Philately (Continued)

Additional Supply

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

For fulfilling supplemental orders from SDOs, the Chicago, Memphis and New York APDs will each receive 1,000,000 additional booklets; the San Francisco APD will receive 800,000 additional booklets; and the Denver APD will receive 400,000 additional booklets.

Distribution: Items 673300 and 673311, Holiday Ornaments, PSA Folded Vending Book of 20 (For Vending Use Only)

SDOs will receive automatic distributions of the Holiday Ornaments folded vending books of 20, both straight packaging (Item 673300) and crisscross packaging (Item 673311). Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (4,500 books for straight; 3,000 books for crisscross).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

SDOs will not make a subsequent automatic distribution to Post Offices. Only Post Offices equipped with the appropriate self-service vending machines may order Items 673300 and 673311 from their designated SDO using a separate PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute stamps to Post Offices before November 10, 2004.

Additional Supply

Authorized Post Offices requiring additional books for restocking of the appropriate self-service vending machines must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional books must order them from the appropriate APD using PS Form 17.

For fulfilling supplemental orders from SDOs, APDs will receive additional quantities of the vendible straight books (Item 673300) and crisscross books (Item 673311).

Distribution: Item 566900, Holiday Ornaments, PSA ATM Sheetlet of 18 (For Automated Postal Center Use Only)

SDOs will receive automatic distributions of the Holiday Ornaments ATM sheetlets of 18. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (12,000 sheetlets).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

SDOs will not make a subsequent automatic distribution to Post Offices. Only Post Offices equipped with automated postal centers (APCs) may order Item 566900 from their designated SDO using a separate PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute stamps to Post Offices before November 10, 2004.

Additional Supply

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

For fulfilling supplemental orders from SDOs, APDs will receive additional quantities of the ATM sheetlets of 18 (Item 566900).

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 10-14-04

2004 Commemorative Stamp Yearbook

The 2004 Commemorative Stamp Yearbook, Item 990400, soon will be available for sale as follows:

• At Post OfficesTM

• At postal retail stores

• At philatelic centers

• By mail

• By telephone

• By Internet order from Stamp Fulfillment Services

To obtain an initial supply of the 2004 Commemorative Stamp Yearbook, Post Offices must immediately order Item 990400 from their designated stamp distribution office (SDO) using a separate PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute the 2004 yearbook to Post Offices before November 10, 2004. All locations may place the 2004 Commemorative Stamp Yearbook on sale November 17, 2004, or as soon thereafter as initial quantities are received.

This item is a 64-page hardbound book that includes 83 commemorative stamps, with mounts, and sells for $49.95.Report all sales of Item 990400, 2004 Commemorative Stamp Yearbook, in AIC 092, Philatelic Product Sales.

The beautifully illustrated book contains colorful pictures and text on the following:

• Theodor Seuss Geisel

• Paul Robeson

• The Art of Disney: Friendship

• Lewis and Clark

• National World War II Memorial

• Olympic Games Athens Greece

• Art of the American Indian

• John Wayne

• Cloudscapes

• 20 other subjects celebrated on 2004
commemorative stamps

The 83 commemorative stamps have a combined postage value of $30.94. The yearbooks and stamp packets are being shipped to SDOs separately from different suppliers. The printing contractor for the yearbook has already completed its shipments to SDOs. Shipments are in master cartons of 15 books.

Minnesota Diversified Industries will ship the stamp packets to SDOs. Distributions are scheduled to begin October 25 and will be completed October 29, 2004. SDOs must verify the quantities of stamp packets received as recorded on the "Advice of Shipment."

The stamp packets will be banded in bundles of 15 and shipped to SDOs in master cartons of 150 packets. Partial cartons will be used for shipments not in multiples of 150.

For the fifth year, in partnership with HarperCollins Publishers, this book and the 31st edition of The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps will be available in bookstores and retail outlets where books are purchased.

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 10-14-04

CORRECTION

Atlas Presorted Stamp

In the article "Stamp Announcement 04-29, Atlas Pre- sorted Stamp," in Postal Bulletin 22135 (8-19-04, pages 86-87), the information about the Atlas stamp format incorrectly states a coil of 10,000 stamps.

The number of stamps in the coil is 3,000.

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 10-14-04

UPDATED ANNOUNCEMENT 04-F

2004 Stamps and Postal Stationery

"2004 Stamps and Postal Stationery" (Announcement 04-F, October 2004), which appears on page 2, is intended to replace the quarterly announcement of the same name, previously printed and sent to customers on request through Stamp Fulfillment Services in Kansas City. The announcement is a listing of stamps and postal stationery items scheduled for issuance during calendar year 2004. Post OfficesTM may wish to post this schedule on their bulletin boards.

Customers may also access the Postal Bulletin through the Postal ServiceTM Web site at www.usps.com; click on About USPS & News, then Forms & Publications, then Postal Bulletin.

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

How to Order First Day of Issue Cancellations and Covers

Customers may purchase new stamps or postal stationery items at their Post Office, from the USA Philatelic catalog, by calling 800-STAMP-24, or online at www.usps.com by clicking on Buy Stamps & Shop. Then they should prepare their own covers by affixing new stamps to the upper- right corner of envelopes or postcards of their choice, and address those envelopes, postcards, or postal stationery items to themselves or others. (Postage must equal the current First-Class Mail® rate.) For sturdiness, include a card of postcard thickness in each cover (envelopes only) submitted, and tuck in the flap. Place the cover in a larger envelope addressed to:

NAME OF ISSUE
POSTMASTER
CITY STATE ZIP CODE (followed by -9991).

Covers submitted for first day of issue cancellations may include additional uncancelled stamps only if the uncancelled stamps were issued before the first day of issue of the new stamps or postal stationery items. All orders must be postmarked on or before the deadline indicated in the "2004 Stamps and Postal Stationery" announcement that follows.

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

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 10-14-04

Pictorial Cancellations Announcement

As a community service, the Postal ServiceTM offers pictorial cancellations to commemorate local events celebrated in communities throughout the nation. A list of events for which pictorial cancellations are authorized appears below. If available, the sponsor of the pictorial cancellation appears in italics under the date. Also provided, as space permits, are illustrations of those cancellations that were reproducible and available at press time.

People attending these local events may obtain the cancellation in person at the temporary Post OfficeTM station established there. Those who cannot attend the event, but who wish to obtain the cancellation, may submit a mail order request. Pictorial cancellations are available only for the dates indicated, and requests must be postmarked no later than 30 days following the requested pictorial cancellation date.

All requests must include a stamped envelope or postcard bearing at least the minimum First-Class Mail® postage. Items submitted for cancellation may not include postage issued after the date of the requested cancellation. Such items will be returned unserviced.

Customers wishing to obtain a cancellation should affix stamps to any envelope or postcard of their choice, address the envelope or postcard to themselves or others,insert a card of postcard thickness in envelopes for sturdiness, and tuck in the flap. Place the envelope or postcard in a larger envelope and address it to: PICTORIAL CANCELLATIONS, followed by the NAME OF THE STATION,ADDRESS, CITY, STATE, ZIP+4® CODE, exactly as listed below (using all capitals and no punctuation, except the hyphen in the ZIP+4 code).

Customers can also send stamped envelopes and postcards without addresses for cancellation, as long as they supply a larger envelope with adequate postage and their return address. After applying the pictorial cancellation, the Postal Service returns the items (with or without addresses) under addressed protective cover.

- Stamp Services, Government Relations, 10-14-04

Post Offices

America Recycles 2004

On November 15, 2004, the Postal ServiceTM is joining thousands of other companies across the country in celebrating the eighth annual America Recycles Day, a day set aside to build consumer demand for recycled products and educate Americans about the environmental and economic benefits of recycling and buying recycled-content products. Through this event, the Postal Service, along with other responsible organizations, is hoping to raise consumer awareness on all aspects of recycling, from collection, to processing, to completing the loop through the purchase of products and packaging made from recycled content.

This year the America Recycles Day campaign has changed its name to America Recycles 2004 to emphasize recycling on a year-round basis. The group plans to change the campaign name by year designation annually. The theme for the 2004 campaign is "It All Comes Back To You." There are multiple meanings to the new theme:

• Recycled materials return to you as new products.

• Recycling comes back to you as a better environment, preservation of natural resources, and an improved economy.

• It is everyone's responsibility to recycle. It all comes back to you.

Once again, a grand prize will be awarded by America Recycles 2004 as part of its eighth annual campaign to encourage Americans to recycle and buy recycled. This year's grand prize is the Ford Motor Company's Escape Hybrid, the industry's first full gasoline-electric hybrid SUV. Five recycled aluminum-content Trek Model 4300 24-speed bicycles will also be awarded as youth prizes. The prizes will be awarded in mid-December during a national random drawing from entries submitted by individuals who voluntarily pledge to recycle and buy recycled products.^*

The Postal Service has supported the America Recycles campaign since its inception in 1997 and continuously works to raise consumer awareness of all aspects of recycling. The Postal Service is one of the nation's leading recyclers with more than 20,000 recycling locations, and by purchasing millions of dollars worth of products each year that contain recycled material. All postmasters and Postal Service employees are encouraged to participate in the America Recycles 2004 campaign to promote recycling at their facility and in their community - not only on November 15, but year round. Recycling is not only the right thing to do, it is also good for business.

Please visit the America Recycles 2004 Web site at www.americarecyclesday.org for more information about this year's campaign and recycling events in your community, and to enter the grand prize drawing by signing an online pledge to recycle. See page 15 for an America Recycles 2004 poster to put in your Post OfficeTM window or lobby or to post on your facility's bulletin board.

Reasons to Recycle

There are many reasons why you should get involved in recycling at your facility and in your community. As this year's theme, "It All Comes Back To You", implies, each individual has a responsibility in the recycling process. Here are five reasons why it is important to recycle, which you can share with your coworkers, family, and friends:

• Making products from recycled materials instead of new materials conserves our natural resources, such as land and forests.

• It usually takes less energy to make recycled products than products made from new resources.

• Recycling materials into new products diverts those materials from disposal and saves landfill space.

• Making products from recycled materials usually creates less air and water pollution than making products from new resources.

• The recycling process creates more new jobs than landfills or incinerators, and can be less costly.

Ways to Celebrate America Recycles Day 2004

• Print the America Recycles 2004 entry form/pledge card for employees to fill out.

• Print posters or flyers to promote the America Recycles 2004 campaign.

• Promote the America Recycles 2004 contest to win a Ford Escape Hybrid or Trek road bikes.

• Buy recycled-content products at and on the job to create a greater demand for the products.

• Run a public service announcement on radio or television highlighting your local recycling program or event.

• Enhance your recycling program, or start one if none exists. Team up with your community's recycling program.

• Collect and clean out old files and recycle them. Recycle file folders by re-using them.

• If your facility does not have a recycle bin, request one, or take your recyclables to a local recycling center.

• Make a collection point for office paper to be recycled.

• Partner with local recycling centers and companies in the community for collection.

• Send a letter to local media outlets to encourage them to highlight the importance of recycling.

• Have a contest to promote recycling among employees.

• Sponsor an essay or poster contest in the local schools. Invite schools to tour your facilities to see the recycling efforts.

• Set up a display in your Post Office lobby with a recycling bin to advertise your America Recycles 2004 campaign events.

• Find ways to promote the Postal Service's commitment to recycling and accomplishments in preserving and protecting the environment.

• Make a file and collect America Recycles campaign information for next year.

- Environmental Management Policy,
Engineering, 10-14-04

MOVER'S GUIDE NEWS

Spanish-Language Edition of Mover's Guide (Publication 75-S, La Mudanza) - October-December Version Now Available

The October-December edition of Publication 75-S, La Mudanza (the Spanish edition of Publication 75, Mover's Guide) is now available. Please display La Mudanza next to the English edition of Mover's Guide.

You may order a 3-month supply of the October- December 2004 edition of La Mudanza 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.)

Discard/recycle all copies of expired stock once you receive the October 2004 edition. Please order only enough copies to last from October through December. This version is valid for only 3 months. At the end of December, order new La Mudanzas for January 2005.

Use the following information to order Publication 75-S from the MDC:

PSIN: PUB 75-S
PSN: 7610-03-000-4096
Unit of Measure: EA
Minimum Order Quantity: 125
Bulk Pack Quantity: 125
Quick Pick Number: N/A
Price: No cost

- Address Management,
Intelligent Mail and Address Quality, 10-14-04

Retail

ALL IRT AND DEBIT/CREDIT CARD OFFICES

Setting Clocks for Standard Time

Managers must ensure that before opening for business on Monday, November 1, 2004, the clocks in all integrated retail terminals (IRTs) and debit/credit card terminals under their control are set back (in most locations) 1 hour to reflect the change to Standard Time. Facilities with Saturday night operations should reset the time as soon as possible after the 2 A.M. start time, Sunday, October 31, 2004.

The correct system time in IRTs is critical since their internal clocks are used to verify Express Mail® and Global Express GuaranteedTM acceptance times and service commitments. The IRT system time is also printed on customer receipts and employee reports. It is very important that the debit/credit card terminal clocks be set to the correct day, date, and time as this will help reduce the possibility of accepting an expired debit/credit card.

Integrated Retail Terminals (IRTs)

On the UNISYS III Supervisor Disk, select menu item 11, Set System Date and Time, from the Control menu, and perform the following steps:

1. Observe that the date appears.

2. Press the ENTER key to accept the current date. The time appears.

3. Press the CE key to clear the time.

4. Enter correct Standard Time in military format (examples: 8 A.M. = 0800, 1:30 P.M. = 1330).

5. Press the ENTER key to save the corrected time. The Control menu appears.

6. Observe that the corrected time is displayed in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.

Debit/Credit Card Terminals

For debit/credit card terminals, follow these steps:

You must make an entry for each selection, even if the display is correct.

Note: The date and time of Tranz 380s located in Europe should be set to Eastern (New York) time. The date and time of Tranz 380s located in the Pacific should be set to Pacific (San Francisco) time.

Displaying the Clock and Calendar

To verify the existing date and time of the clock in the terminal, follow these steps:

Retail Consolidation Unit (RCU)

The time for the RCU/CONA will be updated automatically by the Raleigh Distributed Systems Service Center, Operations and Support Services. However, all RCU operators should validate the correct time and date when they log on to the RCU on Monday, November 1, 2004, and notify Raleigh if the time and date are incorrect.

Mobile Data Collection Devices (MDCDs)

The Delivery ConfirmationTM handheld scanners will automatically change to Standard Time. No manual changes are necessary.

IBM and NCR POS ONE Terminals

The IBM and NCR POS ONE terminals will automatically change to Standard Time. No manual changes are necessary.

- Customer Service Systems Support,
Delivery and Retail, 10-14-04

PASSPORT APPLICATION REVISIONS

Search Fee Increase Has Been Delayed, and Issuance of a Passport to a Minor Will Require Notarization

The article titled "Passport Application Revisions: Search Fee Will Increase, and Issuance of a Passport to a Minor Will Require Notarization" in Postal Bulletin 22138 (9-30-04, page 115) stated that the Department of State would increase the file search fee (to verify an applicant's U.S. citizenship) from $45 to $60. However, the Department of State has delayed that proposed increase. Retail personnel must disregard any previous announcements that the file search fee has been increased effective that date. Until further notice, the file search fee remains $45. This fee is noted on Form DS-11, Application for a U.S. Passport or Registration.

The other passport revision noted in that Postal Bulletin article remains valid. Effective November 1, 2004, the Department of State will require that Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent: Issuance of a Passport to a Minor Under Age 14, or other paper with the same information that an applicant submits, must be notarized. The purpose of this change is to prevent forgery and ensure that the person signing the statement has been properly identified. This change will further reduce the possibility of a U.S. passport being used in any effort to interfere with the custodial rights of non-applying parents (i.e., the parent or guardian who is not present at the time the applying parent or guardian submits the child's application).

Note: The notarization requirement for Form DS-3053 will become effective before the Department of State will distribute copies of the revised Form DS-3053, which it expects to do as soon as possible after January 1, 2005. In the meantime, to get an up-to-date Form DS-3053 starting on November 1, 2004, customers may go online to the U.S. Department of State Web site at www.travel.state.gov; click on Passports, and under "Applications and Forms," click on the desired form. Passport acceptance personnel should have this information available for verification (with customers) until the Department of State reprints the official form. However, passport acceptance personnel must not post this information in retail lobbies but must post it only on employee bulletin boards. Please see page 2 in this Postal Bulletin for a poster that is available for posting on employee bulletin boards.

- In-Store Programs,
Service and Market Development, 10-14-04

ALL POST OFFICES WITH RURAL DELIVERY SERVICE

Rural Carrier Guarantee Period

Postal ServiceTM managers must effectively manage rural carriers who work under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) section 7(b)(2). These carriers are paid overtime for all hours actually worked in excess of 2,080, up to 2,240, within the 52-consecutive-week guarantee period.

If a carrier works more than 2,240 hours within the guarantee period, the agreement under FLSA, section 7(b)(2), is considered void, and the carrier must be compensated for all hours worked during the guarantee period in accordance with FLSA, section 7(a).

It is important that we make every effort to minimize the number of hours carriers work over 2,080 and strictly monitor these carriers to ensure that no carrier works in excess of 2,240 actual work hours.

Last year's guarantee period was from Saturday, November 1, 2003, through Friday, October 29, 2004. The guarantee period for this year runs from Saturday, October 30, 2004, through Friday, October 28, 2005.

- Delivery Support,
Delivery and Retail, 10-14-04

CLARIFICATION

Address Change Service Fees

Postage due clerks, postmasters, supervisors, and carriers are reminded that all customers receiving hardcopy address corrections are to be charged $0.70 each. Only customers receiving electronic address corrections are charged $0.20 each; these customers are billed by the National Customer Support Center (NCSC) in Memphis. Postal ServiceTM employees must not charge a customer $0.20 for a hardcopy address correction, give customers $0.70 hardcopy corrections for free, or allow a customer to refuse a $0.70 hardcopy address correction.

Also, some mailers send duplicate mailpieces to customers to obtain discounted mailing rates. Therefore, duplicate address corrections are not errors. Customers must be charged $0.70 for all address corrections, including duplicates.

The only instance when a refund for an address correction fee should be approved is when the correction is illegible.

- Customer Service Support,
Delivery and Retail, 10-14-04

Supply Management

2005 Year Type for Hand Stamp and Canceling Machines

The Material Distribution Center (MDC) will automatically deliver the 2005 year type for hand stamp and canceling machines to all Postal ServiceTM facilities that received 2004 year types for hand stamps and canceling machines. On October 12, 2004, the MDC notified each Postal Service facility that received 2004 year types, by postcard.

If your facility needs a different quantity or a different 2005 year type, you can make changes on the preaddressed postcard and drop it in the mail, or you can respond electronically by going to our Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/purchase/operations/ops_nmcs_ .htm; click on 2005 Year Type Changes, enter your FEDSTRIP number, make the necessary changes using the information on the postcard, and then click Exit.

Note: If no changes are needed, do not mail the postcard or make changes electronically. You will be sent the same quantities as last year.

You should contact the MDC at 800-332-0317 by November 12, 2004, if your facility has not received the MDC notification by November 2, 2004, and you need 2005 year type for hand stamp or canceling machines. Please be ready to give the customer service representative the PSIN for the item needed, the quantity you need, and the FEDSTRIP number for the ordering facility.

The MDC will ship the 2005 year type no later than December 15, 2004. Allow 8 to 10 days for delivery. Any orders submitted for year type before October 14, 2004, will be processed for 2004 year type. No orders for 2005 year type will be accepted until after the annual distribution of the 2005 year type has been made.

You can determine the proper year type for canceling machines by checking the model number on the machine nameplate. Use Publication 112, Technical Data for Spare Parts & Supplies, and Publication 247, Supply and Equipment Catalog, Exhibit 15, as a guide for ordering the correct year type and for complete descriptions.

If your facility is a plant maintenance facility that received the 2004 year type, you will automatically receive the 2005 year type for Mark II Facer-Cancellers, 7490-04-000-2005. This year type is also used on the MRC small canceling machine (Model 3601/3602) and the AFCS machine (both lead and trail). Only plant maintenance facilities may order this year type. Plant maintenance facilities are responsible for supplying this year type to all offices they service.

- National Supply Management Programs,
Supply Management, 10-14-04

Shared Energy Savings Contracts - Saving Energy, Saving Money

In fiscal year 2004, the Environmental Management Polices office provided funding to the Utilities Category Management Team at the Office Products and Utilities Category Management Center to buy out a number of Shared Energy Savings contracts.

The Postal ServiceTM, through Shared Energy Savings contracts, finances these types of projects and agrees to pay an energy service company a percentage of the energy cost savings resulting from installed energy retrofit projects (e.g., more energy-efficient lighting). The Postal Service may buy out these contracts at any time. When that happens, the Postal Service pays off the balance of the contract loan, ending the monthly payments and saving future interest costs.

The Utilities Category Management Team worked with Headquarters' Facilities and Finance Office to finish buying out 15 contracts in four areas. As a result, the performance clusters now receive 100 percent of the savings generated by the energy retrofit projects completed in their facilities. We will save over $4 million in fuel and utilities in fiscal year 2005.

- SCM Strategies,
Supply Management, 10-14-04

GOODYEAR 5-DAY TIRE SALE FOR EMPLOYEES

Buy Tires at Goodyear Associate Prices - But for Only 5 Days!

If you are planning to purchase tires soon, here's an opportunity to save money. Twice a year, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company offers its associates discounts on tires sold by its company-owned stores, including Just Tires. These prices are offered for only 5 days and are not extended to the general public.

Goodyear is now extending these special discounts by offering Postal ServiceTM employees and retirees up to 25 percent off the purchase of Goodyear brand auto and light truck tires October 14-18, 2004. Goodyear is also offering special pricing for tire balancing and installation. You can take advantage of these discounts at Goodyear's company-owned stores only (Goodyear Auto Service Centers or Just Tires). There are more than 700 locations in 40 states. To locate a participating store near you, call 888-439-7786.

If you don't have a Goodyear Auto Service Center or Just Tires near you, you can call 877-847-3728, option 1, and have the tires shipped directly to your and installed at a place convenient for you. This isn't a 24-hour telephone line, so you may have to leave your telephone number and a message advising of your interest to purchase tires through the sale. Please use reference code USPS-2. The prices are too good to pass up, and all you need to receive the discount is a Postal Service photo ID or other proof of employment.

You can check out sale information on the Goodyear Employee Deal on the Postal Service intranet at http://blue.usps.gov; under "Employee Deals," click on View More Deals; then click on Goodyear Employee VIP Program.

- SCM Strategies,
Supply Management, 10-14-04

Electrical Switchgear Maintenance and Testing - National Contract Awarded

On June 2, 2004, the Dallas Environmental and Maintenance, Repair, and Operating Supplies Category Management Center (MRO CMC) awarded a national contract to Eaton Electrical, Inc., to provide all electrical switchgear equipment maintenance and testing to the Postal ServiceTM.

The Environmental and MRO CMC is responsible for deploying and managing this mandatory national sourcing strategy. By applying supply chain management practices, process management, and life cycle support principles, the CMC expects this strategy to improve buying practices, reduce total costs, and improve total service values for the Postal Service.

If you have access to the Postal Service Intranet, you must order these services through eBuy, the preferred purchasing method. You can access eBuy on the Postal Service Intranet at http://blue.usps.gov; under "Essential Links," click on eBuy. The direct URL is http://ebuy.usps.gov/eBuyWelcome.jsp. If your Postal Service facility does not have intranet access to eBuy, or if you have any questions relating to this initiative, contact the contracting officer, Robin Pacheco, at 214-819-7112.

Full eBuy catalog activation is tentatively scheduled for January 2005.

The success of this strategy and cost savings for the Postal Service is dependent on the support of you, the customer.

- SCM Strategies,
Supply Management, 10-14-04

Have You Been "Slammed" or "Crammed" Lately?

Many of you know that "slamming" is the illegal practice of changing a consumer's telephone service without permission. However, did you know it can also happen with your electric and/or gas service? This can and has happened to Postal ServiceTM facility accounts as well as private consumers. State Public Utilities Commissions and consumer advocate groups report that slamming is now the largest single consumer complaint they receive. As many as one million consumers (private and corporate accounts) per year are fraudulently transferred to a third-party supplier without express permission.

Slamming occurs when telephone service is changed based on mail sent or telephone contact made to a consumer or Postal Service facility manager who has not authorized the change. Be advised that the law requires either a recorded message of the agreement or a written acknowledgment to confirm the switch. In addition, the supplier must provide a written contract.

Cramming occurs when unauthorized charges are added to your utility bill. With the advent of deregulation in the utilities industry, consumer choice has become "consumer beware." Utility companies make it very easy for consumers to sign up for a large variety of new services that companies now provide for an extra charge. Consumers are now fair game for unauthorized charges to utility bills thanks to this easy access to new services.

The Utilities Category Management Center is responsible for all utility-related contracting and is available to assist you with this problem. If you are a Postal Service facility manager and you receive a telephone call or you receive a letter or card in the mail about switching your electric or gas service provider, please refer the supplier or forward the card or letter to the Office Products and Utilities Category Management Center (OP&U CMC) for validation and do not authorize the change.

OFFICE PRODUCTS AND UTILITIES CATEGORY MANAGEMENT CENTER (OP&U CMC)
8 GRIFFIN RD N
WINDSOR CT 06095-1572

Telephone: 860-285-7004 (Bob Wilczynski) or
860-285-7285 (Judy Viola)
Fax: 860-285-7272

E-mail: CMC.OfficeProductsUtilities@usps.gov

- SCM Strategies,
Supply Management, 10-14-04

USPS Online Real Estate Auction - Dovebid

The Postal Service'sTM Supply Management Investment Recovery Team located in Washington, DC, is partnering with Facilities to auction five parcels of commercial real estate and vacant land located in the following states:

• Arkansas

• Illinois

• Michigan

• Oregon

• Texas

The auction will be held online at www.dovebid.com on November 5, 2004, with bidding beginning at 8:00 A.M. central time and ending at 5:00 P.M. central time. For additional information, contact the DoveBid Chicago office at 847-597-4400.

Please post the auction notification poster (on page 3) in your retail store or Post OfficeTM lobby until the close of business on November 5, 2004.

- National Supply Management Programs,
Supply Management, 10-14-04