The Postal Bulletin is published biweekly; information is effective for one year unless it changes a permanent directive or unless otherwise specified.

Ordering Information: Following is the list of postal stock numbers (PSNs) to use when ordering copies of the Postal Bulletin from the MDC:

PB 22071: 7690-05-000-4836

PB 22070: 7690-05-000-4835

PB 22069: 7690-05-000-4834

PB 22068: 7690-04-000-5675

PB 22067: 7690-04-000-5674

PB 22066: 7690-04-000-5673

PB 22065: 7690-04-000-5672

PB 22064: 7690-04-000-5671

PB 22063: 7690-04-000-5670

PB 22062: 7690-04-000-5669

PB 22061: 7690-04-000-5668

PB 22060: 7690-04-000-5667

PB 22059: 7690-04-000-5666

PB 22058: 7690-04-000-5665

PB 22057: 7690-04-000-5664

PB 22056: 7690-04-000-5663

PB 22055: 7690-04-000-5662

PB 22054: 7690-04-000-5661

PB 22053: 7690-04-000-5660

PB 22052: 7690-04-000-5659

PB 22051: 7690-04-000-5658

PB 22050: 7690-04-000-5657

PB 22049: 7690-04-000-5656

PB 22048: 7690-04-000-5655

PB 22047: 7690-04-000-5654

PB 22046: 7690-04-000-5653

PB 22045: 7690-04-000-5652

PUBLICITY KIT

Repricing the Breast Cancer Research Semipostal Stamp

On March 23, 2002, the purchase price for the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp will be raised to 45 cents. The design of the stamp will not change, and the postage value of the stamp will remain at 34 cents until there is a change in the First-Class MailŪ single-piece letter rate. All sales of the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamps are still to be reported in AIC 084.

The following information provides historical background on the stamp and the legislation that led to this price change, Q&As to help you with customer inquiries, and instructions on how the revaluing process should take place at all retail units.

Background

The Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp was issued July 29, 1998, as a result of legislation directing the Postal Service to issue a semipostal stamp to raise funds for breast cancer research over a 2-year period.

A semipostal stamp is priced a few cents higher than the First-Class Mail single-piece letter rate, with net proceeds above the cost of postage given to certain executive agencies.

To date, the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp has raised more than $23 million for research. Seventy percent of the funds raised through sales of the stamp is given to the National Institutes of Health, and 30 percent is given to the Medical Research Program of the Department of Defense. Both organizations were designated by the legislation to receive the funds and are leaders in breast cancer research.

Legislation enacted in 2000 extended sales of the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp through July 2002. However, the postal appropriations bill enacted in November 2001 extended the sales period until December 31, 2003, and directed the Postal Service to issue two additional semipostals. The first, Heroes of 2001 semipostal stamp, is expected to be issued this spring and may be sold through December 31, 2004. The second, Domestic Violence semipostal stamp, is expected to be sold beginning January 2004 and may be sold through December 31, 2006.

This legislation also changed the pricing formula for semipostals. In the past, the differential, which consists of the difference between the First-Class Mail single-piece letter rate and the actual price of the semipostal, could not exceed 25 percent of the underlying First-Class Mail rate. The new formula sets a minimum differential of 15 percent, with no cap on the price. The new legislation also provides that the total price must be divisible by 5.

Questions and Answers

Why is the price of the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp being increased March 23?

There are two primary reasons: (1) Establishing a price of 45 cents for the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp will ensure that the Postal Service is in compliance with recent legislation once the next underlying First-Class Mail postage rate change goes into effect, and (2) the change to 45 cents will lessen confusion about the pricing of semipostals because the next one - Heroes of 2001 - will also be priced at 45 cents.

What if a customer bought the stamp when the First-Class Mail rate was 33 cents and uses the stamp now, when the rate is 34 cents, or even later when rates go up?

The nondenominated Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp's postage value is set at the time of purchase. Customers are welcome to use any Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamps they purchased when lower rates were in effect, but if stamps were purchased before the last rate change in January 2001, they should affix additional postage to reach the appropriate rate based on the size and weight of their letters or parcels. There is, however, no easy way for the Postal Service to determine when the stamps were purchased. Consequently, employees must assume the stamps are being used properly and at the current First-Class Mail rate, and they should not treat pieces bearing the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp as shortpaid.

How long will the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp be on sale, and why is it coming off sale?

The Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp will be on sale through December 31, 2003. The end date was established by recent legislation. The Postal Service is very proud of the fact that the stamp has raised more than $23 million for research.

What ever became of all the proposals for new semipostals that were sent to the Postal Service in accordance with the recently announced Semipostal Stamp Program?

The Breast Cancer Research semipostal, and two additional semipostals to be issued in accordance with recent legislation, are not part of the Postal Service's Semipostal Stamp Program. This program was established in accordance with separate legislation that gave the Postal Service discretionary authority to select subjects for future semipostals. Scheduled to last 10 years, this "discretionary" program is on hold and is expected to begin in a few years. Congress also granted the Postal Service the authority to determine the start date of the 10-year period. Since the program has not yet started, there will be no impact on the duration of the program if its start date is postponed.

I have some good ideas for future semipostals, who can I contact?

The period for receipt of proposals for the "discretionary" Semipostal Stamp Program has ended. The causes for the first two discretionary semipostal stamps will be selected from the pool of eligible proposals received during the solicitation period. We anticipate that further solicitations will be issued in the coming years for semipostals to be issued later during the 10-year period. In the meantime, customers are encouraged to submit ideas for the U.S. Commemorative Stamp Program. To submit an idea, simply write to the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee at the following address:

CITIZENS STAMP ADVISORY COMMITTEE
C/O STAMP DEVELOPMENT
U S POSTAL SERVICE
475 LENFANT PLZ SW RM 5670
WASHINGTON DC 20260-2437

- Community Relations,
Public Affairs and Communications, 3-7-02

Retail Instructions

To increase the value of these stamps, stock custodians, retail associates, and contractors must count the number of Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamps in their stamp credits and multiply the total number of Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamps by 5 cents to compute the dollar value of the increase in accountability. The following instructions are being issued to revalue the supply of the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamps.

IRT Offices

Individual Accountabilities. Sales and services associates (SSAs) with Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamps in their inventory must increase their accountability using the following instructions:

1. Stamp Credits. SSAs and contractors must multiply the number of Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamps on hand by 5 cents and record the computation on PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition. The total from PS Form 17 must be entered to AIC 844, Stock Increase-Revaluation, on the clerk disk.

2. Closeout Instructions. When all clerk disks are consolidated, the total revaluation for the unit will be the total amount in AIC 844 on the Unit 1412, Daily Financial Report, for standard field accounting procedures (SFAP) units. In main stock non-SFAP offices, the revaluation amount in AIC 844 will roll to AIC 171, Postage Stock Revaluation-Increase, on the Daily Financial Statement and will increase AIC 805, Postage Stock Inventory.

Main Stock/Unit Reserve. Offices with Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamps in main stock/unit reserve inventory must increase their accountability using the following instructions:

1. Issue to retail clerks all 40-cent Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamps in main stock/unit reserve.

2. Clerks receive stock by recording to AIC 841, Stock Received at $0.40 per stamp.

3. Clerks revalue by following the previously stated revaluation instructions.

4. The item number for Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp from stamp stock inventory (at the old price) can be deleted after the next New Day is performed.

5. Add item number for Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp to stamp stock inventory at the new price of 45 cents.

6. Clerks prepare PS Form 17 for returning stock and enter value of Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp to be returned to main stock/unit reserve inventory at the new price of 45 cents.

7. Clerks make entry to AIC 848, Stamps Return.

8. Enter to main stock/unit reserve inventory at new price.

Non-IRT/Non-POS ONE Offices

1. Stamp Credits. SSAs and contractors must multiply the number of Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamps on hand by 5 cents and record the computation on PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition. The total from PS Form 17 must be entered to AIC 844, Stock Increase-Revaluation, on Clerk 1412.

2. Main Stock/Unit Reserve Inventory.

a. Multiply the number of Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamps on hand by 5 cents and record the computation on PS Form 17.

b. Enter amount to PS Form 3958, Main Stock Transaction Record, on line 3 (blank) and write in "Revaluation-Stock Increase."

Main Stock Units. Enter the total from all PS Forms 17 (for SSAs and main stock inventory) for revalued Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamps to PS Form 3959, Daily Recap-Stamp Stock Transactions, on line 3 (blank) and write in "Revaluation-Stock Increase." In the accountbook, make a write-in entry to AIC 171, Postage Stock Revaluation-Increase, for the same amount. This is offset by an increase to AIC 805, Postage Stock Inventory, in the analysis section of the accountbook.

Reserve Stock Units. Add the total from PS Form 17 (for reserve stock inventory) for revalued Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamps to Unit 1412, AIC 844, Stock Increase-Revaluation. Add all PS Forms 17 (for SSAs and unit reserve inventory) and verify with Unit 1412, AIC 844. Support entry with PS Forms 17 and copy of PS Form 3958. These increases in accountability must be reported in the accountbook.

IBM POS ONE Offices

A message display will state that the stock unit contains items pending revaluation. The revaluation process must be completed by:

1. The "retail stock unit" for the retail floor stock under segmented inventory accountability.

2. The "stampstock stock unit" for the unit reserve.

3. SSAs with assigned stamp credits (this includes the segments with individual accountability, i.e., Stamps By MailŪ, Stamps On Consignment, Mobile Unit, Philatelic, and Vending at SIA sites).

The revaluation process must be completed within 3 calendar days and can be performed only one time. After physically counting the number of revalued items from the floor stock inventory or stamp stock, SSAs and reserve stock custodian must use the following same steps to complete the process:

1. Print a Trial 1412.

2. Select <Back Office> Till> Stock Unit Revalue> Enter>.

3. Enter manager override if necessary. Select <Enter> OK>d. Message appears: The revaluation process may be performed only ONE time. Please ensure ALL revaluation items are entered before completing the process<OK>.

4. Select <F8> Touch printer field and select <F4> Receipt>Enter>F11> F3>.

5. Enter actual quantities of items on printed count sheet.

6. Enter actual quantity of each revalued item from the count sheet <F11>.

7. Enter Verifier Name (manager) and ID (optional). Select <F11> Revaluation Summary Report prints.

8. Verify total revaluation amount printed below the header information on the Revaluation Summary Report and verify actual quantities and value. Compare the total revaluation amount to a manual calculation. Message appears again: The revaluation process may be performed only ONE time. Please ensure ALL revaluation items are entered before completing the process. Select Yes to complete revaluation. Select No to reprint the report. Select Cancel to restart the revaluation. Select <Yes> and then <Main Tasks>.

9. Print another Trial 1412. (Revaluation process will flow to GLA 0841*). Compare GLA 0853 and GLA 0841(increased value) to original Trial 1412. Verify that GLA 0841 has been incremented by the total revaluation amount printed below the header information on the Revaluation Summary Report.

10. On PS Form 17, annotate the total amount of revalued items only and submit to closeout person at close of business. The amount on PS Form 17 must equal the amount on GLA 0841, minus any other stock amount if received from SDO/SSC or the unit reserve.

11. The unit will submit to the district accounting office (DAO) a consolidated PS Form 17 of the total amounts revalued at the unit. The amount on PS Form 17 must equal the amount on GLA 0841, minus any other stock amount if received from SDO/SSC or the unit reserve.

* DAO will make the adjustment from GLA 0841 to GLA 0844 for total amounts revalued at each IBM POS ONE office based on the submitted PS Form 17.

NCR POS ONE Offices

A message display will state that the stock unit contains items pending revaluation. The revaluation process must be completed by (1) one of the SSAs assigned to the multi- service role working from the retail floor stock under segmented inventory accountability and (2) SSAs with assigned stamp credits.

After physically counting the number of revalued items from the floor stock inventory or stamp stock, the system user must follow these steps to complete the process:

1. Press [Clerk Services\Back Office].

2. Press <Money and Accounts>.

3. Press <Stock Revaluation>.

4. Press <Select All>. Note: Red check marks appear on all the items in the notebook area pick list. The user can also select one item at a time by pressing the select item DynaKey.

5. Press <Accept>.

6. Press <Continue>. Note: The system will print a Stock Revaluation count-sheet for all items that were previously checked. Use this printout to record the physical count.

7. Key in the quantity counted for each item and press [Enter].

8. Press <Continue>. If the wrong quantity was entered, press <Change Quantity> to return to the item list and make corrections.

9. Press <Continue>.

10. Type in the First Name, Last name, and Employee ID.

11. Press <Continue>. A summary view will be displayed of the change done to the user's accountability.

12. Press <Accept> to finish.

Unit Reserve Stock Custodians:

1. Log on as Stock Custodian.

2. Press <Non-Retail Roles>.

3. Press <Other Activities>.

4. Press <Unit Stock Revaluation>.

5. Press <Select All>. Note: Red check marks appear on all the items in the notebook area pick list. The user can also select one item at a time by pressing the select item DynaKey.

6. Press <Accept>.

7. Press <Continue>. Note: The system will print a Stock Revaluation count-sheet for all items that were previously checked. Use this printout to record the physical count.

8. Key in the quantity counted for each item and press [Enter].

9. Press <Continue>. If the wrong quantity was entered, press <Change Quantity> to return to the item list and make corrections.

10. Press <Continue>.

11. Type in the First Name, Last name, and Employee ID.

12. Press <Continue>. A summary view will be displayed of the change done to the user's accountability.

13. Press <Accept> to finish.

- POS ONE, Delivery and Retail, 3-7-02

Procedures for SDOs and SSCs, and users of the STAMPS Program and the SSS

Revaluating Breast Cancer Research Semipostal Stamps - Items Affected (Increase)

Item Number	Description	Old Price	New Price	Amount of Increase
553000	Breast Cancer Research Singles	$0.40	$0.45	$0.05
553015	Breast Cancer Research Pane	$8.00	$9.00	$1.00
367200	Breast Cancer Research 10-Pack	$4.00	$4.50	$0.50

The value of the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamps will increase from a 40-cent to 45-cent selling price effective March 23, 2002. The master inventories of STAMPS and Stamp Services Systems (SSS) will be updated automatically by Stamp Distribution, Headquarters, 9:00 A.M. ET on March 25, 2002, to reflect the new selling price. To facilitate this update, SDOs and SSCs must not logon to the STAMPS or SSS Programs after close of business on March 22 through March 25, before 9:00 A.M. ET.

When the inventory system is updated, the closing balance on PS Form 3958 for March 22 will not match the opening balance on March 25. The difference should equal the total revaluation amount.

Stamp Distribution supervisors at all facilities processing the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamps should perform the following on March 25:

• Total the quantities of Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamps in inventory.

• Multiply by increase amount (see table on page 6).

• Enter the results on a PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition.

• Write the difference on the overage line of PS Form 3958 (outside the postage line) as stock revaluation/increase.

• Forward PS Form 3958 and PS Form 17 to the District Accounting Office.

Procedures for District Accounting Offices

• Call up Option C, Accountable Paper, on the Daily Financial Menu.

• Call up Option 2, Accountable Paper (PS Form 3958), on the accountable paper menu.

• Enter the amount of PS Form 17 on the revaluation line. This will increase AIC 171, and increase AIC 805.

Note: Do not enter the amount of PS Form 17 via the Advice of Shipment Option. That would result in a statement of difference.

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

Procedures for Self Service Equipment

Handbook Revision: Semipostal Stamp Vending Packets

Effective March 23, 2002, the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp vending packet, Item 367200, is revalued to $4.50. In addition, effective March 23, 2002, Handbook PO-102, Self Service Vending Operational and Marketing Program, is revised to include the revaluation of the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp and the policy for vending semipostal stamp packets in self-service equipment.

We will incorporate this revision into the next printed edition of Handbook PO-102 and into the online version of Handbook PO-102 at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on HBKs.

Handbook PO-102, Self Service Vending Operational and Marketing Program

* * * * *

1 The Self Service Vending Program

* * * * *

14 Services and Products

* * * * *

[Add new 143 as follows:]

143 Semipostal Stamps

143.1 Policy

A "semipostal stamp" is a postage stamp that is issued and sold by the Postal Service at a price that exceeds the postage value of the stamp. The difference between the sales price of a semipostal stamp, and the First-Class Mail single-piece first-ounce rate in effect at the time of purchase (less the Postal Service's costs), consists of a contribution to be transferred to a federal executive agency for a specified cause. In accordance with legislation directing the Postal Service to offer semipostal stamps to the public, the Postal Service will sell semipostal stamps at a price above the First-Class Mail first-ounce rate to enable the public to make contributions to designated federal executive agencies.

143.2 Pricing

The Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp vending packet, Item 367200, is priced at $4.50.

143.3 Equipment

The semipostal stamp packets will be sold through every multi-commodity machine in service. Models PCM-1625A and PCM-1625B will fully stock the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp in selection C3 (168 vends). Item 367200 is to be continuously sold in these positions until the product is withdrawn from sale on December 31, 2003. Product identifiers for PCM-1625A and PCM-1625B machines have been created and are available for download from the Self Service web site at http://retail.usps.gov/html/programs/selfservice.html or http://retail.usps.gov/html/programs/selfserv/prod_id.html#links.

143.4 Responsibilities

143.41 District Retail Office

The district retail office will inform its stamp distribution offices (SDOs) of the location of each multi-commodity machine in its geographic area of responsibility. SDOs will supply the servicing employee with a quantity of vending packets for each multi-commodity machine type to fill the selection until the product is withdrawn from sale.

143.42 Service Employee

The servicing employee must record the location of each commodity machine stocked with these stamp packets and the date on which he or she initially stocked each machine. This vend and the placement of the product are not subject to local discretion. This is a nationally supported effort. The district office must do the following:

a. Verify that ALL commodity machines installed in the district are stocked.

b. Forward to the area retail office the dates on which each commodity machine was initially filled with this stamp packet.

Note: The area retail office will retain this information for future audit.

143.5 Financial Reporting

Record sales for semipostal stamp vending packets on PS Form 1421-A, Daily Financial Report, in the appropriate account identifier code (AIC). Sales for these products that are recorded on PS 8130, Vending Equipment Sales Service Daily Activity Log, will be included with total machine revenue

* * * * *

- Self Service and Access Management,
Delivery and Retail, 3-7-02

Procedures for Postal Store Retail Packaged Stamps

Repricing the Breast Cancer Research semipostal retail packaged stamps (Item 553015)

Postal Stores will receive directly from Minnesota Diversified Industries a roll of 250 yellow "starburst" pricing stickers for the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp. The sticker contains information on the new price and should be affixed directly over the existing sticker. This must be completed by Saturday, March 23. A supply of stickers will also be sent to SDOs to reprice Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp stock in inventory. All subsequent Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp shipments from the SDO to Postal Stores must have the new price stickers. It is up to local discretion, as to whether the stickers are affixed to the package at the SDO or at the Postal Store. If Postal Stores require additional stickers, they should contact their local SDO.

- Retail Marketing,
Service and Market Development, 3-7-02

Optional Service Talk, Retail Services - Breast Cancer Research Semipostal Stamp

On March 23, 2002, the price of the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp will be changed from 40 cents to 45 cents. The design of the stamp will not change, and the postage value of the stamp will remain 34 cents. The price increase is prompted by recent legislation establishing a new pricing formula for semipostal stamps and extending the sales period of the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp until December 31, 2003. To date, more than $23 million has been raised for research from sales of the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp.

Detailed step-by-step instructions to increase the value of the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp are included in the March 7, 2002, Postal Bulletin. It is important that you continue to remain diligent in accurately reporting sales of semipostal stamps. As a reminder:

• The Postal Service must track the exact number of stamps sold. To comply with this requirement, the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp must be sold for 45 cents under AIC 084.

• The stamp may be used for postage at the First- Class Mail one-ounce letter rate in effect at the time of purchase (currently 34 cents). Customers should be reminded that the stamp is good for 34 cents postage, not 45 cents.

• The tax-deductible contribution associated with each stamp is 11 cents. The proceeds (net of the Postal Service's reasonable costs) will be transferred to the Medical Research Program of the Department of Defense and the National Institutes of Health for breast cancer research.

• Every Post Office must have Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamps available for sale through December 31, 2003. Each person responsible for ordering and maintaining stamp stock must make certain their office has a supply of this stamp and that existing stamp stock is revalued with the current price.

• If customers indicate they want to purchase the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp but do not want to make a donation to breast cancer research, gently remind them that the Postal Service must, by law, charge the extra amount. Then offer your customer an alternative stamp to purchase.

• Customers interested in donating to breast cancer research without buying the stamp can be told they can do so through local charitable organizations.

• All customers should be given a receipt. POS ONE and IRT receipts identify Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamps. Other retail offices should provide PS Form 1096, Cash Receipt.

• The self-adhesive Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp can be sold individually. Each pane has been specially die-cut for that purpose.

- Customer Service Operations,
Delivery and Retail, 3-7-02