[D-Link]

Finance

NOTICE

Household Diary Study

The Postal Service's™ Household Diary Study (HDS), conducted since 1987, provides information about the contents of the mail sent and received by U.S. households. The Postal Service uses this information to help understand why and how customers use the mail. The results are used to:

• Forecast mail volume.

• Plan marketing strategies.

• Provide information for rate-setting purposes.

The HDS is administered at Headquarters by the Office of Demand Forecasting and Economic Analysis, Finance. NuStats, the HDS survey research firm contractor since July 1999, conducts the interviews and collects and analyzes the HDS data throughout the year.

HDS is a two-stage survey. Stage 1 is the Household Interview. NuStats sends an advance letter, signed by the postmaster general, to a representative sample of U.S. households. This letter emphasizes the importance of the HDS and asks for participation. These sample households are contacted either by telephone or in person and asked about the mail they send and receive, their adoption and use of various communications' technologies, their attitudes about mail service in general, and information relating to their household and personal demographics. Those respondent households are recruited to participate in HDS Stage 2.

Stage 2 is the Mail Diary. NuStats asks households that agree to participate in Stage 2 to record information about the mail they send and receive for a 7-day period from Monday to Sunday. Information recorded includes: number of mailpieces received and sent, industry mail source, mail characteristics, and attitudes regarding mail received. As an incentive for HDS Stage 2 participation, households are offered the options of receiving: $30, $30 to donate to the Lance Armstrong Foundation, or a roll of 100 First-Class Mail® stamps.

Data gathered in both HDS stages is available in a final report, "The Household Diary Study - Mail Use and Attitudes." The report is published in hard copy and as a free electronic file. Order forms for the latest HDS report may be obtained via the Postal Service Internet at www.usps.com/householddiary.

For additional information, contact either of the following individuals:

Malcolm Harris
Telephone: 202-268-3650
Fax: 202-268-6841
E-mail: malcolm.c.harris@usps.gov

Greg Dawson
Telephone: 202-268-7446
Fax: 202-268-6841
E-mail: gregory.e.dawson@usps.gov

- Office of Demand Forecasting and Economic Analysis, Finance, 3-4-04

HANDBOOK F-1 REVISION

Claim for Loss

Effective March 1, 2004, Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures, is revised to modify the procedures for claiming a loss of either stamp stock or cash.

Installation heads who request relief from financial liability must use the January 2004 edition of PS Form 2130, Claim for Loss (see page 7 of this Postal Bulletin). The installation head completes section I, Request for Claim for Loss, to identify the cause of loss and submits PS Form 2130 with supporting documentation to the district Finance manager for approval.

Upon approval (or disapproval), the district Finance manager returns PS Form 2130 and supporting documentation to the originating Post Office™. The Post Office completes section III, Post Office 1412 Entry, and includes the appropriate reason code from the revised reason code list in section 847.13.

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

Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures

* * * * *

8 Accounting Service Center Activities

* * * * *

84 Claims for Accountable Financial Loss

[Delete the first sentence.]

* * * * *

[Revise title and text of 844 to read as follows:]

844 Identifying the Type of Loss

Once the type of loss is identified, an authorized Postal Service official enters the accounting information on PS Form 1412 as follows:

[Revise the title and text of 845 to read as follows:]

845 Initiating a Claim for Loss

The installation head initiates a claim for loss using PS Form 2130, Claim for Loss, as follows:

1> Use the January 2004 edition of PS Form 2130 (see Exhibit 845).

2> Complete section I, Request for Claim for Loss, to identify the cause of loss.

3> Submit PS Form 2130 with supporting documentation to the district Finance manager for adjudication.

* * * * *

[Revise the title and text of 847 to read as follows:]

847 Adjudicating a Claim for Loss

The adjudicating authority either allows or disallows the claim; completes PS Form 2130, section II, Adjudicator; and returns the form with the supporting documentation to the originating office.

847.1 Allowing Claims

847.11 Adjudicating Authority

The adjudicating officer or district Finance manager allows claims as follows:

1> Complete PS Form 2130, section II, Adjudicator, including the type of loss, amount of allowance, number of items, date adjudicated, signature, and office and mailing address.

2> Return PS Form 2130 with the supporting documentation to the originating Post Office for unit 1412 reporting.

847.12 Originating Office

If the claim is allowed, the originating Post Office completes the claim for loss process as follows:

1> Complete section III, Post Office 1412 Entry, and include the reason code (see section 847.3, Reason Codes).

2> On PS Form 1412, enter the amount approved in the appropriate AIC to clear the original suspense entry issued and post the offset to AIC 647, Financial Differences Shortage.

3> Retain the approved PS Form 2130 and supporting documentation at the originating Post Office.

4> Upon approval, make the appropriate accounting entries on PS Form 1412 as follows:

Note: Locally perform the reconciliation of claim for loss amounts.

847.13 Reason Codes Used in Claim for Loss Process

The following are the reason codes authorized for claim for loss:

847.2 Disallowing Claims

847.21 Adjudicating Authority

The adjudicating officer or district Finance manager disallows claims as follows:

1> Complete PS Form 2130, section II, Adjudicator, and include the type of loss, amount of disallowance, number of items, date adjudicated, signature, and office and mailing address.

2> Include a brief explanation on PS Form 2130 to validate the disallowance.

3> Return the adjudicated PS Form 2130 and supporting documentation to the originating Post Office.

847.22 Originating Office

> When a claim is disallowed, in whole or in part, the installation head of the originating office takes action to clear the suspense items by collecting from the responsible individual.

[Revise the title and text of 848 to read as follows:]

848 Recovered Items

Items that are recovered after submission and approval of the claim for loss, make the appropriate accounting entries on PS Form 1412 as follows:

[Delete 849.]

[Replace Exhibit 845 with the January 2004 edition of PS Form 2130.]

[Delete Exhibit 848.11.]

* * * * *

- Revenue and Field Accounting,
Finance, 3-4-04

Information Technology

Multifunctional Peripherals and Other Document Output Devices - Acquisition and Support

New Contract - Strategic Multifunction Peripheral Devices

In a collaborative effort between Information Technology and Supply Management, the Postal Service™ awarded two new strategic contracts for Multifunctional Peripheral (MFP) devices on November 10, 2003. Information Technology's goal in awarding these contracts is to standardize and consolidate devices and to drive down the cost of our current document output environment. We will accomplish this goal using an as-needed replacement strategy, as described below.

MFPs are single devices that can print, fax, scan, and copy documents. If a printer or copier becomes inoperable or too expensive to maintain, MFPs are a viable, cost- effective replacement. Each office should develop a long- term office profile, so that as existing devices become obsolete, they may be replaced easily with MFPs.

The Hewlett Packard (HP) MFP contract provides stand-alone MFPs, devices that are not attached to the network directly. A stand-alone MFP device, however, can be connected to a workstation that is attached to the network. Stand-alone MFPs are expense items that may be funded and purchased locally.

The Lexmark MFP contract provides workgroup MFP devices, which are directly attached to the network. Lexmark devices must be purchased with capital money, and the decision to deploy such equipment should be made based on sound economic analysis. The Capital Review Team (CRT) must approve any decision to purchase Lexmark workgroup MFPs, and all capital approval processes must be followed. Documents providing guidance on the capital approval process are available on the Finance Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/finance/capital/capital.htm.

Acquisition of Document Output Devices

The table below describes the funding, contracts, and support for the various authorized document output devices.

MFP devices can be used to replace existing equipment as it becomes obsolete or as leasing agreements expire and to purchase new equipment for "new" organizations.

Support of Existing (Legacy) Equipment

Information Technology will support existing equipment as follows:

• Legacy printers or MFP devices originally purchased via the ADEPT contract continue to be ACE compliant, and the IT Corporate Help Desk will still support them.

• Ricoh copiers not currently connected to the network cannot be connected, and the IT Corporate Help Desk will not support them.

• Legacy Ricoh copiers previously attached to the network that are being used as network printers can continue to function as network copiers or printers so long as they work within the ACE environment. However, if changes to the environment cause them to stop functioning, IT will not be responsible for engineering changes to support the device. If you need to replace this equipment, you must use the Lexmark MFP contract.

- Technology Support,
Information Technology, 3-4-04

International Mail

IMM REVISION

Compliance Date for New Customs Forms Rescheduled to April 4, 2004

In Postal Bulletin 22116 (11-27-03, page 15), the article "IMM Revision: New International Mail Customs Declaration Forms" noted that, starting on March 1, 2004, mailers must use the January 2004 editions of the following three customs forms:

• PS Form 2976, Customs Declaration CN 22 - Sender's Declaration (green label).

• PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note - CP 72.

• PS Form 2976-E, Customs Declaration Envelope - CP 91.

However, we have rescheduled the mandatory compliance date for the January 2004 editions of these forms to April 4, 2004.

Accordingly, we will remove from the International Mail Manual the reference to the previously stated compliance date.

We will incorporate this revision into the printed version of 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)

1 International Mail Services

* * * * *

120 Preparation for Mailing

* * * * *

123 Customs Forms

123.1 General

* * * * *

[In the Note for 123.1, remove the second sentence (which refers to the previously stated mandatory compliance date of March 1, 2004) so that the Note in its entirety reads as follows:]

Note: The current edition of all three forms is January 2004. Except as provided in 123.3, mailers must present at the time of mailing a fully completed Sender's Declaration (the Post Office copy of PS Form 2976), which specifies both the sender's name and address and the addressee's name and address.

* * * * *

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 3-4-04

HANDBOOK T-5

Reformatting of International Mail Labeling Lists

Effective March 4, 2004, we are reformatting (not revising) International Mail Labeling Lists I101 and I102 (for International Express Mail® and airmail) in Handbook T-5, International Mail Operations, so that the information previously contained in the "Note" section of each list is contained within the table itself. Note that there is no change to the information in the lists, but only to the presentation of the lists.

We will incorporate these revisions into the online version of Handbook T-5, which is available on the Postal Service™ PolicyNet Web site; go to http://blue.usps.gov; click on More References, then HBKs.

Handbook T-5, International Mail Operations

* * * * *

Appendix 1, International Mail Labeling Lists

* * * * *

International Mail Labeling List I101: Originating Office to International Facility - International Express Mail and Airmail (Except Canada)

From: Originating Offices to International Facility
To: All Countries Except Canada

International Mail Classes:

Global Express Mail
Airmail Letter-post
Airmail Parcels
Airmail M-Bags
International Priority Airmail (IPA)

Domestic Equivalent: Express, Priority, First-Class Mail

[Reformat the list by replacing the current table and "Note" with the following table - there is no change to the information, but only to the presentation.]

International Mail Labeling List I102: Originating Office to International Facility - International Express Mail and Airmail (Canada)

From: Originating Offices to International Facility
To: Canada

International Mail Classes:

Global Express Mail
Airmail Letter-post
Airmail Parcels
Airmail M-Bags
International Priority Airmail (IPA)

Domestic Equivalent: Express, Priority, First-Class Mail

[Reformat the list by replacing the current table and "Note" with the following table - there is no change to the information, but only to the presentation.]

* * * * *

- International Network Operations,
Network Operations Management, 3-4-04

HANDBOOK T-5 REVISION

Dispatch Instructions for Global Priority Mail to Mexico

Effective February 13, 2004, Handbook T-5, International Mail Operations, was revised to reflect a change in the routing of Global Priority Mail® to Mexico. Consequently, all Post Offices™ must update their labeling procedures and dispatch such mail to AMC Los Angeles CA 900.

This change is required because of the closing of the Dallas International Service Center. See Postal Bulletin 22121 (2-5-04, page 25).

We have incorporated this revision into the online version of Handbook T-5, which is available on the Postal Service™ PolicyNet Web site; go to http://blue.usps.gov; click on More References, then HBKs.

Handbook T-5, International Mail Operations

* * * * *

Appendix 1, International Mail Labeling Lists

* * * * *

International Mail Labeling List I201: Network Origin Offices - Global Priority Mail

* * * * *

[Revise the entry for Mexico to read as follows:]

* * * * *

- International Network Operations,
Network Operations Management, 3-4-04

REMINDER

International Business Reply Service

Postal Service™ facilities must forward International Business Reply Service (IBRS) items, with ordinary letters and cards, to the designated international service center (ISC) for return to the appropriate country. Facilities must not return IBRS items to the sender for payment of postage.

We have received reports from foreign postal admin- istrations concerning our handling of international business reply items for their countries. In some instances, Postal Service facilities are returning foreign IBRS items to the sender for postage. As noted above, such action is incorrect.

The U.S. Postal Service® participates in IBRS with other countries. This service is similar to domestic reply mail service. IBRS is a reciprocal service that allows authorized customers to distribute envelopes and cards that can be returned to the foreign country without prepayment of postage. The Postal Service is obligated to return to other countries items destined to them without prepayment of postage. The Postal Service receives reimbursement for returning these items to the foreign country involved.

See the sample below of a foreign IBRS item.

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 3-4-04

Philately

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 04-05

United States Air Force Academy Commemorative Stamp

The Postal Service™ will issue a 37-cent United States Air Force Academy commemorative stamp (Item 455600) in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 on April 1, 2004, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The stamp, designed by Phil Jordan of Falls Church, Virginia, goes on sale nationwide April 2, 2004.

This stamp will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the United States Air Force Academy, whose mission is "to inspire and develop outstanding young men and women to become Air Force officers with knowledge, character, and discipline; motivated to lead the world's greatest aerospace force in service to this nation."

The stamp's focal point is the Cadet Chapel, the most visually compelling structure on the grounds of the academy. From its base to the tips of its 17 silvery spires, this soaring, wedge-shaped edifice reaches 150 feet toward the sky. It is, in the words of the academy's Web site, "the crowning architectural feature of the Air Force Academy campus." Running across the stamp's blue background are horizontal white lines representing the contrails of high- flying Air Force jets.

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/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:

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY
COMMEMORATIVE STAMP
POSTMASTER
201 E PIKES PEAK AVE
COLORADO SPRINGS CO 80903-9998

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 1, 2004.

How to Order the First Day Covers

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: 37-cent United States Air Force Academy Commemorative Stamp, Item 455600

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

Initial Supply to Post Offices

SDOs will make a subsequent automatic distribution to Post Offices of one-quarter of their standard automatic distribution quantity using PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute stamps to Post Offices before March 26, 2004.

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 quantities of Item 455600 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 APD and the New York APD will each receive 2,200,000 additional stamps; the Chicago APD will receive 2,000,000 additional stamps; the San Francisco APD will receive 1,600,000 additional stamps; and the Denver APD will 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, 3-4-04

Stamp Stock Items Withdrawn From Regular Sale and From Sale at Philatelic Centers

Effective close of business March 31, 2004, all Post Offices™, stations, branches, postal stores, vending outlets, and authorized philatelic centers must (1) withdraw the stamp stock items and products listed below and their related vending and store-prepared stamp items from sale and (2) prepare them for destruction. Submit items to destruction sites according to local established procedures, under the guidelines in Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures, subchapter 45, Destroying Stamp Stock.

Do not permit sales of the stamp stock items, products, and their related vending and store-prepared stamp items listed below at retail counters and outlets after March 31, 2004, unless otherwise instructed. Items listed are also withdrawn from sale at Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS).

Exceptions: Stamp items listed below are off sale at SFS effective March 31, 2004. However, they will remain on general sale until further notice.

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 3-4-04

CORRECTION

Love - Candy Hearts Special Stamp

In the article, "Stamp Announcement 03-35, Love - Candy Hearts Special Stamp," in Postal Bulletin 22117 (12-11-03, page 65), the information about the manufacturing process (listed in the technical details table) incorrectly lists "Gravure with Scrambled Indicia."

The manufacturing process should have been listed as simply "Gravure." Scrambled indicia was not used in the stamp's manufacturing process.

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 3-4-04

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, 3-4-04

Post Offices

Dispose of Plastic Pallets Only at MTESCs

We have established Mail Transport Equipment Service Centers (MTESCs) as centers for processing mail transport equipment (MTE). In accordance with established procedures, the MTESCs receive, inspect, repair, ship, and condemn MTE.

The Postal Service™ generates revenue by recycling nonuseable MTE (such as plastic pallets) through authorized recyclers. We have learned that some Postal Service facilities and some customers are improperly disposing of defective and damaged plastic pallets.

Postal Service policy states that employees must return all plastic pallets, regardless of their condition, to the MTESCs in a timely manner. By not disposing or recycling plastic pallets locally, you help systemwide distribution of safe and serviceable plastic pallets and help maintain equipment inventory.

- Mail Transport Equipment,
Network Operations Management, 3-4-04

Use Plastic Pallets Only for Transporting Mail

We distribute plastic pallets for transporting mail from origin to destination. We purchase and distribute pallets based on demand from Postal Service™ facilities and customers. In the past several months, demand for plastic pallets has increased significantly, and the availability of pallets as an inventory item is critical. Use plastic pallets properly to ensure that a serviceable inventory is available to customers.

Do not:

• Use pallets as top caps.

• Double pallets before loading them with mail.

• Use pallets for storage of non-mail transport equipment.

Misuse of pallets results in fewer available serviceable pallets; and without sufficient pallets, mailers and Postal Service facilities cannot dispatch mail efficiently.

For guidelines on the types and uses of pallets and top caps, see Domestic Mail Manual M041 and M041.2, respectively.

- Mail Transport Equipment,
Network Operations Management, 3-4-04

Retail

NOTICE

Confirmation Services Certification Process Change

Effective immediately, the certification process for Confirmation Services is revised. Confirmation Services include Delivery Confirmation™, Signature Confirmation™, and Merchandise Return With Delivery Confirmation services.

For mailers using a shipping/manifesting system that is currently certified by the Postal Service™ (see http://ribbs.usps.gov/files/vendors/DCVEND1.PDF), the requirement to submit barcoded labels and transmit the electronic file is waived. Mailers who choose to have their barcoded labels analyzed and/or electronic files verified may still do so at their option. The only requirement for mailers using a certified shipping/manifesting system is to transmit an electronic file to verify that the Postal Service™ logon ID/password and connectivity have been established. Note: This change affects the certification process for Confirmation Services only and does not change any requirements for MAC/MACGOLD or for software vendors certifying their products.

For mailers using their own shipping/manifesting system or vendor-supplied systems that have not been certified by the Postal Service™, the certification process remains and they will need to submit barcoded labels and transmit an electronic file per the instructions contained in Publication 91, Confirmation Services Technical Guide.

Questions regarding these changes should be directed to the Technical Support Group at DCONFIRM@usps.gov or 877-264-9693, option 1. We will update Publication 91 to reflect these changes.

- Product Information Requirements,
Product Development, 3-4-04

NOTICE

Parcel Return Service

Parcel Return Service (PRS) provides merchants a cost-effective solution for merchandise returned by their customers. The Postal Service™ has designated ZIP Codes™ 56901 through 56999 for PRS. Those ZIP Codes are valid only for PRS. Do not line out, replace, or obliterate those ZIP Codes."$0.00" value or orphan PVI labels are not required for parcels bearing PRS labels. Accept those parcels and send them for further processing. See "Retail Coaches Corner" on page 28, and USPSNEWS@WORK on page 1, for more information.

- Customer Service Operations,
Delivery and Retail, 3-4-04

Supply Management

REMINDER - INSTALLATION HEADS AND MAOS

Semiannual Inventory Reviews

In accordance with the Office of Inspector General's recent audit, we are reminding you that installation heads and material accountability officers (MAOs) must conduct semiannual inventory reviews of both sensitive and capital property. You must be accountable for and have control of these assets under your finance number.

Please review the following documents:

• The Postal Service™ policy outlined in Handbook AS 701, Material Management, Section 541.28, Internal Reviews.

• The article titled "Installation Heads and MAOs: Semiannual Review of Capital Records" in Postal Bulletin 22070 (2-21-02, page 69).

PS Form 961-A, Property Record, is discontinued and will no longer be issued for new assets. Record the local information on the hard copy Property Change Report, which the San Mateo Accounting Service Center will mail to the address for the accountable finance number. For assets that you already have, you can continue to use and update the corresponding PS Form 961-A as needed.

Property Change Reports are also available via the Accounting Data Mart (ADM). For instructions on how to gain access to ADM, please contact your district material management specialist or material service center.

- Supply Management Operations,
Supply Management, 3-4-04

PUBLICATION REVISION

Publication 247, Supply and Equipment Catalog

Effective November 1, 2003, Publication 247, Supply and Equipment Catalog, was revised to reflect changes pertaining to ordering rubber and steel hand canceling stamps.

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed version of Publication 247 and into the next update of the online version available on the Postal Service™ PolicyNet Website; go to http://blue.usps.gov; click on More References, then Publications.

Publication 247, Supply and Equipment Catalog

1 Introduction

* * * * *

12 Requisitioning Instructions

* * * * *

123 Requisitioning Special Orders

* * * * *

123.3 Pre-Inked and Self-Inking Stamps and Postmarking Equipment

* * * * *

123.32 Ordering Instructions

* * * * *

123.322 Rubber and Steel Hand Canceling
Stamps

123.3221 Essential Information

[Revise 123.3221 to read as follows:]

This procedure applies only to the following Postal Service Item Numbers (PSINs): 500, 502, 550, 550M, 552, 570, 577B, 579, 579A, 579B, 602, 602A, 603, 603B, 603C, 716, 718H, 762.

Note: Prices shown are valid for orders placed on or before 10/31/2005. For orders placed after 10/31/2005, consult the Postal Bulletin or call the supplier for current pricing. Please note that since May 1, 2003, orders placed from The Baumgarten Co. of Washington require a mailing fee of $3.25 per order. A previous option to submit a pre- addressed permit label in lieu of this delivery fee is no longer available. (See section 123.3222, Ordering Procedures, below.)

SUPPLIER:
ATTN DIANE WILER
HANLEY POSTAL SUPPLY CO INC
PO BOX 10006
ERIE PA 16514-0006

Telephone: 814-898-2720
Fax: 814-898-2825

Hanley Postal Supply Co., Inc. will deliver the two items listed above 90 days after it receives the order.

SUPPLIER:
ATTN JAMES BATURIN
THE BAUMGARTEN CO OF WASHINGTON
325 WASHINGTON BLVD
LAUREL MD 20707-4617

Telephone: 301-317-3933
Fax: 301-317-4012

Some of the stamps listed above are shown on pages 136-138 under Supplies, Postmarking Equipment. For your other rubber stamp needs, pre-inked and self-inked generic title stamps (including 16-piece kits) are available through the MDC. Ordering procedures are outlined in 123.3222 below, and these stamps are shown on pages 126-135 under Supplies, Stamps, Generic Title.

123.3222 Ordering Procedures

[Revise 123.3222 to read as follows:]

Ordering procedures for rubber and steel hand canceling stamps are as follows:

a. Complete PS Form 1567, Requisition for Rubber and Steel Hand Canceling Stamps (see Exhibit 11). A separate PS Form 1567 is required for each supplier from whom items are being ordered. It must contain the name and the 10-digit telephone number of the person placing the order and must legibly specify the exact engraving in the appropriate field. See the Supplier Item and Pricing Chart in Exhibit 12 for details on supplier names, prices, and item numbers.

b. Prepare a check or money order (attach these to PS Form 1567) payable to the appropriate supplier for the total amount of the order, or enter your Postal Service International Merchant Purchase Authorization Card (I.M.P.A.C.) VISA credit card number and expiration date in block 11 of PS Form 1567.

c. Submit the completed PS Form 1567 and check or money order directly to the appropriate supplier at the address shown in Exhibit 12.

d. Hanley Postal Supply Co., Inc. will ship the items ordered 90 days after receipt of order. Shipping charges are included in the price of the items for the Hanley Postal Supply Co., Inc. The Baumgarten Co. of Washington requires payment of a mailing fee of $3.25 per order. A previous option to submit a pre- addressed permit label in lieu of this delivery fee is no longer available. Items ordered from The Baumgarten Co. of Washington ship about 30 days after receipt of order.

PS Form 1567 is available on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site; go to http://blue.usps.gov; click on Forms. It is also available on the Internet; go to www.usps.com; click on About USPS & News, then Forms & Publications, then Find a Form.

You can order PS Form 1567 from the MDC by using touch tone order entry (TTOE): Call 800-332-0317, option 2.

Note: You must be registered to use TTOE. To register, call 800-332-0317, option 1, extension 2925, and follow the prompts to leave a message (wait 48 hours after registering before you place your first order).

The relevant ordering information for PS Form 1567 is as follows:

PSIN: PS1567
PSN: 7530-01-000-9360
Unit of Measure: SH
Minimum Order Quantity: 1
Bulk Pack Quantity: 4000
Quick Pick Number: 132
Price: $0.0195

Publication 247 is available on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site; go to http://blue.usps.gov; click on More References, then PUBs. It is also available on the Internet; go to 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).

You can also order Publication 247 from the MDC by using the TTOE instructions provided above.

The relevant ordering information for Publication 247 is as follows:

PSIN: PUB 247
PSN: 7610-02-000-7982
Unit of Measure: EA
Minimum Order Quantity: 1
Bulk Pack Quantity: 15
Quick Pick Number: 266
Price: $2.4284

To order type sets (months, days, etc.), local maintenance departments must submit a request to the MDC using PS Form 4984, Repair Parts Requisition. Use the FEDSTRIP Address Activity Code (AAC).

* * * * *

- SCM Strategies,
Supply Management, 3-4-04

Multifunctional Peripherals (MFPs) Now Available on eBuy

Two new national contracts for multifunctional peripherals (MFPs) have been awarded to Hewlett-Packard (HP) and Lexmark, effective November 10, 2003. Information Technology and Supply Management have been working together to roll out this new program. As a result, the HP MFPs and their consumable supplies are now available on eBuy.

The HP MFPs are available on the Computer Hardware catalog via eBuy. Double clicking on the Computer Hardware Catalog folder will give you the MFP option. Item numbers are as follows:

• HP OfficeJet 7110 Printer: MFP-101-000

• HP LaserJet 3330 Printer: MFP-102-000

Consumable supplies for the HP MFPs are also available on the Boise catalog via eBuy and are listed with item numbers as follows:

HP OfficeJet 7110 Printer:

• Inkjet Cartridge Color: S1C5010DN

• Inkjet Cartridge Black: S1C5011DN

• Inkjet Cartridge Printhead Black: S1C4920A

• Inkjet Cartridge Printhead Cyan: S1C4921A

• Inkjet Cartridge Printhead Magenta: S1C4922A

• Inkjet Cartridge Printhead Yellow: S1C4923A

HP LaserJet 3330 Printer:

• UltraPrecise Print Cartridge Low-Yield: S1C7115A

• UltraPrecise Print Cartridge High-Yield: S1C7115X

To order through eBuy, view the catalogs available on eBuy, or obtain an eBuy logon ID and password, go to the Blue page at http://blue.usps.gov; under "eLinks," click on eBuy.

For more information on the MFP contracts, please refer to the article titled "Multifunctional Peripherals and Other Document Output Devices - Acquisition and Support," under the Information Technology section on page 8. You may also contact the suppliers at the following toll-free numbers:

Hewlett-Packard: 800-896-8699, Option 2
Lexmark: 800-444-7881

- SCM Strategies,
Supply Management, 3-4-04

National Custodial Rental Items Contracts - Cintas and UniFirst

The Postal Service's™ chief financial officer, chief operating officer, and executive vice president issued a directive on December 23, 2002, mandating that all Postal Service facilities with Web access use eBuy for all requisitions created after January 11, 2003.

To comply with this directive, all Postal Service locations that currently receive custodial rental items from Cintas or UniFirst must place on-catalog orders through eBuy to cover requirements for a two-year period.

If you do not have access to the Web and have received prior funding approval for your requirements, contact Cintas or UniFirst and request that they place the eBuy order for you.

How to Order Through eBuy

Contact the suppliers toll-free to complete a client profile before placing your eBuy order.

• UniFirst: 800-480-5432

• Cintas: 800-795-7368

Completing a client profile ensures that the information necessary to complete an eBuy order is correct and confirms that the supplier will provide delivery. Suppliers will not begin delivery until they receive your completed eBuy order.

To order through eBuy and to obtain an eBuy logon ID and password, go to the Blue page at http://blue.usps.gov; under "eLinks," click on eBuy.

Reconciliation Procedures

You must monitor the declining balances on each line item of an eBuy order by reconciling the monthly billing summary report. As quantities on each line item on the eBuy order decrease - including loss and damage line items - enter a new eBuy order to replenish those quantities.

Once you place an order through eBuy, you cannot cancel it without first contacting the appropriate supplier.

Payment

You must make all payments for custodial rental items through eBuy and must charge them to your facility's FEDSTRIP number.

Do not use the following methods for payment to UniFirst or Cintas:

• Checks, money orders, or credit cards.

• PS Form 8230, Authorization for Payment.

If you use these other payment methods, you will be making duplicate payments.

Invoices

These contracts require that the supplier invoice in cycles of weekly, biweekly, or monthly deliveries depending on the delivery frequencies established within the eBuy order. The supplier will close quantities that remain after the required two-year period.

Suppliers Other Than Cintas or UniFirst

During 2004, we will terminate all existing national Postal Service contracts for custodial rental items. We will continue to address local agreements with suppliers other than Cintas or UniFirst on a case-by-case basis.

If your facility is not currently using Cintas or UniFirst for national custodial rental items, contact Dan Davisson at 214-819-7116 or Pat Chumney at 214-819-7105 for questions about transitioning to the national contracts or about placing your on-catalog eBuy orders.

- SCM Strategies,
Supply Management, 3-4-04

POS Thermal Receipt Paper Rolls Now in Boise Office Solutions Catalog

Boise has recently added POS Thermal Receipt Paper Rolls to the Boise Office Solutions catalog for Postal Service™ employees. These 3 1/8" x 3 3/16" x 273' single-ply rolls are manufactured by a minority-owned company and sold by the 50-roll carton for $55.79. The Inspection Service is no longer requiring that the Postal Service logo be printed on the back of the rolls.

To order POS rolls (Item P358) through eBuy, you should contact your district or area eBuy representative to receive a logon ID and password. If you have access to the Postal Service Intranet, you must order through eBuy and can obtain an eBuy logon ID and password at the blue page. Go to http://blue.usps.gov; under "eLinks," click on eBuy.

If you do not have access to the Intranet, you may contact Boise directly at 888-229-8777 to place your order after obtaining the proper approvals.

- SCM Strategies,
Supply Management, 3-4-04