Licensing (continued)

Posters and Enlargements

Toys and Games

Commercial Novelty

- Licensing,
Public Affairs and Communications, 3-20-03

NOTICE

Heroes of 2001 Merchandise for Sale

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: The Record (Bergen County, NJ) and the firefighters who are featured in the photograph.

These products may be used as giveaway items for employees and customers and for resale at Postal Service events.

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, 3-20-03

Philately

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 03-11

Cesar E. Chavez Commemorative Stamp

The Postal Service will issue a 37-cent Cesar E. Chavez commemorative stamp (Item 454100) in a pressure- sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps on April 23, 2003, in Los Angeles, California. The stamp, designed by Carl T. Herrman, Carlsbad, California, and illustrated by Robert Rodriguez, Pasadena, California, goes on sale nationwide April 24, 2003.

Cesar E. Chavez is best known as the founder of the United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO (UFW). He was a tireless advocate for nonviolent social change and dedicated his life to working in service of others. For more than 3 decades Chavez led the first successful farm workers union in American history, achieving dignity, respect, fair wages, medical coverage, pension benefits, and humane living conditions for hundreds of thousands of farm workers. His union efforts brought about the passage of the groundbreaking 1975 California Agricultural Labor Relations Act to protect farm workers. Today, it remains the only law in the nation that protects the right of farm workers to unionize.

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:

CESAR E CHAVEZ COMMEMORATIVE STAMP
POSTMASTER
7001 S CENTRAL AVE RM 338
LOS ANGELES CA 90052-9998

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 May 22, 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 454100, 37-cent Cesar E. Chavez Commemorative Stamp

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive one-half of their standard automatic distribution quantities 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-quarter of their standard automatic distribution quantities using PS Form 3309, Advice of Shipment/Stamp Invoice, and PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute stamps to Post Offices before April 16, 2003.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs with authorized philatelic centers will receive an automatic distribution of these stamps in six 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 4,400,000 additional stamps; the Memphis APD will receive 2,800,000 additional stamps; and the Chicago, Denver, and New York APDs will each receive 1,000,000 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, 3-20-03

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 the hyphen 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.

The following cancellations have been extended for 30 days.

February 6, 2003

Postal Service

ZORA NEALE HURSTON BENNETT BELLES STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 9998

GREENSBORO NC 27427-9998

February 13, 2003

Estado Libre Asociado de PR, Senado de PR, San Juan, PR 00901

FUNDACION LUIS MUNOZ MARIN STATION

POSTMASTER

PICTORIAL CANCELLATION COORDINATOR

585 AVE FD ROOSEVELT STE 223

SAN JUAN PR 00936-9996

February 15, 2003

Asociacion Medica de Puerto Rico

CINCUENTENARIO STATION

POSTMASTER

PICTORIAL CANCELLATION COORDINATOR

585 AVE FD ROOSEVELT STE 223

SAN JUAN PR 00939-9996

February 15, 2003

Estado Libre Asociado de PR, Senado de PR

RUTA PANORAMICA LUIS MUNOZ MARIN STATION

POSTMASTER

PICTORIAL CANCELLATION COORDINATOR

585 AVE FD ROOSEVELT STE 223

SAN JUAN PR 00936-9996

February 16, 2003

Estado Libre Asociado de PR, Senado de PR, San Juan, PR 00901

RUTA PANORAMICA LUIS MUNOZ MARIN STATION

POSTMASTER

PICTORIAL CANCELLATION COORDINATOR

585 AVE FR ROOSEVELT STE 223

SAN JUAN PR 00936-9996

February 25, 2003

St. Louis Public Library

THURGOOD MARSHALL STATION

POSTMASTER

1720 MARKET ST

ST LOUIS MO 63155-9998

March 1, 2003

Reading Post Office

NOVAPEX STATION

POSTMASTER

2323 CHURN CREEK RD

REDDING CA 96049-9998

March 3, 2003

03 03 03 STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 9998

EMERY SD 57332-9998

March 3, 2003

SEGWAY TM HT TEST SITE STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 9998

NEW BERN NC 28562-9998

March 15, 2003

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

WINDOM WETLAND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 9998

WINDOM MN 56101-9998

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

SHERBURNE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 9998

ZIMMERMAN MN 55398-9998

March 22, 2003

Acton Post Office

GENERAL GRANBURY STATION

POSTMASTER

5561 NORTH GATE RD

ACTON TX 76049-9998

Granbury Post Office

GENERAL GRANBURY STATION

POSTMASTER

530 NORTH CROCKETT ST

GRANBURY TX 76048-9998

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 3-20-03

Post Offices

Supply Management

HANDBOOK REVISION

Handbook AS-701, Material Management

Effective March 20, 2003, Handbook AS-701, Material Management, is revised to

• Reflect the name change of Purchasing and Materials to Supply Management Operations.

• Reflect the name change of the Excess Serviceable Equipment Listing (EXSEL) to the Electronic Inventory Catalog (EIC).

• Reflect the name change of Purchasing and Material Service Centers (PMSC) to Material Service Centers (MSC).

• Clarify other department names within the Postal Service.

• Make minor editorial changes.

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed version of Handbook AS-701 and into the next update of the online version available on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on HBKs.

Handbook AS-701, Material Management

1 Introduction

* * * * *

12 Responsibilities

[Revise the heading of 121 to read as follows:]

121 Vice President, Supply Management

* * * * *

[Revise the heading and text of 122 to read as follows:]

122 Manager, Supply Management Operations

Provides management oversight and direction to Postal Service Supply Management Operations, which includes: National Supply Management Programs and Inventory Management teams. Develops policies and procedures for sourcing, controlling, and managing Postal Service supplies, repair parts, and equipment inventories (other than mail and mail transport equipment) consistent with title 39, Code of Federal Regulations, the ASM, and this handbook. This functional responsibility includes developing those policies and procedures for material management, accountability and control at all Postal Service activities. Additional responsibilities include:

a. Developing material management training programs.

b. Establishing material requirements programs and standards.

c. Managing material management databases.

d. Establish performance measurement standards for inventory management at the national level and contribution measurements for retail stocking activities.

e. Design and manage special programs/studies pertaining to material management.

[Revise the heading and first sentence of 123 to read as follows:]

123 Manager, Supply Management Operations

The manager of Supply Management Operations develops Postal Service warehousing, freight transportation, and distribution policies and procedures that are in the ASM and this handbook.***

[Revise the heading and text of 124 to read as follows:]

124 Manager, National Supply Management Programs

The manager of National Supply Management Programs provides technical guidance and support to materials service centers to promote the consistent application of material management policies and procedures at all field sites.

[Revise the heading and introductory paragraph of 125 to read as follows:]

125 Materials Service Centers

The Materials Service Centers provide material management technical guidance and support to all Postal Service activities within their service areas that purchase and stock material. Specific responsibilities include:

* * * * *

[Revise item e of 125 to read as follows:]

e. Monitoring field inventory management practices and maintaining and monitoring inventory management and the Electronic Inventory Catalog (EIC).

* * * * *

126 Districts

***Through the assigned material management specialist, they must:

* * * * *

[Revise item e of 126 to read as follows:]

e. Maintain established inventory management practices and the Electronic Inventory Catalog (EIC).

* * * * *

13 Concepts

* * * * *

132 Processes

132.1 Wholesale Material Management

[Revise the heading and text of 132.11 to read as follows:]

132.11 Wholesale Supply Management Operations

The wholesale inventory management process consists of the management of all Postal Service supplies, repair parts, and equipment assets. A detailed description of their duties is contained in the ASM.

* * * * *

133 Stock Categories and Classes

133.1 Provisioned Items

***Provisioning policy is:

* * * * *

[Revise the first sentence of item c of 133.1 to read as follows:]

c. Supply Management Operations, in conjunction with Maintenance, will develop and apply provisioning tools and techniques.***

* * * * *

136 FEDSTRIP Process

* * * * *

[Revise the heading and first sentence of 136.3 to read as follows:]

136.3 Materials Service Center

The Materials Service Center (MSC) material management specialists are responsible for coordinating assignment and maintenance of FEDSTRIP AACs for area level offices within their geographical area.***

* * * * *

138 Accountability and Control

[Revise the third sentence of 138 to read as follows:]

***Inventory Management, Supply Management, is responsible for monitoring overall system performance.***

* * * * *

14 Material Management Positions

141 Requirements

[Revise the text of 141 to read as follows:]

Anyone hired or promoted into a material management position in Purchasing and Materials (see 142) must possess a baccalaureate or post-graduate degree from an accredited college or university. Degrees will include at least 24 semester hours of instruction relevant to material management duties. Examples include: material management, logistics, inventory control, qualitative analysis, contracting or purchasing, business administrative, organization and management. Alternatively, applicants may satisfy the requirement with an associate degree in business or other business-related discipline from an accredited college and professional certification from the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) or the Society of Logistics Engineers (SOLE).

* * * * *

16 Handbook Summary

* * * * *

164 Chapter 4, Stockroom Management

[Revise the text of 164 to read as follows:]

Stockroom management pertains to stockrooms regardless of the commodity stocked and issued. This chapter discusses general procedures for both manual and automated systems such as Maintenance Activity and Reporting System (VMARS) and Vehicle Maintenance Accounting System (VMAS). The principles contained in this chapter for receiving, storing, and issuing material are generic. It discusses the criteria of stocking decision, due-in and backorder management, how to manage items in inventory, inventory accuracy, and performance measurement. It also discusses requirements and procedures for cataloging a new item into the Postal Service system.

* * * * *

3 Storage Space Management

* * * * *

32 Planning and Layout

* * * * *

322 Planning Elements

* * * * *

322.4 Storage Methods

[Revise the first paragraph of the Notes section of Table 322.4 to read as follows:]

* * * * *

Notes:

Determining the best configuration of storage aids for your stockroom is not easy. You can get help either through the Postal Service or from commercial sources. Postal Service sources include the DMMS, the Materials Service Center and the warehousing specialist at Supply Management Operations at Headquarters. ***

* * * * *

35 Storage Locator Systems

* * * * *

352 Storage Location Codes

352.1 Design of Locator System

* * * * *

352.12 Automated Stockrooms

[Revise the first sentence of 352.12 to read as follows:]

VMARS accommodates location codes of up to nine characters.***

* * * * *

354 Multiple Storage Locations

* * * * *

[Revise the Note section of 354 to read as follows:]

Note: VMARS has the capability of assigning three additional sublocations.

* * * * *

37 Control and Reporting of Warehouse and Storage Space

* * * * *

372 Reporting Requirements

[Revise the text of 372 to read as follows:]

To ensure the cost-effective operations of Postal Service MDCs, warehouses, and storage facilities, the availability and utilization of space at these facilities will be reported quarterly to Supply Management Operations. Field installations controlling these facilities will report through the MSCs.

373 Monitoring the Use of Space

373.1 Responsibilities

[Revise the text of 373.1 to read as follows:]

Stockroom supervisors, warehouse supervisors, and material managers are responsible for monitoring the use of space in their jurisdictions. Supply Management Operations will review quarterly the efficiency with which warehousing space is used Postal Service-wide.

* * * * *

373.3 Reporting Space Usage

[Revise the first two sentences of 373.3 to read as follows:]

Monitoring the costs of storage space requirements requires that warehouse and stockroom space be managed and controlled. A formal system of reporting to Supply Management Operations will be used to maintain visibility of storage requirements in the Postal Service.***

* * * * *

38 Acquiring Commercial Warehouse, Storage Space, and Services

* * * * *

382 Policy

382.1 Requirements Approval

[Revise the text of 382.1 to read as follows:]

All requirements for warehouse space and warehouse services are to be approved by Material Distribution, Purchasing and Materials, prior to submission to either Facilities or Supply Management Operations.

382.2 Space and Service Acquisition

* * * * *

[Revise the second bullet of 382.2 to read as follows:]

• All warehouse services acquisition must be accomplished through Services Purchasing, Headquarters, Supply Management or through an area purchasing service center.

382.3 Project Review

[Revise the text of 382.3 to read as follows:]

All major facilities projects must be reviewed by Supply Management Operations, Purchasing and Materials, for inclusion and/or concurrence regarding elements of the project related to warehousing, stockrooms, storage space, docks and dock accesses, and material and supply handling.

* * * * *

383 Consultation

[Revise the first sentence of 383 to read as follows:]

Activities will contact Supply Management Operations prior to entering into any agreement or contract for warehouse space (either leased or full-service) or for services when they identify a need that is more than in-house Postal Service resources can provide.***

* * * * *

384 Procedure

384.1 Material Distribution

[Revise the text of 384.1 to read as follows:]

Supply Management Operations will assist requesters by identifying other Postal Service space that may be available and the exact amount of storage space and material handling equipment needed; and arranging for courtesy storage at another location.

384.2 Requester

384.21 Request for Assistance

The requester is obligated to submit a written request for assistance to:

[Revise the first line of the address provided in 384.21 to read as follows:]

WAREHOUSING SYSTEMS SUPPLY MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS

* * * * *

384.22 Identifying Detailed Elements

[Revise the first sentence of 384.22 to read as follows:]

As support to the requirement and to assist Supply Management Operations in fulfilling the requester's needs, requesters must identify detailed elements of the operation as follows:

[Revise the last sentence of the Note to read as follows:]

Note: ***The specialist will forward all requests to the manager of MTE, Processing and Distribution, who will, along with the manager of Supply Management Operations, review the request.

* * * * *

4 Stockroom Management

* * * * *

42 Managing Inventory

* * * * *

423 Managing Items in Inventory

423.1 Stock Replenishment

* * * * *

423.13 Importance of Careful Review

[Revise the second sentence of 423.13 to read as follows:]

***Although VMARS will perform the computations and make replenishment quantity recommendations, the validity is entirely dependent upon the accuracy of data entered into the system.***

423.14 Replenishment Logic Steps

[Revise the first two sentences of Step 1 of 423.14 to read as follows:]

Step 1 Review Reorder Report. Review the reorder report carefully. Exhibit 423.14b is a copy of the VMARS reorder report.***

[Revise Step 3 to read as follows:]

Step 3 Initiate Replenishment Action. Initiate automatic or manual replenishment action.

423.15 Range and Depth (Optimizing Inventory Levels)

* * * * *

[Revise the text in item b to read as follows:]

b. Range & Depth - Create Monthly. Monthly Range and Depth creates a report that is 1/13th of the total catalog as described above.

* * * * *

423.2 Due-In Management

423.21 Definition

[Revise the text of 423.21 to read as follows:]

Due-ins are VMARS-established records that indicate that replenishment orders are partially or completely unfilled.

* * * * *

423.24 Due-in Logic Steps

[Revise Steps 1 and 4 of 423.24 to read as follows:]

Step 1 Produce an Outstanding Due-In Report. VMARS will produce a listing of all due-ins in the file. Produce one for each AP (or more frequently if required). Produce the report (see exhibit 423.24a for VMARS) in replenishment date sequence within the source of supply. This will make follow-up and expediting much easier. VMARS sites must produce the Orders Report. This can be found in the Miscellaneous Reports selection from the Reports menu. Cross-reference with Topeka Weekly Backorder Summary, PNMIC-13 (see exhibit 423.24c). LPS sites can request the Outstanding Due-in Report from the Supply Reports menu.

* * * * *

Step 4 Cancel Due-Ins. Cancel the appropriate due-ins in the system. Follow the VMARS User Guide.

423.25 Due-In Management Reports

[Delete item a of 423.25. Reletter existing items b-e as new items a-d.]

* * * * *

423.3 Oversupply

423.31 Definitions

* * * * *

423.313 Retention Material

[Revise the last sentence of 423.313 to read as follows:]

***This quantity is limited to 6 months' worth of demand.

423.314 Excess Material

[Revise the text of 423.314 to read as follows:]

Excess material is material identified as either not appropriate for retention or over the 6 months' retention limit, which is available for either redistribution or disposal action.

423.32 Requisitioning Objective

[Revise the text of 423.32 to read as follows:]

In VMARS, the RO varies with the pipeline days (P/D). If the P/D is 28 days, then the RO is 3.25 times the average AP demand. Any change to the P/D will increase or decrease the RO more than the change in days because VMARS uses P/D in both the ROP and the operating level computations. In LPs, the RO quantity is computed by the system based on the item's ROP (1/2 AP of demand for Topeka/GSA/DLA-managed items or 1/4 AP for locally procured), plus the operating level (OL), which is a standard 3-AP demand quantity.

423.33 Requirements Stack

[Revise the first sentence of 423.33 to read as follows:]

Exhibit 423.33 is a chart of a requirements stack for an item, using VMARS as an example.***

423.34 Reports

[Revise the text of 423.34 to read as follows:]

VMARS installations should run a Low/No Activity Report each AP (see exhibits 423.34a and 423.34b) to identify slow-moving items that may be candidates for removal from stock.

* * * * *

43 Receiving, Maintaining, and Issuing Stock

* * * * *

432 Storage Processing

* * * * *

432.3 Procedures

432.31 Automated Stockrooms

* * * * *

[Delete 432.312 and 432.313. Renumber existing 432.313-432.314 as new 432.312-432.313. Revise the heading and text of new 432.312 to read as follows:]

432.312 VMARS Receipts

Use the appropriate menu option to record receipts in VMARS. VMARS receipt transactions access unfilled order or replenishment records. When receiving material, these records indicate work orders (if any) for which the material has been ordered.

Completed receipt transactions clear or reduce due-in quantities on the stock catalog record, and update the BOH. For detailed instructions on VMARS receipt procedures, see the MARS user guide.

432.313 Nonstocked Material

[Revise the text of new 432.313 to read as follows:]

VMARS allows order, receipt, and issue records of nonstocked items to be maintained.

* * * * *

434 Maintaining Stock in Storage

* * * * *

434.5 Storage Locator System

* * * * *

434.52 Storage Location Codes

* * * * *

434.522 Automated Systems

[Revise the first sentence of 434.522 to read as follows:]

VMARS accommodates location codes of up to nine characters.***

435 Issuing Stock

* * * * *

435.2 Issue Procedures

* * * * *

[Delete 435.22.]

* * * * *

45 Cataloging

* * * * *

453 Stock Number Systems

* * * * *

453.2 Cross Referencing

[Revise the third sentence of 453.2 to read as follows:]

***When locally assigned stock numbers are used in the VMARS system, manufacturers' part numbers and CAGE codes should be included in the record.***

46 Inventory

461 Inventory Management and Support

461.1 General

[Revise the last sentence of 461.1 to read as follows:]

***In each case, technical and professional support is provided by District andMSC material management specialists.

461.2 Maintenance Inventory Support Process

[Revise the first sentence of 461.2 to read as follows:]

The maintenance inventory support process (MISP) is a cooperative effort between the Maintenance and Supply Management organizations to improve maintenance stockroom reliability, efficiency, and inventory accuracy.***

* * * * *

462 Physical Inventory Procedures

* * * * *

462.2 ABC Classification and Cycle Counting

* * * * *

462.22 Cycle Counting

[Revise 462.22 to read as follows:]

Cycle counting is the process of counting the entire stockroom inventory in increments over a given period of time. VMARS produces daily cycle count reports based upon ABC analysis. These reports will list which items are to be counted for the day.

* * * * *

462.25 Counting

* * * * *

[Revise Step 4 of 462.25 to read as follows:]

Step 4 Compare the count with the stock record balance on hand. If the counts match the BOH and there are no in- process documents, that item is done. If the count does not match the stock record BOH, do a recount.

VMARS sites can use the immediate BOH function or the finder menu.

* * * * *

47 Performance Indicators

471 Measuring and Maintaining Inventory and Location Accuracy

* * * * *

471.3 Procedures

* * * * *

471.33 Methods of Measurement

* * * * *

471.332 Cycle Counting

**Cycle counts should be conducted as follows:

[Revise item b of 471.332 to read as follows:]

b. Using procedures outlined in the VMARS user guide, perform daily cycle counts. At the end of every accounting period, the DMMS will have available in VMARS copies of the daily cycle count adjustment reports and other reports which detail inventory accuracy and the physical count as compared with the catalog BOH.***

* * * * *

471.333 Cycle Count Analysis and Recommendations

[Revise the last sentence of 471.333 to read as follows:]

***The DMMS will notify the local maintenance site of the recommended corrective actions to bring the accuracy to the desired level and forward copies of the reports to the MSC material management team leader.

* * * * *

471.334 Statistical Sampling

[Revise the fourth sentence of 471.334 to read as follows:]

***Unlike cycle counting, which is performed exclusively by site personnel, the statistical sampling is conducted by the district or MSC material management specialist with the assistance of site personnel.*** The following should be considered in connection with statistical sampling:

[Revise the first sentence of item a to read as follows:]

a. Conducting the Sampling. VMARS sites can request a statistical sample report using the inventory management program module.***

[Revise the first sentence of item b to read as follows:]

b. Statistical Sampling Frequency. Senior management officials at the site will arrange for assistance for the DMMS and/or the MSC material management team to perform periodic statistical samples at MARS sites.***

* * * * *

472 Corrective Action

472.1 Procedures

472.11 General

[Revise the first sentence of 472.11 to read as follows:]

When cycle counts or statistical samples reveal the necessity for corrective action, local maintenance management, with technical assistance from the DMMS or MSC material management, if required, must take steps to determine the causes and take corrective action.***

* * * * *

472.2 Location/Inventory Discrepancy Report

[Revise the heading and first sentence of 472.21 to read as follows:]

472.21 VMARS Sites

VMARS sites can automatically produce control group counts using the inventory management process module.***

* * * * *

5 Asset Accountability

* * * * *

52 Postal Service Automated Systems

521 General

[Revise 521 to read as follows:]

The Postal Service has one automated system that provide the tools necessary to account properly for capital and sensitive property. This is the Personal Property Accounting System (PPAS) for national management. Contact the supporting Materials Service Center material management group for information and directions. If access to PPAS is not available, contact the district material management specialist.

* * * * *

522 Personal Property Accounting System

* * * * *

522.2 Access

[Revise 522.2 to read as follows:]

Requirements for on-line access to PPAS include a computer with modem and submission of Form 1357, Request for Computer Access (see exhibit 522.2). Contact your DMMS or your MSC material management specialist for additional information about access to PPAS.

* * * * *

53 Responsibilities

* * * * *

532 Material Accountability Officers

Other MAO responsibilities are as follows:

* * * * *

[Revise item m in 532 to read as follows:]

m. Report all inactive property into the Electronic Inventory Catalog (EIC) or to the district material management specialist.

* * * * *

54 Accountability and Control Requirements

541 Assignment of the MAO

* * * * *

541.2 Procedures

* * * * *

541.23 MAO Training

[Revise the second sentence of 541.23 to read as follows:]

***Structured training is available through the national material management training program and the DMMS and MSC.

* * * * *

56 Transactions

* * * * *

564 Inactive Equipment

[Revise the last three sentences of 564 to read as follows:]

***Data from these forms are entered in the Electronic Inventory Catalog (EIC) system by the DMMS or authorized MAO and circulated nationwide. The DMMS coordinates the external reassignment of inactive equipment. Unserviceable items should not be reported in EIC (see 624.1).

* * * * *

59 Capital Property Physical Inventory

* * * * *

592 Procedures

* * * * *

[Revise Step 9 of 592 to read as follows:]

Step 9 Additions and deletions are made via Form 2880. If additions or deletions for a finance number total $100,000 or more, forward Form 2880 with appropriate documentation to the manager of National Accounting, Finance, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW Room 8831 Washington, DC 20260-5245, for review. After review and approval, send signed copy to the San Mateo ASC. For additions or deletions of less than $100,000, the installation head must approve, sign, and send Form 2880 directly to the San Mateo ASC. Enter supporting comments for actions in the Remarks section.

* * * * *

6 Asset Recovery: Redistribution, Recycling, and Disposal

* * * * *

62 Material Identification and Reporting

* * * * *

622 Responsibilities

* * * * *

622.5 District Material Management Specialists

***DMMS responsibilities are:

* * * * *

[Revise items b and e in 622.5 to read as follows:]

b. Monitoring to ensure that excess and restricted-use assets are promptly and accurately reported. Equipment should be reported using the Electronic Inventory Catalog (EIC).

* * * * *

e. Maintaining inventory control of inactive equipment assets within the district using EIC and encouraging filling of requirements from excess in lieu of new purchases.

* * * * *

[Revise the heading, introductory paragraph, and item b of 622.6 to read as follows:]

622.6 MSC Material Management

Materials Service Center (MSC) material management is responsible for assisting the DMMS in performing material management activities and recommending changes in policy and procedures to Headquarters. Their responsibilities relating to redistribution are:

* * * * *

b. Reviewing material management reports to ensure that assets are promptly and accurately reported in EIC and following up on past due reports.***

* * * * *

[Revise the title of 622.7 to read as follows:]

622.7 Headquarters Supply Management Operations

* * * * *

623 Identification of Inactive Material

623.1 Material Designation

* * * * *

623.14 Restricted-Use Material

[Revise the text of 623.14 to read as follows:]

These are assets (including not installed) stored by the accountable facility or organization for future use, for 180 days beginning with initial storage date, and a specific location identified.

* * * * *

624 Reporting of Inactive Inventory

624.1 Policy

[Revise the text of 624.1 to read as follows:]

All holding activities must report all inactive assets to appropriate levels for redistribution. Inactive equipment items must be listed in EIC, the automated system that accounts for inactive serviceable equipment. EIC provides managers with up-to-date information so that they can maximize the use of such equipment. Unserviceable items should not be reported in EIC. (See the EICL users guide for reporting procedures.)

* * * * *

624.2 Reporting Methods

* * * * *

624.22 Tag Reporting

* * * * *

624.222 Status Changes

Status changes must be reported as follows:

* * * * *

[Revise item d of 624.222 to read as follows:]

d. District/PMSC Material Management Specialists and MAOs with EIC access must:

(1) Review PS Form 7364 and/or PS 7364-A (or memorandum input) upon receipt for complete and accurate information.

(2) Access EIC and process data according to instruction in the EIC user guide.

[Revise the first sentence of item e to read as follows:]

e. Material Not Requiring Tagging. Several items are not tagged and do not need to be listed in EIC prior to redistribution or disposal.***

* * * * *

624.23 Memorandum Reporting

* * * * *

624.232 Headquarters Field Units

[Revise the text of 624.232 to read as follows:]

Headquarters field units (such as Inspection Service offices or facilities service offices) and area offices may use the memorandum method by contacting the material management team at the applicable MSC.

624.24 Special Equipment Reporting

624.241 Major Mechanization and Automated Equipment

Table 624.24 Special Equipment Reporting

[Replace "EXSEL" with "EIC" throughout the table.]

* * * * *

625 Report Review

[Revise heading and text of 625.1 as follows:]

625.1 EIC Reports

Refer to the EIC user guide.

625.2 Responsibility

[Revise the heading of 625.21 to read as follows:]

625.21 EIC Reports

* * * * *

[Remove item c of 625.21. Renumber existing items d-f as new items c-e.]

* * * * *

[Revise the heading and introductory paragraph of 625.22 to read as follows:]

625.22 MSC MMS

The PMSC material management specialist must review the following reports, at a minimum, every accounting period and take the indicated actions:

* * * * *

63 Redistribution

* * * * *

633 Return/Transfer Processes

* * * * *

633.2 Return to MDC

633.21 Repair Parts

* * * * *

633.213 Time Limits and Marking

[Revise the last two sentences of 633.213 to read as follows:]

***For repairable items, complete Electronic Return Program (ERP) general label. One tag per item is required.

633.214 Additional Procedures for Automatic Reorder System

[Revise the last sentence of 633.214 to read as follows:]

***(Review Repair Parts Bulletin IM-016-95 for a brief overview of the VMARS Automatic Replenishment Process, and the VMARS Short User Guide for instructions about changing the balance on hand or reducing or stopping order quantities.)

633.22 REDI Equipment

633.221 Requesting Office

[Revise the text of 633.221 to read as follows:]

New rapid equipment deployment inventory (REDI) items will be considered for return to the MDC at 100 percent credit. Serviceable REDI items not "new in the carton" are not authorized for return and should be listed in EIC. Contact the REDI manager for authorization to return new excess REDI items at:

INVENTORY CONTROL
500 SW GARY ORMSBY DR
TOPEKA KS 66624-9995

Telephone: 800-332-0317
Fax: 913-861-2706

[Delete 633.222.]

633.23 MDC Stocked Supplies, Forms, and Directives

633.231 Requesting Office

[Revise the text of 633.231 to read as follows:]

Contact National Materials Customer Service at Topeka for approval to return new full cartons of MDC-stocked supplies, forms, and directives (most current revisions). See 633.221 above.

[Delete 633.232.]

* * * * *

633.5 Transfer Between Postal Service Activities

633.51 Repair Parts

* * * * *

633.512 Procedure

[Revise the introductory paragraph of 633.512 to read as follows:]

Maintenance offices must review PNMIC-82, Bench Stock Catalog, or the corresponding VMARS Bench Stock Catalog to determine if a part is available for redistribution. If available:

* * * * *

633.53 Equipment

633.531 Requesting Office

* * * * *

[Revise the last sentence of item b in 633.531 to read as follows:]

***(See 633.532 for MAOs with EIC access.)

* * * * *

633.532 Process

[Replace the word "EXSEL" with the word "EIC" throughout all of 633.532.]

* * * * *

633.6 Cost Transfer

* * * * *

633.63 Procedure

[Revise the introductory sentence of 633.63 to read as follows:]

The DMMS or MSC must follow these procedures:

* * * * *

Table 633.63 Summary of Return Procedures

[Revise the first two rows of the Summary of Return Procedures table to read as follows:]

* * * * *

64 Recycling and Disposal

641 Responsibilities

[Revise the last sentence of 641 to read as follows:]

***Materials Service Center and district material management personnel are responsible for providing guidance and coordinating with MAOs the disposal activities throughout their assigned geographic area.

* * * * *

646 Proprietary Items Requesting Special Processing

* * * * *

646.2 Postage Meter Printing Heads

646.21 Authorization

[Revise the last sentence of 646.21 to read as follows:]

***Serviceable postage meter heads should be reported in EIC.

* * * * *

646.5 Post Office Boxes

646.51 Serviceable Items

[Revise the first sentence of 646.51 to read as follows:]

Serviceable units must initially be listed in EIC.***

* * * * *

646.6 Retail Vending Equipment

646.61 Reporting

[Revise the first sentence of 646.61 to read as follows:]

Report all inactive retail vending equipment items via EIC.***

* * * * *

647 Methods and Priority

* * * * *

647.2 Methods

* * * * *

647.24 Sale for Recycling

647.241 Disposal

[Revise the second sentence of 647.241 to read as follows:]

*** For removal of other types of materials such as hazardous waste, paper, etc., contact the Administrative Services Office or the Purchasing and Materials Service Center for information concerning recycling and waste reduction resources.***

* * * * *

- National Supply Management Programs,
Supply Management, 3-30-03

REVISED PUBLICATION

Publication 33, Mail Transportation Contracting Guide

Publication 33, Mail Transportation Contracting Guide, is available from the Material Distribution Center (MDC).

Publication 33 is designed to inform prospective offerors about the various types of transportation contracts used by the Postal Service, where to obtain information about specific contract opportunities, and how to be placed on the Postal Service's list of potential offerors. The Postal Service generally purchases contract transportation service through competition, awarding contracts worth more than $4 billion a year. This includes contracts with airlines, railroads, steamship companies, and contractors for highway, box delivery, and air taxi routes.

You can order Publication 33 by one of the following means:

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

Note: You must be registered to use TTOE. To register, call 800-332-0317, 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 Publication 33 is as follows:

PSIN: PUB33
NSN: 7610-03-000-3720
Unit of Issue: EA
Bulk Pack Quantity: 700
Price: $0.33
Edition Date: 12/02
Quick Pick Number: NA

Publication 33 is also accessible on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim; click on Pubs. It is also accessible on the Internet at www.usps.com; click on About USPS & News, then Forms & Publications, then Browse All Periodicals & Publications, and then Publications (either PDF Format or Text Format).

- Surface Transportation CMC,
Supply Management, 3-20-03

CORRECTION

St. Louis Accounting Service Center - Now San Mateo Accounting Service Center

The article "Handbook Revision: St. Louis Accounting Service Center - Now San Mateo Accounting Service Center" in Postal Bulletin 22095 (2-6-03, pages 90-94) provided a new address and telephone number for the San Mateo Accounting Service Center, in the introductory paragraph. The article included:

• An incorrect ZIP Code.

• An incorrect telephone number.

• An incorrect word ("personnel" should have been "personal").

The corrected introductory paragraph is as follows:

Effective February 6, 2003, personal property (Capital) responsibilities have been transferred from St. Louis Accounting Service Center to the San Mateo Accounting Service Center. Send all correspondence (i.e., APCLs, PS Forms 969, Material Recycling and Disposal, etc.) to:

SAN MATEO ASC
PROPERTY SECTION
2700 CAMPUS DRIVE
SAN MATEO CA 94497-9471

Telephone: 866-9SHARED (866-974-2733)

- National Supply Management Programs,
Supply Management, 3-20-03

Xerox Phaser 3400 Toner Cartridge - Added to Boise Cascade National Office Supplies Contract

The Office Products and Utilities Category Management Center (CMC) announced a new addition to the Boise Cascade National Office Supplies Contract. Beginning Tuesday, April 1, 2003, all Postal Service employees will have the option of purchasing a high-yield, low-cost, re- engineered toner cartridge for Xerox Phaser 3400 laser printers.

This cartridge has an estimated yield of 8,000 pages and is manufactured by Cartridge Source of America Inc. (CSA), a small, minority-owned business. It can replace either of the two Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) cartridges for the 3400:

• Xerox part number 106R00461 (normal-yield)

• Xerox part number 106R00462 (high-yield)

The new toner cartridge is not yet available on eBuy, but you can place orders with the IMPAC credit card by calling the Boise USPS Customer Service Department at 888-229-USPS. Use:

• Reference account number 386400

• Order item number S1-106R00462R

Be sure to ask for the recycled cartridge. The contract price is $119 (compared with the national average for the OEM high-yield cartridge of over $150) and includes Priority Mail® shipping with Delivery ConfirmationTM service.

Every purchase will support small, minority-owned businesses, increase Postal Service revenues, help protect the environment, and save money. Whether you decide to buy this cartridge or not, please support the program by sending CSA your empty Phaser 3400 cartridges. Please send only Xerox OEM cartridges with numbers 106R00461 and 106R00462 using the special BRM label.

You can find the label at http://blue.usps.gov/purchase/material/pmsc/windsor/bmrlabel.htm; print it using your browser's print button.

- SCM Strategies,
Supply Management, 3-20-03

Custodial Rental Items National Contracts

On December 20, 2002, the Environmental and Maintenance Repair Operations (MRO) Category Man- agement Center, Supply Management, awarded contracts to Cintas Corporation (contract number 2CMROS-03-P-2287) and UniFirst Corporation (contract number 2CMROS-03-P-2284) for a full range of custodial rental items.

The period of performance for these contracts is a base period of four years, with three two-year renewal options. The contracts are to be used by all Postal Service locations and are mandatory sources for the rental and laundry service of the following items: uniforms, wet mops, dry mops, shop towels, and indoor and outdoor mats, including signature mats.

Effective March 31, 2003, the Cintas and UniFirst catalogs will be available through eBuy, the preferred method for placing orders. Postal Service clients should contact their district or area eBuy representative to receive a logon ID and password. All Postal Service clients who have access to the Postal Service Intranet can access the training module for eBuy (no logon ID or password is needed) as follows:

1. From Internet Explorer (V.50 or higher), go to the blue page at http://blue.usps.gov and type "ebuy" in the address line and then hit the Return key. (The direct URL is http://ebuy.usps/jsp/co/Login.jsp; note that this URL is case sensitive.)

2. At the top of the eBuy logon page, click Training.

3. When the "Welcome to eBuy Training" page becomes available, click USPS Excess Items Course.

Postal Service clients who do not have access to the Intranet should contact suppliers directly.

Prior to placing any order for service, all Postal Service clients must contact a supplier to complete a Client Profile. If you are a current Cintas or UniFirst client, you must contact them to reestablish service under the new contract. If you are not a current Cintas or UniFirst client, you may contact them to compare products and prices and, subsequently, establish service. Telephone numbers are:

• Cintas Corporation
Order Placement and Customer Service: 800-795-7368

• UniFirst Corporation
Order Placement: 800-480-5432

Complete ordering instructions are available in Material Logistics Bulletin MLB-CO-03-002 at http://blue.usps.gov/purchase/root/depot.htm. Click Materials Logistics Bulletins on the left-hand side of the page and then click 2003. If you do not have access to a computer, you can obtain the material logistics bulletin by calling National Materials Customer Service at 800-332-0317; select the option for "Operations and Materials Customer Service."

If you have any questions, send an e-mail to the Custodial Rental Items Team via the internal Postal Service network at Help, Custodial - Dallas, TX.

- SCM Strategies,
Supply Management, 3-20-03

Boise Cascade Office Products' "Team Indigo" - Dedicated to Serving Postal Service Customers

Boise Cascade Office Products' Customer Service Department has an entire team dedicated to serving Postal Service customers. "Team Indigo" has over 50 members in 3 states that have been specially trained to answer your questions and help you fulfill your office products needs.

The team will assist callers with everything from identifying the right product to processing returns in the unlikely event it is necessary to do so. Please feel free to give them a call at 888-229-8777.

- SCM Strategies,
Supply Management, 3-20-03

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.