USPSNEWS@WORK

CSRS almost fully funded: What it means for you . . . and the Postal Service

If the Postal Service continues funding the Civil Service Retirement Fund (CSRS) at the present payment schedule, it could overfund CSRS by as much as $71 billion, according to a financial analysis by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

• The projected overfunding is a result primarily of higher than expected returns on CSRS funds invested by the U.S. Treasury. USPS has been paying into the CSRS since 1971.

• The Postal Service's annual payment to CSRS is mandated by Congress. And Congress can change the way USPS funds CSRS. Postmaster General Jack Potter said that the Bush administration has drafted a bill to modify Postal Service funding requirements for CSRS.

• If the proposed legislation is enacted, it has the potential to reduce the Postal Service's annual CSRS retirement expense by $2.9 billion in FY 2003 and $2.6 billion in FY 2004. That would help the Postal Service hold rates steady until 2006.

• The new financial analysis has no impact on current Postal Service employee CSRS retirement contributions or future benefits, nor does it affect current CSRS Postal Service retiree annuities.

• If Congress reduces the Postal Service's annual CSRS liability, it would free up funds to pay down our debt to the U.S. Treasury, which stands at approximately $11 billion.

From the mouths of mailers: Transformation still necessary

Mailers are pleased about the recent news that USPS's obligation to the Civil Service Retirement System is nearly fully funded. While they support the legislation needed to change how we fund the system, they also recognize that other long-term changes are necessary.

• Mailers Council Executive Director Robert McLean said, "We strongly endorse a change in current law to prevent the overpayment of postal pension obligations." But he continued, "[This] one-time pension savings cannot resolve the USPS's long-term problems."

• ADVO CEO Gary Mulloy said, "The improved financial picture . . . provides the opportunity for the USPS to focus on developing reform initiatives which will strengthen their business model and financial health over the long-term."

USPS, APWU reach tentative contract extension agreement

USPS and the American Postal Workers Union (AFL- CIO) announced a tentative two-year contract extension. Upon ratification by union members, the agreement will affect approximately 312,000 employees represented by the APWU.

• Tony Vegliante, vice president, Labor Relations, said, "The tentative two-year contract extension is fair to both parties. It should assist us in our continuing effort to find joint solutions to future challenges.

• "The economic provisions of the tentative extension should also help provide a measure of financial stability to the Postal Service," he said.

• The tentative agreement provides for a 1.3 percent wage increase effective Nov. 15, 2003, and a 1.3 percent increase effective Nov. 27, 2004.

• Other items include the continuation of cost-of-living allowance and the creation of a joint task force to discuss issues of repositioning employees, with a limited, temporary moratorium on excessing while those discussions take place.

• The temporary moratorium does not include excessing within a 50-mile radius of an employee's current work location. All other provisions of the contract would remain in full force and effect.

• The tentative contract extension covers the period from Nov. 20, 2003, and continues through Nov. 20, 2005.

Special achievement: 19 clusters win OYJ honors

It's like hitting a grand slam . . . only harder. But 19 performance clusters did just that, winning the Order of the Yellow Jersey (OYJ) for all four quarters in FY 2002.

• Inspired by four-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, OYJ is awarded for accuracy of delivery, consistency of delivery and professionalism in serving customers.

USPSNEWS@WORK

• The 19 winners by geographic segment are:

Rural: Albany, NY; Erie, PA; Harrisburg, PA; Kentuckiana; Maine; New Hampshire; and Springfield, MA.

Mixed: Central Plains (NE, KS, IA); Columbus, OH; Greater Indiana; Lakeland (WI); Northland (MN, WI); Mid-America (MO); and Spokane, WA.

Urban: Middlesex-Central (MA); Pittsburgh, PA; SE New England; and Western New York.

Unique: Dallas.

Click-N-Ship takes online customers by storm: A million labels in six months!

Click-N-Ship is wowing Internet customers. Launched in May, this USPS online service has already printed more than 1 million labels for customers. Talk about your impressive debuts!

• Click-N-Ship lets customers create shipping labels and pay for postage from the convenience of their or office. Adding to the appeal is the no-fee electronic rate Delivery Confirmation service they receive with every Priority Mail label they print.

• "Click-N-Ship is a win-win offering that provides customers with an easy way to mail packages and reduces lines at the retail window," notes Product Development Vice President Nick Barranca.

• "It will also help Post Offices grow revenue since the revenue is allocated back to the mailing ZIP Code," Barranca said.

• Click-N-Ship appeals especially to small business owners. "Offering online shipping is a key strategy in competing for this preferred customer segment," said Barranca. "Small businesses do not usually qualify for discounts from other shippers - making USPS rates very competitive."

• In October alone, Click-N-Ship generated nearly $490,000 in online postage revenue. And with the holidays fast upon us, expect to see a significant increase in volume and revenue.

• Check it out for yourself at www.usps.com. There's a link right on the page. Click-N-Ship your holiday goodies this season and enjoy the gift of no-fee Delivery Confirmation with Priority Mail service!

Money-saver: FSAs can reduce your taxes

Healthcare expenses out of hand? Child or dependent care costs going through the roof? A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) could save you money.

• FSAs allow you to pay healthcare and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars, reducing your tax burden and saving you money throughout the year.

• It's FSA open season now through Dec. 22. Look for your FSA brochure in the mail. It describes the program in detail, including contributions, program changes for 2003 and risks factors.

• If you have any questions about FSAs, call the FSA Customer Service Center at 800-842-2026. To enroll, call PostalEASE at 877-4PS-EASE (877-477-3273).

"Get rich quick. Just click here." Don't believe it.

If it sounds too good to be true, it invariably is. At or in the office, Information Technology cautions employees about e-mail scams that promise easy money, lucrative offers and fabulous prizes.

• The scams almost always request the addressee's personal and financial data, which scam artists use to defraud them. There are many variations of the scams. One received by USPS employees carries the subject line: "lucrative mutual business relationship."

• In this message, the sender represents himself as an officer of a Nigerian bank, who invites addressees to profit from the disposal of funds sitting in the bank without a beneficiary. This is an electronic version of an old hard-copy mail scam.

• Report these kinds of messages to USPS-CIRT (866-877-7247) and delete the message. Don't spread scams by forwarding these e-mails to others. USPS policy prohibits forwarding chain letters and unauthorized mass mailings to employees.

Holiday mail moves . . . fast!

Americans are expected to mail nearly 20 billion cards, letters and packages this holiday season.

• During the rest of the year, USPS delivers an average 650 million pieces a day.

• Of that average, roughly 100 million are postmarked cards and letters. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, that jumps to about 150 million cancellations a day.

USPSNEWS@WORK

Gettin' SASS-y: USPS will track commercial air shipments starting next spring

Scanning takes flight next spring. USPS will require airlines to scan all mail they transport for the Postal Service, using a technology called Surface Air Support System (SASS).

• SASS allows USPS to accurately measure mail volumes and contractors' on-time delivery performance. "This technology will help the Postal Service ensure that America's postal customers are getting the best value for their postage," said Paul Vogel, vice president, Network Operations Management.

• Currently, the Postal Service is negotiating a new contract with commercial air carriers that includes the tracking enhancements.

• As for pricing, performance and flexibility, they're in there. The new contract will include incentives based on pricing, performance measurements and adjustments to mail assignments.

• The Board of Governors this week approved funding for the second phase of SASS. Phase I created a payment system for the FedEx Express contract to fly mail and track its performance.

• Phase III is being tested to determine the viability of including truck and rail carriers.

Administrative Services

NEW HANDBOOK

AS-805-D, Information Security Network Connectivity Process

Handbook AS-805-D, Information Security Network Connectivity Process, is now available.

The handbook contains the procedures for requesting connections to the Postal Service network infrastructure and establishes the framework for the Postal Service Network Connectivity Review Board. We have established these procedures as part of our continuing efforts to protect the computerized systems and electronic data that support the Postal Service's mission. The procedures are based on the policies established in Handbook AS-805, Information Security.

Handbook AS-805-D is available online on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on HBKs.

Hard copies of the handbook will not be printed.

- Corporate Information Security Office
Information Technology, 11-28-02

NEW MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTION

AS-850-2002-13, Naming Standards for Devices on the Postal Service Managed Network Services (MNS) Network and Implementation of Asset Management

MI AS-850-2002-13, Naming Standards for Devices on the Postal Service Managed Network Services (MNS) Network and Implementation of Asset Management, is available on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on MIs.

This MI establishes the naming standards to be used when setting up devices and domains that will be connected over the Postal Service MNS network. It also establishes an asset management program that will collect and maintain information about each device connected to the MNS network.

The purpose of this MI is to require Postal Service Information Technology (IT) employees to correctly request, assign, and register unique names to each of the devices used for business activities and to keep information about them up-to-date. This MI applies to all Internet Protocol (IP)-capable devices connected to the MNS network and the employees who manage them.

This MI also announces the creation of the national IT Asset Management Program, which requires collecting and maintaining information about each device connected to the MNS network via a local area network (LAN) or dial-up connection. Standalone PCs that do not connect are also included in this program. Postal Service organizations will be required to collect and provide asset management information about the devices under their purview. Contact the manager, Telecommunications Services, in Raleigh, North Carolina, if you require additional information about the Asset Management Program.

We have established these procedures as part of the Postal Service's continuing efforts to identify and track Postal Service IT devices and their security levels.

- Customer Care Operations,
Information Technology, 11-28-02

Customer Relations

Mail Alert

The mailings below will be deposited in the near future. Offices should honor the requested delivery dates. Mailers wishing to participate in these alerts, for mailings of 1 million pieces or more, should contact Business Service Network Integration at 703-292-4041 at least 1 month preceding the requested delivery dates. The Postal Service also offers electronic Mail Alerts via ADVANCE. For more information, see the ADVANCE Notification & Tracking System Technical Guide on the Internet at http://www.ribbs.usps.gov/files/advance/ADVTECH.PDF or contact the National Customer Support Center at 800-458-3181.

NATIONAL CONSUMER PROTECTION WEEK

February 3-8: Identity Theft - Safeguard Your Personal Information

What Is National Consumer Protection Week?

February 3-8, 2003, is National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). For the fourth year, the Postal Service Office of Consumer Advocate and the Postal Inspection Service are working together to educate consumers. This year's theme, Identity Theft - Safeguard Your Personal Information, is to educate consumers about identity theft and information security and provide consumers with tips to prevent them from becoming potential victims.

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft involves acquiring key pieces of someone's identifying information, such as name, address, date of birth, social security number, and mother's maiden name, in order to impersonate them. The information enables the identity thief to commit numerous forms of fraud that include, but are not limited to:

• Taking over the victim's financial accounts.

• Opening new bank accounts.

• Purchasing automobiles.

• Applying for loans, credit cards, and social security benefits.

• Renting apartments.

• Establishing services with utility and phone companies.

Why Does the Postal Service Get Involved With Identity Theft Cases?

Almost all identity theft cases involve the use of an address. Postal inspectors get involved because much of the criminal activity takes place through the mail. Often, the identity thief steals mail to get the information needed to apply for checks and credit cards, or submits fraudulent applications for new cards by mail. In FY 2002, Postal inspectors arrested 2,160 suspects for credit card and identity theft offenses. Preserving the integrity of the U.S. mail for consumers is accomplished through vigorous law enforcement, public education, and crime prevention efforts by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Postal inspectors work with a variety of bank and credit card issuers, financial institutions, retail merchants, credit bureaus, and other industry sources to help prevent identity theft and provide guidance to potential victims.

What Can Consumers Do to Protect Themselves From Identity Theft?

Every year, thousands of people and businesses are victimized by identity theft schemes. We are encouraging consumers to safeguard their personal information.

Consumers can take the following steps to minimize the risk of identity theft:

• Promptly remove all mail from the mailbox after delivery.

• Never give personal information over the telephone, such as social security number, date of birth, mother's maiden name, credit card number, or bank personal identification number (PIN) code, unless you initiated the phone call.

• Shred preapproved credit applications, credit card receipts, bills, and other financial information you don't want before throwing them in the trash or recycling bin.

• Empty your wallet of extra credit or identification cards, or cancel the cards you don't use and keep a list of the active cards you use.

• Order a recent credit report from the three credit bureaus once a year to check for fraudulent activity or other discrepancies.

• Memorize your social security number and all of your passwords. Do not record them on any cards or on anything contained in a wallet or purse.

• Sign all new credit cards upon receipt.

• Never loan credit cards to anyone else.

• Report all lost or stolen credit cards immediately.

• Use caution when you disclose account numbers, credit card numbers, or other personal financial data on any Web site or online service location unless you receive a secured authentication key from the provider.

• When you subscribe to an online service, you may be asked to give credit card information. When you enter any interactive service site, beware of con artists who ask you to confirm your enrollment in the service by disclosing the password or the credit card account number that you used to enroll. Don't give them out!

What Can Postmasters and Facility Managers Do to Help Prevent Identity Theft?

Postmasters and facility managers are encouraged to support this consumer awareness effort by sponsoring local activities during the designated week, February 3-8, 2003.

How do Postmasters and Facility Managers Sponsor Local Consumer Awareness Activities?

This national consumer education initiative can be your "Gateway to the Consumer" in developing or improving local relationships. Here are some guidelines to help you start your program:

• Appoint a planning committee. Whenever possible, involve Customer Advisory Council members in planning events.

• Partner with your local Postal Inspection Service office to plan events and determine the primary identity theft crimes that occur in your respective district. Visit their Web site at www.usps.com/postalinspectors for more information.

• Get the Public Affairs and Communications representatives to help you plan media activities. The representatives can help you to promote consumer tips that focus on identity theft and information security.

• List planned events. Set a date for each event and work backwards, incorporating a contingency plan for possible last-minute changes. If you are ordering Postal Service or non-Postal Service-related materials, remember to allow enough time for delivery. Be sure to have copies of Publication 280, Identity Theft, Safeguard Your Personal Information, available. The brochure covers steps that you can take to prevent identity theft, steps that you can take if you're a victim of identity theft, and information about where you can report a suspected case of identity theft.

• Visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Web site at www.ftc.gov/infosecurity for publications about information security.

• Identify the audience for each event (e.g., residents, businesses, students, or special interest groups).

• If you plan to work with other local consumer groups, pick an event and meet with the other groups to share ideas. For the names of consumer groups in your area, contact the local Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals (SOCAP) or visit their Web site at www.socap.org.

• Seize the opportunity to educate and involve our customers on local Postal Service initiatives.

What Types of Activities Are Suggested for National Consumer Protection Week?

Here are some suggested activities for each day of the event:

• Monday: Have an NCPW kick-off and open house. Work with the Postal Inspection Service to identify and educate our customers on identity theft crimes occurring in each respective district.

• Tuesday: Focus activities on information services available to customers, especially services related to information security and safeguarding personal information.

• Wednesday: Partner with other federal agencies, community groups, education institutions, and businesses to sponsor educational workshops or seminars for consumers with special needs.

• Thursday: Hold a joint press conference with a local postal inspector. The postal inspector can discuss the latest Postal Service-related scams and identity theft incidents in your community.

• Friday: Ask the Postal Inspection Service to participate in a seminar about the different methods used to stamp out fraudulent practices in the marketplace. Provide materials that explain the role of the Postal Inspection Service in identity theft investigations.

• Saturday (optional): Work with the local postal inspector to inform senior citizens about identity theft targeted towards the elderly. Hold seminars at local retirement communities. Postal inspectors can discuss recent fraudulent schemes, steps to help senior citizens to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft, and other issues that affect the elderly.

Are There Any Other Suggested Activities?

Here are more activities that we suggest for NCPW:

• Design a publication (i.e., check stuffer) to include with employee paychecks. The publication should include information about NCPW activities planned for your local area. Ask employees to participate in NCPW activities.

• Educate customers about the other consumer services we offer, such as mail forwarding service, the new Internet Hold/Redelivery service, money orders, stamp service, and stamp collecting information. Provide a forum to educate customers about claims. Direct customers to visit www.usps.com and tell them how to access the FAQs for Filing Consumer Domestic Claims (from the www.usps.com Web site, click on Info, then Domestic Claims).

• Hold an open house or Postal Service fair during NCPW. Hand out consumer publications such as:

- Publication 370, Extra Services.

- Publication 546, Sweepstakes Advertising.

- Publication 280, Identity Theft, Safeguard Your Personal Information.

- Publication 162, Because the Mail Matters.

- Publication 300-A, Consumer and Business Guide to Preventing Mail Fraud.

Have a Postal Service representative available to answer questions about products and services to help customers learn how to get the most from what we offer. Consider including brochures from other federal and state agencies and local consumer bureaus, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission, that provide information on consumer issues.

• Partner with a local restaurant or food franchise to provide refreshments during a "Conversation With the Postmaster" session(s).

• Celebrate or announce something recently completed to improve local service and to enhance customer satisfaction. For example, promote extended hours, an expanded Post Office box section, or an improved facility featuring, for example, modifications for the disabled customers.

• Hold a special training session on mail preparation for business and nonprofit mailers.

• Establish a Consumer Advisory Council. Refer to the Consumer Advocate's intranet Web site (http://blue.usps.gov/caweb/) for access to the Consumer Advisory Council Handbook (to access the handbook, click on Consumer Affairs Operations, then Consumer Advisory Councils, and CAC Guidelines). A good first project for the council would be to link consumer protection efforts with the Postal Inspection Service and local law enforcement. If a Consumer Advisory Council is already established, involve its members in NCPW planning activities.

• Set up a booth at a busy shopping area and have publications about fraud, identity theft, and the Postal Service available as handouts.

• Organize educational workshops for senior citizen centers. If possible, continue efforts even after the NCPW ends.

Who Can Help Us Plan Activities for National Consumer Protection Week?

Postmasters and managers planning NCPW activities can consult with the District Consumer Affairs and Claims Manager. The District Consumer Affairs and Claims office also serves as the clearinghouse for additional information and materials.

Where Can I Get More Information About the Internal Recognition Program?

The Office of the Consumer Advocate and the Postal Inspection Service developed an internal recognition program. Applicants must complete the application included in this article and return it to the following address by March 14, 2003:

ATTN NANCY CHAVANNES BATTLE OR
MICKIE MORIARTY
CONSUMER AFFAIRS
US POSTAL SERVICE
475 L'ENFANT PLZ SW RM 5801
WASHINGTON DC 20260-2202

Are There Any Publications That I Can Use for National Consumer Protection Week?

The following is a list of Postal Service notices, publications, posters, and kits that may be useful as handouts for customers during NCPW. They also serve as good resource material for postmasters and managers when preparing for the week's events. You can order these items from the Material Distribution Center (MDC).

- Consumer Affairs Operations,
Office of Consumer Advocate, 11-28-02

[D-Link]

Domestic Mail

DMM REVISION

Business Reply Mail Window Envelopes

Effective November 28, 2002, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) S922.4.5 is revised to allow the "No Postage Necessary" imprint, the business reply legend, and the horizontal bars required on Business Reply Mail items to be printed on an insert appearing through an address window. Before this revision, DMM S922.4.5 required the "No Postage Necessary" imprint, the business reply legend, the horizontal bars, and the facing identification mark (FIM) to be printed directly on the envelope.

This revision to the DMM incorporates those standards in order to allow more flexibility in the design of Business Reply Mail pieces.

We will incorporate this revision into the printed version of DMM issue 58 and into the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

S Special Services

* * * * *

S900 Special Postal Services

* * * * *

S920 Convenience

* * * * *

S922 Business Reply Mail (BRM)

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4.0 MAILPIECE CHARACTERISTICS

* * * * *

4.5 Window Envelopes

[Revise text to read as follows:]

The following standards apply to BRM prepared in an open- panel or a covered window envelope:

a. Open-panel window envelopes must meet these standards:

(1) The mailpiece must meet the applicable standards in A800 for address/window clearance or C840 for barcode/window clearance for envelopes with an address window.

(2) The "No Postage Necessary" imprint, the business reply legend, horizontal bars, and the facing identification mark (FIM) must be printed directly on the envelope. Other required and optional elements in 5.0 may be printed on the insert appearing through the address window.

(3) The address showing through the window must be that of the permit holder or an authorized representative.

b. Covered window envelopes must meet these standards:

(1) The "No Postage Necessary" imprint, the business reply legend, and horizontal bars may be printed either directly on the envelope or on the insert appearing through the covered window. The minimum size of the information appearing in the covered window is 2 inches high and 4-1/4 inches long. The FIM must be printed on the envelope as specified in C100. A clear space of at least 1/8 inch is required between any BRM format requirement and the top, bottom, and side edges of the window, and must remain when the insert is moved to its full limits in each direction within the envelope.

(2) The window cover must be of a nontinted clear or transparent material (e.g., cellophane or polystyrene) that permits the barcode and its background, as viewed through the window material, to meet the reflectance standards in C840.5.0. The edges of the window cover must be securely glued to the envelope.

(3) The address on the insert showing through the window must be that of the permit holder or an authorized representative.

* * * * *

- Mail Preparation and Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 11-28-02

REVISED PUBLICATION

401, Guide to the Manifest Mailing System

Publication 401, Guide to the Manifest Mailing System, June 2002, is available from the Material Distribution Center (MDC). This publication describes the requirements for using a Manifest Mailing System and has been updated to reflect the changes due to the June 30, 2002, rate change.

You can order Publication 401 by one of the following means:

• Touch Tone Order Entry: Call 800-332-0317, choose option 1, then option 2.

Note: You must be registered to use TTOE. To register, call 800-332-0317, choose option 8, extension 2925, and follow the prompts to leave a message (wait 48 hours after registering before you place your first order).

• E-mail: Complete PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition (manually or by using F3Fill), and send it as an attachment to the e-mail address MDC Customer Service or to mcustome@email.usps.gov.

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

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

The relevant ordering information for Publication 401 is as follows:

PSIN: PUB401
NSN: 7610-03-000-9196
Unit of Issue: EA
Bulk Pack Quantity: 20
Price: $4.1091
Edition Date: 06/02
Quick Pick Number: NA

- Business Mail Acceptance,
Service and Market Development, 11-28-02

DMM REVISION/CORRECTION

Metal Strapping Materials on Pallets

In Postal Bulletin 22089 (11-14-02, page 32), the article titled "DMM Revision: Metal Strapping Materials on Pallets" contained an incorrect effective date.

The correct effective date for the revisions noted in the article is May 30, 2003.

- Mail Preparation and Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 11-28-02

1/ EMMS: Express Mail Military Service is available to selected military post offices. Check with your local Post Office to determine if this service is available to your APO/FPO of address.

2/ PAL: A special service that provides air transportation for parcels on a space available basis. PAL is available for Parcel Post not exceeding 30 pounds in weight or 60 inches in length and girth combined. The applicable PAL fee must be paid in addition to the regular surface rate of postage for each addressed piece sent by PAL service.

3/ GXG: Global Express Guaranteed is available to more than 200 countries. Rates for documents start at $24.00 for 1/2 pound and package rates start at $36.00 for 1 pound.

4/ EMS: Global Express Mail is available to more than 190 countries with prices starting at $15.50 for 1/2 pound.

5/ GPM: Global Priority Mail is available for items up to 4 pounds to 51 major countries. The service is available in two attractive sized envelopes. The small envelope prices start a $4.00 with large envelopes priced at $7.00. Customers can also use their own packaging by adding the Global Priority Mail sticker.

Please Post on All Bulletin Boards.

- International Network Operations,
Network Operations Management, 11-28-02