Licensing (continued)

SUMMARIESOFRECENT
USPSNEWSRELEASES

New Board Chairman, Vice Chairman

Jan. 9

The Postal Service Board of Governors selected a new chairman and vice chairman at its meeting Jan. 7. Philadelphia lawyer S. David Fineman, vice chairman, was elected chairman after Robert Rider announced his intention to step down this year after two years heading the Board. Connecticut businessman and civic leader John Walsh, a governor since 1999, was elected vice chairman to succeed Fineman.

PMG Welcomes Commission Perspective

Jan. 8

PMG Jack Potter appeared before the Presidential Commission on the Postal Service at its opening meeting to welcome the commission's perspective on Postal Service matters. He began by thanking President Bush for establishing the commission, noting that it reflected the president's interest and concern about the future of the Postal Service.

CFO Richard Strasser gave the commission an overview of Postal Service finances and the challenges associated with funding a $67-billion organization.

Finances, Service Remain Solid

Jan. 7

The Postal Service reported a net income of $1 billion for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2003, $200 million above plan. Revenue was $16.3 billion - $300 million less than projected - but careful cost containment kept expenses $500 million under plan. CFO Richard Strasser projected that Quarter II results will be similar to Quarter I, with net income at or above plan while revenue and volume may lag behind projections due to soft economic conditions.

High delivery scores for First-Class Mail® in major metropolitan areas continue for Quarter I, with local First-Class Mail service achieving a 94% on-time delivery service performance score. This is the third consecutive quarter in which delivery performance has hit the 94% benchmark. The most recent Gallup survey also shows 93% of households nationwide reported having a positive view of the Postal Service, the fifth consecutive quarter in which ratings of overall performance reached 93%.

The Board of Governors accepted a Postal Rate Commission recommended decision on a Periodicals co- palletization experiment, which becomes effective April 20. The change establishes two new rate categories and discounts for publishers, printers and mail consolidators to combine different publications or print runs on pallets. The experiment will last two years to allow mailers sufficient time to take advantage of the incentives, and for the Postal Service to analyze the program.

Protecting Privacy

Dec. 20

The Postal Service has always maintained high standards for customer privacy. To increase the privacy protections it offers customers, the Postal Service undertook a year-long process that completely reorganized its customer-related Privacy Act system of records.

The Privacy Act of 1974 requires federal agencies to publish detailed notices describing the safeguards used to ensure the privacy of personal information maintained in its records systems. Those systems have been updated by the Postal Service for accuracy, clarity and the use of standardized data practices. The notice describing the revised systems for Postal Service customers was published in the Dec. 16 issue of the Federal Register.

Philately

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 03-01

New York Public Library Lion Stamp

The Postal Service will issue a nondenominated New York Public Library Lion presorted standard (10-cent value) stamp in water-activated gum (WAG) coils of 500 (Item 781600) and 3,000 (Item 781700) in Washington, DC, on February 4, 2003. The stamp, designed by Carl Herrman of Carlsbad, California, and illustrated by Nancy Stahl of New York, New York, goes on sale nationwide February 5, 2003.

The design, first issued on November 10, 2000, in pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) coils of 10,000, features one of the two lions guarding the entrance to the New York Public Library. These trademarked beasts - nicknamed Patience and Fortitude - have been adopted by the library as official mascots.

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:

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY LION STAMP
POSTMASTER
SPECIAL CANCELLATIONS
PO BOX 92282
WASHINGTON DC 20090-2282

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 March 6, 2003.

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 781600, Nondenominated Presort Standard New York Public Library Lion Coil of 500 (WAG)

Selected stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive an automatic distribution of this nondenominated New York Public Library Lion WAG coil of 500 in two waves. Wave 1 will begin shipments on January 15, 2003, and complete on January 15, 2003. Wave 2 shipments will begin February 17, 2003, and complete on February 23, 2003. Master carton size is 400.

Initial Supply to Post Offices

Post Offices requiring quantities of presort standard, WAG coils of 500, must order them from their designated SDO using a separate PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute these stamps to Post Offices before January 30, 2003.

Additional Supply

Post Offices requiring additional coils must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional coils must order them from the appropriate APD using PS Form 17.

For fulfilling supplemental orders from SDOs, the San Francisco, Chicago, Memphis, and New York accountable paper depositories (APDs) will each receive 8,000 addi- tional coils, and the Denver APD will receive 4,000 additional coils. For fulfilling supplemental orders from APDs, the Kansas City Stamp Service Center (SSC) will receive 10,000 additional coils.

Philatelic Requirement

Philatelic centers requiring the New York Public Library Lion 500 stamp coil must order Item 781600 from their designated SDO using a separate PS Form 17.

Distribution: Item 781700, Nondenominated Presort Standard New York Public Library Lion Coil of 3,000 (WAG)

SDOs will not receive an automatic distribution of Item 781800. SDOs requiring these coils must order them from their designated APD using PS Form 17.

Initial Supply to Post Offices

SDOs will not make an automatic distribution to Post Offices. Post Offices requiring these coils must order them from their designated SDO using a separate PS Form 17. SDOs must not distribute these stamps to Post Offices before January 30, 2003.

Additional Supply

Post Offices requiring additional coils must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional coils must order them from the appropriate APD using PS Form 17.

For fulfilling supplemental orders from SDOs, the San Francisco, Chicago, Memphis, and New York APDs will each receive 5,120 additional coils; the Denver APD will receive 2,560 additional coils. For fulfilling supplemental orders from APDs, the Kansas City SSC will receive 12,800 additional coils.

Philatelic Requirement

Philatelic centers requiring the New York Public Library Lion 3,000 stamp coil must order Item 781700 from their designated SDO using a separate PS Form 17.

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations and Public Policy, 1-23-03

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 03-02

U.S. Flag Stamp

The Postal Service will reissue the 37-cent U.S. Flag design in an automated teller machine (ATM) sheetlet of 18 pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) stamps (Item 562600) on February 4, 2003, in Washington, DC. The stamp, designed and illustrated by Terrence W. McCaffrey, U.S. Postal Service, Washington, DC, will be available for sale nationwide on February 5, 2003. No official ceremony is planned.

The stars and stripes of "Old Glory" are featured on this ATM stamp, which was first issued June 7, 2002, without denomination.

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:

US FLAG STAMP
POSTMASTER
SPECIAL CANCELLATIONS
PO BOX 92282
WASHINGTON DC 20090-2282

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 March 6, 2003.

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 562600, ATM Sheetlet of 18 (PSA)

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will not receive an automatic distribution of Item 562600. Automatic distributions will be provided to accountable paper depositories (APDs) and stamp service centers (SSCs).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

Post Offices requiring quantities of Item 562600 must order them from their designated SDO using a separate PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute these ATM sheetlets to Post Offices before January 30, 2003.

Philatelic Requirement

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

Additional Supply

Post Offices requiring additional sheetlets must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional sheetlets must order them from the appropriate APD using PS Form 17.

SDOs requiring quantities of Item 562600 must order them from the appropriate APD using a separate PS Form 17. For fulfilling orders from SDOs, the San Francisco, Chicago, Memphis, and New York APDs will each receive 240,000 sheetlets, and the Denver APD will receive 48,000 sheetlets.

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations and Public Policy, 1-23-03

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 03-03

Special Olympics Commemorative Stamp

The Postal Service will issue an 80-cent (international rate) Special Olympics commemorative stamp (Item 564100) in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 on February 13, 2003, in Chicago, Illinois. The stamp, designed and illustrated by Lance Hidy, Merrimac, Massachusetts, goes on sale nationwide February 14, 2003.

The first Special Olympics World Games was held in Chicago in 1968. The Special Olympics uses sports training and friendly competition to empower athletes of all ages with the strength and self-confidence to succeed in sport and in life. At each level of competition, Special Olympics athletes are grouped according to ability so that everyone has the change to win. With the issuance of the Special Olympics stamp, the Postal Service continues its tradition of honoring the competitors, coaches, and volunteers whose joy and dedication have changed the world.

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:

SPECIAL OLYMPICS COMMEMORATIVE STAMP
POSTMASTER
433 W HARRISON ST 4TH FL
CHICAGO IL 60607-9611

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 March 15, 2003.

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 564100, 80-cent Special Olympics Commemorative Stamp

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive an automatic distribution of this 80-cent, internationl rate stamp. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (40,000 stamps).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

SDOs will not make an automatic distribution to Post Offices. Post Offices requiring this item must order Item 564100 from their designated SDO using a separate PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute stamps to Post Offices before February 6, 2003.

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, Chicago Memphis, and New York APDs will each receive 1,000,000 additional stamps; the Denver APD will receive 600,000 additional stamps. For fulfilling supplemental orders from APDs, the Kansas City stamp service center will receive 6,000,000 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, 1-23-03

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, 1-23-03

UPDATED ANNOUNCEMENT 03-B

2003 Stamps and Postal Stationery

"2003 Stamps and Postal Stationery" (Announcement 03-B, January 2003), which appears on page 23, is intended to replace the quarterly announcement of the same name, previously printed and sent to customers on request through Stamp Fulfillment Services in Kansas City. The announcement is a listing of stamps and postal stationery items scheduled for issuance during calendar year 2003. Post Offices may wish to post this schedule on their bulletin boards.

Customers may also be directed to access the Postal Bulletin through the Postal Service Web site at www.usps.com, then by clicking on Info, and then Postal Periodicals and Publications.

This announcement will be updated every 2 to 3 months, as changes warrant.

How to Order First Day of Issue Cancellations and Covers

Customers may purchase new stamps or postal stationery items at their Post Office, from the USA Philatelic catalog, by calling 800-STAMP-24, or online at www.usps.com by clicking on Buy Stamps & More. Then they should prepare their own covers by affixing new stamps to the upper right corner of envelopes or postcards of their choice, and address those envelopes, postcards, or postal stationery items to themselves or others. (Postage must equal the current First-Class Mail rate.) For sturdiness, include a card of postcard thickness in each cover (envelopes only) submitted, and tuck in the flap. Place the cover in a larger envelope addressed to: NAME OF ISSUE, POSTMASTER, CITY, STATE, and ZIP CODE (followed by -9991). Covers submitted for first day of issue cancellations may include additional uncancelled stamps only if the uncancelled stamps were issued before the first day of issue of the new stamps or postal stationery items. All orders must be postmarked on or before the deadline indicated in the "2003 Stamps and Postal Stationery" announcement that follows.

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

- Stamp Services,Government Relations and Public Policy, 1-23-03

2003 STAMPS AND POSTAL STATIONERY
This schedule is subject to change. Updated Announcement 03-B (January 2003)

This is a periodic announcement of new stamps and postal stationery items being issued during the calendar year. For additional information on stamps and stamp products visit our Postal Store Web site at www.usps.com.

Note Descriptions

C: Change in previously announced date, site, and/or rate

N: New issue

P: Pictorial first day postmark

+ Customers must affix additional postage to bring total postage to at least the minimum First-Class Mail rate for an envelope or stamped card, depending on which is used. Also, the cost for a stamped envelope is the value of the postage plus 8 cents, and the cost for a stamped card is the value of the postage plus 2 cents.

Post Offices

REVISED PUBLICATION

Publication 65, National Five-Digit ZIP Code and Post Office Directory

Publication 65, the two-volume National Five-Digit ZIP Code and Post Office Directory, will be available in February 2003 in hardcover and softcover editions. The softcover edition, intended for use by Postal Service employees, federal government agencies, and customers in Post Office lobbies, is available for sale to customers for $31 per copy. The hardcover edition is available to customers (in limited quantity) for purchase, by mail order only, from the National Customer Support Center for $37.50 per copy. This edition is not for official use. Both editions may be ordered using the updated PS Form 4243 (December 2002), National Five-Digit ZIP Code and Post Office Directory Order Form for Mail Order Use, which will be stocked by the Material Distribution Center (MDC) when it becomes available.

You can order the updated PS Form 4243 from the MDC by one of the following means:

• Touch Tone Order Entry (TTOE): Call 800-332-0317, and please listen carefully to the message, as the prompts have changed.

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 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 PS Form 4243 is as follows:

PSIN: PS 4243
PSN: 7530-02-000-9209
Unit of Issue: EA
Price: $0.0102
Bulk Pack Quantity: 1,000
Edition Date: 12/02

PS Form 4243 will also be made available on the Internet at the www.usps.com Web site (click on Forms, then Order Forms) and on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web Site at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on Postal Forms.

Offices should destroy all obsolete versions of this form and may duplicate the new version included in this Postal Bulletin as necessary.

Description

The softcover edition of Publication 65 has a full-color cover. Each directory is individually packaged in a mailable container for ease of handling and is shipped in cartons of four.

Post Office Sales of Publication 65

• Post Offices CAG A-G may sell the softcover edition of the directory over the counter.

• Post Offices CAG H-L must use PS Form 4326, USPS National Five-Digit ZIP Code and Post Office Directory Order, to order copies from their district offices for their customers. District offices will fulfill these orders from their supply of directories.

Discount Sales

Customers who turn in the coupon from the 2002 Publication 65 receive a $1 discount toward the purchase of the new directory. They may use only one coupon for each book purchased.

Distribution

Publication 65 is shipped on pallets from the contractor's printing plant directly to the district offices. These direc- tories are not addressed individually for shipment to Post Offices. The district directory coordinator and the accountable paper unit must distribute them to CAG A-G offices within the district. Distribution quantities should be based on the 2002 sales reports from these offices. The district accountable paper unit retains the remaining copies of Publication 65 to fill orders from CAG H-L offices, which must use PS Form 4326 to place customer orders.

Not distributing directories directly to CAG H-L offices should make it easier to control the inventory of Publication 65. Success of the sales program depends on managing distribution. The MDC stocks PS Form 4326. Accountable paper units at each district must order quantities of PS Form 4326 for their use and distribution to CAG H-L offices.

Sale

The Postal Service maintains a computerized file of the names and addresses of all customers who purchase Publication 65. This file is used to solicit future directory orders and provide information to customers regarding other addressing information systems products, such as Carrier Route Information Systems (CRIS) and ZIP+4 files.

District managers and postmasters must ensure that their employees comply with the procedures and instructions in Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures, by accounting for all sales for retail products and any guidelines issued by district offices. In particular, inventory records must be maintained. Clerks must report revenue on PS Form 1412-A, Daily Financial Form, or PS Form 1412-B, Daily Financial Report, in AIC 093, Packaging Product Sales, and use PS Form 3317-A, Retail and Philatelic Products - Clerk's Daily Sales Record, to identify revenue.

To ensure accountability when selling Publication 65 over the counter, clerks in CAG A-G Post Offices, stations, and branches must provide each customer with PS Form 4326 (or a photocopy) and ask the customer to complete and return the form before leaving the counter. The offices then must forward the completed forms to the district accountable paper unit on a daily basis.

CAG H-L Post Offices

Each single directory and each case of four directories ordered must have a PS Form 4326 and mailing label. The clerk must endorse the order: "Case Quantity - 4 Directories." Clerks should instruct customers to complete and return PS Form 4326 with the appropriate payment. The customer receives the top copy of the form as a receipt. This copy has a place for the unit's all-purpose stamp and the clerk's initials. Advise customers that the district will ship directories to the mailing address on the label. If customers do not want to order a directory in this manner, clerks should give them directions to the nearest facility that sells directories over the counter. The clerk accounts for directory sales on PS Form 1412-A or -B, and AIC 093, in accordance with Handbook F-1 procedures. At close of business, the clerk dispatches the directory orders for that day to the district accountable paper unit.

District Accountable Paper Unit Instructions

1. For CAG H-L orders for single directories, remove the district receipt (copy 2 of PS Form 4326), place the mailing label on a prepackaged, single Publication 65, and enter it into the mailstream for delivery to the customer. If orders are marked "Case Quantity - 4 Directories," apply the label to a carton of four directories.

2. Make copies of district receipts received during the week from CAG H-L Post Offices, stations, and branches and forward them to the National Customer Support Center at the address below.

3. At the close of business each Friday, forward all PS Forms 4326 received during the week from CAG A-G Post Offices, stations, and branches to:

DIRECTORY MANAGEMENT
NATIONAL CUSTOMER SUPPORT CENTER
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
6060 PRIMACY PKWY STE 201
MEMPHIS TN 38188-001

Requisitions

Offices that anticipate running out of Publication 65 must obtain additional supplies from the district accountable paper unit. If customer demand is expected to exceed available quantities for the entire district, the district coordinator should send a written request to the National ZIP Code Directory coordinator indicating the number of publications needed (orders must be in pallet lots: one pallet contains 160 publications).

Obsolete Copies

After receiving the 2003 edition of Publication 65, offices must discard/recycle any copies of previous editions in stock or in use.

National ZIP Code Directory Coordinator

District coordinators encountering problems with distribution of Publication 65 or needing additional information should call 800-238-3150 or write to the following address:

DIRECTORY MANAGEMENT
NATIONAL CUSTOMER SUPPORT CENTER
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERIVCE
6060 PRIMACY PKWY STE 201
MEMPHIS TN 38188-0001

Post Offices should direct inquiries to their district coordinators. Customer inquiries may be directed to the Directory Management department of the National Customer Support Center at 800-238-3150.

Publication 66/66a, ZIP+4 State Directory

The ZIP+4 State Directory is no longer being printed. Information for all states is now available on one CD-ROM for $50. For more information and ordering instructions, contact the National Customer Support Center at 800-238-3150.

- Address Management,
Chief Technology Officer, 1-23-03

This office will be CLOSED

Monday,
February 17, 2003,

Washington's Birthday
(Presidents' Day).

Need Postal Service information? Call 800-ASK-USPS, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Or visit our Web site, www.usps.com, for information, stamps, and so much more.

Retail

NOTICE

Processing Refund Requests for Unused Meter Stamps

For the past year, Postage Technology Management (PTM) has been processing appeals for refund requests for dated metered postage. Refund requests for meter stamps printed outside the 60-day time limit are a common reason for an appeal. However, in reviewing the indicia submitted with the appeal, some of these requests should have been denied for other reasons as well. Refunds for unused meter stamps may have been approved for customers who were not entitled to the refund. Sometimes there is customer error - for example, the mailpiece did receive service although it was not delivered to the addressee for non-Postal Service error, or sometimes the meter stamps are not legible. However, sometimes the request is not warranted at all.

When a customer requests a refund for unused meter stamps, you must verify that he or she is entitled to the refund. Here are the steps you must take in reviewing a refund request:

1. Review the PS Form 3533, Application and Voucher for Refund of Postage, Fees, and Services. A PS Form 3533 must be completed for each meter for which there are unused indicia.

• Verify that the form is complete and accurate.

• Use only the most recent version of the form (July 2002).

• Verify that the serial number on the form is the same as the serial number for each indicia presented for refund.

2. Verify that each meter stamp submitted for refund is legible and complete. You must check for the following:

• ZIP Code or name of licensing Post Office. Verify that the request is being submitted to the correct licensing Post Office.

• Meter serial number. Verify that it matches the serial number on PS Form 3533.

• Date of mailing. Check the date on each meter stamp to be sure it is within 60 days of the date of the refund request. If it is not, you must deny the refund request. When the meter stamp does not have a date, you must deny the refund request.

• The words "U.S. Postage."

• Postage amount. Be very cautious when the postage amount is for any amount that is not an obvious operator error (such as $37.00 instead of $0.37) or is an abnormal amount.

3. Make sure the customer provides the entire envelope, or wrapper, or the part of it showing the names and addresses of the sender and addressee; canceled postage; and all postal markings if the meter stamp is affixed to a mailpiece. You must verify that the Postal Service did not handle the mailpiece or provide any service. If you find any of the following, you must deny the refund request:

• Fluorescent markings on the back of an envelope.

• Cancellations.

• Postal Service-applied barcodes.

• Postal Service stamps showing "Undeliverable as Addressed" or "No such post office" or indication of other service problems.

4. Deny the refund request if the meter stamps are not affixed to a mailpiece and:

• The meter stamps were removed from a mailpiece.

• The meter stamps are attached to a paper or other medium.

5. Staple together all parts, when the meter stamp is printed in more than one part, to show that they represent one meter stamp.

6. Verify that the licensee is the one submitting the refund request. Ask to see a copy of the meter lease, rental agreement, or contract.

7. Deny all refund requests for metered reply envelopes paid at the proper rate. When it is obvious that an incorrect amount of postage was printed on the envelope, you may grant the request only when the mailpiece has not been handled or processed by the Postal Service.

8. Apply the correct charge for processing the refund.

• When the total face value of the unused indicia for a given meter is $350 or less, charge 10 percent of the face value.

• When the total face value of the unused indicia for a given meter is more than $350, charge $35 per hour, or fraction thereof, for the actual hours to process the refund. There is a minimum charge of $35.

9. Direct the customer to the system provider for a refund when the meter stamp was printed by a PC PostageTM system.

10. Return the items to the customer in case the customer wants to submit an appeal of the decision whenever you deny a refund request for meter indicia. Remind the customer that the appeal must be submitted within 30 days of the original decision.

11. Contact PTM at 703-292-3691 prior to approving the refund request if you have any questions about the proper operational functionality of a meter.

- Postage Technology Management,
Product Development, 1-23-03

REMINDER

Stamps By Mail National Requirements Contract

Effective January 1, 2002, the price for PS Form 3227, Stamps by Mail, is increased from $10.10 per unit of 500 forms to $11.00 per unit of 500 forms. This is the total cost, including the overprinting with the address of the fulfillment office.

You must order the forms directly from the printer, Cyril-Scott Co., using PS Form 3227-O, Stamps by Mail Supply Order, shown on page 47. Before completing the supply order form, make copies for future use. It is also available on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on Postal Forms. These forms have been changed to reflect the new price.

You can use your IMPAC credit card, or a check or money order made payable to Cyril-Scott Co. If you use a check or money order, Cyril-Scott must receive it before the order can be processed.

Please refer to Postal Bulletin 22042 (1-25-01, pages 82-83) for complete information regarding this program. Please note that the timeline for shipping has changed. The printer is now required to ship all orders within 35 calendar days after receipt of order. Actual delivery times will vary based upon the destination and the shipment method used.

All city delivery Post Offices should offer Stamps By Mail® to customers. It is a convenient, alternative access point for customers to purchase stamps other than the Post Office. In addition, it provides cost savings over some other stamp distribution methods.

- Retail Marketing,
Service and Market Development, 1-23-03

[D-Link]

ANNOUNCEMENT

CPU Publications

Two publications that provide information concerning the contract postal unit (CPU) program are now available at the Material Distribution Center (MDC).

You can order these publications from the MDC through any of the following means:

• Touch Tone Order Entry (TTOE): Call 800-332-0317, and listen carefully to the message, as the prompts have changed.

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 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 DRIVE
TOPEKA KS 66624-9702

Publication 296, CPU Marketing Brochure

This new publication is a guide for retail specialists/CPU coordinators or postmasters who will be conducting sales calls with prospective CPU suppliers. The brochure explains the benefits of the CPU partnership and the performance-based contract. It also has tips and techniques for conducting a sales call as well as detailed illustrations of the CPU build-out design. This brochure is not to be used as a direct mail piece; it is only for a face-to-face conversation with prospective suppliers. The minimum order quantity is 25 brochures.

Here's the information you need to order Publication 296:

PSIN: PUB 296
PSN: 7610-05-000-5083
Unit of Issue: EA
Price: No cost
Bulk Pack Quantity: 100
Quick Pick Number: N/A
Edition Date: 07/02

Publication 116, Contract Postal Unit Operations Guide

This revised publication contains all necessary operational information for the CPU supplier. It is updated with current information regarding HAZMAT and aviation secur- ity procedures as well as new products and services. The publication is in loose-leaf format and is shipped without a binder. An initial distribution of one copy was sent to all CPU/CPO locations currently included in the Retail CPU database as well as area and district retail offices. This publication is available to contracting officer representatives (CORs) through the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site on the intranet at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim; click PUBs.

Here's the information you need to order Publication 116:

PSIN: PUB 116
PSN: 7610-03-000-9506
Unit of Issue: EA
Price: $6.6053
Bulk Pack Quantity: 13
Quick Pick Number: N/A
Edition Date: 08/02

- Retail Marketing,
Service and Market Development, 1-23-03

REMINDER

Use New PS Form 3533 for Refunds for Unused Meter Indicia

Effective January 1, 2002, Domestic Mail Manual section P014, Refunds and Exchanges, was revised to reduce the time frame for submitting requests for refunds for unused, dated meter indicia. This is a reminder that the customer must now request a refund for unused, dated meter indicia within 60 days from the dates shown on the indicia. This requirement does not apply to indicia produced by PC PostageTM systems, which are not refundable at the window.

Refund requests must be submitted on PS Form 3533, Application and Voucher for Refund of Postage, Fees, and Services, which is available online at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on Postal Forms. It is also available at www.usps.com; click on Forms, then All Online PDF Forms in Numeric Order.

You may also order PS Form 3533 from the Material Distribution Center (MDC) in Topeka, Kansas, by one of the following means:

• Touch Tone Order Entry (TTOE): Call 800-332-0317, and listen carefully to the message, as the prompts have changed.

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 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

Here's the information that you'll need to order PS Form 3533:

PSIN: PS 3533
NSN: 7530-01-000-9932
Unit of Issue: SH
Bulk Pack Quantity: N/A
Quick Pick Number: 173
Price: $0.0211
Edition Date: 07/02

The current version of the form has the correct 60-day time period. Do not use earlier versions of the forms, which say the customer has 1 year to submit the request.

Use only the current version of PS Form 3533 (see pages 54-55) and recycle/discard any copies of the old form to avoid customer inconvenience and confusion.

- Postage Technology Management,
Product Development, 1-23-03

HANDBOOKS PO-102 AND F-1 REVISIONS

Frequency of Handling Funds From Retail Stamp Vending Machines

Employees responsible for handling funds from retail stamp vending machines must follow the instructions in the following handbooks:

• Handbook PO-102, Self Service Vending Operational and Marketing Program, section 571, Preparing and Making Deposits.

• Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures, section 333, Depositing Funds - Banking and Nonbanking Post Offices.

There is no authorization for a servicing employee to drive from his or her domicile to service a remotely located vending machine for the sole purpose of removing cash. Each machine will receive "full service" no less than twice each AP. (See Handbook PO-102, Self Service Vending Operational and Marketing Program, Exhibit 451.2, Standard Servicing Frequencies.) For full, partial, and emer- gency service, where funds removal is part of the servicing, the removed funds must be deposited that same week. This applies whether the machine is in or out of service. Machines serviced more than once in a single week require multiple deposits that same week.

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed editions of Handbooks PO-102 and F-1, and also into the online versions, available on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on HBKs.

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

* * * * *

5 Financial Control

* * * * *

57 Bank Deposits

571 Preparing and Making Deposits

571.1 Frequency

[Revise 571.1 to read as follows:]

The servicing person in CAG A-G offices must deposit cash into the post office bank account from self service vending equipment no less frequently than twice each AP in accordance with the standard servicing frequencies for each machine type detailed in Exhibit 451.2, Standard Servicing Frequencies. The servicing person in CAG H-L offices must deposit cash after each full or partial servicing and at least once each AP.

Note: A servicing employee must not drive from his or her domicile to service a remotely located vending machine for the sole purpose of removing cash.

* * * * *

Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures

* * * * *

3 Managing Postal Funds

* * * * *

33 Funds Received

333 Deposting Funds - Banking and Nonbanking Post Offices

* * * * *

Vending Deposits

For CAG A-G offices, cash must be deposited into the post office bank account from retail vending equipment no less frequently than twice per AP.

Note: In circumstances where a vending servicing employee has a single machine to service that by standard servicing frequencies in Handbook PO-102, Self Service Vending Operational and Marketing Program, section 571, Preparing and Making Deposits, is serviced two or three times in one AP, the employee must make a cash deposit into the post office bank account after each servicing visit.

For CAG H-L offices, cash must be deposited after each full or partial servicing.

* * * * *

- Self Service and Access Management,
Delivery and Retail;
Revenue and Field Accounting, Finance, 1-23-03

Supply Management

CORRECTION/ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS

Overprinted PS Form 3849, Delivery Notice/Reminder/Receipt

The article "Ordering Instructions: Overprinted PS Form 3849, Delivery Notice/Reminder Receipt" in Postal Bulletin 22092 (12-26-02, page 102) incorrectly stated that the New York Metro and Northeast Area offices will begin ordering PS Form 3849, Delivery Notice/Reminder/Receipt, from the Label Printing Center in Topeka, Kansas. Those offices have been electronically ordering the form through eBuy since June 1, 2002, and will continue to do so. All remaining area offices will begin ordering PS Form 3849 after each area contract expires. Below is the schedule of contract terminations.

PS Form 3849 costs $4.70 per 1,000.

The two methods of ordering PS Form 3849 are outlined below:

• Use eBuy. Go to the Label Printing Center Catalog on eBuy at http://ebuy.usps.gov/jsp/co/Login.jsp (note: this URL is case sensitive). Follow the screen prompts to enter facility-specific information.

• Use PS Form 1887, which can be obtained by one of the following means:

- Call Label Printing Center Customer Service at 800-332-0317 (option 3).

- Go to http://blue.usps.gov/formmgmt/1999.htm (note: this URL is case sensitive), and print PS Form 1887.

Once you obtain PS Form 1887, you can send it in by one of the following means:

• Fax to Label Printing Center Customer Service at 785-861-2939. Do not also mail the hard copy, as it will duplicate your order.

• Mail to:

PS 3849 OVERPRINT
MATERIALS CUSTOMER SERVICE
500 SW GARY ORMSBY DR
TOPEKA KS 66624-9607

- SCM Strategies,
Supply Management, 1-23-03

Office and Systems Furniture Now Available on eBuy

The Postal Service has formed a strategic partnership with Allsteel Inc. to meet its national requirements for office and systems furniture and related services. Through this contract, Allsteel standardizes office and systems furniture purchases for the Postal Service. The Allsteel furniture line includes Gunlocke, HON, and Gianni. This mandatory 10-year contract (contract number 335660-02-Q-0403) also offers related services such as design and installation; transportation; leasing and rental; a buy-back program; move management; refurbishment, repair, and recycling; and warehousing.

You must use eBuy - the mandatory purchasing method for all users having Intranet access - when placing orders for expense furniture. The furniture available on eBuy meets approved Postal Service standards, and contract pricing is available from eBuy's electronic catalogs.

If you do not have Intranet access, call Allsteel's order placement and customer service number at 800-529-5781. Use local buying procedures (up to your assigned local buying authority) when not ordering furniture through eBuy. Use the appropriate Federal Standard Requisitioning and Issue Procedures (FEDSTRIP) number when placing an order.

All shipments are F.O.B. Destination. Allsteel is responsible for any loss or damage up to the time of delivery (from the supplier's dock to the Postal Service's dock or front door). If inside delivery is required, you must request installation.

Detailed ordering instructions and product information are available in Material Logistics Bulletin MLB-CO-02-006 at http://blue.usps.gov/purchase/material/mlb/mlbindex.htm.

If you do not have access to a computer, you can obtain the material logistics bulletin by calling Topeka Operations and Materials Customer Service at 800-332-0317; select the option for "Operations and Materials Customer Service."

- SCM Strategies,
Supply Management, 1-23-03

Postal Bulletin Distribution

The GPO distributes the Postal Bulletin for the Postal Service to all postal facilities except classified stations and branches, contract postal units, and detached mail units, which receive copies from their administrative post office. The Postal Bulletin is also available online at http://www.usps.com (click on Info, then Postal Periodicals and Publications).

If your postal facility has access to cc:Mail, you may send a request for a new subscription order, an address and/or quantity change, or a subscription query to the cc:Mail address POSTAL BULLETIN. If you are using another email product, you can use the Internet emailaddress pbulleti@email.usps.gov.

If you do not have access to email, you may complete the order form and mail it to:

ATTN POSTAL BULLETIN
US POSTAL SERVICE
475 L'ENFANT PLZ SW RM 5540
WASHINGTON DC 20260-5540

Either way you send it, please include the "PO0"subscription number from your address label.