Finance (continued)

SAFR OFFICES ONLY

SAFR-SS/A Implementation Overview

The Postal Bulletin articles that appear on the following pages apply only to offices that areas and district accounting offices have authorized as part of the implementation of the Standard Accounting for Retail (SAFR) system and the Shared Services/Accounting (SS/A) initiative.

The SAFR system will replace the current Standard Field Accounting System (SFAS). The new system will improve cash and inventory controls and effectively use point-of-service sales information. The SAFR technology will improve and automate the way retail data is captured and analyzed.

The SS/A initiative will streamline processes and enhance efficiencies within the accounting process. This new SS/A will be shared by the areas, districts, and corporate organizations and will be part of the St. Louis, Eagan, and San Mateo accounting service centers (ASCs). District accounting processes will migrate to the ASCs.

The SAFR and SS/A implementation will start in accounting period 2 of fiscal year 2003 and will continue as indicated in the SAFR-SS/A Implementation Schedule (subject to change), which is available on the SAFR Web site at blue.usps.gov/sharedservices/accounting/; click on Migration Schedule at the top of the screen.

- Revenue and Field Accounting,
Finance, 7-25-02

SAFR OFFICES ONLY - F-1 REVISION

Refunds From Advance Deposit Accounts

Effective with implementation of standard accounting for retail (SAFR), the following procedural change will occur related to refunds of customer advance trust deposit accounts. AIC 075, Advance Deposit Refunds Awaiting Payment, will no longer be used for refunds of advance deposit accounts at SAFR offices. Customers requiring a refund of their advance trust deposit account will submit a written request together with a completed PS Form 3533, Application and Voucher for Refund of Postage, Fees and Services (June 2002 version), to the Post Office. The office will verify the customer's trust account, withdraw the amount from the customer's trust account, if available, and enter the amount into the newly assigned liability account AIC 280, Disbursements Sent to SS/A (GLA 25312.280), to offset the trust withdrawal account.

The office will submit the completed PS Form 3533 to the SS/A to process payment to the customer. SS/A will debit liability account AIC 280 (GLA 25312.280) for the amount of the refund.

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed version of Handbook F-1 and into the next update of the online version accessible on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site at blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on HBKs.

Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures

* * * * *

6 Disbursing Postal Funds

* * * * *

63 Refund Disbursement

631 Advance Deposit Accounts

631.3 Handling a Customer Claim

[Revise the heading and text of 631.11 to read as follows:]

631.12 Automated Permit and Nonpermit System Offices

SFAP Permit Offices

5> When a business mail entry unit (BMEU) receives a written request for a refund of all or part of the unused balance of a customer advance deposit account, the office must ask the customer to complete a PS Form 3533, Application and Voucher for Refund of Postage, Fees and Services.

6> The BMEU submits PS Form 3533 with the customer's letter to the retail office or DAO.

7> The retail office disburses funds from the customer's advance deposit account issuing a no-fee money order and offset to AIC 475, Advance Deposit Refunds Paid, up to the amount of $1,000 and files the PS Form 3533 and the customer letter locally.

8> If the amount is for more than $1,000, the retail office submits the original PS Form 3533 to the DAO and maintains a copy with the customer's letter locally.

SFAP Nonpermit Offices

4> When a retail office receives a written request for a refund of all or part of the unused balance of a customer advance deposit account, the office must ask the customer to complete a PS Form 3533, Application and Voucher for Refund of Postage, Fees and Services.

5> After verification of available funds, the retail office disburses funds from the customer's advance deposit account issuing a no-fee money order and offset to the corresponding trust account withdrawal AIC (i.e., AIC 451, 452, 453, or 460), up to the amount of $1,000. The office files the original PS Form 3533 with the customer's letter locally.

6> If the refund amount is for more than $1,000, the office enters the refund amount into the corresponding trust account withdrawal AIC (i.e., AIC 451, 452, 453, or 460) and the offset amount into AIC 075, Advance Deposit Awaiting Refunds. The office submits the original PS Form 3533 to the DAO and maintains a copy with the customer's letter locally.

SAFR Permit Offices

3> When a business mail entry unit (BMEU) receives a written request for a refund of all or part of the unused balance of a customer advance deposit account, the office must ask the customer to complete a PS Form 3533, Application and Voucher for Refund of Postage, Fees and Services.

4> The BMEU submits the original PS Form 3533 to the Shared Services/Accounting (SS/A) at the San Mateo ASC for processing through APARS. The office files a copy of the form and customer letter locally.

SAFR Nonpermit Offices

4> When a retail office receives a written request for a refund of all or part of the unused balance of a customer advance deposit account, the office must ask the customer to complete a PS Form 3533, Application and Voucher for Refund of Postage, Fees and Services.

5> After verification of available funds, the retail office disburses funds from the customer's advance deposit account issuing a no-fee money order and offset to the corresponding trust account withdrawal AIC (i.e., AIC 451, 452, 453, or 460), up to the amount of $500. The office files the PS Form 3533 and customer letter locally.

6> If the refund amount is for more than $500, the office enters the refund amount into the corresponding trust account withdrawal AIC (i.e., AIC 451, 452, 453, or 460) and the offset amount into AIC 280, Disbursements Sent to SS/A. The office submits the original PS Form 3533 to the SS/A at the San Mateo ASC for processing through APARS. The office files a copy of the form and the customer letter locally.

[Delete 631.12.]

631.2 Closing an Account for Customer Inactivity

* * * * *

[Revise 631.2, bullet #2 as follows:]

3> If a customer responds to the cancellation notice with a current address, process the refund as follows:

[Delete bullets #3 and #4 (including the if-then table).]

* * * * *

Appendix A Account Identifier Code and General Ledger Account Crosswalk

[Add new AIC 280:]

* * * * *

- Revenue and Field Accounting,
Finance, 7-25-02

SAFR OFFICES ONLY - F-1 REVISION

SSPC and Vending Stamp Stock Credit Financial Reporting

Effective with the implementation of the Standard Accounting for Retail (SAFR) system, policy and procedural changes will occur for reporting financial activities of self service postal center (SSPC) technicians. Employees who are designated as SSPC technicians will be assigned an individual unit ID. SSPC technicians will report their financial activity via an electronic financial reporting system, which will be provided. SDO/SSC will replenish SSPC stamp stock credit using the SSPC technician's assigned unit ID.

Employees who are not SSPC technicians at a SAFR office and who are assigned stamp vending credits will not be assigned a unit ID. Vending credit clerks will be assigned a vending clerk role at their Post Office. The vending financial activity will be reported and consolidated with the office's financial report. The Post Office unit reserve custodian will replenish vending stamp stock credit.

The SSPC technician or vending clerk supervisor will have the responsibility of the SSPC technician and vending stock credit examination in compliance with Handbook PO-102, Self Service Vending Operational and Marketing Program, section 612.

We will incorporate this revision into the next printed version of Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures, and into the next update of the online version accessible on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on HBKs.

Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures

* * * * *

2 Financial Reporting Procedures

21 Policies and Background Information

* * * * *

212 Responsibilities

212.1 Post Office

[Revise the text of 212.1 to read as follows:]

Retail Units

Individual retail sales and service associates (SSAs) must prepare PS Form 1412, Daily Financial Report, whenever financial transactions are performed at the window service. Financial activity will be reported to the host Post Office to be consolidated with the unit's financial report. Retail units will report financial transactions electronically, provided that a Postal Service-approved electronic financial reporting system is available; otherwise, retail units will report financial transactions manually.

Contract Stations

Designated employees at contract stations must prepare a consolidated PS Form 1412 for the unit each day and forward the form to their host Post Office with the required supporting documentation.

Designated Employees

Employees who are designated as self service postal center (SSPC) technicians will report their vending financial activity via Postal Service-approved electronic financial reporting system.

Postmasters

SFAP Offices - Offices that use the Standard Field Accounting Procedure (SFAP) must report the retail unit's daily financial activity via an integrated retail terminal (IRT) unit, a point of sale (POS) ONE system, or the Money Order Voucher Electronic System (MOVES) to the DAO.

Non-SFAP Offices - In non-SFAP offices preparing accountbook and statement of account, the following conditions apply:

• In CAG H-J offices, the postmaster, or an employee who works under the postmaster's immediate supervision, will prepare the accountbook and statement of account. At these offices, to the extent possible within available resources, this task must not be assigned to personnel who also handle cash or accountable paper.

• In CAG K and L offices, the postmaster must pre- pare the accountbook and statement of account, except during periods of leave when this task may be reassigned.

SAFR Offices - Offices that use the Standard Accounting for Retail (SAFR) system must report the retail unit's daily financial activity via a Postal Service-approved electronic financial reporting system to the Shared Services/Accounting system at the Eagan Accounting Service Center.

* * * * *

- Revenue and Field Accounting,
Finance, 7-25-02

SAFR OFFICES ONLY - F-1 REVISION

Bank Charges

Effective with the implementation of the Standard Accounting for Retail (SAFR) system, policy and procedural changes will occur for paying bank charges. SAFR offices will not use AIC 592, Commercial Bank Fees, for paying bank charges. Instead, the depository bank will debit the Postal Service bank account for the amount of bank charges, which will be transmitted via the Bank Account Information (BAI) file to Shared Services/Accounting (SS/A). The bank charges will be reconciled automatically and expensed to the district finance number. SS/A will generate the bank analysis and exception reports and forward them to district finance offices, which will monitor bank fees paid.

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed version of Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures, and into the next update of the online version accessible on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on HBKs.

Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures

* * * * *

3 Managing Postal Funds

* * * * *

33 Funds Received

* * * * *

332 Bank Account Relationships

* * * * *

332.3 Processing Bank Service Charges

[Revise the text of 332.3 to read as follows:]

SFAP Offices

The district Finance manager authorizes payment of bank service charges.

1> Where charges are authorized and assessed, make payment and enter the amount in AIC 592, Commercial Bank Fees.

2> Where charges are not authorized but are assessed against the bank account, report the particulars to the district Finance manager. Do not make entries to AIC 592 without district Finance manager authorization.

3> Keep a copy of paid invoices.

4> File these by AP in support of entries on the statement of account.

SAFR Offices

1> The depository bank will debit the Postal Service bank account for the amount of bank charges, which will be transmitted via the Bank Account Information (BAI) file to Shared Services/Accounting (SS/A).

2> The SAFR system automatically reconciles bank charges and expenses them to the district finance number.

3> SS/A will generate the bank analysis and exception reports and will forward the reports to the district finance office.

4> The district finance office will use the bank analysis and exception reports to monitor bank fees paid.

* * * * *

- Revenue and Field Accounting,
Finance, 7-25-02

SAFR OFFICES ONLY - F-1 REVISION

Customs Transactions

Effective with the implementation of Standard Accounting for Retail (SAFR), the following policy and procedural change will occur that relates to Customs collection. POS ONE and IRT system offices under SAFR will no longer use AIC 454, Customs Collection Withdraw, for payment of customs collected. Offices will continue to use AIC 054, Customs Collection, to report customs fees collected from delivery of Customs packages, as recorded on Form CF 3419-A, Customs.

At the time of delivery of Customs packages at the retail offices, SAFR offices with POS ONE and IRTs will scan the Customs Label Number of each customs Form CF 3419-A and enter the customs fees collected into AIC 054, Customs Collection. At the close of business every day, each office will reconcile PS Form 2944, Receipt for Customs Duty Mail, or system generated "Unit Customs Report" with Customs label forms. All Customs forms and reports will be maintained locally.

Shared Services/Accounting (SS/A) will reconcile mail entry numbers (Customs Label Numbers on Form CF 3419-A) and amounts reported into AIC 054 and process an electronic funds transfer (EFT) payment to Customs. Discrepancies in the reconciliation process will be forwarded to the appropriate office for resolution. If a discrepancy is not resolved within 30 days, the office will be charged with the expense.

Non-IRT and non-POS ONE offices under SAFR will continue with the current process outlined in Handbook F-1 section 781.21, Remitting by Money Order.

We will incorporate this revision into the next printed version of Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures, and into the next update of the online version accessible on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site at blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on HBKs.

Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures

* * * * *

[Revise the title of chapter 5 to read as follows:]

5 Trust, Suspense and Expense, and Audit Differences

51 Trust Funds

* * * * *

513 Other Trust Account Control

513.1 Controlling Accumulated Funds

* * * * *

[Insert the following subtitle and paragraph after existing text:]

SAFR Offices with IRT and POS ONE Systems

AIC 054, Customs Collection, allows for the recording of customs fees collected and the scanning of the Customs Label Number from each Form CF 3419-A. At the close of business every day, each office must reconcile PS Form 2944, Receipt for Customs Duty Mail, or system generated "Unit Customs Report" with customs label forms. Offices must maintain all customs forms and reports locally.

Shared Services/Accounting (SS/A) reconciles mail entry numbers (Customs Label Numbers on Form CF 3419) and amounts reported into AIC 054 and processes an electronic funds transfer (EFT) payment to Customs. Discrepancies in the reconciliation process are forwarded to the appropriate office for resolution. If a discrepancy is not resolved within 30 days, the office is charged with the expense.

* * * * *

7 Accounting for Nonstamp Revenue

* * * * *

78 Customs Collection and Collect on Delivery

781 Collecting Customs Duty

* * * * *

[Insert the following section:]

781.4 SAFR Offices With IRT and POS ONE Systems

SAFR offices must use AIC 054, Customs Collection, to report customs fees collected from delivery of customs packages, as recorded on Form CF 3419-A, Customs. The process is as follows:

1> Record amounts collected into AIC 054, Customs Collected.

2> Scan the Customs Label Number from each Form CF 3419-A.

3> At the close of each business day, reconcile PS Form 2944, Receipt for Customs Duty Mail, or system generated "Unit Customs Report" with customs label forms.

4> Maintain all customs forms and reports locally.

Shared Services/Accounting (SS/A) reconciles mail entry numbers (Customs Label Numbers on Form CF3419-A) and amounts reported into AIC 054 and processes an electronic funds transfer (EFT) payment to Customs. Discrepancies in the reconciliation process are forwarded to the appropriate office for resolution. If a discrepancy is not resolved within 30 days, the office is charged with the expense.

* * * * *

- Revenue and Field Accounting,
Finance, 7-25-02

SAFR OFFICES ONLY - F-1 REVISION

Change Funds Payment

Effective with the implementation of the Standard Accounting for Retail (SAFR) system, the following policy and procedural change will occur relating to the payment of change funds received. To meet operational needs at retail units, vending equipment offices and self service postal centers (SSPCs) may arrange with local relationship banks to obtain coin funds, (i.e., Susan B. Anthony or gold coin dollars). Only vending equipment offices may arrange with local nonrelationship banks to obtain coin funds.

Local relationship banks are local branches of the district depository bank. Local nonrelationship banks are local branches of banks other than the district depository bank.

Arrangements With Local Relationship Banks

SAFR offices may request authorization from the district Finance manager to arrange for the local relationship bank to provide cash and coin funds needed by the office. Once the district Finance manager approves the request and the arrangement is established, the following procedures apply:

• The SAFR office will request the amounts required, up to the authorized amount of cash reserved, in coins and dollar bills, from the local relationship bank.

• The local relationship bank will issue the requested change funds with an invoice.

• The postal unit will verify the amount received and record the amount in the newly established AIC 293, Cash Remitted Change Funds, on the unit's PS Form 1412, Daily Financial Report.

• The local relationship bank will debit the Postal Service bank account for the amount of the change funds and related fees.

• The amount in AIC 293 will be exported for auto-bank reconciliation process with debits from the relationship bank.

• Any discrepancy amounts will be charged to the unit ID.

Shared Services/Accounting (SS/A) will generate the bank analysis and exception reports and will forward the reports to the district finance office, which will monitor bank fees paid.

Arrangements With Local Nonrelationship Banks

To meet operational needs at retail units, vending equipment offices may arrange for local nonrelationship banks to provide coin funds (coins and dollar bills).

The following procedures apply for arrangements with local nonrelationship banks:

• Upon receipt of a bank invoice for surcharges and fees, the Post Office will initiate a PS Form 7381, Requisition for Supplies, Services, or Equipment, which unit management will approve for local payment.

• Record the amount paid in AIC 587, Miscellaneous Services, on the unit 1412.

• Locally maintain bank invoices for surcharges and fees and PS Forms 7381 as supporting documentation.

We will incorporate this revision into the next printed version of Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures, and into the next update of the online version accessible on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on HBKs.

Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures

* * * * *

Appendix A Account Identifier Code and General Ledger Account Crosswalk

* * * * *

[Revise the entry for AIC 250-305 and add entry for AIC 293 to read as follows:]

* * * * *

* * * * *

- Revenue and Field Accounting,
Finance, 7-25-02

SAFR OFFICES ONLY - F-1 REVISION

New AICs for Overages and Shortages

Effective with the implementation of the Standard Accounting for Retail (SAFR) system, the following policy and procedural changes will occur with adjustments related to banking and miscellaneous items. SAFR offices will use two new account identifier codes (AICs), AIC 247, Financial Differences - Overage, and AIC 647, Financial Differences - Shortage, to report adjustments related to banking and miscellaneous items. Do not use trust or suspense accounts to report these items. Adjustments will be credited or debited to the office's expense account by the corresponding office's finance number and unit ID. Shared Services/Accounting (SS/A) will forward an exception report to the unit management and send a copy to the district finance staff.

SAFR offices will not use the following AICs:

New Processes for Overages and Shortages

The following new processes for reporting overages and shortages apply to SAFR offices:

• AIC 247, Financial Differences - Overage: use to record overages.

• AIC 647, Financial Differences - Shortage: use to record shortages.

• Adjustments in banking and miscellaneous items will be automatically expensed to the corresponding unit's finance number and unit ID.

• SS/A will generate reports and forward them to the unit management with a copy to the District Finance staff.

• Units will research differences (overages/shortages) and correct entries.

• If adjustments are required at the unit level, the unit must have supporting documentation on file and perform the required adjustment using AIC 247 or AIC 647.

• SS/A will monitor and district finance staff will analyze the activities in AIC 247 and AIC 647.

The following table shows the general ledger account and the Postal Service financial report number for the new AICs:

Note: District finance offices must make every effort to resolve, or have their reporting units resolve, and clear any outstanding adjustment currently listed in the Standard Field Accounting System (SFAS) before the implementation of SAFR. Any outstanding banking and miscellaneous items not cleared or resolved by the accounting period prior to the implementation of the SAFR system, will be processed as follows:

• Overages will be moved to AIC 247, Financial Differences - Overage.

• Shortages will be moved to AIC 647, Financial Differences - Shortage, and required supporting documentation with the detailed information will be maintained locally.

These amounts will be charged as a credit or debit to the unit's expense account by the corresponding unit's finance number and unit ID. All offices, CAG A through L, must make every effort to resolve and clear any outstanding banking and miscellaneous adjustments prior to the implementation of the SAFR system.

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed version of Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures, and into the next update of the online version accessible on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on HBKs.

Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures

* * * * *

[Revise the title of chapter 5 as follows:]

5 Trust, Suspense and Expense, and Audit Differences

* * * * *

[Revise the title and introductory text of subchapter 52 to read as follows:]

52 Suspense and Expense Items

Suspense and expense items are defined as stamp credits, money orders, cash and banking shortages, travel and salary advances, external/internal audit discrepancies, Form 1412 differences, and revenue deficiencies. Standard Field Accounting (SFAS) and Statement of Account (SOA) offices will identify these as suspense items. Standard Accounting for Retail (SAFR) offices will identify these as expense items.

Each office must report totals of suspense and expense items in the corresponding AIC account at the accountbook or the unit 1412. The required detailed documentation will be maintained locally.

* * * * *

[Revise the title of 523 to read as follows:]

523 Controlling Suspense/Expense Items Internally

* * * * *

[Add new section 523.3 to read as follows:]

523.3 For SAFR Offices

Each SAFR office will maintain the individual detailed record for each expense item reported into AIC 247, Financial Differences - Overage, and AIC 647, Financial Differences - Shortage. The office will also maintain the individual detailed record for each employee shortages, travel, and salary advances.

* * * * *

[Revise the title of 524 to read as follows:]

524 Clearing Suspense and Offsetting Expense Items

* * * * *

525 Clearing Suspense Items

[Add section number and title for current text in 525 to read as follows:]

525.1 SFAP Units

* * * * *

[Add new section 525.2 at the end of existing 525 to read as follows:]

525.2 SAFR Offices

>> Shared Services/Accounting (SS/A) will report adjustments relating to banking and miscellaneous items in AIC 247, Financial Differences - Overage, or AIC 647, Financial Differences - Shortage, for the office. These adjustments will be automatically expensed to the corresponding unit's finance number and unit ID. SS/A will forward a report to the unit management.

>> If adjustments are needed for an item previously expensed, the unit must have documentation on file and perform the reversing adjustment using AIC 247 or AIC 647 on the next unit 1412.

>> SS/A will monitor and district finance staff will analyze the activities in AICs 247 and 647.

* * * * *

Appendix A Account Identifier Code and General Ledger Account Crosswalk

* * * * *

[Add AIC 247 and AIC 647 to Appendix A as follows:]

* * * * *

- Revenue and Field Accounting,
Finance, 7-25-02

SAFR OFFICES ONLY - F-1 REVISION

Financial Reporting for Nontransmitting Contract Postal Units

Effective with implementation of standard accounting for retail (SAFR), contract postal units (CPUs) will no longer submit PS Form 1412, Daily Financial Report, to the district accounting office. CPUs will submit PS Form 1412 to the host Post Office along with issued money order vouchers, spoiled money orders, bank deposit receipts, and all supporting documents. Any discrepancies (over/short) discovered in the CPU PS Form 1412 will be expensed to the host Post Office finance number, and the host Post Office will make the adjusting entries in the subsequent CPU PS Form 1412 report.

The host Post Office will coordinate with the district finance office to ensure that each individual CPU has a unique Unit ID. The host Post Office will be provided with the electronic reporting system to enter all CPU financial reports daily. Implementation of the electronic reporting system hardware, software, and training will be coordinated through the district finance office. The host Post Office supervisor will have the responsibility of examining CPU financial reports in compliance with Handbook F-1, Post Office Accouinting Procedures, section 429.3.

- Revenue and Field Accounting,
Finance, 7-25-02

Philately

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 02-32

Duke Kahanamoku Commemorative Stamp

The Postal Service will issue a 37-cent Duke Kahanamoku commemorative stamp (Item 453400) in a pressure- sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 on August 24, 2002, in Honolulu, Hawaii. The stamp, designed by Carl T. Herrman, Carlsbad, California, and illustrated by Michael J. Deas, New Orleans, Louisiana, goes on sale nationwide August 26, 2002. The pane may be split, and the stamps may be sold individually.

The Postal Service honors Duke Kahanamoku, Hawaiian swimmer and surfer, who is credited with popularizing the Polynesian sport by surfing throughout the world. In 1999, Surfer magazine named him "Surfer of the Century." For most of his career, Kahanamoku was generally seen as Hawaii's unofficial goodwill ambassador to the rest of the world. In 1934 he was elected sheriff of the city and county of Honolulu and was subsequently reelected until the position itself was discontinued in 1960. Thereafter, from 1961 until his death on January 22, 1968, Kahanamoku served as Honolulu's official greeter.

How to Order the First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, by telephone at 800-STAMP-24, and at the Postal Store Web site at www.usps.com. 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:

DUKE KAHANAMOKU COMMEMORATIVE STAMP
POSTMASTER
3600 AOLELE ST
HONOLULU HI 96820-9998

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 September 23, 2002.

Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by telephoning 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 453400, 37-Cent Duke Kahanamoku Commemorative Stamp, Pane of 20 (PSA)

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive one-half of their standard automatic distribution quantity for a PSA sheet stamp. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (40,000 stamps).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

SDOs will make a subsequent automatic distribution to Post Offices for one-half of their standard automatic distribution quantity using PS Form 3309, Advice of Shipment/Stamp Invoice, and PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition. SDOs must not distribute stamps to Post Offices before August 19, 2002.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs with authorized philatelic centers will receive an automatic distribution of these stamps in 10 positions for subsequent distribution to each philatelic window.

Additional Supply

Post Offices requiring additional stamps 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.

For fulfilling supplemental orders from SDOs, the San Francisco APD will receive 800,000 additional stamps; the Chicago, Memphis, and New York APDs will each receive 760,000 stamps; and the Denver APD will receive 240,000 additional stamps.

Sales Policy

All Post Offices must acquire and maintain a supply of each new commemorative stamp as long as customer demand exists, until inventory is depleted, or until the stamp is officially withdrawn from sale. If supplies run low, Post Offices must reorder additional quantities using their normal ordering procedures.

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations and Public Policy, 7-25-02

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Stamp Announcement 02-29, Teddy Bears Stamps

The Teddy Bears stamp announcement in Postal Bulletin 22080 (7-11-02, pages 55-56) omitted the following technical details for Item 881700, the 23-cent stamped card set.

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations and Public Policy, 7-25-02

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, 7-25-02

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.

CORRECTION

Stamp Announcement 02-30, Ogden Nash Commemorative Stamp

The Ogden Nash stamp announcement in Postal Bulletin 22080 (7-11-02, pages 57-58) listed incorrect prices in the Catalog Item Number(s) section of the technical details table. The correct prices are as follows:

452440 Pane of 20 w/plate no. - $7.40
452430 Block of 10 - $3.70
452420 Block of 4 - $1.48
452461 First Day Cover - $0.75
452493 Pane of 20 & First Day Cover (Set) - $8.15

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations and Public Policy, 7-25-02

Post Offices

ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS/REMINDER

Miscellaneous Cardboard Boxes

If your local supply of Mail Transport Equipment (MTE) rolling stock is insufficient, you may consult with your Area Mail Transport Equipment specialist (AMTES) to order miscellaneous cardboard boxes as a substitute for the rolling stock.

If the AMTES can validate that your local supply of MTE rolling stock is insufficient, he or she will check on the local availability of reusable miscellaneous cardboard boxes.

Finally, if the AMTES finds that no MTE rolling stock and no reusable miscellaneous cardboard are available, your AMTES may place an order for miscellaneous cardboard boxes through one of the two (2) national contracts. Those contracts are the mandated sources.

- Mail Transport Equipment,
Network Operations Management, 7-25-02

MANAGERS, P&DCS AND BMCS

Mail Transport Equipment Procedures

The Postal Service created the Mail Transport Equipment Service Center (MTESC) Network to process, repair, store, and distribute mail transport equipment in a timely and efficient manner. Before this innovative equipment management program was established, customers and employees regularly complained about the inadequacy of the supply and the poor condition of the equipment.

Now that we have realized benefits from having established this network, we must be efficient and improve the bottom line of the Postal Service.

Postal Service managers at processing and distribution centers (P&DCs) and bulk mail centers (BMCs) must follow appropriate operating procedures when returning equipment to MTESCs for consolidation, repair, and storage.

P&DC and BMC managers returning equipment must ensure that:

• An adequate stock of equipment is retained on site before dispatching any excess.

• No mail is in any piece of equipment.

• All equipment is free of trash, including labels on trays, tubs, and sacks.

• Trailers are as full as possible, and the rolling stock within the trailers is as full as possible.

Equipment should not be shipped to the MTESC solely to free up space at a plant. Some plants have been returning equipment and then reordering it shortly thereafter. Plan ahead by setting aside some equipment for fulfilling in- house needs as well as customer needs.

By taking steps to maintain adequate equipment stocks at plants, capture misdirected mail, remove labels, and maximize cube space in trailers, we can better implement the Postal Service's Transformation Plan strategy. If you have any questions, please contact Regina Wesson at 202-268-4376.

- Mail Transport Equipment,
Network Operations Management, 7-25-02

Retail

CORRECTION

Online Shipping Labels With PC Postage Service

In Postal Bulletin 22078 (6-13-02, page 71), the article "Notice: Online Shipping Labels With PC Postage Service" contained incorrect information in the next-to-last paragraph. The corrected text appears in bold below.

The convenience of PC PostageTM service for online shipping labels is now available on www.usps.com. Customers can print shipping labels with PC Postage service on their personal computers and charge the postage to their credit card. Customers choosing the PC Postage service or address book options must register on the Web site. Customers will also have the option of printing a shipping label without postage, an online feature that has been available since August 2001.

Online shipping labels are available with or without postage for the following services:

• Express Mail® service.

• Global Express GuaranteedTM service.

• Global Express MailTM service.

• Priority Mail® with electronic option Delivery ConfirmationTM service.

• Priority Mail with electronic option Signature ConfirmationTM service.

Each barcoded label printed is assigned a unique Track and Confirm number. Delivery status for all of these articles can be checked on the Track and Confirm Web site at www.usps.com; click on Track/Confirm. Information on the use of single-ply online Express Mail labels was previously provided in Postal Bulletin 22053 (6-28-01, page 23).

Detailed information for all these products and services is available at www.usps.com; click Shipping, then Ship. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) and details for ordering supplies and scheduling on-call pickup are also available on the Web site.

Customers printing online shipping labels with PC Postage service must follow all existing aviation mail security procedures for depositing mailpieces 16 ounces and over.

Refunds for unused PC Postage service for online shipping labels can be requested only on the Shipping center Web site at www.usps.com; click Shipping, then Ship.

- Product Information Requirements,
Product Development, 7-25-02

New Form of PC Postage

Shown with this article is an example of a new version of PC Postage® that Postage Technology Management (PTM) recently authorized stamps.comTM to offer. Stamps.com markets it as NetStampsTM. The new feature allows customers to print sheets of individual NetStamps.

Customers can use this new form of PC Postage just like adhesive stamps, but with the opportunity to print it from or office. It will also allow customers to print variable rates for their particular needs at the time. Just like other forms of PC Postage, NetStamps may be used to pay for all mail classes and special services most widely used by small businesses and households. It may also be used in combination with other forms of postage such as original PC Postage products, meter strips, and traditional postage stamps. You may see packages or letters with mixed forms of postage. Process those items in the same manner as any other mail bearing authorized postage.

This postage is printed on Postal Service-approved stock that bears a fluorescent strip on the right hand border and a pale blue watermark of an American flag at the top.

- Postage Technology Management,
Product Development, 7-25-02

NOTICE

New FIRSTCLASS PHONECARD Vending Rate Implementation

Beginning the week of August 12, 2002, all FIRSTCLASS PHONECARD® vending locations will receive instructions to change their vending stock to reflect the new FIRSTCLASS PHONECARD (FCPC) lower rates. Those locations will receive instructions to place stickers on their entire existing product and replace the facsimile in their machines (all future orders will arrive with stickers affixed). The stickers advertise that 30 minutes has been added to the vending product for a new total of 70 minutes. This brings the retail price point down to a very competitive $.14 per minute.

This initiative must be completed immediately upon receipt of shipment to allow customers to receive the same rate savings in vending machines as in the retail offices.

Below is a copy of the letter that all vending locations will receive with their shipment of stickers and facsimiles.

New FIRSTCLASS PHONECARD Vending Rates

Vending Servicing Employee:

FIRSTCLASS PHONECARDs® (FCPCs) with new lower rates ($.10, $.15, $.16 per minute) went on sale in retail units June 15, 2002. To keep the vending FCPC competitive, 30 minutes have been added to the vending product. This brings the retail price point down to a very competitive $.14 per minute.

There is a significant amount of existing, vending inventory remaining, which needs to be sold before a new vending phone card is produced. By adding the 30 minutes to your current product, we will save program costs and make use of the high volume of remaining inventory. Your current inventory has already been loaded with the extra 30 minutes. Each card now has a new value of 70 minutes for the same purchase price of $10. To enable you to communicate the new rate to your customers, this shipment provides you with:

• "NOW with 70 MINUTES!" stickers to place on phone card inventory.

• Replacement facsimiles to advertise a total of "70 minutes" on each card.

Upon receipt of this shipment, do the following IMMEDIATELY:

• Remove all phone cards from your machine(s).

• Place a "NOW with 70 MINUTES!" sticker on each phone card package, below the stamp image on the right-hand side above 40 minutes.

• Place the phone cards back in the machine.

• Insert the new FCPC facsimile into the C1 product identifier.

Note: You will sticker only the inventory that is presently in your machines and storage. All future orders will arrive with the stickers already affixed.

Complete this process by August 30, 2002.

When the current, national, vending inventory is sufficiently depleted, a shipment of the "new" vending 70-minute FIRSTCLASS PHONECARD will be sent with instructions for destroying the remaining Flag Over Farm inventory.

- Retail Marketing, Marketing, and
Self Service and Access Management,
Delivery and Retail, 7-25-02

HANDBOOK PO-102 REVISION

Inclusion of PS Form 8185 as Exhibit in Handbook PO-102

Effective July 25, 2002, Handbook PO-102, Self Service Vending Operational and Marketing Program, is revised to include an exhibit of PS Form 8185, Vending Equipment License Agreement, to better assist vending operations activities.

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed version of Handbook PO-102 and into the next update of the online version available on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site at blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on HBKs.

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

1 The Self Service Vending Program

* * * * *

16 Organizational Function and Responsibility

161 Headquarters

* * * * *

161.3 Facilities

[Revise text to read as follows:]

Coordinating vending equipment agreements does not require coordination with the Facilities Department.

[Delete the "Note".]

* * * * *

2 Establishing Self Service Vending Locations

* * * * *

22 Determining Locations

* * * * *

222 Nonpostal Sites

* * * * *

222.5 Preferred Terms of Vending Equipment Agreement

[Revise text to read as follows:]

PS Form 8185, Vending Equipment License Agreement, shown in Exhibit 222.5, is used to establish and install self service vending equipment at nonpostal locations. Following are some of the terms:

* * * * *

[Add new Exhibit 222.5 as follows (on next page):]

[Add new item g to read as follows:]

g. Below the signature block insert at the time of signature, "Note: This agreement is for machine type____, which has a minimum sales requirement of $_____ per accounting period."

- Self Service and Access Management,
Delivery and Retail, 7-25-02

Supply Management

CORRECTION

Heroes of 2001 Merchandise for Sale

Corrected telephone number is shown in bold in the revised article below.

Use of the Heroes of 2001 stamp image remains highly restricted. The Postal Service has been granted the right to use the image on limited merchandise, such as mugs, key chains, pins, framed art, that has undergone product review by the Postal Service and the other rights holders: North Jersey Media Group and the firefighters.

These products may be used as giveaway items for employees and customers and for resale at Postal Service events. Until further notice, Heroes of 2001 products are not for resale in retail lobbies.

You can order Heroes of 2001 products using authorized Postal Service purchasing methods from the following list of official licensees. Only the companies listed below have been authorized to use this restricted image within their grant of rights; therefore, purchase products only from the list of licensed vendors below.

If you have questions on pricing, quantity, or any other purchasing information, please contact the vendors listed below.

- Licensing, Public Affairs and Communications, 7-25-02