID or logon ID with one and only one user or process to enable tracking of all actions of that user or process on the information resource.

c. Identification. Associates a user with an unambiguous identifier (e.g., user ID or logon ID) by which that user is held accountable for the actions and events initiated by that user.

d. Authentication. Verifies the claimed identity of an individual, station, or originator.

e. Confidentiality. Ensures that information is not made available or disclosed to unauthorized individuals, entities, or processes.

f. Integrity. Ensures the correct operation of information resources, consistency of data structures, and accuracy of the stored information.

g. Availability. Ensures information resources will be accessible by authorized personnel or other information resources when required.

h. Security administration. Implements management constraints, operational procedures, and supplemental controls to ensure adequate protection of an information resource.

i. Audit logging. Records operational and security- related events.

j. Security compliance reviews. Reviews operational security compliance of computer systems and/or computer sites. Provides audit and other support to Office of Inspector General (OIG).

872.2 Postal Inspection Service

The Postal Inspection Service is a Federal law enforcement agency within the United States Postal Service. The mission of the Postal Inspection Service is to protect the Postal Service and its employees and customers from criminal attack and protect the nation's mail system from criminal misuse.

The Postal Inspection Service's three operational imperatives, or overall goals, of safety, security, and integrity are based on the mission of the Inspection Service and relate to all aspects of its jurisdiction and responsibilities. Through its criminal, investigative, preventive, and security programs, the Inspection Service strives to ensure the safety of postal customers and employees, increase the security of postal products, services, and assets, and maintain the public trust in the integrity of the postal system.

Today, over 200 federal statutes help define the law enforcement mission of the Postal Inspection Service. The chief postal inspector is designated as the Security Officer for the Postal Service. Complete descriptions of Postal Inspection Service responsibilities relating to security are provided in ASM subchapter 27, Security. These responsibilities include:

a. Personnel Security. Clearance must be obtained for persons in sensitive positions. Management's responsibility is to ensure that data processing-related positions meet the security guidelines established by the Postal Inspection Service, and that all information systems-related positions requiring sensitive clearances are identified and clearances are kept current (see ASM part 272).

b. Physical Security. Computer equipment, data, facilities, and information must be safeguarded at a level appropriate to their value to the Postal Service, or because of statutory requirements. The minimum security requirements are found in Handbook RE-5, Building and Site Security Requirements, which is not all-inclusive. The security control officer, who is not to be confused with an information systems security officer (see ASM section 271.3), is responsible for both physical security and personnel security. Due to a potential conflict of interest, an individual cannot be assigned both duties.

872.3 Office of Inspector General

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is responsible for auditing postal information systems and performs developmental audits of automated systems, audits of operational and financial systems, and environmental audits. The OIG is also responsible for conducting criminal investigations of attacks upon postal networks and computers.

872.4 Chief Privacy Officer (CPO)

The CPO assists executive sponsors and records custodians to determine the sensitivity of their information and to comply with the privacy statute and policies (e.g., legal notice in the Federal Register, if required). Security measures must then be developed to protect all information appropriate to its sensitivity designation.

- Corporate Information Security Office,
Information Technology, 3-7-02

Customer Relations

Domestic Mail

DMM REVISION

Labeling List Changes

Effective March 7, 2002, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) L001, L002, L004, L005, L603, L606, and L801 are revised to reflect changes in mail processing operations. Mailers are encouraged to label according to these revised lists immediately, but must comply with these changes no later than May 19, 2002.

We will incorporate these changes into the printed version of DMM Issue 57 and into the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

L Labeling Lists

L000 General Use

L001 5-Digit Scheme - Periodicals Flats and Irregular Parcels, Standard Mail Flats, and BPM Flats

L002 3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Matrix

L004 3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Groups - ADC Sortation

L005 3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Groups - SCF Sortation

L600 Standard Mail and Package Services

L603 ADCs - Irregular Standard Mail Parcels

L606 5-Digit Scheme - Standard Mail and Package Services Parcels

L800 Automation Rate Mailings

L801 AADCs - Letter-Size Mailings

- Logistics, Network Operations Management, 3-7-02

DMM REVISION

Periodicals Accuracy, Grading, and Evaluation (PAGE) Program

This Postal Bulletin article announces the availability of a new optional program for publishers of Periodicals mail and announces appropriate changes to select Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) sections.

The program, Periodicals Accuracy, Grading, and Evaluation (PAGE) Program, adds a new method a publisher may use to determine per-copy weights and to substantiate the advertising percentage in each edition of each issue of a Periodicals publication. The PAGE Program eliminates a publisher's need to submit a manually marked copy showing the percentage of advertising for each edition of each issue at the time of mailing. It also eliminates the requirement for Postal Service acceptance employees to determine per-copy weights by weighing 10 copies of each edition at the time of mailing.

Because of technology innovations made in the publishing industry, the Postal Service developed an evaluation program to test the accuracy of publishing and print planning (PPP) software to calculate advertising percentages and copy weights. This new optional program, designed in cooperation with the Periodicals industry, allows publishers to submit postage statements completed entirely with electronically generated per-copy weights in a totally automated environment. The Postal Service will sample a limited amount of actual copies to ensure the weights are accurate. If the sampling determines that the publisher's weights are not within tolerance, a postage adjustment will be generated.

Further information about the program can be found in the Federal Register, Volume 66, No. 196, page 51617, dated October 10, 2001.

Program Information and Participation

To participate in this program, publishers must successfully complete three stages of authorization:

Stage One - Product Certification for Software Developers.

Developers may have their PPP software PAGE- certified by applying to the National Customer Support Center (NCSC) and paying the appropriate fee. Developers are charged the software analysis fee of $1,000.00 for testing. One charge will cover up to three certification reviews of a specific software package by a software developer. If a developer requires an on-site analysis, the fee is $2,500.00. An additional $1,500.00 will be charged for each subsequent certification review of a specific software package required at a developer's site. A developer's software will be certified for one PAGE cycle only. A PAGE cycle is 1 year beginning March 11, and ending March 10 of the following year. Certification for the next PAGE cycle will require payment of an analysis fee of either $1,000.00 for NCSC analysis or $2,500.00 for an on-site analysis. Publishers must use PPP software certified by the Postal Service to generate per-copy weights and advertising percentages to progress to stage two.

The first testing cycle begins March 11, 2002.

Stage Two - User Certification for PPP Software.

A publisher may participate in the PAGE Program only when its employees or agents who use the PPP software have been certified by the Postal Service to use PAGE- certified software. Publishers must apply to the NCSC to be certified for all employees who will input data into their PPP software program. Publishers will be charged $25.00 for a User Testing Package and Analysis Kit for each employee. There will be a $25.00 fee for each attempt at user certification. Each user must reapply for certification every 2 years. Any new employees who will use PPP software must be certified before using the software if a publisher has been authorized to submit Periodicals mailings using the PAGE Program. As an option, a publisher may purchase a reference kit containing mailing standards, Postal Service Customer Support Rulings (and updates), Publication 32, Glossary of Postal Terms, and Postal Explorer for $20.00.

The users testing cycle begins April 11, 2002.

Stage Three - PAGE Program Authorization.

Publishers must complete an application for authorization to submit PAGE-certified calculated copy weights and advertising percentages to participate in the program. The application may be obtained from and must be returned to the New York Rates and Classification Service Center (RCSC), U.S. Postal Service, 1250 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10095-9599. A publisher must report all authorized Periodicals publications and print sites that will use PAGE-certified software. There is no charge for this authorization, and the publisher is required to reapply annually.

The following sections of the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) are revised effective March 7, 2002, as noted below.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

P Postage and Payment Methods

P000 Basic Information

P010 General Standards

P013 Rate Application and Computation

7.0 COMPUTING POSTAGE - PERIODICALS

7.1 Percentage of Advertising

[Add the following sentence at the end of 7.1:]

***Advertising percentages may also be calculated through the Periodicals Accuracy, Grading, and Evaluation (PAGE) Program using the procedures in P200.4.0.

7.2 Weight Per Copy

[Add the following sentence at the end of 7.2:]

***Per-copy weights may also be calculated through the Periodicals Accuracy, Grading, and Evaluation (PAGE) Program using the procedures in P200.4.0.

P200 Periodicals

1.0 BASIC INFORMATION

1.2 Marked Copy

[Add the following sentence at the end of 1.2:]

***Mailers do not have to submit marked copies if certified by the Postal Service to use the Periodicals Accuracy, Grading, and Evaluation (PAGE) Program in 4.0.

[Add new 4.0 as follows:]

4.0 PERIODICALS ACCURACY, GRADING, AND EVALUATION (PAGE) PROGRAM

4.1 Basic Information

The Periodicals Accuracy, Grading, and Evaluation (PAGE) Program is a process to evaluate publishing and print planning (PPP) software and to determine its accuracy in computing per-copy weights and calculating advertising percentages for Periodicals mail. Certification of PAGE software is available only to those companies that develop or write PPP software. PAGE certification does not guarantee acceptance of the publisher's per-copy weights and advertising percentages prepared with PAGE-certified software.

4.2 Process

The PAGE Program evaluates and tests PPP software. In addition, the PAGE Program tests and qualifies publishing personnel to submit data to the Postal Service using PAGE- certified PPP software. The Postal Service National Customer Support Center (NCSC) in Memphis, Tennessee, is the Postal Service location for certifying developer's software and a publisher's employees to use certified PPP software to submit Periodicals mailings. The PAGE Program involves the following three elements:

a. Stage One, Product Certification for Software Developers. NCSC evaluates the accuracy of the calculations of PPP software by processing a test publication file either at the NCSC or at the developer's location (through an on-site visit).

b. Stage Two, User Certification for PPP Software. NCSC provides test packages to the users and evaluates the results.

c. Stage Three, PAGE Program Authorization. Only publishers who have PAGE-certified users and use PAGE-certified software to submit per-copy weight and calculated advertising percentages may apply for authorization to the manager, New York Rates and Classification Service Center.

4.3 Participation

For information about charges and the PAGE Program, publishers may request a technical guide (including order forms) from the NCSC by calling 1-800-238-3150. Additional information is also available from the New York Rates and Classification Service Center at 212-613-8676.

- Marketing Technology and Channel Management, Business Mail Acceptance, 3-7-02

REMINDER

Submission of PS Form 3510 for Additional Periodicals Entry

When publishers submit PS Form 3510, Application for Additional Entry, Reentry, or Special Rate Request for Periodicals Publication, to open and/or close an additional entry for a publication, ask them if any other additional entries are nonactive. If any are nonactive, ask them to close those entries using the same PS Form 3510.

- Mail Preparation and Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 3-7-02

DMM REVISION

Deposit of Metered Mail

Effective March 7, 2002, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) P030.11.4 is revised to clarify the regulations for depositing metered mail. Previous versions of the DMM placed unnecessary restrictions on depositing full-rate metered mail and were not enforced.

We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version of DMM Issue 57 and into the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

P Postage and Payment Methods

P000 Basic Information

P030 Postage Meters and Meter Stamps

11.4 Where to Deposit

[Revise 11.4 to read as follows:]

Metered mail must be deposited at a postal facility within the jurisdiction of the licensing Post Office (i.e., the ZIP Code shown in the indicia). However, Express Mail, Priority Mail, and single-piece rate First-Class Mail items may be deposited at locations other than the licensing Post Office when necessary. Metered mail may also be drop-shipped under D072.

- Postage Technology Management,
Product Development, 3-7-02

DMM REVISION

Optional Procedure Mailing System

Effective March 7, 2002, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) P920, Optional Procedure (OP) Mailing System, is revised to clarify the standards for entry of mails under optional procedures. Changes include reorganization of the standards and clarification of record keeping and quality control requirements as well as procedures for applying to mail under an OP Mailing System.

We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version of DMM Issue 57 and into the monthly update of the online DMM available through Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

P Postage and Payment Methods

P900 Special Postage Payment Systems

P920 Optional Procedure (OP) Mailing System

Summary

[Revise Summary as follows:]

P920 describes basic information and authorization requirements for optional procedure mailings.

1.0 BASIC INFORMATION

1.1 Description

[Revise 1.1 as follows:]

An OP Mailing System is a method of verifying and accepting First-Class Mail items, Standard Mail items, and Package Services items paid by permit imprint. Mailings may consist of identical-weight or nonidentical-weight pieces.The OP Mailing System reviews a mailer's financial, production, and other business records in lieu of standard weight verification procedures. Postage verification is normally completed by a Postal Service audit of business records kept by the mailer. A Postal Service audit is designed to detect underpayment of postage. The burden rests with the mailer to prove any overpayment of postage.

1.2 General Qualification

[Revise the first sentence of 1.2 as follows:]

An OP Mailing System is authorized and renewed in 2-year intervals when all of the following conditions are met:

[Add new 1.3 as follows:]

1.3 Quality Control

The mailer must implement a documented quality control (QC) program that ensures integrity of the system, accuracy and proper maintenance of OP records, eligibility of the mailings prepared for the postage rates claimed, and ability to take corrective actions.

[Add new 1.4 as follows:]

1.4 Service Agreement

A service agreement must be signed by the mailer, the postmaster, the district manager, and the Business Mailer Support (BMS) manager before the first OP mailing is presented to the Postal Service. Before the service agreement is finalized the mailer must submit an OP Mailing System application and that application must be approved under the procedures in 2.0. The agreement must set forth, among other things, the mailing information described in 2.3 and 2.4.

2.0 AUTHORIZATION

[Revise heading and text of 2.1 as follows:]

2.1 Application

The mailer must submit an OP Mailing System application to the postmaster at the office of mailing. Publication 407, Optional Procedure (OP) Mailing System, available through business mail entry units and www.usps.com, contains an application and detailed information about mailer standards, responsibilities, and qualifying criteria. The mailer must submit, as part of the application, a complete sample job with all records to be part of the audit trail identified and labeled; a detailed explanation of how each record supports the number of pieces and presort level rate of postage claimed on the postage statements; and a detailed description of current internal quality control procedures as they relate to production and presentation of mailing.

[Revise heading and text of 2.2 as follows:]

2.2 Business Mailer Support Action

The Business Mailer Support (BMS) manager approves or denies applications for optional procedure.

2.3 Approval

[Revise 2.3 as follows:]

When the application is approved, a written service agreement is signed between the Postal Service and the mailer to specify the types of mailings that may be mailed under the OP Mailing System (e.g., the classes of mail, processing categories, permit numbers to be used, and whether the mailer is authorized to mail identical-weight and/or nonidentical-weight pieces).

2.4 Denial

[Revise the last sentence of 2.4 as follows:]

***If the manager still finds that the application should be denied, the file is forwarded to the Business Mail Acceptance manager, Postal Service Headquarters, who will issue a final agency decision to the mailer.

[Revise heading and text of 2.5 as follows:]

2.5 Changes

If the mailer proposes to change the method of presenting or documenting mailings from that specified in the agreement, or the mailer is no longer able to comply with the standards that apply to the authorization, the mailer must immediately notify the BMS manager through the postmaster of the administering Post Office. The BMS manager will notify the mailer in writing if the OP agreement should be modified, continued, or canceled.

[Revise heading and text of 2.6 as follows:]

2.6 Additions or Modifications to the Service Agreement

If the mailer requests additional options or modifications to the OP agreement, the mailer must submit a written request to the BMS manager stating the requested change or modification and complete documentation supporting each change or modification. The mailer's request must be submitted before the change or modification is made. Changes to the OP service agreement cannot be made until the BMS manager has notified the mailer in writing that the changes or modifications have been approved and an addendum is added to the OP service agreement.

[Revise heading and text of 2.7 as follows:]

2.7 Postal Service Suspension

The BMS manager may suspend an OP Mailing System at any time, pending review, when there is an indication that postal revenue is not fully protected. The BMS manager will notify the mailer in writing of the decision. The suspension becomes effective upon the mailer's receipt of the notification.

[Revise heading and text of 2.8 as follows:]

2.8 Mailer Cancellation

The mailer may cancel an OP Mailing System authorization at any time by written notice to the administering Post Office.

[Add new 2.9 as follows:]

2.9 Postal Service Cancellation

The Postal Service may cancel an OP Mailing System authorization if:

a. The mailer provides misleading or incorrect data to avoid paying postage, makes no mailings under the OP agreement during any consecutive 12-month period, or routinely fails to comply with the OP agreement or the standards applicable to the OP Mailing System.

b. The 2-year renewal audit reveals that the OP agreement should no longer be authorized or the mailer is not complying with the agreement.

[Add new 2.10 as follows:]

2.10 Cancellation Notice and Appeal

The cancellation takes effect 15 days from the mailer's receipt of the notice unless, within that time, the mailer files a written appeal with the BMS manager. The appeal must present additional information explaining why the OP Mailing System authorization should not be cancelled. If the BMS manager does not uphold the appeal, it and the additional information and the complete record underlying the initial decision to cancel the authorization are forwarded to the Business Mail Acceptance manager, Postal Service Headquarters, who issues the final agency decision to the mailer.

3.0 RECORDS

[Revise heading and text of 3.2 as follows:]

3.2 Mailer Running Summary

The mailer must maintain a running summary of mailings made to the Postal Service. The summary must include the permit number, date of mailing, postage statement sequence number, total pieces, weight of a single piece (or weight ranges of nonidentical-weight pieces), and the total weight and total postage for each mailing. For plant-verified drop shipment (PVDS) mailings, the grand totals from the consolidated postage statement are entered on the summary.

[Add new 3.3 as follows:]

3.3 Contents

Each mailing record must contain a sample of the mailpiece, the corresponding postage statement, and source documents required for the audit trail as specified in the mailer's OP agreement.

- Marketing Technology and Channel Management,
Business Mail Acceptance, 3-7-02

Acceptance of Mail for New APO/FPO ZIP Codes

Unisys Version 48 contained an unintended change in the handling of mail to APO/FPO ZIP Codes beginning with 093 - the ones used for many of the military units activated since September 11. For 093 ZIP Codes not recognized as valid, the integrated retail terminal (IRT) no longer simply warns the user to check the Postal Bulletin; it now blocks the mailing transaction, as it does for all other unrecognized APO/FPO ZIP Codes.

The spring software release will roll back this change.

In the meantime, the following workaround can be used to accept mail destined for 093 ZIP Codes:

The postmaster or supervisor should immediately advise all retail associates of the zone to be used for 093 destinations (same zone as for ZIP Codes in the 10001-10099 range) and provide a copy of the parcel post and Priority MailŪ rate tables from the DMM with the appropriate zone highlighted. In units with heavy military mailings, distribution of the First-Class MailŪ, Express MailŪ, Library Mail, Media Mail, Bound Printed Matter, and special service rate tables may also be desirable.

For each mailing to a 093 ZIP Code, the retail associate should:

1. Check the latest Postal Bulletin and the latest APO/FPO change list provided by district retail personnel to be sure the ZIP Code is currently valid and to determine the ZIP-specific mailing restrictions. Remember that customers may have very current information about the address they are using; be very cautious before concluding that the ZIP Code is inactive.

Contact the Military Postal Service agency at the toll-free number, 1-800-810-6098, Mon - Fri, 7:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M., EST, with any questions about AFO/FPO addresses.

2. Use the IRT to weigh the article, then press RESET.

3. Look up the postage rate in the printed rate table. Add any applicable special service fees. (Remember: No Delivery ConfirmationTM, Signature ConfirmationTM, or COD service to APOs/FPOs.)

4. Print an unbarcoded PVI label for the total postage and fees and affix it to the mailpiece, along with any necessary special service labels and a customs form, if required. Never place a postage validation imprinter (PVI) label with an incorrect destination ZIP barcode on a mailpiece.

5. For Express Mail articles only: Send the Finance Copy of the Express Mail label to the Expedited Service Office at the district for manual entry.

- International Network Operations,
Network Operations Management, 3-7-02

DMM REVISION

Semipostal Stamps

Effective March 23, 2002, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) P014, P022, and R000 are revised due to changes relating to the pricing of semipostal stamps.

These changes reflect the enactment of the following two acts: the Semipostal Authorization Act, Public Law No. 106-253, 114 Stat. 634 (2000) and the 9/11 Heroes Stamp Act of 2001, Public Law No. 107-67, § 652, 115 Stat. 514 (2001). This revision also adopts DMM standards implementing the decision of the Governors of the United States Postal Service on the prices of the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp and the Heroes of 2001 semipostal stamp.

The refund provisions of section P014 of the DMM are amended to apply to all existing and future semipostal stamps. In addition, the provisions of DMM P022 are amended to reflect the price change for the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp and the introduction of the Heroes of 2001 semipostal stamp. Certain provisions of DMM P022 are revised to apply to all semipostal stamps. DMM R000 is amended to reflect the prices and postage values of the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp and the Heroes of 2001 semipostal stamp.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

P Postage and Payment Methods

P000 Basic Information

P010 General Standards

P014 Refunds and Exchanges

2.0 POSTAGE AND FEES REFUNDS

[Revise the heading and text of 2.10 to read as follows:]

2.10 Semipostal Stamps

Customers may exchange or convert semipostal stamps for their postage value (i.e., the price of the stamps less the contribution amount) to the extent exchange or conversion of postage stamps is permitted under P014. The postage the customer exchanges or converts is equal to the First- Class Mail single-piece rate in effect at the time of exchange. However, if the customer provides a receipt showing the date of purchase, the postage exchanged or converted is equal to the First-Class Mail single-piece rate in effect at the time of purchase. The contribution amount is not refundable and is not included in the exchange or conversion value.

P020 Postage Stamps and Stationery

P022 Postage Stamps

1.0 PURCHASE AND USE

[Revise the heading and text of 1.6 to read as follows:]

1.6 Semipostal Stamps

Semipostal stamps are subject to special limitations and conditions:

a. Semipostal stamps are stamps that are sold for a price that exceeds the postage value of the stamp. The difference between the price and postage value of semipostal stamps, also known as the differential, less an offset for the Postal Service's reasonable costs, as determined by the Postal Service, is a contribution for a specific cause. Semipostal stamps provide a means for customers to contribute to specific causes. Semipostal stamps are offered for sale for a limited time as provided by law or by the Postal Service.

b. A brief description of semipostal stamps follows:

1. The price of the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp (BCRS) is 45 cents. The difference between the purchase price and the First-Class Mail nonautomation single-piece first-ounce letter rate in effect at the time of purchase constitutes a contribution to breast cancer research and cannot be used to pay postage. Funds (net of the Postal Service's reasonable costs) raised in connection with the BCRS are transferred to the Department of Defense and the National Institutes of Health.

2. The price of the Heroes of 2001 semipostal stamp is 45 cents. The difference between the purchase price and the First-Class Mail nonautomation single-piece first-ounce letter rate in effect at the time of purchase is a contribution to provide assistance to the families of the emergency relief personnel killed or permanently disabled in connection with the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and cannot be used to pay postage. Funds (net of the Postal Service's reasonable costs) raised in connection with the Heroes of 2001 semipostal stamp are transferred to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

c. The postage value of each semipostal stamp is the First-Class Mail nonautomation single-piece first- ounce letter rate in R100.1.2 that is in effect at the time of purchase. Additional postage must be affixed to pieces weighing in excess of 1 ounce, pieces subject to the nonstandard surcharge, or pieces for which special services have been elected. The postage value of semipostal stamps is fixed according to the First-Class Mail nonautomation single-piece first- ounce letter rate in effect at the time of purchase; the postage value of semipostal stamps purchased before any subsequent change in the First-Class Mail nonautomation single-piece first-ounce letter rate is unaffected by any subsequent change in that rate.

R Rates and Fees

R000 Stamps and Stationery

4.0 POSTAGE STAMPS

[Revise the table in 4.0 as follows:]

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations and Public Policy, 3-7-02

CORRECTION/REVISED FORMS

3883, Firm Delivery Receipt for Accountable and Bulk Delivery Mail, and 3816, COD

In the article "Revised Forms: 3883, Firm Delivery Receipt for Accountable and Bulk Delivery Mail, and 3816, COD," in Postal Bulletin 22070 (2-21-02, pages 43-44), the exhibits were shown out of order. The correct order for the exhibits is shown here.

With the launch of the signature capture program and the electronic record management system, the Postal Service has virtually eliminated manual filing of delivery records. PS Form 3849, Delivery Notice/Reminder/Receipt, now serves as the universal method of signature capture. Once an appropriate signature has been captured on PS Form 3849, the delivery record is stored electronically in a national database.

PS Form 3883

Currently customers receiving articles recorded on PS Form 3883, Firm Delivery Receipt for Accountable and Bulk Delivery Mail, must sign and print their name on PS Form 3849 in order to electronically link the signature information to the Firm Delivery Receipt, even though PS Form 3883 has a "Received By" block. In the revised PS Form 3883, the "Received By" block (see Exhibit 1) has been removed in accordance with Handbook PO-610, Signature Capture and Electronic Record Management: Manager's Guide to Standard Operating Procedures. Also, standard information on the revised PS Form 3883 has been updated.

PS Form 3816

This process change to solely relying on PS Form 3849 for all signature capture has also resulted in the removal of the "Signature" block from PS Form 3816, COD (see Exhibit 2). Standard information on the revised PS Form 3816 has also been updated.

When offices under the manual record management system (refer to Postal Operations Manual, POM 619, Mail Claim Check System) use PS Form 3849 to capture a signature, that form must be attached to PS Form 3816 or PS Form 3883 for local filing and retrieval purposes.

Existing stock for both forms will be used until depleted. We will supply ordering information in a future Postal Bulletin.

- Product Information Requirements, 3-7-02

Exhibit 1

Exhibit 1 continued

Exhibit 2