Finance

Revenue Unit for Fiscal Year 2004

The revenue unit for Fiscal Year 2004 is $331.16. This is the average revenue for 1,000 pieces of revenue- generating mail and special service transactions. The revenue unit is used in the process of determining the proper cost ascertainment grouping (CAG) for Post OfficesTM.

— Revenue and Field Accounting,
Finance, 2-3-05

REMINDER

International Reply Coupons

All stations, branches, and Post OfficesTM must submit exchanged foreign-issued and U.S.-issued refunded international reply coupons (IRCs) accepted through December 31, 2004, to their servicing stamp distribution office (SDO) or stamp services center (SSC) before February 28, 2005.

Redemption rates are:

• Exchanged Foreign-Issued: 1-1-04 through 12-31-04

• Rate per Item: $0.80

Note: Reply coupons issued by foreign countries before January 1, 1975, are no longer redeemable at U.S. Post Offices.

• U.S.-Issued Refunded (purchase price less 1 cent): 1-1-04 through 12-31-04

• Rate per Item: $1.74

Section 426.9 of Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures, contains specific instructions for stations, branches, and Post Offices for submitting exchanged foreign-issued and U.S.-issued refunded IRCs to their servicing SDO or SSC.

Section 437.34 of Handbook F-1 contains specific instructions for SDOs, and section 447.34 contains specific instructions for SSCs to account for returned IRCs and submission to the accounting service center (ASC).

SDOs and SSCs should mail IRCs to the following address:

EAGAN ASC FINANCE BRANCH
FINANCIAL REPORTING
US POSTAL SERVICE
2825 LONE OAK PKWY
EAGAN MN 55121-9617

Handbook F-1 is accessible online on the Postal ServiceTM PolicyNet Web site:

• Go to http://blue.usps.gov.

• Under "Essential Links" in the left-hand column, click on References.

• Under "References" in the right-hand column, under "Policies," click on PolicyNet.

• Then click on HBKs.

(The direct URL for the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site is http://blue.usps.gov/cpim.)

— Revenue and Field Accounting,
Finance, 2-3-05

Information Technology

REVISED HANDBOOK

Handbook AS-805, Information Security

Effective immediately, Handbook AS-805, Information Security, is revised to include new Chapter 15, Wireless Networking. Chapter 15 establishes the roles, responsibilities, and requirements to appropriately protect wireless solutions implemented for the Postal ServiceTM.

We will incorporate this revision into the online version of Handbook AS-805 available on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site:

• Go to http://blue.usps.gov.

• Under "Essential Links" in the left-hand column, click on References.

• Under "References" in the right-hand column, under "Policies," click on PolicyNet.

• Then click on HBKs.

(The direct URL for the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site is http://blue.usps.gov/cpim.)

— Corporate Information Security Office,
Vice President/Chief Technology Officer, 2-3-05

Philately

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 05-06

Northeast Deciduous Forest Stamps

The Postal ServiceTM will issue a souvenir sheet of the 37-cent Northeast Deciduous Forest stamps in ten designs (Item 459000), on March 3, 2005, in New York, New York. The stamps designed by Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, Maryland, and illustrated by John D. Dawson of Hilo, Hawaii, go on sale nationwide March 4, 2005. This $3.70 souvenir sheet may not be split, and the stamps may not be sold individually.

The Northeast Deciduous Forest stamps are the seventh in an educational series designed to promote appreciation of North America's major plant and animal communities. The previous issuances in the Nature of America series were the Pacific Coral Reef (2004), Arctic Tundra (2003), Longleaf Pine Forest (2002), Great Plains Prairie (2001), Pacific Coast Rain Forest (2000), and Sonoran Desert (1999).

The Northeast region's temperate climate, with four distinct seasons and ample precipitation, supports a complex forest community dominated by maples, oaks, birches, beeches, and other deciduous trees, whose vivid colors give these woodlands a unique beauty in autumn. Evergreens like pines and hemlocks may also be found here, as well as various species of ferns, wildflowers, and plantlike organisms such as mushrooms, algae, and lichens.

All of the species depicted on the stamp pane can be found in deciduous forests of the Northeast. A description of this type of forest community and a numbered key to the

Issue:	Northeast Deciduous Forest
Item Number:	459000
Denomination & Type of Issue:	$3.70 Souvenir Sheet
Format:	Pane of 10 (10 designs)
Series:	Nature of America
Issue Date & City:	March 3, 2005, New York, NY 10199
Illustrator:	John D. Dawson, Hilo, HI
Designer:	Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Art Director:	Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Typographer:	Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, MD
Modeler:	Avery Dennison, SPD
Engraver:	Keating Gravure
Manufacturing Process:	Gravure
Printer:	Avery Dennison (AVR)
Printed at:	AVR, Clinton, SC
Press Type:	Dia Nippon Kiko (DNK)
Stamps per Pane:	10
Print Quantity:	55.6 million stamps
Paper Type:	Nonphosphored, Type III
Adhesive Type:	Pressure sensitive
Processed at:	AVR, Clinton, SC
Colors:	Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, Black, PMS 1805 (Brown), PMS 5635 (Green)
Stamp Orientation:	Horizontal and Vertical
Orientation 1:	Horizontal
Overall Size (w x h):	1.560 x 1.225 in./39.624 x 31.115 mm
Orientation 2:	Vertical
Overall Size (w x h):	1.225 x 1.560 in./31.115 x 39.624 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h):	9.125 x 6.75 in./231.775 x 171.45 mm
Verso:	Illustrative diagram and text on reverse
Plate Size:	80 stamps per revolution
Catalog Item Number(s):	459040 Souvenir Sheet of 10 - $3.70 459062 First Day Cover - $6.20 459064 Canceled Full Pane - $6.20 459084 Press Sheet - $29.60 459093 Full Pane w/FDC - $9.90 459073 An Artist Sketch Book - $25.95

artwork appear on the back of the pane, along with a corresponding list of common and scientific names for 27 selected species.

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:

NORTHEAST DECIDUOUS FOREST STAMPS
SPECIAL EVENTS UNIT
421 8TH AVE RM 2029B
NEW YORK NY 10199-9998

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 April 2, 2004.

Stamp Fulfillment Services also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by telephoning 800-STAMP-24 or writing to:

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

First day covers remain on sale for at least 1 year after the stamp's issuance.

Philatelic Products

There is one philatelic product for the Northeast Deciduous Forest stamps:

The Artist's Sketchbook - $24.95. This 24-page sketchbook complements the Northeast Deciduous Forest stamps, showing the remarkable transformation of sketches into stamp art, and finally into the larger portrait of the forest realm depicted in the stamp pane (Item 459073).

Sketches are in fine detail, along with Dawson's personal observations and comments. The Artist's Sketchbook contains facts of interest to nature and art lovers of all ages. It includes a full sheet of Northeast Deciduous Forest stamps, which can be kept in the glue pocket provided at the back, or each stamp can be affixed to its corresponding page.

This philatelic product will be available primarily through the USA Philatelic catalog, online through the Postal Store at www.usps.com/shop, and by calling 800-STAMP-24. It will also be distributed in selected areas for postal retail stores.

Distribution: Item 459000, $3.70 Nature of America, Northeast Deciduous Forest, PSA Souvenir Sheet of Ten

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive approximately one-half of their standard automatic distribution quantities for a PSA sheet stamp. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (2,000 souvenir sheets/20,000 stamps).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

SDOs will make a subsequent automatic distribution to Post Offices for one-half of their standard automatic distribution quantities using PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute this souvenir sheet to Post Offices before February 25, 2005.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs will not receive a separate quantity of this souvenir sheet for their authorized philatelic centers. Philatelic centers must be supplied their quantities from the initial automatic distribution made to stamp distribution offices.

Additional Supply

Post Offices requiring additional souvenir sheets must requisition Item 459000 from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional souvenir sheets 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 200,000 additional souvenir sheets; the Memphis, Chicago, and San Francisco APDs will each receive 100,000 additional souvenir sheets; and the Denver APD will receive 40,000 additional souvenir sheets.

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. The $3.70 Northeast Deciduous Forest souvenir sheet may not be split and the stamps may not be sold individually.

— Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 2-3-05

UPDATED ANNOUNCEMENT 05-B

2005 Stamps and Postal Stationery

"2005 Stamps and Postal Stationery" (Announcement 05-B, February 2005), which appears on page 1, 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 2005. 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 "2005 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, 2-3-05

UPDATE TO STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 05-03

Ronald Reagan Stamp

In the article "Stamp Announcement 05-03, Ronald Reagan Stamp" in Postal Bulletin 22145 (1-6-05, page 76), the address for sending requests for first day of issue postmarks was not available at the time of the printing of the Postal Bulletin. The address is now available and is provided here.

RONALD REAGAN STAMP
SIMI VALLEY MAIN POST OFFICE
2551 GALENA AVE
SIMI VALLEY CA 93065-9998

— Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 2-3-05

Pictorial Postmarks Announcement

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

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

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

Customers wishing to obtain a postmark 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 POSTMARKS, 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 postmark, as long as they supply a larger envelope with adequate postage and their return address. After applying the pictorial postmark, the Postal Service returns the items (with or without addresses) under addressed protective cover.

January 20, 2005 Postal Service INAUGURATION DAY STATION POSTMASTER 6835 N LONESTAR PKWY CRAWFORD TX 76638-9998

January 21-22, 2005 York Stamp Club YORCOPEX STATION POSTMASTER 200 S GEORGE ST YORK PA 17105-9998

January 21-23, 2005 Tucson Arizona Southern Pacific Railroad TUCSON ARIZONA ARIPEX 05 STATION CUSTOMER RELATIONS COORDINATOR PO BOX 9998 TUCSON AZ 85701-9998

January 28, 2005 Yung Wing Elementary Public School 124 YEAR OF THE ROOSTER YUNG WING PS 124 STATION SPECIAL EVENT UNIT 421 EIGHTH AVE RM 2029B NEW YORK NY 10199-9998

January 28, 2005 Postal Service MARIAN ANDERSON STATION POSTMASTER 14685 HWY 184 OAKLAND TN 38060-9998

January 29, 2005 Main Street Mount Holly MOUNT HOLLY ROOSTLING STATION POSTMASTER 28 WASHINGTON ST MOUNT HOLLY NJ 08060-9998

January 29, 2005 Avoca Firefighters 25TH ANNUAL DUCK RACE ON ICE STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 AVOCA NE 68307-9998

January 31, 2005 Trinity Lutheran Church TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 WENDELL MN 56590-9998

Feb 1-28, 2005 USPS/Chamber of Commerce VALENTINE STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 LOVELAND CO 80538-9998

February 1-29, 2005 HERITAGE CELEBRATION STATION MANAGER MAIN OFFICE WINDOW SERVICES 900 E FAYETTE ST BALTIMORE MD 21233-9715

February 2, 2005 GROUNDHOG DAY STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 SUN PRAIRIE WI 53590-9998

February 4-6, 2005 SARASOTA NATIONAL STAMP EXHIBITION STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 SARASOTA FL 34236-9998

February 5, 2005 Holy Trinity School ST MARYS HOLY TRINITY SCHOOL STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 SOMERSET OH 43783-9998

February 5-6, 2005 EUPEX 2005 STATION POSTMASTER 1400 LLOYD RD WICKLIFFE OH 44092-9998

February 5-6, 2005 Chinese Flower Fair CHINATOWN STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 880066 SAN FRANCISCO CA 94188-0066

February 6, 2005 Galena Public Library HEARTS AND ART STATION POSTMASTER 110 GREEN ST GALENA IL 61036-9998

February 6-12, 2005 Ronald Reagan Birthplace RONALD REAGAN BIRTHPLACE STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 TAMPICO IL 61283-9998

February 8, 2005 International Pancake Day of Liberal 56TH INTERNATIONAL PANCAKE DAY STATION POSTMASTER 25 E 5TH ST LIBERAL KS 67901-9998

February 9, 2005 SESQUICENTENNIAL STATION POSTMASTER 555 GRAND AVE WEST TRENTON NJ 08628-9998

February 9, 2005 Postal Service/Dragon Court DRAGON COURT STATION POSTMASTER 7424 EAST M36 HAMBURG MI 48139-9998

February 10-March 11, 2005 The Gila Valley Arts Council AILEY DANCE STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 THATCHER AZ 85552-9998

February 11, 2005 YWCA of Pueblo CHOCOLATE STATION POSTMASTER 1022 FORTINO BLVD PUEBLO CO 81008-9998

February 11, 2005 Gresham Historical Society GRESHAM CENTENNIAL STATION POSTMASTER PHILATELIC SERVICES PO BOX 9998 GRESHAM OR 97030-9998

February 12, 2005 LUNAR NEW YEAR STATION POSTMASTER 40 MONTGOMERY ST PAWTUCKET RI 02860-9998

February 12, 2005 The Institute of Texan Cultures THE INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES STATION POSTMASTER 10410 PERRIN BEITEL RD SAN ANTONIO TX 78284-9998

February 12, 2005 Michigan State University SPARTAN STATE UNIVERSITY STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 EAST LANSING MI 48823-9998

February 12-13, 2005 Birmingham Philatelic Society ALAPEX STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 BESSEMER AL 35020-9998

February 13, 2005 Janesville Stamp Club JANESVILLE EXHIBITION STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 JANESVILLE WI 53545-9998

February 14, 2005 VALENTINES DAY STATION POSTMASTER 6664 RT 362 BLISS NY 14024-9998

February 14, 2005 HART LOVE STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 HART MI 49420-9998

February 14, 2005 VALENTINES DAY STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 LOVING NM 88256-9998

February 14, 2005 The City of Valentine, Texas VALENTINE STATION POSTMASTER US HWY 90 VALENTINE TX 79854-9998

February 14, 2005 Postal Service VALENTINE STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 HARTVILLE WY 82215-9998

February 14, 2005 LEWIS AND CLARK STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 WASHBURN ND 58577-9998

— Stamp Services, Government Relations, 2-3-05

Special Cancellation Die Hubs Postmasters and plant managers who have any of the special cancellation die hubs listed below may use them for the periods designated. At the end of the period, these die hubs must be withdrawn and stored. Postmasters and plant managers who do not have these special die hubs may not request them from the sponsors.
Cancellation	Period of Use
Smile America, National Children's Dental Health Month	Jan. 15-Feb. 28
We Are Fighting for Your Life, American Heart Association	Feb. 1-Feb. 28
Save Your Vision Week	Feb. 1-March 31
March Is Kidney Month, Give to the National Kidney Foundation	March 1-March 31
March Is Red Cross Month	March 1-March 31
Easter Seals, Fight Crippling	March 1-April 22
April Is Child Abuse Prevention Month	April 1-April 30
April Is Organ Donor Awareness Month - Donors Make Miracles	April 1-April 30
Law Day USA Freedom Under Law, May 1	April 1-April 30
Strike Back at Cancer, Give to the American Cancer Society	April 1-April 30
National Carih Asthma Week	April 1-May 6
Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires	April 1-Oct. 31
National Salvation Army Week, 4th Week in May	May 1-May 31
Support Research for "NF," Neurofibromatosis	May 1-May 31
Support Your Mental Health Association	May 1-May 31
National Flag Day, June 14, Pause for the Pledge	May 1-June 14
Goodwill Industries - Our Business Works So People Can	May 1-June 30
Support National Historic Preservation Week	May 8-May 14
National Transportation Week	May 15-May 21
Fight Disease, Support City of Hope Pilot Medical Center	May 15-June 15
Defeat Muscular Dystrophy, Support MDAA	May 15-June 17
Conquer Multiple Sclerosis	May 17-June 17
Conquer Cystic Fibrosis	Sept. 1-Sept. 30
Peace Corps Anniversary, Making a Difference	Sept. 1-Oct. 31
Employ People With Disabilities	Sept. 1-Nov. 30
Give to the United Way	Sept. 15-Nov. 15
Learn About Lupus, October Is Lupus Awareness Month	Oct. 1-Oct. 31
Radon Action Week, Protect Your Family, Test Your	Oct. 1-Oct. 31
Support Infection Control Week	Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Help Retarded Children	Nov. 1-Nov. 30
Military Families Recognition Day	Nov. 1-Nov. 30
National Adoption Month	Nov. 1-Nov. 30
National Philanthropy Day, Love of Humankind	Nov. 1-Nov. 30
Use Christmas Seals, Support Your Lung Association	Nov. 8-Dec. 31
Support American Education Week	Nov. 10-Nov. 30
Autistic Children, Hope Through Research and Education	Dec. 1-Dec. 31
- Mailing Standards, Pricing and Classification, 2-3-05