Finance (Continued)

ANNOUNCEMENT

Conversion to Monthly Reporting

It's Coming! It's Coming! It's Coming!

October 1, 2003, is coming and brings with it the new Fiscal Year (FY). FY 2004 will be a year of many changes. First and foremost is the reminder that the 28-day accounting period reporting will be replaced by monthly reporting. All employees need to develop the same situational awareness of the "end of the month" as they now have for the "end of the accounting period." Although pay periods and pay checks are not affected, it is particularly important that time and attendance data are correct and current at the end of the month.

Additionally, all finance systems will be driven by a new general ledger system and access to data will be accomplished through the Enterprise Data Warehouse.

Reporting Issues and Questions on Monthly Reporting, General Ledger, and Data Access

The change from the 28-day accounting period to calendar months may generate questions and issues that may need more explanation or correction. To assist in answering questions and resolving problems on monthly reporting, general ledger, and data access issues, a Web-based issue reporting system has been developed called Monthly Reporting Issue Tracking System (MRITS).

Each performance cluster has appointed a liaison to assist in answering an issue or question. The process for reporting issues is as follows:

1. An employee identifies a possible issue or question.

2. If the employee has access to the Postal Service Intranet, the employee checks the MRITS system to see if this issue has already been identified and resolved. The system will be available on September 8, 2003.

3. If the issue has not yet been identified or if the employee does not have access to the Postal Service Intranet, then the employee should call his or her performance cluster liaison.

4. If no one else has reported a similar issue or asked a similar question, the liaison will either enter the question into MRITS and/or call the area liaison for additional assistance.

Note: Only the liaison from either the performance cluster or the area may enter the information online. Liaisons will receive further instructions about using MRITS in the next few weeks via e-mail.

Once the issue or question is entered into MRITS, an appropriate subject matter expert enters an interim response within 24 hours and a final response within 7 days. If the issue or question requires more in-depth changes, those changes will be noted in the comment columns.

Note: MRITS will be available from September 8, 2003, to December 20, 2003.

- Corporate Financial Planning,
Finance, 9-4-03

NOTICE

National Workhour Reporting System Changes

A description change is identified for the National Workhour Reporting System (NWRS) for the following labor distribution codes (LDCs) in Function 5 - Controller. The changes will be effective as of Fiscal Year 2004.

- Budget and Financial Analysis,
Controller, Finance, 9-4-03

REMINDER

eTravel - Restricted Use

Using another employee's eTravel identification (ID) and password is unauthorized. Those employees authorized to enter an account in order to create and submit, or just create, an expense report have special access privileges. Approving manager access is given only to those specified in Appendix C of Handbook F-15, Travel and Relocation Policy (2003). Authorized approving managers may delegate their approval authority. Types of unauthorized and authorized uses of eTravel accounts are noted in the following table.

- National Accounting,
Finance, 9-4-03

Information Technology

NEW MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTION

Toll-Free Telephone Services

Management Instruction MI-AS-863-2003-7, Toll-Free Telephone Services, is now available on the Postal ServiceTM PolicyNet Web site at http://blue.usps.com; click on More References, then MIs.

This instruction describes the Postal Service process for acquiring toll-free telephone service and provides a high- level view of related roles and responsibilities.

- Telecommunications Services,
Information Technology, 9-4-03

HANDBOOK REVISION

Handbook AS-805, Information Security

Handbook AS-805, Information Security, Chapters 6, 8, and 9 are revised as follows:

• Section 6-5.1, General Requirements, is revised to define the access permitted to information resources for personnel without security clearances.

• Section 6-5.2.1, Logon IDs, is changed to address the granting of logon IDs to personnel without security clearances.

• Section 8-2.6, Portfolio/Business Managers, is changed to add the responsibility for registering the information resource in eAccess.

• Section 9-4.1.1, Clearances, is revised to define the access permitted to Postal ServiceTM information resources for personnel without security clearances.

• Section 9-4.2.1, Baseline Information Services, is revised to show what information services may be authorized for individuals without an appropriate personnel clearance, what information services are not available, and that baseline access must be set to expire every 3 months for those individuals.

• Section 9-4.2.2, Requesting Authorization, is revised to identify the eAccess process.

• Section 9-4.2.3, Approving Requests, is revised to define the need to register applications in eAccess.

We will incorporate these revisions into the online version of Handbook AS-805, available on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site at http://blue.usps.gov; click on More References, then HBKs.

Handbook AS-805, Information Security

* * * * *

6 Personnel Security

* * * * *

6-5 Background Investigations and Clearances

6-5.1 General Requirements

[Revise first paragraph to read as follows:]

Personnel must have appropriate background investigations and personnel clearances as determined by the Postal Inspection Service before accessing Postal Service information resources (see ASM 272, Personnel Security Clearances). For personnel without clearances, access will be restricted to baseline information services (see Section 9-4.2.1).

* * * * *

6.5.2 Access Privileges

6.5.2.1 Logon IDs

[Revise text to read as follows:]

For personnel without clearances, access privileges of the logon ID will be restricted baseline information services (see Section 9-4.2.1). Managers must use eAccess to request access authorization for individuals who do not have the appropriate clearance and are responsible for the access activities of those individuals.

* * * * *

8 System, Applications, and Product Development

* * * * *

8-2 Roles and Responsibilities

* * * * *

8-2.6 Portfolio/Business Managers

Portfolio/business managers are responsible for the following:

* * * * *

[Add item e to read as follows:]

e. Ensuring that the information resource is registered in eAccess.

* * * * *

9 Information Security Services

* * * * *

9-4 Authorization

* * * * *

9.4.1 Authorization Principles

* * * * *

9-4.1.1 Clearances

[Revise text to read as follows:]

For personnel without clearances, access will be restricted to baseline information services (see Section 9-4.2.1). Managers must use eAccess to request access authorization for individuals who do not have the appropriate clearance and are responsible for the access activities of those individuals.

* * * * *

9-4.2 Authorization Process

9-4.2.1 Baseline Information Services

[Revise text to read as follows:]

The following baseline information services may be authorized for personnel without personnel security clearances.

a. ACE Active Directory Account.

b. E-mail access.

c. Office suite of services.

The following information services are unavailable under baseline access:

a. Internet or Intranet browser access.

b. Remote access.

c. Access to e-mail except within the Postal Service Intranet.

Note: No access beyond baseline information services will be authorized until the appropriate personnel security clearance is granted. Upon receipt of an appropriate security clearance, individuals requiring access beyond baseline information services may request additional authorization via eAccess.

Expiration of Baseline Access Authorization

This baseline access must be set to expire every 3 months and must be renewed via eAccess until the user receives the appropriate personnel security clearance.

9-4.2.2 Requesting Authorization

[Revise text to read as follows:]

Requests for authorization to access Postal Service information resources (baseline and beyond baseline) are requested via eAccess at https://eaccess.

9-4.2.3 Approving Requests

[Revise text to read as follows:]

All requests for authorization must be approved by the individual's manager or supervisor, the contracting officer's representative (if the request is for a contractor), and the executive sponsor of the application.

* * * * *

- Corporate Information Security Office,
Information Technology, 9-4-03

EBUY UPDATE

Certifying Energy Utility Bills

When the utility bills are due, the Postal ServiceTM now turns to eBuy to certify them. This electronic invoice certification process has the potential to eliminate more than 1 million paper invoices each year.

Information Technology, in partnership with Supply Management, Finance, Shared Services/Accounting, and the Southwest area, incorporated the Southwest area's Web Bill Certification and Validation System (webCAVS) as part of eBuy. This allows utility companies to send electronics invoices, which are approved, certified, and sent to San Mateo ASC for payment - all of which is done electronically.

We have completed testing of the electronic data interchange with several utility vendors and are now ready to begin to pay invoices via the eBuy system. This system will automatically pay an invoice electronically within 7 days of receipt, then send an electronic version of the paper invoice to a designated bill reviewer. Bill reviewers will be able to open the electronic invoice as an attachment, then review and approve by entering their password for eBuy. There is no requirement to logon. This process is currently known as "pay and chase." All paper invoices from the supplier will stop when these accounts are switched to electronic billing.

The following companies have been activated:

• Pepco: Supplies electricity; services the Washington, DC, Metro area.

• Consumers Energy: Supplies both electricity and gas; services the Great Lakes area.

• Allegheny Potomac Power/Allegheny Monongahela Power: Supplies electricity; services the Richmond, Appalachian, and Pittsburgh districts.

• Southern Companies Gulf Power: Supplies electricity; services the North Florida district.

• Georgia Power: Supplies electricity; services the Atlanta district.

• Savannah Electric: Supplies electricity; services the Savannah Metro area.

The following companies will soon be added:

• Dominion Virginia/North Carolina Power: Supplies electricity; services the Richmond, Northern Virginia, and Greensboro districts.

• Southern Company Mississippi Power: Supplies electricity; services the Mississippi district.

• Entergy Arkansas: Supplies electricity; services the Arkansas district.

Utility bill payment through eBuy saves on transaction costs, reduces administrative effort, and provides access to utility consumption data. eBuy provides paperless purchasing for supplies and services and is an important part of the Postal Service's Transformation Plan's strategy for managing costs.

To access eBuy using Internet Explorer (version 5.0 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.gov/jsp/co/Login.jsp; note that this URL is case sensitive.)

Invoice reviewers can go to the eBuy online help. In the contents, click on Approval, then click on Utility Invoice Review, and follow the steps through the process.

Past invoices will be maintained in the eBuy database and will be available for viewing by anyone with eBuy access.

- SCM Systems Portfolio,
Information Technology, 9-4-03

International Mail

IMM AND PUBLICATION 51 REVISION

Afghanistan - Resumption of Service

Effective September 4, 2003, the U.S. Postal Service® is resuming most mail services to Afghanistan. In addition to the services currently available, economy letter-post (including publishers' periodicals and books and sheet music), economy and airmail M-bags, and economy and airmail parcel post service are available.

We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version of International Mail Manual (IMM) 30 and into the next printed version of Publication 51, International Postal Rates and Fees, and also into the online versions of the IMM and Publication 51, both of which can be accessed via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

International Mail Manual (IMM)

* * * * *

Individual Country Listings

Afghanistan

Country Conditions for Mailing

[Remove the introductory text about mail service being currently limited to airmail letter-post items.]

Prohibitions (130)

[Revise the text to read as follows:]

Coins; banknotes; currency notes (paper money); securities payable to bearer; platinum, gold or silver, manufactured or not.
Infectious materials.
Perishable biological substances.
Radioactive materials.

* * * * *

Observations

[Revise the text to read as follows:]

Letter-post shipments may not contain dutiable articles.

* * * * *

[Revise the text for Restricted Delivery to read as follows:]

Restricted Delivery (350) NOT Available

* * * * *

Publication 51, International Postal Rates and Fees

* * * * *

Country Listing

[Revise the entry for Afghanistan to read as follows (removing the footnote "1" after the country name):]

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 9-4-03

IMM REVISION

Iraq - Resumption of Airmail Letter-Post Service

Effective August 14, 2003, the U.S. Postal Service® resumed limited mail service to Iraq.

Service is limited to airmail letter-post (including post cards, postal cards, and aerogrammes) containing personal communications not involving a transfer of anything of value and not exceeding 12 ounces.

Mailers may re-mail, without additional postage, airmail letter-post items that had been returned to the sender during the suspension of service. Mailers must obliterate the return endorsement.

We will incorporate this revision into the printed version of International Mail Manual (IMM) 30 and also into the online version of the IMM, which can be accessed via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

International Mail Manual (IMM)

* * * * *

Individual Country Listings

* * * * *

Iraq

Country Conditions for Mailing

[Replace the introductory text, about all mail services being suspended as of April 7, 2003, with the following text:]

Effective August 14, 2003, limited mail service to Iraq was resumed. Service is limited to airmail letter-post (including post cards, postal cards, and aerogrammes) containing personal communications not involving a transfer of anything of value and not exceeding 12 ounces. No other mail or special services are available.

* * * * *

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 9-4-03

Philately

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 03-24

District of Columbia Commemorative Stamp

The Postal ServiceTM will issue a 37-cent District of Columbia commemorative stamp (Item 455200) in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 16 stamps on September 23, 2003, in Washington, DC.

The stamp, designed by Greg Berger, Bethesda, Maryland, goes on sale nationwide September 24, 2003.

This stamp honors the District of Columbia and Washington, the dynamic city within its boundaries. The stamp is shaped like a diamond, as was the original 100-square-mile tract of land chosen to be the permanent site of the nation's capital.

• The top quadrant of the stamp features a detail from a plan of Washington developed by Pierre Charles L'Enfant in 1791.

• The right quadrant of the stamp shows typical row houses in a Washington neighborhood.

• The bottom quadrant of the stamp displays cherry blossoms.

• The left quadrant of the stamp is a view along the National Mall featuring three of the most widely recognized structures in the country: the U.S. Capitol, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial.

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 OfficeTM, by telephone at 800-STAMP-24, and at the Postal Store Web site at www.usps.com/shop. 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:

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COMMEMORATIVE STAMP
POSTMASTER
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 October 22, 2003.

Stamp Fulfillment Services 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 455200, 37-cent District of Columbia Commemorative Stamp

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive approximately one-third 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-fourth of their standard automatic distribution quantities using PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute these commemorative stamps to Post Offices before September 17, 2003.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs with authorized philatelic centers will receive an automatic distribution of these stamps in eight 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 Memphis, Chicago, and New York APDs will each receive 1,000,000 additional stamps; the San Francisco APD will receive 680,000 additional stamps; and the Denver APD will receive 400,000 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, 9-4-03

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 03-25

Reptiles & Amphibians Commemorative Stamps

The Postal ServiceTM will issue 37-cent Reptiles & Amphibians commemorative stamps (Item 454900) in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 stamps on October 7, 2003, in San Diego, California.

The stamps, designed by Steve Buchanan, Winsted, Connecticut, go on sale nationwide October 8, 2003.

This pane of 20 stamps features five digital illustrations by Steve Buchanan of two amphibians and three reptiles native to the United States. The five designs are repeated four times each. They feature the following species:

• Although harmless, the colorful scarlet kingsnake (Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides) closely resembles the venomous eastern coral snake. This mimicry protects it from potential predators. Dwelling in the southeastern and south-central United States, it is a secretive woodland reptile, seldom seen in the open except at night or after heavy rains.

• The blue-spotted salamander (Ambystoma laterale) earns its name from the blue spots on its shiny, black body. A secretive amphibian, it stays under cover during the day, hiding under leaves or logs or in burrows. At night it emerges to search for food on the forest floor. Its range includes the northeastern United States and the Great Lakes region.

• The reticulate collared lizard (Crotaphytus reticulatus) is an alert, active reptile with a large head, long tail, and strong limbs. A resident of thorny brush country in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, it may be seen sunning on rocks or found hiding beneath rocks or debris.

• A nocturnal amphibian, the ornate chorus frog (Pseudacris ornata) is more often heard than seen. Its distinctive call is a series of rapid metallic peeps, which it gives during late fall, winter, and early spring. This frog lives near ponds, ditches, and wet meadows. It is found in the southern U.S. coastal plain and in north Florida.

• The ornate box turtle (Terrapene ornata) is a reptile of prairies and open woodlands. It burrows to escape the heat but may emerge in large numbers after rainstorms. This turtle has an important adaptation that protects it from predators - it can close its shell completely because it has a hinged plastron (lower shell). It is found primarily in the central and southwestern United States.

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 OfficeTM, by telephone at 800-STAMP-24, and at the Postal Store Web site at www.usps.com/shop. 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:

REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS COMMEMORATIVE STAMPS
POSTMASTER
PO BOX 509903
SAN DIEGO CA 92150-9903

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 November 7, 2003.

Stamp Fulfillment Services 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 is a philatelic product for this stamp issue. The Reptiles & Amphibians Poster, Item 454967, is an 11 x 14-inch metallic print with a strip of five Reptiles & Amphibians stamps affixed. The poster will be available while supplies last at select Postal Stores, by telephone at 800-STAMP-24, and at the Postal Store Web site at www.usps.com/shop.

Distribution: Item 454900, 37-cent Reptiles & Amphibians Commemorative Stamps

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive approximately two-thirds 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-half of their standard automatic distribution quantities using PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute these commemorative stamps to Post Offices before October 2, 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 counter.

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 Memphis, Chicago, and New York APDs will each receive 1,120,000 additional stamps; the San Francisco APD will receive 920,000 additional stamps; and the Denver APD will receive 320,000 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, 9-4-03

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 03-26

Ohio University Stamped Card

The Postal ServiceTM will issue a 23-cent Ohio University stamped card (Item 221400) in Athens, Ohio, on October 10, 2003. The stamped card, designed by Tom Engeman of Brunswick, Maryland, goes on sale nationwide October 11, 2003.

The Postal Service commemorates the 200th anniversary of the founding of Ohio University with the issuance of a stamped card in the Historic Preservation series. Founded in 1804, Ohio University was the first institution of higher learning authorized by Congress in the Northwest Territory. The stamp art - a computer-generated design of Cutler Hall, located on the historic Athens campus - was created by Tom Engeman.

How to Order the First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 90 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase the new stamped card at their local Ohio Post OfficeTM, at philatelic centers nationwide, by telephone at 800-STAMP-24, and at the Postal Store Web site at www.usps.com/shop. They should address the cards (to themselves or others) and place them in an envelope addressed to:

OHIO UNIVERSITY STAMPED CARD
POSTMASTER
5 WEST STIMSON AVE
ATHENS OH 45701-9998

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the stamped cards through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by January 11, 2004.

Stamp Fulfillment Services 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 221400, 23-cent Ohio University Stamped Card

The 23-cent Ohio University stamped card (Item 221400) is to be sold only at regular Post Office counters within the state of Ohio; at philatelic centers nationwide; and through Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) in Kansas City, Missouri. There will be no standard distribution to stamp distribution offices (SDOs); only SDOs serving the state of Ohio will receive this stamped card for subsequent distribution to Post Offices.

Initial Supply to Post Offices

To obtain an initial supply of the Ohio University stamped card, all Ohio Post Offices must immediately submit PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return, to their designated SDO. SDOs must not distribute this stamped card to Post Offices before October 6, 2003.

Philatelic Requirement

Although sale of the Ohio University stamped card is restricted to Post Offices in the state of Ohio, philatelic centers nationwide will receive this item for philatelic sale.

Additional Supply

Post Offices within the state of Ohio requiring additional Ohio University stamped cards must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. For fulfilling supplemental orders from SDOs within the state of Ohio, the Columbus SDO will receive 2,200,000 stamped cards; the Akron and Cincinnati SDOs will each receive 800,000 stamped cards; and the Cleveland and Youngstown SDOs will each receive 400,000 stamped cards.

Philatelic centers nationwide that require additional Ohio University stamped cards must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17.

Sales Policy

All Post Offices in the state of Ohio and authorized philatelic centers nationwide must acquire and maintain a supply of this stamped card as long as customer demand exists, until inventory is depleted, or until the card is officially withdrawn from sale. If supplies run low, Post Offices must reorder additional quantities using their normal ordering procedures.

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 9-4-03

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 03-27

Antique Toys Definitive Stamps

The Postal ServiceTM will issue four 37-cent Antique Toys definitive stamps (Item 672500) in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) double-sided convertible booklet of 20 on September 3, 2003, in Washington, DC. The stamps, designed by Derry Noyes, Washington, DC, and photographed by Sally Andersen-Bruce, New Milford, Connecticut, will go on sale nationwide September 4, 2003.

The Antiques Toys definitive stamps previously were issued on July 26, 2002, in a PSA convertible booklet of 20 (670400), PSA vending booklet of 20 (670500), and PSA coil of 100 (Item 780400).

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products for this stamp issue.

Distribution: Item 672500, 37-cent Antique Toys Definitive Stamps PSA Double-Sided Convertible Booklet of 20

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will not receive a standard automatic distribution quantity of the Antique Toys double-sided booklet, Item 672500. SDOs will, however, receive an automatic distribution of philatelic stock, for subsequent distribution to their authorized philatelic centers (see Philatelic Requirement section below).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

Produced primarily for the retail consignment program, administered by American Banknote Corporation, this double-sided booklet format will not be available to Post OfficesTM other than at authorized philatelic centers. SDOs must not distribute philatelic quantities to Post Offices before August 29, 2003.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs with authorized philatelic centers will receive an automatic distribution of 400 double-sided booklets per each philatelic counter.

Additional Supply

Authorized philatelic centers nationwide that require additional Antique Toys double-sided booklets of 20 must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. Additional quantities will not be available at accountable paper depositories for supplemental ordering by SDOs.

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 9-4-03

Pictorial Cancellations Announcement

As a community service, the Postal ServiceTM 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 OfficeTM 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.

August 9, 2003

Lexington Learning Cooperative

SUMMER PASSPORT STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 9998

LEXINGTON KY 40507-9998

August 9, 2003

Kentucky Military History Museum

GRAND RIVERS COMMUNITY CENTER STATION

POSTMASTER

PO BOX 9998

GRAND RIVERS KY 42045-9998

August 11, 2003

Comision Centenario Hostos 2003 de Puerto Rico

CENTENARIO STATION

POSTMASTER

PICTORIAL CANCELLATION COORDINATOR

585 AVE FD ROOSEVELT STE 223

SAN JUAN PR 00936-9996

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 9-4-03