Effective September 29, 2016, the Postal Service™ is revising the Administrative Support Manual (ASM), Chapter 5, to update the processes and procedures related to Facilities and Equipment.
Administrative Support Manual (ASM)
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5 Facilities and Equipment
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51 Facilities
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511 General
511.1 Responsibilities
[Revise 511.1 to read as follows:]
Facilities is an organization whose primary mission is to provide quality real estate facilities and related services to meet the present and future needs of Postal Service operations.
511.11 Overall
[Revise 511.11 to read as follows:]
The Facilities organization is responsible for the following:
a. Determining facility requirements and planning, including: facility space planning, design and construction, and decision analysis report preparation.
b. Providing opportunities for occupancy of leased facilities, including continued occupancy of existing leased facilities.
c. Providing new and⁄or improved owned facilities.
d. Outleasing, subleasing, and⁄or developing underutilized space.
e. Providing repairs and alterations for continued operational use.
f. Providing requirements to Supply Management for the design and construction of all building-related project work at $10,000 or more.
g. Following applicable regulations and policies, including the Davis Bacon Act for applicable project work at $2,000 or more and the Service Contract Act at $2,500 or more.
h. Providing environmental assessments, historic assessments, and other real estate-related evaluations.
i. Coordinating the development of material handling systems with Engineering.
j. Coordinating with the Postal Inspection Service and the Office of Safety and Risk Management regarding the security and safety requirements at facilities owned or leased by the Postal Service.
511.12 Area Offices
[Revise 511.12 to read as follows:]
All Area offices have responsibility within prescribed limits for the following:
a. Facility requirements and planning.
b. Building inspections.
c. Facility maintenance and minor repairs. Facility repairs that are declined by maintenance will be the responsibility of the Facilities organization.
511.13 References
[Revise 511.13 to read as follows:]
References include the following handbooks:
n AS-504, Space Requirements, has instructions to carry out facility requirements and space planning.
n RE-1, Realty Acquisition and Management, has policy and procedures to carry out acquisition, disposal, leasing, historic preservation, fine arts, and management of real property.
n AS-503, Standard Design Criteria, provides designs, criteria, and specifications for new buildings and repair and alteration of existing structures.
n RE-6, Facilities Environmental Guide, provides policy and procedures governing the environmental aspects of leasing, acquiring, managing, developing, and disposing of real property.
n RE-4, Standards for Facility Accessibility by the Physically Handicapped.
n RE-5, Building and Site Security Requirements.
n EL-602, Food Service Operations.
* * * * *
511.211 Handbook F-66 Series
[Revise 511.211 to read as follows:]
Handbook F-66 series on investment policies and procedures provides processes for obtaining approval of:
a. The purchase, construction, lease, alteration, maintenance, and repair of postal land, facilities, and equipment.
b. The disposal of equipment, leased land, leased facilities, and owned facilities.
* * * * *
511.22 Contracting Authority
[Revise 511.22 to read as follows:]
Authority for approving and entering into design and construction contracts is defined in the USPS Supplying Principles and Practices (http:⁄⁄blue.usps.gov⁄policy⁄), part 7-1, Appointment and Selection of Contracting Officers. Contracting authority for Real Estate and its related services is found in Handbook RE-1, Realty Acquisition and Management.
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512.11 Policy
[Revise 512.11 to read as follows:]
Before deciding to acquire new facilities or expand existing facilities, Facilities will review the opportunity for continued occupancy of the present facility, including a review of the facility’s capability to meet expected future requirements in capacity and service standards. The criterion for adding to existing facilities or replacing facilities is improvement of the Postal Service at least cost. New construction is authorized only when the current use of an existing building as is cannot be justified from a service, environmental, employee, space constraint, or economic standpoint.
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512.211 Approval Factors
[Revise 512.211 to read as follows:]
Requirements for new or expanded facilities may be approved on the basis of one or more of the following factors:
a. Employee factors such as providing safe and healthful working conditions.
b. Service factors such as current or future capacity deficiencies, future expected growth, lease preemption, and condemnation.
c. Economic factors such as providing a positive return on investment (ROI) (see the Handbook F-66 series).
512.212 Long-Range Planning
[Revise 512.212 to read as follows:]
Long-range facility planning at the District, Plant, and Area Office levels is intended to identify problem facilities and provide adequate lead time for all alternatives to be considered and for proper action to be initiated.
* * * * *
512.231 Preparation
[Revise 512.231 to read as follows:]
Facilities Planning is responsible for developing planning documentation for Customer Service and Processing and Distribution Facilities with appropriate input from respective operational functions (i.e. Retail and Customer Service Operations, Delivery, etc.).
* * * * *
512.3 Funding Approval
[Revise 512.3 to read as follows:]
All projects must be approved within the delegations of approval authority specified by the vice president, Finance and Planning.
512.4 Facility Activation
[Revise 512.4 to read as follows:]
Facility Activation is an Area responsibility. Facilities will provide assistance as needed to the Area in the facility activation process. Guidelines for activating new facilities are specified in Handbook AS-501, Postal Facility Activation, and Handbook AS-502, Activation of Non-Mail Processing Postal Facilities, that are in effect at the time of the activation.
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513.111 Documentation and Requests
[Revise 513.111 to read as follows:]
The requiring organization forwards requests for acquiring a new facility, whether an existing building or land upon which to construct a building through channels to the official with approval authority for funding, as specified in the Handbook F-66 series on investment policies and procedures.
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[Revise the title and text of 513.112 to read as follows:]
513.112 Continuing Space in Existing Leased Quarters
To ensure that continued occupancy of a leased facility is a feasible alternative, each successive month the Customer Relations Manager (CRM) submits an expiring lease report to its respective Districts and Area.
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513.13 Emergency Space
[Revise 513.113 to read as follows:]
The Postmaster may proceed to contact local brokers⁄property owners to secure emergency space, but must submit any contractual documents to the leasing team for review, approval, or disapproval and subsequent execution of an approved document.
513.14 Christmas Space Assistance
[Revise 513.114 to read as follows:]
The responsible operational unit can provide assistance in obtaining temporary space.
513.2 Security and Safety Management
[Revise 513.2 to read as follows:]
Before submitting requests for acquisition of new or existing buildings or Christmas space, notify the inspector-in-charge and the servicing safety office so that security and safety arrangements can be coordinated. Any property selected, including that for temporary use, must be examined to determine the adequacy of the security and safety arrangements.
[Add new 513.3 to read as follows:]
513.3 Procedures for Vacating Facility
There are times when a facility must be vacated on a temporary or permanent basis as a result of operational constraints (i.e., staffing) or as a result of necessary repairs required prior to continued occupancy. In these non-Facilities–driven circumstances where an existing facility is vacated, the District Operations is responsible for notifying Facilities that a facility is vacated. District Operations must complete the Notification of Vacated Facility Form and submit it to the appropriate customer relations manager with the district manager’s signature. Upon receipt, the customer relations manager will submit the Notification of Vacated Facility Form to the Facilities planning program analyst who will coordinate the appropriate actions based on the standard operating procedures defined under the Notification of Vacated Facilities process.
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514.11 General
[Revise 514.11 to read as follows:]
The lease agreement between the Postal Service and landlord may have provisions for cancellation of the lease prior to the end of the lease term upon written notice.
514.12 By Postal Service
[Revise 514.12 to read as follows:]
When the requiring organization no longer needs a leased facility, it must notify its CRM. Available options may involve termination of the existing lease, assignment of the leasehold interest, or if other options are not available subleasing of the space. The request must be submitted in a timely manner to allow action by the responsible service organization in accordance with the provisions of the lease.
[Revise the title and text of 514.13 to read as follows:]
514.13 By Landlord
Postmasters must immediately forward to the CRM any notification received from a landlord that purports to terminate or cancel a lease on a leased building.
514.2 Vacating Building
[Revise 514.2 to read as follows:]
When a lease is terminated, canceled, or expires, and the property is to be vacated, the Implementation or Property Management RES coordinates with the Postmaster to ensure that the premises are vacated and keys are delivered to the lessor, if possible. Postmasters must remove Postal Service identification from the building and post a sign advising the public of the new location.
* * * * *
515.2 Repairs
[Revise 515.2 to read as follows:]
When repairs are needed for which the lessor is responsible, the Postmaster contacts the National Facilities Response Line and reports the problem that needs repair.
515.3 Emergency Repairs
[Revise 515.3 to read as follows:]
An emergency repair is action taken to correct a situation that constitutes a threat to the safety or health of postal employees or customers or threatens the security of the mail. The Postmaster contacts the National Facilities Response Line and reports the problem that needs repair.
* * * * *
516.11 Minor Repairs and Alterations
[Revise 516.11 to read as follows:]
All requests for facility repair and alteration projects are to be reported to the National Facilities Response Line.
516.12 Historically Significant Facilities
[Revise 516.12 to read as follows:]
Any proposed modification to an owned or leased postal facility listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places must be submitted to the Facilities preservation officer.
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516.131 Asbestos
[Revise 516.131 to read as follows:]
Asbestos is a hazardous, regulated material, and any project that can disturb actual or suspected asbestos must be referred to the responsible service organization (see MI EL-890-2007-2, Asbestos-Containing Building Materials Control Program, and Handbook AS-556).
516.132 Lead-Based Paint
[Revise 516.132 to read as follows:]
Lead-based paint is a potentially hazardous and regulated material. Any project that may produce dust or fumes from suspected or known lead-based paint must be referred to the responsible service organization (see MI EL-890-2007-4, Lead Hazard Management).
[Add new 516.133 to read as follows:]
516.133 Mold
Mold is a potential health and safety issue when not properly managed (see MI AS-516-2008-1, Mold Prevention, Assessment, and Remediation).
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516.21 Policy
[Revise 516.21 to read as follows:]
Postmasters have limited authority to rearrange or insert additional Post Office boxes in existing lobbies without going through appropriate higher management. Any proposed modification of Post Office boxes that would require a change to lobbies located in an owned or leased postal facility listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places must be submitted to the Facilities preservation officer.
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516.231 Relocation
[Revise 516.231 to read as follows:]
The Postmaster is authorized only to replace blank panels with Post Office boxes or to relocate Post Office boxes within a panel if no rearrangement of the box lobby is required. This work can be performed by the local maintenance staff.
516.232 Redesign
[Revise 516.232 to read as follows:]
In cases where rearrangement or extensive modification of the Post Office box lobby is required, the project must be forwarded to the Facilities CRM. Facilities is responsible for the redesign of the lobby to ensure satisfactory changes in the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and lighting systems; floor and⁄or ceiling structure; safety; and security. It is also responsible for ensuring compliance with requirements for persons with disabilities (see Handbook RE-4, Standards for Facility Accessibility by the Physically Handicapped) and for compliance with section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
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[Revise the title and text of 516.241 to read as follows:]
516.241 General Services Administration — Postal Service Agreement
The Government Services Administration-Postal Service Agreement does not permit the Postal Service to make building modifications without prior approval from the General Services Administration (GSA). However, the Postmaster may without prior GSA approval replace blank panels with Post Office boxes or relocate boxes within a panel unless the area of the boxes is historic. This work can be performed either by the local maintenance staff or GSA.
516.242 Other Modifications
[Revise 516.242 to read as follows:]
All other Post Office box lobby modifications must be submitted to the Facilities CRM for prior approval by GSA.
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516.251 Panel Replacement
[Revise 516.251 to read as follows:]
When blank panels are to be replaced by Post Office boxes, or boxes are to be rearranged in a panel without modifying the box lobby, the Postmaster is authorized to perform the work. This work may be performed by the local maintenance staff. If local maintenance is not going to perform the work, then it should be called into the National Response Line.
516.252 Submissions
[Revise 516.252 to read as follows:]
Submit all other box lobby modifications to the Facilities CRM.
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516.273 Approvals
[Revise 516.273 to read as follows:]
If the request is approved, the Facilities CRM advises the Postmaster of the project schedule within 30 calendar days.
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517.11 Inventory Review
[Revise 517.11 to read as follows:]
Identification and tracking of useable underutilized space in the USPS building inventory is the responsibility of the following organizations:
1. HQ Network Operations identifies useable underutilized space in mail processing facilities and provides the information to Facilities.
2. District Operations identifies useable underutilized space in Customer Service facilities and provides the information to Facilities.
3. Facilities is responsible for tracking identified useable underutilized space in the USPS inventory. All building information including such space is tracked in the Facilities eFMS system.
* * * * *
517.121 Approval and Recommendation
[Revise 517.121 to read as follows:]
Facilities is responsible for coordinating with the local District and Area office for the disposal of excess property.
517.122 Funding
[Revise 517.122 to read as follows:]
Facilities provides the funding for disposal support with appropriate project approval.
* * * * *
[Revise the title and text of 517.23 to read as follows:]
517.23 GSA and Postal Service Relationship
The relationship between the GSA and the Postal Service is on a landlord-tenant basis. Other federal agencies (including the U.S. courts and members of Congress) occupying space in Postal Service buildings are considered subtenants of the GSA.
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517.31 General
[Revise 517.31 to read as follows:]
The Postal Service owns and leases numerous properties throughout the United States. It is important to have an effective and successful asset management program and to consider leasing underutilized space and facilities to the extent practical and in the best interest of the Postal Service.
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[Revise the title and text of 517.321 to read as follows:]
517.321 Procedure
Available underutilized space is offered to the marketplace.
* * * * *
[Add new 517.323 to read as follows:]
517.323 Specific Requirements
The following requirements must be met for leases to the private sector:
a. The prospective tenant must be financially reliable as determined by the Postal Service.
b. The space leased to nonpostal tenants must be accessible by private entrance or public hallways that do not violate postal security regulations.
c. The normal operating hours of the tenant should not conflict with the operating hours of the building.
d. The building maintenance, repairs, utilities, and custodial services normally are Postal Service responsibility, but subject to the terms of the tenant’s lease with the Postal Service.
e. The tenant contracts with the appropriate communication services for telephone installation and service at no expense to the Postal Service.
f. The Postal Service is responsible for basic security of the building and common areas, as determined by the Postal Inspection Service.
* * * * *
[Revise the title and text of 517.33 to read as follows:]
517.33 Reporting Underutilized Space, Buildings, and Land
Provided that District Operations notifies Facilities, Facilities Planning will identify and report all underutilized space in Postal Service-owned and Postal Service-leased buildings and in undeveloped Postal Service-owned and –leased sites. In turn, Facilities Planning will notify, through regular channels, Facilities Real Estate Assets that excess space exists and the space should be either sold or leased. Facilities’ finance number is credited for the gross proceeds or rental income generated by the respective sale or outlease⁄sublease for leasing of underutilized property or space to federal and non-federal tenants.
[Delete sections 517.331 through 517.334.]
[Revise the title and text of 517.34 to read as follows:]
517.34 Lease of Space to Credit Unions (As Applicable Under the National Labor Agreements)
In the event that unions or their local unions (whether called branches or by other names) presently operate and charter credit unions, the USPS may, if space is available, provide limited non-workroom space without charge, for the operation of such credit unions in postal buildings. Requests for future space for union credit unions are to be sent to Facilities Real Estate Assets for review and consideration.
* * * * *
517.41 Requests From Government Agencies
[Revise 517.41 to read as follows:]
All requests for space at Postal Service facilities received by the Postal Service from federal agencies (including U.S. courts and members of Congress) must be referred to Facilities Real Estate Assets personnel. When an agency wants additional space at a Postal Service property, GSA notifies Facilities Real Estate Assets. Postal managers must not authorize the use of unassigned space without the concurrence of Facilities Real Estate Assets.
517.42 Procedure
[Revise 517.42 to read as follows:]
Arrangements for assigning space in Postal Service buildings for federal agency use are made by GSA with the concurrence of Facilities Real Estate Assets. Space in Postal Service buildings already assigned to GSA for GSA or agency use may be reassigned by GSA, provided reasonable advance notice is given to Facilities Real Estate Assets.
[Delete current 517.43 in its entirety. Renumber current 517.44 through 517.46 as new 517.43 through 517.45 to read as follows:]
517.43 Alterations to Vacant Space
If underutilized space is not leasable without alterations, a study is conducted to determine whether these required alterations are structurally and architecturally feasible. An economic analysis is also made to determine whether this action is in the best interest of the Postal Service, based on anticipated rental.
517.44 Initial Tenant Alterations
The Postal Service is responsible for initial tenant alterations to the space assigned to GSA in Postal Service-owned or -leased buildings, as required by the GSA-Postal Service Agreement.
517.45 Monitor Space Assignments
Postmasters are responsible for monitoring space assigned to GSA, including relocations, transfers, expansions, reduction, and vacation of space. These changes must be reported to Facilities Real Estate Assets.
* * * * *
517.51 Procedure
[Revise 517.51 to read as follows:]
When the Postal Service requires space in a GSA-controlled building, or additional space in one it already occupies, Facilities Real Estate Leasing notifies GSA. The requirements organization submits a PS Form 7437, Facilities Services Request, or a written request through proper channels to Realty Asset Management.
517.52 Initial Tenant Alterations
[Revise 517.52 to read as follows:]
GSA is responsible for initial tenant alterations to space assigned to the Postal Service in GSA-controlled buildings, as required by the GSA-Postal Service Agreement.
517.53 Alterations, Improvements, and Services
[Revise 517.53 to read as follows:]
The GSA-Postal Service Agreement provides that GSA is primarily responsible for work involving alterations, improvements, and service in GSA-controlled buildings. If the Postal Service requests, and GSA provides, work or services that exceed those provided under the standard levels established in the GSA-Postal Service Agreement (for example, evenings, weekends, and holidays) the Postal Service pays these costs separately to the GSA by the Postal GSA. Make arrangements and secure approvals for funding prior to commencement of the work or service. Facilities Real Estate Leasing personnel prepare and execute contract documents with GSA.
* * * * *
[Add new 517.611 and 517.612 to read as follows:]
517.611 Notification
The Postal Service notifies GSA in writing at least 180 days in advance when space is required in Postal Service buildings occupied by federal agencies. Exception: If the Postal Service needs space used as a courtroom in a Postal building, at least one year advance written notice must be given to GSA.
517.612 Returning Space
When the Postal Service plans to dispose of a facility in which federal agencies (including U.S. courts or members of Congress) occupy space, Facilities Real Estate Assets notifies the appropriate GSA regional office, according to the above schedule in section 517.611.
* * * * *
517.632 Returning Space
[Revise 517.632 to read as follows:]
When GSA plans to dispose of a facility in which the Postal Service occupies space, GSA notifies Facilities Real Estate Leasing, according to the above schedule.
* * * * *
517.641 Moving Expenses
[Revise 517.641 to read as follows:]
When either GSA or the Postal Service preempts, for its own use, space assigned to the other, the preempting agency funds only the moving expenses, including reasonable costs incidental to the move (such as communication line) of the agency required to relocate.
[Revise the title and text of 517.642 to read as follows:]
517.642 Communication Lines
a. Relocation costs: Costs for relocating communication lines cannot exceed costs of duplicating the lines existing before moving. Duplicating existing lines is defined as replacing like equipment, including color, number, and type of instruments, number of circuits, buttons, lights, and buzzers.
b. Exception: The cost of moving and reinstalling communication lines is not payable by the Postal Service to agencies required to relocate from a building being abandoned and excessed by the Postal Service.
* * * * *
517.713 Other
[Revise 517.713 to read as follows:]
Physical protection, maintenance, and policing of all parking areas are provided by the owner of the building.
517.72 Building Services
[Revise 517.72 to read as follows:]
The owner furnishes space, building services, and utilities, specified as standard level in the GSA-Postal Service agreement. Complaints and requests relating to required building services are made or referred to the owner’s building manager or Postmaster. If the building manager or Postmaster does not provide a satisfactory solution to the complaint or request, refer the matter to Facilities Real Estate Assets or the GSA regional office.
* * * * *
517.82 Definitions
[Revise 517.82 to read as follows:]
The following definitions apply:
a. Recurring services — Any additional utility, custodial, security, maintenance, or similar services required by a tenant agency on a continuing basis to maintain a building operation in excess of the hours provided for in the GSA-Postal Service agreement or as applicable building hours
b. Nonrecurring services — Any one-time improvement, alteration, or service required for a specified scope of work in a tenant space.
* * * * *
517.832 Submission
[Revise 517.832 to read as follows:]
In the case of recurring services, a PS Form 7437 must be submitted to Facilities Real Estate Leasing 120 days before the start of the fiscal year or date the service is required. The district manager, plant manager, or postal manager will certify that the cost estimate is fair and reasonable and will ensure that the estimated cost of the recurring service has been budgeted.
* * * * *
517.834 GSA Form 2957
[Revise 518.834 to read as follows:]
On receipt of a PS Form 7437, Facilities Real Estate Leasing completes GSA Form 2957, Reimbursable Work Authorization, and forwards it to GSA.
* * * * *
517.841 Procedure
[Revise 517.841 to read as follows:]
Federal tenant agencies that occupy space in Postal Service buildings and require recurring or nonrecurring services beyond standard levels specified in the GSA-Postal Service Agreement must complete GSA Form 2957 and forward the form to the GSA regional office. GSA submits copies of GSA Form 2957 to Facilities Real Estate Assets.
517.842 Unauthorized Use of Space
[Revise 517.842 to read as follows:]
If a postal manager becomes aware that a federal tenant agency is using unauthorized space other than what is reflected on the rent bill, using unauthorized recurring or nonrecurring services, and⁄or making improvements or alterations to Postal Service space without a GSA Form 2957 on file in the postal manager’s office, the postal manager must notify Facilities Real Estate Assets immediately. Facilities Real Estate Assets investigates the service being used by the federal tenant agency and notifies GSA that such services, if recurring in nature, are to be discontinued within 10 days if GSA Form 2957 is not submitted. If the service is nonrecurring in nature, GSA must be advised to cease work immediately. If the Postal Service has incurred cost or substantial damage as a result of the federal tenant agency actions, GSA is to be advised accordingly and the Postal Service will seek payment.
* * * * *
[Add new 518.21 to read as follows:]
518.21 Purpose
It is important to know and consider the views of local public officials and interested citizens at an early stage in the facility planning process. However, it is imperative that district managers review all alternatives and establish the requirement for new space before community contact is initiated. Community contact process will adhere to processes established in Handbook RE-1, Realty Acquisitions and Management.
* * * * *
518.4 Environmental Review
[Revise 518.4 to read as follows:]
The Postal Service examines the environmental issues of all postal projects during facility planning to avoid or mitigate any substantial adverse impacts on the environment, according to the procedures in Handbook RE-6, Facilities Environmental Guide, and ASM, Chapter 69, Environmental Compliance. It is important to know and consider the views of local public officials and interested citizens at an early stage in the facility planning process. However, it is imperative that district managers review all alternatives and establish the requirement for new space before community contact is initiated. Community contact process will adhere to processes established in Handbook RE-1, Realty Acquisitions and Management.
[Revise the title and text of 518.5 to read as follows:]
518.5 Compliance With Environmental Laws and Regulations
The Postal Service complies with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. It proactively seeks to develop innovative and cost-effective solutions to provide its customers, employees, suppliers, and communities with a safe and healthy environment through the implementation of a compliance management system. For more information, refer to ASM, subchapter 69, Environmental Compliance.
518.6 Security Evaluation
[Revise 518.6 to read as follows:]
Contact a physical security specialist to request a security survey and risk analysis of the potential location to determine if the site’s security requirements will have an unacceptable cost impact on the facility.
518.7 Facility Activation
[Revise 518.7 to read as follows:]
Management must begin planning to activate a new facility at about the time a design contract is awarded. This function is an Area responsibility. Facilities will provide assistance as needed in the process. The guidelines for facility activation will be as stated in Handbook AS-501, Postal Facility Activation, for major processing and distribution facilities and in Handbook AS-502, Activation of Non-Mail Processing Postal Facilities, for non-processing and distribution facilities, stations, and branches under 30,000 square feet that are in effect at the time of the activation.
* * * * *
519.11 Policy
[Revise 519.11 to read as follows:]
Facilities periodically updates the Building Design Standards. They are to be used on all facility-related projects, using the appropriate documents based on facility size and type. This policy applies equally to all design and construction-related activities regardless of size, whether new construction or repair and alteration, owned or leased. Where any requirement is specified by a particular program name, i.e., Small Standard Building Design, Medium Standard Building Design, or Processing and Distribution Center, such requirements must be constructed as applicable to any facility of that size range.
* * * * *
519.221 Policy
[Revise 519.221 to read as follows:]
When the Postal Service acquires property by construction or purchase, the acquisition is normally acknowledged by installing a dedication plaque in the building.
519.222 Inscription
[Revise 519.222 to read as follows:]
The following inscription is used on plaques installed in all newly acquired postal-owned buildings:
This Building Dedicated to Public Service
[year of dedication]
“Current President”, President of the United States
“CURRENT PMG”
Postmaster General
* * * * *
[Add new 519.225 to read as follows:]
519.225 Other Plaques
Except as provided in 519.224, no other plaques are permitted to be installed within or outside Postal Service buildings.
* * * * *
519.31 Policy
[Revise 519.31 to read as follows:]
All new postal facilities must be designed for maximum energy conservation, according to the national energy policy.
519.32 Background
[Revise 519.32 to read as follows:]
In December 2007, Congress enacted the Independence and Security Act. This Act required the Postal Service to reduce its energy consumption 30 percent by the end of fiscal year 2015. In March 2015, President Obama signed Executive Order 13693, Planning for Federal Sustainability in the Next Decade, requiring federal agencies to, among other things, reduce building energy intensity by 2.5 percent annually through the end of fiscal year 2025, relative to their 2015 baselines. While the Postal Service is not required to comply with EO 13693, the Postal Service may seek to comply with EO 13693’s goals as a matter of policy and may be subject to future laws and executive orders requiring further energy consumption reductions.
In addition, under the Energy Conservation and Production Act, the Postal Service is required to construct new buildings in accordance with building efficiency standards established by the Department of Energy. In November 2015, the Department of Energy issued a final rule adopting the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers’ (ASHRAE) standard 90.1-2013 as the energy efficiency standard for all federal buildings for which design for construction began on or after November 6, 2016. It is assumed that the Department of Energy will adopt future ASHRAE standards as they are developed.
* * * * *
519.41 Accessibility for Persons with Physical Disabilities
[Revise 519.41 to read as follows:]
It is required by federal statute and by Postal Service policy, when designing, constructing, leasing, or altering facilities, to provide facility access for persons with physical disabilities (see Handbook RE-4, Standards for Facility Accessibility by the Physically Handicapped, and regulation 39 CFR 255.8).
* * * * *
We will incorporate these revisions into the next online update of the Administrative Support Manual (ASM), which is available on the Postal Service PolicyNet website:
n Go to http:⁄⁄blue.usps.gov.
n In the left-hand column under “Essential Links”, click PolicyNet.
n Click Manuals.
The direct URL for the Postal Service PolicyNet website is http:⁄⁄blue.usps.gov⁄cpim.
— Facilities, 9-29-16
