USPSNEWS@WORK

Posting the big numbers: Six back-to-back 95s says it all

Talk about your big numbers. For the sixth consecutive quarter, USPS has scored 95 percent in overnight on-time delivery. The assessment is measured independently by IBM Consulting Service.

This External First-Class (EXFC) report gives an independent assessment of the time it takes a First-Class Mail^® piece, once it's deposited into a collection box, to be delivered to one of more than 141 million American s, businesses and Post OfficeTM boxes.

Customers are happy with the big numbers. Residential customer satisfaction scores are steady at 93 percent.

PostalPEOPLE system: Employees get 24/7 access to Human Resources information

A new self-service system to complete routine Human Resources (HR) tasks - changing benefits, adding a beneficiary and the like - will soon be available for USPS® employees.

The system, called PostalPEOPLE, will give employees access to their personnel files and other HR-related information, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, together with an HR Shared Services Center to offer individual attention using interactive voice response.

The Board of Governors recently approved funding for PostalPEOPLE, with the goal of improving employee satisfaction and helping to more effectively manage resources and costs.

Look for regular updates about PostalPEOPLE in HR Today, on PSTN broadcasts and through the Human Capital Enterprise and HR Shared Services Web site at http://hce.usps.gov.

Innovative solutions: USPS IT application for Marketing wins prestigious award

A pioneer leads the way. That's what the Postal Service does when it comes to technology innovation by federal agencies. And that's why USPS is being honored with the prestigious Government Solutions Center 2004 Pioneer Award for its new Marketing program, Integrated Business Service Network (iBSN).

The Government Solutions Center awards program is sponsored by the E-Gov Institute, which fosters new government IT solutions.

iBSN provides a single source of service information for our largest business customers. Developed jointly by Marketing and Information Technology, the system creates efficiencies in serving about 14,000 external customers representing $37.7 billion - 56 percent - of the Postal Service's fiscal year 2003 revenue.

iBSN also allows customers to enter service requests and to monitor progress on those requests through the Web. Here's what customer Peter Glenn, V.P., Bank of America, had to say about the program: "It is one of the most important tools, and certainly, the most powerful, I use in interactions with USPS - what a view to the postal world! I can see activity going on in Chicago, Alaska and North Carolina, literally from the four corners of the country - regardless of where I happen to be on any given day."

USPS is one of 15 award winners who will be honored during the annual Government Solutions Forum, June 2-4, in Washington, DC. iBSN will be a featured exhibit during the event. In addition, iBSN's award will be featured on the cover of Federal Computer Week magazine.

V.P., Finance, Controller Donna Peak to retire: PMG Potter names Lynn Malcolm acting V.P.

Strong leadership and sweeping accomplishment mark the career of USPS Vice President, Finance, Controller Donna Peak, who will retire in January 2005.

USPSNEWS@WORK

PMG Jack Potter has named Compensation Manager Lynn Malcolm to acting vice president, Finance, Controller.

Peak implemented such programs as eTravel, Time and Attendance Collection System, a new general ledger system and Shared Services/Accounting. She also established the field internal control function, saving the Postal Service roughly $100 million per year.

The Postal ServiceTM has recognized Peak's efforts, awarding her the prestigious Board of Governors award. Her work also has earned industry kudos including the Shared Services leader of the year award and the Government Women's Visionary award.

In the months leading to her retirement, Peak will help USPS prepare for the upcoming Universal Postal Union Congress in Bucharest.

Acting V.P. of Finance, Controller Lynn Malcolm is a 30-year USPS employee with a strong background in Finance and Human Resources. Malcolm has held several management positions in Information Technology, Finance and Human Resources.

She has led the capital investment program, established the business evaluation process to evaluate strategic initiatives and provided management direction for activity-based management and rate case development.

Most recently, Malcolm worked with the management associations and Labor Relations to develop the innovative pay-for-performance program, and developed corporate strategic policy for USPS pay and benefit programs.

Malcolm holds an advanced degree in business administration from Strayer University. She earned Vice President's Awards in 1998, 2002 and 2003 and the Postmaster General's Award in 2001. "I'm confident Lynn's qualifications and experience will continue to be an asset to the Postal Service," said Potter.

Carrier Pickup batting 1,000: Customers having a field day with new service

It's a hit.

Customers across the country are playing ball with USPS' Carrier Pickup service. As a result, we're scoring runs all over the place and the pace is really starting to "pick up." In March, we averaged more than 3,600 parcels per day, but our team is on a hot-streak and we're posting even bigger numbers this month - averaging almost 6,000 parcels a day in May.

Delivering to every in the country gives USPS the ultimate -field advantage. Combining Carrier Pickup with our online services means convenience for our customers that other delivery companies can't provide.

Five for frauding: USPS employees indicted for workers' compensation fraud

It's not nice to fool workers' compensation.

Five USPS employees recently were indicted by a federal grand jury for fraudulently receiving workers' compensation payments. The indictments were announced by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, based on investigations by postal inspectors and agents of the Postal Service Office of Inspector General.

Investigations revealed the employees were receiving compensation payments while also receiving income from outside employment. All were charged with making false statements to obtain federal compensation, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Three of the individuals were additionally charged with mail or wire fraud. They face a maximum penalty of a 20-year prison sentence and a $250,000 fine.

[D-LINK]

Administrative Services

HANDBOOK REVISION

Handbook AS-805-A, Application Information Security Assurance (ISA) Process

We are revising Handbook AS-805-A, Application Information Security Assurance (ISA) Process, as follows:

• To better address the development of Application Disaster Recovery Plans (ADRPs).

• Add the role of Disaster Recovery Services (DRS).

• Correct Web site addresses and e-mail addresses that have changed since the handbook was first published.

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

Handbook AS-805-A, Application Information Security Assurance (ISA) Process

* * * * *

Transmittal Letter

* * * * *

B. Distribution.

[Revise item B to read as follows:]

This document is available on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim/hbkid.htm and the Corporate Information Security Web site (http://it.usps.gov; click on Support, then Corporate Information Security), where you can also access the ISA templates it references.

C. Comments.

* * * * *

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

Comments may also be sent by e-mail to information_ security@usps.gov.

* * * * *

2 Roles and Responsibilities

* * * * *

2-11 Information Systems Security Officers

Information Systems Security Officers (ISSOs) are responsible for the following:

* * * * *

[Revise item c to read as follows:]

c. Reviewing and evaluating ISA documentation, including the BIA, security plan, risk assessment, security test and evaluation plan, security test and evaluation report, and independent reviews of the application.

* * * * *

[Add new section 2-15, to read as follows:]

2-15 Disaster Recovery Services

Disaster Recovery Services (DRS) is responsible for the following:

a. Providing consulting support to executive sponsors and portfolio managers regarding disaster recovery planning.

b. Reviewing each ADRP and accepting it as complete or returning it to the executive sponsor for rework.

c. Storing the accepted ADRP.

* * * * *

3 Overview of ISA

* * * * *

3-5 The ISA Core Team

The core team consists of those personnel who are actively involved in and responsible for completing the documentation and activities in the ISA and includes the following personnel or their representatives:

[Add new item f to read as follows:]

f. Disaster Recovery Services representative.

* * * * *

4 The ISA Process

* * * * *

4-1 Phase 1 - Definition

* * * * *

4-1.4 Activities

* * * * *

4-1.4.3 Complete Application Business Impact Assessment

* * * * *

[Revise the last sentence of of 4-1.4.3 to read as follows:]

Template and instructions for completing them are available on the Information Technology Web site at http://cto.usps.gov; click on Support, then Corporate Information Security, then Information Security Assurance, and then ISA Templates.

* * * * *

4-2 Phase 2 - Design and Integration

* * * * *

4-2.2 Deliverables

The deliverables for this phase are the following:

* * * * *

[Add new item e to 4-2.2 to read as follows:]

e. Application disaster recovery plan. (The ADRP is started during this phase.)

* * * * *

4-2.3 Roles and Responsibilities

* * * * *

[Add a new role and responsibility at the end of the table for Disaster Recovery Services to read as follows:]

DRS Consults with executive sponsor as required on the development of the ADRP.

* * * * *

4-2.4 Activities

4-2.4.1 Analyze Requirements and Identify Potential Security Controls

[Revise the second sentence of 4-2.4.1 to read as follows:]

*** (See the Application Information Security Requirements and Controls document available on the IT Web site - go to http://cto.usps.gov and click on Support, then Corporate Information Security, then Information Security Assurance, and then ISA Practitioner Guidance - for controls and processes that can be used to fulfill the security requirements. ***

4-2.4.2 Assess Risks

* * * * *

4-2.4.2.1 Application Risk Assessment and Abbreviated Application Risk Assessment

[Revise the second sentence of 4-2.4.2.1 to read as follows:]

*** Application Risk Assessment and Abbreviated Application Risk Assessment templates and instructions for completing them are available on the IT Web site at http://cto.usps.gov; click on Support, then Corporate Information Security, then Information Security Assurance, and then ISA Templates. ***

* * * * *

4-2.4.2.3 Independent Risk Assessment

[Revise the last sentence of 4-2.4.2.3 to read as follows:]

*** For an outsourced independent risk assessment, use the External Independent Information Security Risk Assessment report format and instructions for completing it available on the IT Web site at http://cto.usps.gov; click on Support, then Corporate Information Security, then Information Security Assurance, then ISA Templates, and then Independent Risk Assessment Report.

* * * * *

4-2.4.6 Develop Application Security Plan

* * * * *

4-2.4.6.2 Content

[Revise the last sentence of 4-2.4.6.2 to read as follows:]

*** The Application Security Plan and Abbreviated Application Security Plan templates and instructions for completing are available on the IT Web site at http://cto.usps.gov; click on Support, then Corporate Information Security, then Information Security Assurance, and then ISA Templates.

* * * * *

[Revise the title of 4-2.4.10 to read as follows:]

4-2.4.10 Initiate Application Contingency Planning

[Delete the last sentence of 4-2.4.10.]

[Revise the title of 4-2.4.10.1 to read as follows:]

4-2.4.10.1 Application Contingency Planning Roles and Responsibilities

[Add two new responsibilities for the executive sponsor to read as follows:]

Executive sponsor Consults with the DRS on the ADRP and the RTO determined in the BIA.

Develops and maintains the ADRP.

[At the end of the table, add a new role and responsibility for the DRS to read as follows:]

DRS Consults with the executive sponsor on the ADRP and validates the RTO, based on overall Postal Service resources, to ensure it is realistic and achievable.

4-2.4.10.2 Application Disaster Recovery Plan

[Revise the last three sentences of 4-2.4.10.2 to read as follows:]

*** It is begun during Phase 2 in coordination with the DRS. ADRPs are tested and updated in Phase 5. ADRP templates are available from the IT Web site at http://cto.usps.gov; click on Support, then Disaster Recovery Services, and then DRS Cost Model/ADRP Templates.

* * * * *

4-3 Phase 3 - Testing

* * * * *

4-3.4 Activities

4-3.4.1 Develop Application Security Test and Evaluation Plan

* * * * *

4-3.4.1.2 Build Application Security Test and Evaluation Plan

[Revise the second sentence of 4-3.4.1.2 to read as follows:]

*** The Application Security Test and Evaluation template and instructions are available on the IT Web site at http://cto.usps.gov; click on Support, then Corporate Information Security, then Information Security Assurance, and then ISA Templates.

* * * * *

4-5 Phase 5 - Production

* * * * *

4-5.3 Roles and Responsibilities

[To the executive sponsor responsibilities, add a new 5th item and a new 6th item to read as follows and revise the 7th item to read as follows:]

Executive sponsor Updates and maintains the ADRP.

With the DRS, tests the ADRP.

Documents test results and lessons learned.

[Add a new role and responsibility for the DRS at the end of the table, to read as follows:]

DRS Reviews each ADRP and accepts it as complete or returns it to the executive sponsor for rework.

Stores the ADRP.

With the executive sponsor, tests the ADRP.

4-5.4 Activities

* * * * *

4-5.4.6 Test Application Disaster Recovery Plan

[Revise 4-5.4.6 to read as follows:]

Test the ADRP and document the test results and lessons learned.

* * * * *

Exhibit 4a ISA Templates

[Revise the "Applicability" cell associated with "Application Disaster Recovery Plan" to read as follows:]

For critical and business-controlled criticality applications. (ADRP templates are available from the IT Web site at http://cto.usps.gov; click on Support, then Disaster Recovery Services, and then DRS Cost Model/ADRP Templates.)

* * * * *

Chapter 5 Independent Reviews

* * * * *

5-1 Independent Security Code Review

5-1.1 Purpose

Customs programs or COTS applications that contain custom programming or scripts are subject to an independent security code review of the source code and documentation to do the following:

* * * * *

[Revise item b to read as follows:]

Verify the absence of malicious code. (Information Security Code Review Standards are available on the IT Web site at http://cto.usps.gov; click on Support, then Corporate Information Security, then Information Security Assurance, and then ISA Practitioner Guidance.)

* * * * *

5-2 Independent Information Security Risk Assessments

* * * * *

5-2.2 Guidelines

[Replace the first paragraph of 5-2.2 with the following two paragraphs:]

Independent risk assessments may be completed by an in- house organization or an external organization. Independent risk assessments conducted in-house are completed using the Application Risk Assessment process and templates available on the IT Web site at http://cto.usps.gov; click on Support, then Corporate Information Security, then Information Security Assurance, then ISA Templates, and then Application Risk Assessment.

External independent risk assessments are completed using the External Information Security Independent Risk Assessment process and templates available on the IT Web site at http://cto.usps.gov; click on Support, then Corporate Information Security, then Information Security Assurance, then ISA Templates, and then Independent Risk Assessment Report, and include the following activities:

* * * * *

- Corporate Information Security Office,
Information Technology, 5-27-04

Directives and Forms Update

Effective immediately, Publication 223, Directives and Forms Catalog (June 1999), is revised. The tables below contain the document ID, edition date, title, PSN (Postal ServiceTM stock number), and the Postal Service and public supply source for all new, revised, and obsolete directives and forms. Use this article to keep Publication 223 current. Information on how to order directives and forms is available in chapter 1 of Publication 223.

The electronic version of Publication 223 is available at www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub223.pdf.

New Directives

Labels

New Forms

Revised Forms

Obsolete Forms

- Policies and Procedures Information,
Public Affairs and Communications, 5-27-04

NEW MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTION

AS-350-2004-4, Marketing E-mail

Effective immediately, MI AS-350-2004-4, Marketing E- mail, revises the current Postal Service^TM policy for marketing e-mail and gives employees guidelines for writing and sending marketing messages via e-mail to existing or potential customers. Through this MI, the Postal Service is managing compliance and fulfilling its responsibilities under government standards and expectations issued in the recent CAN-SPAM Act, which became effective January 2004. This MI also supports the Postal Service Transformation Plan to improve customer service and grow revenue while maintaining our customers' privacy protections.

This MI is effective immediately and obsoletes MI AS-350-2003-6, Marketing E-Mail. This MI ensures uniformity and consistency for Postal Service marketing e-mail campaigns by:

• Standardizing its process for developing and sending marketing messages via e-mail.

• Ensuring that its marketing e-mail messages meet customers' needs, honor their preferences, and avoid spam.

This MI applies when the Postal Service, or its supplier, sends to a customer or prospective customer an e-mail message that markets a different product or service than the customer may already have received from the Postal Service. (This MI also applies when an e-mail message either refers to a Web site or directs a customer to one that markets such a product or service.) The manager of Segment Advertising has overall review and approval for all e- mail marketing campaigns.

MI AS-350-2004-4 is available on the Postal ServiceTM PolicyNet Web site; go to http://blue.usps.gov; click on More References, then MIs.

It is also available on the Postal Service Internet; go to www.usps.com; click on About USPS & News, then Forms & Publications; then Postal Periodicals and Publications, and then Management Instructions.

- Segment Advertising,
Marketing, 5-27-04

The AIS Viewer - A New Addressing Tool

The National Customer Support Center in Memphis continues to develop products and services that lead the Postal ServiceTM and the mailing industry into compatibility with Postal Service automation goals.

Its latest tool for mailers is the AIS (Address Information Systems) Viewer, which includes several products on a single CD-ROM:

• Publication 65, the National Five Digit ZIP Code and Post Office Directory.

• The Delivery Statistics data file.

• The ZIP + 4® Retrieval data file.

• The County Name Retrieval data file.

• The City/State/Delivery Type Retrieval data file.

The AIS Viewer is convenient and easy to use, providing the same ZIP CodeTM information currently available in the hard-copy directory, but with significant improvements, such as its lookup capability. It is designed to retrieve, view, and print hard-copy reports on demand at a 5-digit ZIP Code level. The data is valid for 105 days from the product cycle date, providing a significant improvement in the date content, accuracy, and currency of all the information over the old hard-copy reports.

Each of the products available on the AIS Viewer CD- ROM is priced separately, allowing mailers the flexibility to customize the product to their needs. The annual subscription is based on which products are ordered.

To order the AIS Viewer, or for more information about this and other addressing tools, contact the National Customer Support Center at 800-238-3150, option 0.

- Address Management,
Intelligent Mail and Address Quality, 5-27-04

Customer Relations

Mail Alert

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

Domestic Mail

DMM REVISION

Five-Digit Scheme Package Preparation and Limitations on Optional 3-Digit Pallets and 3-Digit Sacks

Effective June 10, 2004, Domestic Mail Manual (DMMTM) L002, M920.1.5h, M920.2.5g, M930.1.1, M930.1.5h, M930.2.1, M930.2.4g, M940.1.1, M940.1.5h, M940.2.1, M940.2.4g, M950.1.2, M950.2.2, and M950.3.2 are updated by removing the old compliance date of April 30, 2003.

Those sections present mailing standards announced in Postal Bulletin 22092 (12-26-02, pages 26-41) for the following:

• The 5-digit scheme (using DMM L007) preparation option for automated flat sorting machine (AFSM) 100 flats.

• Certain restrictions on preparing flats and irregular parcels packaged and placed onto optional 3-digit pallets and, in certain circumstances, for bypassing the preparation of 3-digit sacks in sack-based mailings.

This revision does not change any of the standards announced in Postal Bulletin 22092 or subsequent clarifications to those standards. It merely removes the April 30, 2003, compliance language.

Five-Digit Scheme Package Preparation

Purpose

Optional 5-digit scheme preparation allows mailers to prepare presort destination packages of flats in multiple 5-digit ZIP CodesTM specified by the Postal ServiceTM under DMM L007. Five-digit scheme preparation allows mailers to align their sortation with the Postal Service processing of multiple ZIP Codes within the same incoming secondary operation on the AFSM 100. This alignment eliminates the need, in many cases, to prepare individual 5-digit ZIP Code packages (that is, packages containing pieces all to the same ZIP Code).

Mailers and Postal Service employees are reminded that 5-digit scheme preparation is reserved only for mailing jobs that consist entirely of mailpieces that meet the dimension, weight, and flexibility criteria for the AFSM 100 in DMM C820.2.0. Mailing jobs containing any flat-size pieces not meeting the dimension, weight, and flexibility criteria for the AFSM 100 may not be prepared using the 5-digit scheme for presort destination packages of flat-size mail.

In a few situations, these 5-digit combinations include 5-digit ZIP Codes that span more than one 3-digit ZIP Code prefix. Regardless of the range of ZIP Codes included in the specific 5-digit scheme under DMM L007, all 5-digit scheme presort destination packages must also be sacked and/or palletized as appropriate.

DMM L007, which is updated every 2 months, presents all 5-digit scheme combinations for package preparation in Periodicals, Standard Mail®, and Bound Printed Matter (BPM) mailings of flat-size pieces that meet the dimension, weight, and flexibility criteria for the AFSM 100 in DMM C820.2.0. These same 5-digit scheme combinations are also used to prepare 5-digit scheme sacks under DMM M820 and M920.

Required Preparation

Use of DMM L007. If a mailer elects to prepare optional 5-digit scheme presort destination packages, the mailer must prepare them for all possible combinations listed in DMM L007 as dictated by the required minimum number of pieces for the class of mail. Mailers must perform address- matching using Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS)-certified software prior to presorting to ensure a correct 5-digit ZIP Code in the address on each piece and to result in an accurate 5-digit scheme sortation. Packages (i.e., each mailpiece within a package) must be labeled using the optional endorsement line (OEL) "SCH 5-DIGIT," followed by the appropriate 5-digit ZIP Code identified for the scheme combination in DMM L007, Column B. DMM M013 presents additional information on the use and format of OELs.

Grouping. There is no requirement to group pieces by individual 5-digit ZIP Codes within a 5-digit scheme presort destination package.

Containerizing. Five-digit scheme presort destination packages must never be placed in merged containers prepared under DMM M900. Such merged containers are designed to be sent directly to the appropriate delivery units for distribution of the packages and delivery of the pieces. For mailers electing to prepare AFSM 100-compatible flats under the advanced presort options in DMM M930 and M940, mailpieces in 5-digit scheme packages do not count as 5-digit sorted pieces for purposes of determining the 5 percent threshold (limit). Mailers electing to prepare AFSM 100-compatible flats under DMM M930 and M940 are required to prepare 5-digit scheme packages.

Prohibited Containers. Five-digit scheme presort destination packages must not be placed on/in the following containers:

• Merged 5-digit scheme (using DMM L001).

• 5-digit scheme carrier routes (using DMM L001).

• 5-digit scheme pallets (using DMM L001).

• Merged 5-digit.

• Merged 5-digit carrier routes.

• 5-digit (sacks only).

Noncarrier Route Mail. Mailing jobs that do not include a carrier route portion and are copackaged under DMM M950 should be sacked under M910, unless the mailer elects to prepare 5-digit scheme (under DMM L007) packages. When 5-digit scheme packages are prepared, these mailing jobs must be sacked under M920, even if the job does not contain a carrier route portion.

Package Minimums

Minimum Package Size. Five-digit scheme presort destination packages for automation flat-size mail require a single minimum number of pieces for presort eligibility as follows:

• Periodicals: 6 or more addressed pieces for 5-digit rate eligibility.

• Standard Mail: 10 to 17 pieces for 3/5 rate eligibility. Mailers must use the same minimum for 5-digit scheme packages as for the individual 5-digit packages within the entire mailing job (e.g., 17 pieces). Effective August 1, 2004, the minimum package requirements for Standard Mail low-weight flat-size pieces will change from 10 to 15 pieces for 5-digit and for 5-digit scheme preparation. This higher minimum package size will apply to any Standard Mail job consisting of flat-size pieces each weighing no more than 5 ounces (0.1325 pound) and measuring no more than 3/4 inch thick. For more information, see Postal Bulletin 22125 (4-1-04, pages 12-14).

• Bound Printed Matter: 10 or more pieces for Pre- sorted rate eligibility.

Sacking. To ensure that 5-digit scheme packages are properly identified and directed to automated processing, mailers must use the proper designation for sacks containing 5-digit scheme packages. The sack level is designated as 5-Digit Scheme, which is not to be confused with scheme containers of flats or irregular parcels based on DMM L001.

The wording on the human-readable content line differentiates the two types of scheme ("SCH") sacks. Sacks prepared using DMM L001 must show either "CR/5D" or "CR-RTS" preceding "SCH," and sacks prepared using DMM L007 must show "5D" preceding "SCH BC".

Periodicals Firm Packages

For the preparation of a Periodicals firm package (a presort destination package containing two or more copies to the same address and considered as a single addressed piece), the firm package must remain separate from and may not be included within a 5-digit scheme package. However, as with other presort destination packages, a firm package can contribute toward the six-piece minimum for 5-digit rate eligibility. For Periodicals mailings prepared in sacks, mailers may not place firm packages and 5-digit scheme packages (DMM L007) in the same 5-digit scheme sack.

Firm packages must be placed in a separate (single 5-digit) sack and labeled to the appropriate individual 5-digit destination to maintain 5-digit rate eligibility. Firm packages may be placed with 5-digit scheme and other presort destination packages in 3-digit, sectional center facility (SCF), area distribution center (ADC), and mixed ADC sacks, as appropriate.

Three-Digit Pallet and Sack Preparation

This requirement affects only 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes processed in multiple 3-digit SCFs. Such 3-digit containers provide little if any added value to the Postal Service. The 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes providing no added value are indicated with an "N" in the 3-digit ZIP Code prefix column of labeling list DMM L002. Optional 3-digit pallets for 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes marked "N" in DMM L002 have not been permitted since April 30, 2003, and normally required 3-digit sacks are optional for these 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes.

Rate Eligibility Maintenance

For the preservation of rate eligibility, this restriction applies only to the following:

• Periodicals flats and irregular parcels (nonletters) on pallets.

• Periodicals automation-rate flats prepared in sacks under DMM M820.

• Standard Mail flats on pallets.

• Package Services flats and irregular parcels (in pre- sort destination packages) on pallets.

• Bound Printed Matters flats (with or without a barcode discount) and presort destination packages of irregular parcels (weighing less than 10 pounds each) in sacks when optional SCF sacks are prepared.

Mailers with questions about mail preparation standards should go to their local Post OfficeTM. Postal Service employees with questions should contact their district manager of business mail entry.

We will incorporate this revision into the printed version of DMM 59 and into the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer® at http://pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

L Labeling Lists

* * * * *

L002 3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix Matrix

L002 lists every 3-digit ZIP Code prefix for mail destined to 3-digit, 3-digit scheme, and sectional center facility (SCF) destinations as follows:

[Revise item a to read as follows:]

a. 3-Digit ZIP Code Prefix: Use this column to find a 3-digit ZIP Code prefix. Those prefixes indicated by an X are unassigned. Those prefixes indicated by an N have been designated as 3-digit ZIP Codes for which the preparation of a 3-digit sack is optional, and for which the preparation of the optional 3-digit pallet is prohibited.

* * * * *

M Mail Preparation and Sortation

* * * * *

M900 Advanced Preparation Options for Flats

* * * * *

M920 Merged Containerization of Packages Using the City State Product

1.0 PERIODICALS

* * * * *

1.5 Pallet Preparation and Labeling

* * * * *

[Delete in 1.5h "Effective April 30, 2003, not permitted" and revise sentence to read as follows:]

h. 3-Digit. Optional. Option not available for 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes marked "N" in L002.***

* * * * *

2.0 STANDARD MAIL

* * * * *

2.5 Pallet Preparation and Labeling

* * * * *

[Delete in 2.5g "Effective April 30, 2003, not permitted" and revise sentence to read as follows:]

g. 3-Digit. Optional. Option not available for 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes marked "N" in L002.***

* * * * *

M930 Merged Palletization of Packages Using a 5% Threshold

1.0 PERIODICALS

1.1 Basic Standards

[Delete "effective April 30, 2003" at the end of the first sentence and revise to read as follows:]

Five-digit scheme packages (under L007) must be prepared under M930. Five-digit scheme packages may not be copalletized on merged pallets with carrier route packages. Five-digit packages from an automation rate mailing and 5-digit packages from a Presorted rate mailing (including pieces copackaged under M950) may be placed on the same pallet as carrier route packages under the following conditions:

* * * * *

1.5 Pallet Preparation and Labeling

* * * * *

[Delete in 1.5h "Effective April 30, 2003, not permitted" and revise sentence to read as follows:]

h. 3-Digit. Optional. Option not available for 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes marked "N" in L002.***

* * * * *

2.0 STANDARD MAIL

2.1 Basic Standards

[Delete "effective April 30, 2003" at the end of the first sentence and revise to read as follows:]

Five-digit scheme packages (under L007) must be prepared under M930. Five-digit scheme packages may not be copalletized on merged pallets with carrier route packages. Five-digit packages from an automation rate mailing and 5-digit packages from a Presorted rate mailing (including pieces copackaged under M950) may be placed on the same pallet as carrier route packages under the following conditions:

* * * * *

2.4 Pallet Preparation and Labeling

* * * * *

[Delete in 2.4g "Effective April 30, 2003, not permitted" and revise sentence to read as follows:]

g. 3-Digit. Optional. Option not available for 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes marked "N" in L002.***

* * * * *

M940 Merged Palletization of Packages Using the City State Product and 5% Threshold

1.0 PERIODICALS

1.1 Basic Standards

[Delete "effective April 30, 2003" in the first sentence and revise to read as follows:]

Five-digit scheme packages (under L007) must be prepared under M940 Five-digit scheme packages may not be copalletized on merged pallets with carrier route packages. Five-digit packages from an automation rate mailing and 5-digit packages from a Presorted rate mailing (including pieces copackaged under M950) may be placed on the same pallet as carrier route packages under the following conditions:

* * * * *

1.5 Pallet Preparation and Labeling

* * * * *

[Delete in 1.5h "Effective April 30, 2003, not permitted" and revise sentence to read as follows:]

h. 3-Digit. Optional. Option not available for 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes marked "N" in L002.***

* * * * *

2.0 STANDARD MAIL

2.1 Basic Standards

[Delete "effective April 30, 2003" in the first sentence and revise to read as follows:]

Five-digit scheme packages (under L007) must be prepared under M940. Five-digit scheme packages may not be copalletized on merged pallets with carrier route packages. Five-digit packages from an automation rate mailing and 5-digit packages from a Presorted rate mailing (including pieces copackaged under M950) may be placed on the same pallet as carrier route packages under the following conditions:

* * * * *

2.4 Pallet Preparation and Labeling

* * * * *

[Delete in 2.4g "Effective April 30, 2003, not permitted" and revise sentence to read as follows:]

g. 3-Digit. Optional. Option not available for 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes marked "N" in L002.***

* * * * *

M950 Co-packaging Automation Rate and Presorted Rate Pieces

1.0 FIRST-CLASS MAIL

* * * * *

1.2 Package Preparation

[Revise 1.2 to read as follows:]

Preparation sequence, package size, and labeling:

a. 5-digit (required); 10-piece minimum; red Label 5 or optional endorsement line (OEL).

b. 3-digit (required); 10-piece minimum; green Label 3 or OEL.

c. ADC (required); 10-piece minimum; pink Label A or OEL.

d. Mixed ADC (required); no minimum; tan Label X or OEL.

2.0 PERIODICALS

* * * * *

2.2 Package Preparation

[Revise 2.2 to read as follows:]

Preparation sequence, package size, and labeling:

a. Firm (optional for Presorted rate pieces only under M210.1.4); two-piece minimum; blue Label F or optional endorsement line (OEL).

b. 5-digit scheme (optional under M920; required under M930 and M940); six-piece minimum (fewer permitted under 2.3); OEL required.

c. 5-digit (required); six-piece minimum (fewer permitted under 2.3); red Label 5 or OEL.

d. 3-digit (required); six-piece minimum (fewer permitted under 2.3); green Label 3 or OEL.

e. ADC (required); six-piece minimum; pink Label A or OEL.

f. Mixed ADC (required); no minimum; tan Label X or OEL.

* * * * *

3.0 STANDARD MAIL

* * * * *

3.2 Package Preparation

[Revise 3.2 to read as follows:]

Preparation sequence, package size, and labeling:

a. 5-digit scheme (optional under M920; required under M930 and M940); 10-piece minimum under M920, required at 17 pieces (optional from 10 to 16 pieces) under M930 and M940 (use of a consistent minimum from 10 to 17 pieces required for 5-digit scheme and 5-digit packages within a mailing job); optional endorsement line (OEL) required.

b. 5-digit:

(1) Pieces not more than 3/4 inch thick: required with 17 pieces, optional with 10 pieces (use of a consistent minimum is required for a mailing job); red label 5 or OEL.

(2) Pieces greater than 3/4 inch thick: required (10-piece minimum); red label 5 or OEL.

c. 3-digit (required); 10-piece minimum; green Label 3 or OEL.

d. ADC (required); 10-piece minimum; pink Label A or OEL.

e. Mixed ADC (required); no minimum; tan Label X or OEL.

* * * * *

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 5-27-04

DMM REVISION

Labeling List Changes

Effective May 27, 2004, Domestic Mail Manual (DMMTM) L001, L007, and L606 are revised to reflect changes in mail processing operations. Mailers are encouraged to label according to these revised lists immediately, but must comply with these changes no later than August 8, 2004.

We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version of DMM Issue 59 and into the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer® at http://pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

Labeling Lists

L000 General Use

L001 5-Digit Scheme-Periodicals Flats and Irregular Parcels, Standard Mail Flats, and BPM Flats

* * * * *

* * * * *

L007 5-Digit Scheme-Periodicals, Standard Mail, and BPM Flats in Packages

* * * * *

* * * * *

L600 Standard Mail and Package Services

* * * * *

L606 5-Digit Scheme-Standard Mail and Package Services Parcels

* * * * *

- Logistics,
Network Operations Management, 5-27-04

PROCESSING FACILITIES USING DETROIT AIRPORT

Air Transportation Surcharge for Live Animals Transported From Detroit Airport

Effective immediately, the surcharge for live animals (including day-old poultry) transported by air from Detroit (DTW) Airport to a destination city in Zones 4-8 is now $1.00 per pound (or fraction thereof). This surcharge is in addition to the normal postage that retail associates collect.

If your processing facility uses the DTW Airport for air transportation of live animals (including day-old poultry), assign the "L" alpha code mail class designator in the Distribution and Routing (D & R) tag. Follow this procedure for all mail classes transported from DTW.

- Commercial Air Operations,
Network Operations Management, 5-27-04

Employees

ELM REVISION

Pyramiding of Premiums

Effective immediately, the availability of Sunday premium pay will increase in certain situations. The Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM) revisions noted in this article concerning Exhibit 434.8, Pyramiding of Premiums, rescind the revisions announced in Postal Bulletin 22023 (5-4-00, page 65).

The Treasury and General Appropriations Acts of 1998 and 1999 (P.L. 105-61, 105-277) contained language that forbade federal agencies that received appropriated funds from paying Sunday premium except for hours actually worked. The Postal ServiceTM originally believed that it was covered under this statutory limitation, and the May 2000 ELM changes were implemented to reflect this interpretation. However, further legal investigation has determined that the Postal Service is not covered under this statutory restriction. The ELM revisions published below, therefore, represent re-implementation of the substantive provisions found in ELM 15, in place before the May 2000 ELM change. For further information, please refer to Postal Bulletin 22126 (4-15-04, pages 87-89), which revised ELM 434.3 to allow payment of Sunday premium when an eligible employee is in continuation of pay (COP) status, or is on military or court leave.

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed version of the ELM and also into the online version, available on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site; go to http://blue.usps.gov; click on More References, then Manuals. It is also available on the Internet; go to www.usps.com; click on About USPS & News, then Forms & Publications, then Postal Periodicals and Publications, and then Manuals.

Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM)

* * * * *

4 Pay Administration

* * * * *

430 Basic and Special Pay Provisions

* * * * *

434 Overtime and Premium Pay

* * * * *

434.8 Pyramiding of Premiums

See Exhibit 434.8 for a decision table for situations when an employee may be eligible for more than one type of premium pay for the same hour of work.

[Replace Exhibit 434.8 with the following:]

Exhibit 434.8

Pyramiding of Premiums

* * * * *

- Compensation,
Employee Resource Management, 5-27-04

Have You Heard About the Submit a Lead Program?

It's been almost a year since we introduced the Submit a Lead program on August 7, 2003, in Postal Bulletin 22108 (front cover and pages 9-15).

The Submit a Lead program is available via the Intranet, the Internet, and hardcopy form. It allows anyone in the Postal ServiceTM - postmasters, managers, letter carriers, sales associates, clerks, mail handlers, support staff - to submit a lead for a business customer who does not use the mail, or who could be using more of our mailing services. For the past 9 months, the program has really helped to generate leads for the sales force. And, since many of our best leads originate from Postal Service employees, we want to keep talking about it and encouraging our employees to look for new revenue opportunities for USPS®! Who else touches more customers on a daily basis than employees of the Postal Service?

To date, we have received over 700 leads, submitted by 500 employees, totaling more than $27,000,000 in lead potential. We greatly appreciate all of the effort to help USPS obtain new business, but we think we can even do better. The Pacific Area has consistently been first with the most employees submitting leads. We challenge other areas to take the lead!

When using the Submit a Lead form, please provide the following information:

• Name, address, and contact information of company.

• Your name and contact information.

• How you wish to be notified of the outcome of the lead.

• The potential Postal Service product(s) and service(s) the company could use.

• Competitor usage information, if you know it.

• Any background information pertinent to the lead

To access the Submit a Lead form:

• Via the Intranet, go to http://blue.usps.gov; under "Executive Organizations," located on the bottom left menu board, click on Marketing, then Customer Companion, then Submit a Lead. The direct URL is http://mcd.tteam.com/referral/salesref.htm.

• Via the Internet, type in the direct URL address listed above.

If you submit the form electronically, select the area office where you are located so the lead will be routed to the appropriate area representative. The contact information of the appropriate area representative appears automatically in the online form. (You can also download and print a copy of the form from the Intranet or Internet.)

If you are unable to access the form via the Intranet or Internet, you can request a hardcopy version from your postmaster, supervisor, or manager, at any Post OfficeTM facility, district, or plant.

If you submit a hard copy of the form, mail it or fax it to your area representative.

Following is the contact information for area representatives.

The area representative will then route the information to a sales professional, who will qualify the lead and record the appropriate data.

We will inform you of any action taken on any leads you submit, including any sales made. Our commitment is to quickly contact every new opportunity submitted to us and to provide you with information on whether the lead generated any new USPS business. We are counting on all of you to "Submit a Lead" to help generate new revenue for our organization!

- Sales Support Integration,
Sales, 5-27-04

NEW POSTER

Poster 85, Heat Illness Signs and Symptoms

In 2003 the Postal ServiceTM reported 118 incidents of extreme heat exposure. Poster 85, Heat Illness Signs and Symptoms (see page 23), encourages all Postal Service employees to take a few minutes to recognize the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and directs how to respond to these signs. It's important to treat both conditions before they become serious: left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke or death, and heat stroke is a medical emergency.

You can order Poster 85 from the Material Distribution Center (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 placing your first order.)

Use the following information to order Poster 85:

PSIN: POS 85
PSN: 7690-07-000-0667
Unit of Measure: EA
Minimum Order Quantity: 1
Quick Pick Number: N/A
Bulk Pack Quantity: 500
Price: $0.1477

- Safety Performance Management,
Employee Resource Management, 5-27-04

[D-Link]

[D-Link]

[D-Link]

Finance

NOTICE

PS Form 8232, Payment for Personal Services Contracts - Replaces PS Form 8232-X

Effective June 1, 2004, PS Form 8232, Payment for Personal Services Contracts, replaces test form PS Form 8232-X. PS Form 8232 is used primarily by district Human Resources personnel for payment of personal services contracts. Note: Do not use PS Form 8232 to pay local contract cleaning services.

The instructions of PS Form 8232-X stated to fax the form to 608-741-4969 by close of business Friday of week 2 of each pay period. This fax number will be canceled on June 1, 2004. The instructions of PS Form 8232 require you to mail the form by close of business Friday of week 2 of each pay period to the USPS Scanning and Imaging Center at the following address:

USPS SCANNING AND IMAGING CENTER
PO BOX 9000
SIOUX FALLS SD 57117-9000

PS Form 8232 is available only through FormFlow. Go to the Postal Service Intranet at http://blue.usps.gov; click on Forms.

- National Accounting,
Finance, 5-27-04

International Mail

REMINDER

Compliance Date for New Customs Forms - June 5, 2004

Please note that mailers must use the January 2004 editions of the following three customs forms starting on June 5, 2004:

• 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.

As of June 5, 2004, all previous editions of these forms are obsolete and unacceptable.

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 5-27-04

Philately

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 04-17

The Art of Disney: Friendship Stamps

The Postal ServiceTM will issue 37-cent, The Art of Disney: Friendship commemorative stamps, in four designs on June 23, 2004, in Anaheim, California. The stamps, illustrated by Peter Emmerich, of New York, New York, go on sale nationwide June 24, 2004.

With the issuance of these stamps, the Postal Service honors the "art" of friendship as portrayed by Walt Disney and his studio animators. Postal Service art director Terrence McCaffrey joined with a Disney team to represent on the stamps four distinct types of friendship:

• Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck are the perfect fun-loving group.

• Bambi and Thumper represent childhood best friends.

• Mufasa and Simba show the powerful bond between parent and child.

• Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket exemplify a mentoring relationship.

The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps will be issued in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 (Item 566700), a booklet of 20 stamped cards (Item 885100), and stamped stationery (pad of 12 sheets) (Item 566794).

How to Order 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:

DISNEY FRIENDSHIP STAMPS
POSTMASTER
701 N LOARA ST
ANAHEIM CA 92803-9998

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 July 22, 2004.

How to Order 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

Philatelic Products

There are five philatelic products available for The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps:

• Stamped Stationery $14.95 (Item 566794).

• Cancellation Keepsake $10.40 (Item 566793).

• Stamped Postal Card $9.75 (Item 885100).

• Metallic Print (18 x 10) $14.95 (Item 566782).

• Print set of 4 (8 1/2 x 11) $14.95 (Item 566788).

These philatelic products will be available while supplies last at postal stores, online at www.usps.com, and by telephone at 800-STAMP-24.

Distribution: Item 566700, 37-cent The Art of Disney: Friendship Commemorative Stamps

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive two and one-half times 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 of a full standard automatic distribution quantity using PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute stamps to Post Offices before June 17, 2004.

Philatelic Requirement

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

Post Offices requiring additional Item 566700 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 New York APD will receive 4,000,000 additional stamps; Chicago, Memphis, and San Francisco APDs will receive 3,000,000 additional stamps; and the Denver APD will receive 1,400,000 additional stamps. For fulfilling supplemental orders from APDs, the Kansas City SSC will receive 26,000,000 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, 5-27-04

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 04-18

American Toleware Definitive Stamp

The Postal ServiceTM will issue a 5-cent, American Toleware (Item 100500) definitive stamp in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 on June 25, 2004, in Santa Clara, California. The stamp, designed by Derry Noyes of Washington, DC, and illustrated by Lou Nolan of McLean, Virginia, goes on sale nationwide June 26, 2004.

The American Toleware stamp was previously issued on May 31, 2002, in a water-activated gum (WAG) coil of 10,000 (Item 778100).

How to Order 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:

AMERICAN TOLEWARE DEFINITIVE STAMP
POSTMASTER
1200 FRANKLIN MALL
SANTA CLARA CA 95050-9998

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 July 24, 2004.

How to Order 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

Each cover must have sufficient postage to meet current First-Class Mail® postage. First day covers remain on sale for at leat 1 year after the stamp's issuance.

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products for this stamp issue.

Distribution: Item 100500, 5-cent American Toleware, Definitive Stamp

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive an automatic distribution of Item 100500, 5-cent American Toleware, PSA pane of 20 stamps. Master carton size is 40,000 stamps.

Initial Supply to Post Offices

SDOs will not make a subsequent automatic distribution to Post Offices. To obtain an initial supply of this 5-cent definitive stamp, all Post Offices must immediately submit a separate PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return, to their designated SDO. SDOs must not distribute these stamps to Post Offices before June 17, 2004.

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 Item 100500 must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional stamps must order them from the appropriate accountable paper depository (APD) using PS Form 17.

For fulfilling supplemental orders from SDOs, the San Francisco, Chicago, Memphis, and New York APDs will each receive 3,840,000 additional stamps; and the Denver APD will receive 1,920,000 additional stamps.

For fulfilling supplemental orders from APDs, the Kansas City Stamp Services Center will receive 23,040,000 additional stamps.

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 5-27-04