New Move Update Standards for First-Class Mail and Standard Mail, 55055-55058 [E7-19151]
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 188 / Friday, September 28, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
discharge of a loan incurred on behalf
of an eligible victim.
(c) Applying for discharge. (1) In
accordance with the procedures in
paragraphs (c)(2) through (c)(4) of this
section, the Secretary discharges—
(i) A Direct Loan owed by the spouse
of an eligible public servant;
(ii) A Direct PLUS Loan incurred on
behalf of an eligible victim;
(iii) The portion of a Direct
Consolidation Loan that repaid a PLUS
loan incurred on behalf of an eligible
victim; and
(iv) The portion of a joint Direct
Consolidation Loan incurred on behalf
of an eligible victim.
*
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(g) * * *
(2) * * *
(ii) A borrower may apply for a partial
discharge of a joint Direct Consolidation
loan due to death or total and
permanent disability under the
procedures in § 685.212(a) or § 685.213.
If the borrower is granted a partial
discharge under the procedures in
§ 685.212(a) or § 685.213 the borrower
may qualify for a refund of payments in
accordance with § 685.212(g)(1) or
§ 685.212(g)(2).
(iii) A borrower may apply for a
discharge of a Direct PLUS loan due to
the death of the student for whom the
borrower received the PLUS loan under
the procedures in § 685.212(a). If a
borrower is granted a discharge under
the procedures in § 685.212(a), the
borrower may qualify for a refund of
payments in accordance with
§ 685.212(g)(1).
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[FR Doc. E7–19237 Filed 9–27–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Patent and Trademark Office
37 CFR Part 1
[Docket No. PTO–C–2006–0015]
RIN 0651–AB81
Revision of Patent Fees for Fiscal Year
2007
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Richard R. Cole, Senior Legal Examiner,
Office of PCT Legal Administration
(OPCTLA) directly by telephone at (571)
272–3281, or by facsimile at (571) 273–
0459.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Office
published a final rule in the Federal
Register of August 22, 2007 (72 FR
46899), entitled ‘‘Revision of Patent
Fees for Fiscal Year 2007.’’ In that final
rule, there was a mathematical error in
the computation of fees payable under
37 CFR 1.17(a)(4) and (a)(5). This
document amends the final rule with
the correct fees. Additionally, the text of
existing 37 CFR 1.492(b)(2) through
(b)(4) was inadvertently changed in that
final rule. This document corrects the
text of 37 CFR 1.492(b)(2) through (b)(4)
in that final rule.
Section 553(d) of the Administrative
Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553(d))
ordinarily requires a 30-day delay in the
effective date of final rules after the date
of their publication in the Federal
Register. This 30-day delay in effective
date can be waived, however, if an
agency finds for good cause that the
delay is impracticable, unnecessary, or
contrary to the public interest. The
changes in 37 CFR 1.17(a)(4) and (a)(5)
reflect a technical error in the
computation of the payable fee. The
changes in 37 CFR 1.492(b)(2) through
(b)(4) do not change the fee amounts
from the final rule published on August
22, 2007, but merely correct the
language consistent with the existing
and intended text. The Office finds it
impracticable to have a 30-day delayed
effective date for these technical
corrections as the Office must charge the
correct fees as of the effective date.
Furthermore, the Office finds that it is
in the public’s interest to correct the
changes in text where no change is
intended. Therefore, the Office is
waiving the 30-day delay in effective
date for the technical and computational
corrections in this notice.
I In rule FR Doc. E7–16574, August 22,
2007 (72 FR 46899), make the following
corrections:
[Corrected]
1. On page 46902, in the first column,
§ 1.17(a)(4) through (a)(5) are corrected
to read as follows:
I
SUMMARY: The United States Patent and
Trademark Office (Office) published a
final rule in the Federal Register of
August 22, 2007, adjusting patent fees
for fiscal year 2007 to reflect
fluctuations in the Consumer Price
Index (CPI). This document corrects
errors in that final rule.
18:21 Sep 27, 2007
September 30, 2007.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
§ 1.17
United States Patent and
Trademark Office, Commerce.
ACTION: Final rule; correction.
AGENCY:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
EFFECTIVE DATE:
§ 1.17 Patent application and
reexamination processing fee.
(a) * * *
(4) For reply within fourth month:
By a small entity (§ 1.27(a)) ....
By other than a small entity ...
$820.00
$1,640.00
(5) For reply within fifth month:
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By a small entity (§ 1.27(a)) ....
By other than a small entity ...
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§ 1.492
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55055
$1,115.00
$2,230.00
*
[Corrected]
2. On page 46902, in the third column,
§ 1.492(b)(2) through (b)(4) are corrected
to read as follows:
I
§ 1.492
National stage fees.
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(b) * * *
(2) If the search fee as set forth in
§ 1.445(a)(2) has been paid on the
international application to the United
States Patent and Trademark Office as
an International Searching Authority:
By a small entity (§ 1.27(a)) ......
By other than a small entity .....
$50.00
$100.00
(3) If an international search report on
the international application has been
prepared by an International Searching
Authority other than the United States
International Searching Authority and is
provided, or has been previously
communicated by the International
Bureau, to the Office:
By a small entity (§ 1.27(a)) ......
By other than a small entity .....
$205.00
$410.00
(4) In all situations not provided for
in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), or (b)(3) of
this section:
By a small entity (§ 1.27(a)) ......
By other than a small entity .....
*
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$255.00
$510.00
*
Dated: September 25, 2007.
Barry K. Hudson,
Chief Financial Officer.
[FR Doc. E7–19326 Filed 9–27–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–16–P
POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
New Move Update Standards for FirstClass Mail and Standard Mail
United States Postal Service.
Final rule.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
SUMMARY: The Postal ServiceTM is
extending its effort to improve the
percentage of deliverable mail by
revising Move Update standards in the
Mailing Standards of the United States
Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual
(DMM). The Move Update standards
provide ways for mailers to reduce the
number of mailpieces that require
forwarding or return by the periodic
matching of a mailer’s address records
with customer-filed change-of-address
orders. Our final rule includes the
following changes related to Move
Update processing: increase the
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 188 / Friday, September 28, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
minimum frequency of Move Update
processing from 185 days to 95 days
prior to the date of mailing and extend
the revised Move Update requirement to
include all Standard Mail.
EFFECTIVE DATE: November 23, 2008.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Charles B. Hunt, 901–681–4651; or Bert
Olsen, 202–268–7276.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On May
23, 2007, we published a proposed rule
in the Federal Register (72 FR 28908–
28911), about two initiatives: (1)
Extending the Move Update
requirement to all Standard Mail and,
(2) increasing the minimum frequency
of Move Update processing from 185
days to 95 days prior to the date of
mailing. The revised timeframe also will
apply to all pieces in Standard Mail
mailings. The proposed notice also
invited public comment concerning the
changes. The Postal Service received
eight customer comments on the
proposals.
We believe that the revised standards
in this final rule are crucial to the
continued vitality of the postal system
as well as the business interests of
mailers. In Fiscal Year 2004 the Postal
Service handled 9.7 billion pieces of
Undeliverable-as-Addressed Mail (UAA)
mail at a cost of $1.979 billion dollars.
This change will result in better address
quality by removing incorrectly
addressed pieces from subsequent
mailings, which will reduce UAA mail.
In cooperation with the mailing
industry, we are committed to reducing
UAA mail volume in order to create and
maintain a cost-efficient mailstream.
Over the years, we have invested
heavily in creating an automated
mailstream to help drive costs out of the
delivery system. However, an efficient
automated mailstream works best when
mailpieces have complete, correct, and
current addresses. As discussed in the
proposed rule, revisions to the Move
Update standard are needed to improve
the percentage of deliverable addresses
for mailings entered at discounted rates.
High quality addressing, best possible
depth of ZIP+4 Codes, and accurate
barcodes that result in the delivery of
the mailpiece to the intended recipient
in an efficient manner, should be
primary tools that mailers use to reduce
UAA mail volume.
In addition to revisions to DMM
standards, the proposed rule also
addressed the timing of the changes.
When the Move Update requirement for
First-Class Mail was instituted in 1997,
a 9-month readiness period was
provided. The Postal Service recognizes
the magnitude of the adjustments to be
made by the mailing industry to
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implement the revisions in this notice
and believes that an 18-month period
from the date of proposed rulemaking
notice (May 23, 2007) to
implementation of the changes provides
ample time. The Postal Service also
believes that the changes improve the
overall cost effectiveness of mail
delivery and contribute to rate stability
and do not create unreasonable barriers
to discount rate qualifications.
Part A of this final rule summarizes
the new requirements and provides an
analysis of the eight comments received
to the Proposed Rule Notice. Part B
contains the text of the proposed DMM
standards.
Part A
1. Move Update Requirement for All
Standard Mail
The Move Update standard, which
previously applied only to First-Class
Mail, will be extended to include all
Standard Mail. A key reason for this
extension is that one of the conclusions
of an independent study of the cost,
volume, and characteristics of UAA
mail pointed out that mail entered as
Standard Mail accounted for 62.8
percent of all UAA mail volume.
Two commenters expressed full
support for the proposed expansion of
the Move Update requirement beyond
presorted and automation rate FirstClass Mail to Standard Mail. However,
several commenters voiced concerns or
made alternative recommendations
regarding the proposed expansion.
One commenter voiced concern
regarding the difficulty of complying
with the Move Update requirement for
small local businesses and nonprofit
organizations. The Postal Service feels
that there are many methods mailers can
use in order to qualify and make this fit
any business model. The list of
authorized methods upon
implementation of these requirements
will include the following:
NCOALink processing
FASTforward MLOCR processing (for
letters)
Address Change Service (ACS)
On-piece ancillary service
endorsements, except ‘‘Forwarding
Service Requested’’
Additionally, two commenters
proposed postponing implementation
until the benefits of the recent CASSTM
Cycle L changes, which were effective
August 1, 2007, are realized. CASS
Cycle L requires the integration and use
of Delivery Point Validation (DPVTM)
and Locatable Address Conversion
System (LACSLink TM) as part of CASS
certification and processing in order for
mailers to be eligible for automation
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discounts. Most UAA mail is attributed
to Standard Mail move-related reasons.
CASS Cycle L changes do not affect
move-related UAA problems.
Another commenter expressed
concern that the alternative Move
Update method was not listed as a
stand-alone option to meet the Move
Update requirement for Standard Mail.
The alternative method is allowed for
First-Class Mail due to mailer’s
concerns about incorporating change-ofaddress information into their mailing
lists for mailpieces containing personal
information. Therefore, the Postal
Service does not consider alternative
methods applicable to Standard Mail.
However, addresses that have been
processed through any Move Update
method, including alternative methods
for First-Class Mail, automatically meet
the Move Update standard for Standard
Mail. And lastly, one commenter asked
if addresses received directly from their
customers or clients may be claimed
within a mailing at the First-Class Mail
or Standard Mail discounted rates. The
answer is yes, if mailed within the first
185 days of acquiring the address. When
this final rule is implemented, the
current requirement to perform Move
Update processing within 185 days
before mailing will be changed to 95days.
As information, in addition to the four
authorized Move Update methods listed
above, addresses utilizing any of the
three alternative addressing formats in
DMM 602.3.0 (for example, ‘‘John Doe
or Current Resident,’’ ‘‘Occupant,’’
‘‘Postal Customer’’ etc.) will not be
subject to the Move Update standard.
2. Frequency of Use of Move Update
Processing
The Postal Service will increase the
minimum frequency of Move Update
processing from 185 days to 95 days
prior to the date of mailing for FirstClass Mail and for Standard Mail.
Two commenters voiced general
support for the proposal, but expressed
concerns about the 95-day window for
processing addresses. One suggested
keeping Move Update processing for
First-Class Mail at 185 days and
requiring Move Update processing for
Standard Mail at an annual interval. The
other commenter suggested requiring
Move Update processing within 120
days instead of 95 days, asserting that
the reduced window for processing will
have a negative effect due to the
planning cycles in use by many mailers.
We understand that certain
operational changes may be necessary
for the mailing industry to implement
this proposal. However, the UAA mail
problem is of such magnitude that it is
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in the best interests of all stakeholders
to modify current practices in order to
mitigate the problem. We also recognize
that some mailers who are successfully
reducing UAA mail within their
operations have already set quarterly
production cycles for their Move Update
and Address Matching processing.
Reducing the processing window
from 185 days to 95 days prior to the
mailing date will lessen the effect of the
natural deterioration of address
currency, resulting in a significant
decrease in UAA volume and the costs
associated with the redirecting, rehandling, and disposing of mail.
Part B
Effective November 23, 2008, we will
adopt the following amendments to the
Mailing Standards of the United States
Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual
(DMM), incorporated by reference in the
Code of Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR
111.1., 111.4.
243
Rates and Eligibility
the piece does not meet the Move
Update standard. The name and address
information on the piece must then be
processed through a FASTforward RVE
system to meet the Move Update
standard. FASTforward RVE processes
also meet the Move Update standard if
used each time before mail entry.
d. Ancillary service endorsements
under 507.1.5.3, Standard Mail, except
‘‘Forwarding Service Requested.’’
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3.9.3
c. The Move Update standard is met
when an address used on a mailpiece,
in a mailing at any class of mail, is
updated with an approved method in
3.5.2, and the same address is used in
a First-Class Mail mailing within 95
days after the address has been updated.
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240
Standard Mail
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3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail
Letters
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[Add new item 3.9 as follows:]
3.9
Move Update Standard
3.9.1
Basic Standards
3.0 Basic Standards for First-Class
Mail Letters
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3.9.2
3.5
Move Update Standard
Administrative practice and
procedure, Postal Service.
I Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is
amended as follows:
PART 111—[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for 39 CFR
part 111 continues to read as follows:
I
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 101,
401, 403, 404, 414, 3001–3011, 3201–3219,
3403–3406, 3621, 3626, 5001.
2. Revise the following sections of the
Mailing Standards of the United States
Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual
(DMM), as follows:
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200
Discount Letters and Cards
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First-Class Mail
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233
Rates and Eligibility
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3.5.1
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Basic Standards
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[Revise item a in 3.5.1 as follows:]
a. Each address and associated
occupant name used on the mailpieces
in a mailing must be updated within 95
days before the mailing date, with one
of the USPS-approved methods in 3.5.2.
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[Revise item c in 3.5.1 as follows:]
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USPS-Approved Methods
The following methods are authorized
for meeting the Move Update standard:
a. Address Change Service (ACS).
b. National Change of Address
Linkage System (NCOALink).
c. FASTforward MLOCR processes if
used each time before mail entry (for
letter mail only). If a mailpiece that
initially uses FASTforward MLOCR
processing is rejected and then entered
into a Direct View Encoding Desk
(DVED) operation (or similar system),
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Mailer Certification
The mailer’s signature on the postage
statement certifies that the Move Update
standard has been met for each address
in the corresponding mailing presented
to the USPS.
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300
The Move Update standard is a means
of reducing the number of mailpieces in
a mailing that require forwarding,
return, or discard by the periodic
matching of a mailer’s address records
with customer-filed change-of-address
orders received and maintained by the
USPS. For the purposes of this standard,
‘‘address’’ means a specific address
associated with a specific occupant
name. Addresses subject to the Move
Update standard must meet these
requirements:
a. Each address and associated
occupant name used on the mailpieces
in a mailing must be updated within 95
days before the mailing date, with one
of the USPS-approved methods in 3.9.2.
b. Each individual address in the
mailing is subject to the Move Update
standard.
c. The Move Update standard is met
when an address used on a mailpiece,
in a mailing for any class of mail, is
updated with an approved method in
3.9.2, and the same address is used in
a Standard Mail mailing within 95 days
after the address has been updated.
d. Except for mail bearing an
alternative address format, addresses
used on pieces claiming Standard Mail
rates, regardless of any required
surcharge, must meet the Move Update
standard.
List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111
55057
Discount Flats
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330
First-Class Mail
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333
Rates and Eligibility
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3.0 Eligibility Standards for FirstClass Mail Flats
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3.5
Move Update Standard
3.5.1
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Basic Standards
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[Revise item a in 3.5.1 as follows:]
a. Each address and associated
occupant name used on the mailpieces
in a mailing must be updated within 95
days before the mailing date, with one
of the USPS-approved methods in 3.5.2.
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[Revise item c in 3.5.1 as follows:]
c. The Move Update standard is met
when an address used on a mailpiece,
in a mailing for any class of mail, is
updated with an approved method in
3.5.2, and the same address is used in
a First-Class Mail mailing within 95
days after the address has been updated.
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340
Standard Mail
343
Rates and Eligibility
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3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail
Flats
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[Add new item 3.9 as follows:]
3.9
3.9.1
Move Update Standard
Basic Standards
The Move Update standard is a means
of reducing the number of mailpieces in
a mailing that require forwarding,
return, or discard by the periodic
matching of a mailer’s address records
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with customer-filed change-of-address
orders received and maintained by the
USPS. For the purposes of this standard,
‘‘address’’ means a specific address
associated with a specific occupant
name. Addresses subject to the Move
Update standard must meet these
requirements:
a. Each address and associated
occupant name used on the mailpieces
in a mailing must be updated within 95
days before the mailing date, with one
of the USPS-approved methods in 3.9.2.
b. Each individual address in the
mailing is subject to the Move Update
standard.
c. The Move Update standard is met
when an address used on a mailpiece,
in a mailing for any class of mail, is
updated with an approved method in
3.9.2, and the same address is used in
a Standard Mail mailing within 95 days
after the address has been updated.
d. Except for mail bearing an
alternative address format, addresses
used on pieces claiming Standard Mail
rates, regardless of any required
surcharge, must meet the Move Update
standard.
3.9.2 USPS-Approved Methods
The following methods are authorized
for meeting the Move Update standard:
a. Address Change Service (ACS).
b. National Change of Address
Linkage System (NCOALink).
c. Ancillary service endorsements
under 507.1.5.3, Standard Mail, except
‘‘Forwarding Service Requested.’’
3.9.3 Mailer Certification
The mailer’s signature on the postage
statement certifies that the Move Update
standard has been met for each address
in the corresponding mailing presented
to the USPS.
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400
Discount Parcels
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430
First-Class Mail
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433
Rates and Eligibility
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3.0 Basic Standards for First-Class
Mail Parcels
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3.5
Move Update Standard
3.5.1
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Basic Standards
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[Revise item a in 3.5.1.as follows:]
a. Each address and associated
occupant name used on the mailpieces
in a mailing must be updated within 95
days before the mailing date, with one
of the USPS-approved methods in 3.6.2.
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[Revise item c in 3.5.1 as follows:]
c. The Move Update standard is met
when an address used on a mailpiece,
in a mailing at any class of mail, is
updated with an approved method in
3.6.2, and the same address is used in
a First-Class Mail mailing within 95
days after the address has been updated.
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440
Rates and Eligibility
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Neva Watson,
Attorney, Legislative.
[FR Doc. E7–19151 Filed 9–27–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710–12–P
Standard Mail
443
standard has been met for each address
in the corresponding mailing presented
to the USPS.
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
*
3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail
Parcels
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[Add new item 3.9 as follows:]
3.9
Move Update Standard
3.9.1 Basic Standards
The Move Update standard is a means
of reducing the number of mailpieces in
a mailing that require forwarding,
return, or discard by the periodic
matching of a mailer’s address records
with customer-filed change-of-address
orders received and maintained by the
USPS. For the purposes of this standard,
‘‘address’’ means a specific address
associated with a specific occupant
name. Addresses subject to the Move
Update standard must meet these
requirements:
a. Each address and associated
occupant name used on the mailpieces
in a mailing must be updated within 95
days before the mailing date, with one
of the USPS-approved methods in 3.9.2.
b. Each individual address in the
mailing is subject to the Move Update
standard.
c. The Move Update standard is met
when an address used on a mailpiece,
in a mailing for any class of mail, is
updated with an approved method in
3.9.2, and the same address is used in
a Standard Mail mailing within 95 days
after the address has been updated.
d. Except for mail bearing an
alternative address format, addresses
used on pieces claiming Standard Mail
rates, regardless of any required
surcharge, must meet the Move Update
standard.
3.9.2 USPS-Approved Methods
The following methods are authorized
for meeting the Move Update standard:
a. Address Change Service (ACS).
b. National Change of Address
Linkage System (NCOALink).
c. Ancillary service endorsements
under 507.1.5.3, Standard Mail, except
‘‘Forwarding Service Requested.’’
3.9.3 Mailer Certification
The mailer’s signature on the postage
statement certifies that the Move Update
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40 CFR Parts 30 and 31
[FRL–8472–1]
Award of United States-Mexico Border
Program and Alaska Rural and Native
Villages Program Grants Authorized by
the Revised Continuing Appropriations
Resolution, 2007
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Grant Guidelines.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This notice provides
guidelines on the Award of United
States-Mexico Border Program and
Alaska Rural and Native Villages
Program Grants Authorized by the
Revised Continuing Appropriations
Resolution, 2007. This notice provides
information and guidelines on how the
EPA will award and administer the
United States-Mexico Border Program
and the Alaska Rural and Native
Villages Program in accordance with the
Revised Continuing Appropriations
Resolution, 2007 (Pub. L. 110–5). The
Revised Continuing Appropriations
Resolution, 2007, provides budget
authority for funding the United StatesMexico Border Program and the Alaska
Rural and Native Villages Program. Each
grant recipient will receive a copy of
this notice from EPA.
ADDRESSES: The subject notice and
associated documents may be viewed
and downloaded from EPA’s homepage,
https://www.epa.gov/owm/mab/
owm0330.pdf.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Benjamin J. Hamm, Chief, Municipal
Assistance Branch, Municipal Support
Division, Office of Wastewater
Management (4204M), Environmental
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania
Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460;
telephone number: (202) 564–0648; email address: hamm.ben@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Information
Affected Entities: This action applies
to State Agencies, nonprofit institutions,
international organizations, and Alaska
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28SER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 188 (Friday, September 28, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55055-55058]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-19151]
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POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
New Move Update Standards for First-Class Mail and Standard Mail
AGENCY: United States Postal Service.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The Postal ServiceTM is extending its effort to
improve the percentage of deliverable mail by revising Move Update
standards in the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service,
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM). The Move Update standards provide ways for
mailers to reduce the number of mailpieces that require forwarding or
return by the periodic matching of a mailer's address records with
customer-filed change-of-address orders. Our final rule includes the
following changes related to Move Update processing: increase the
[[Page 55056]]
minimum frequency of Move Update processing from 185 days to 95 days
prior to the date of mailing and extend the revised Move Update
requirement to include all Standard Mail.
EFFECTIVE DATE: November 23, 2008.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charles B. Hunt, 901-681-4651; or Bert
Olsen, 202-268-7276.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On May 23, 2007, we published a proposed
rule in the Federal Register (72 FR 28908-28911), about two
initiatives: (1) Extending the Move Update requirement to all Standard
Mail and, (2) increasing the minimum frequency of Move Update
processing from 185 days to 95 days prior to the date of mailing. The
revised timeframe also will apply to all pieces in Standard Mail
mailings. The proposed notice also invited public comment concerning
the changes. The Postal Service received eight customer comments on the
proposals.
We believe that the revised standards in this final rule are
crucial to the continued vitality of the postal system as well as the
business interests of mailers. In Fiscal Year 2004 the Postal Service
handled 9.7 billion pieces of Undeliverable-as-Addressed Mail (UAA)
mail at a cost of $1.979 billion dollars. This change will result in
better address quality by removing incorrectly addressed pieces from
subsequent mailings, which will reduce UAA mail.
In cooperation with the mailing industry, we are committed to
reducing UAA mail volume in order to create and maintain a cost-
efficient mailstream. Over the years, we have invested heavily in
creating an automated mailstream to help drive costs out of the
delivery system. However, an efficient automated mailstream works best
when mailpieces have complete, correct, and current addresses. As
discussed in the proposed rule, revisions to the Move Update standard
are needed to improve the percentage of deliverable addresses for
mailings entered at discounted rates. High quality addressing, best
possible depth of ZIP+4 Codes, and accurate barcodes that result in the
delivery of the mailpiece to the intended recipient in an efficient
manner, should be primary tools that mailers use to reduce UAA mail
volume.
In addition to revisions to DMM standards, the proposed rule also
addressed the timing of the changes. When the Move Update requirement
for First-Class Mail was instituted in 1997, a 9-month readiness period
was provided. The Postal Service recognizes the magnitude of the
adjustments to be made by the mailing industry to implement the
revisions in this notice and believes that an 18-month period from the
date of proposed rulemaking notice (May 23, 2007) to implementation of
the changes provides ample time. The Postal Service also believes that
the changes improve the overall cost effectiveness of mail delivery and
contribute to rate stability and do not create unreasonable barriers to
discount rate qualifications.
Part A of this final rule summarizes the new requirements and
provides an analysis of the eight comments received to the Proposed
Rule Notice. Part B contains the text of the proposed DMM standards.
Part A
1. Move Update Requirement for All Standard Mail
The Move Update standard, which previously applied only to First-
Class Mail, will be extended to include all Standard Mail. A key reason
for this extension is that one of the conclusions of an independent
study of the cost, volume, and characteristics of UAA mail pointed out
that mail entered as Standard Mail accounted for 62.8 percent of all
UAA mail volume.
Two commenters expressed full support for the proposed expansion of
the Move Update requirement beyond presorted and automation rate First-
Class Mail to Standard Mail. However, several commenters voiced
concerns or made alternative recommendations regarding the proposed
expansion.
One commenter voiced concern regarding the difficulty of complying
with the Move Update requirement for small local businesses and
nonprofit organizations. The Postal Service feels that there are many
methods mailers can use in order to qualify and make this fit any
business model. The list of authorized methods upon implementation of
these requirements will include the following:
NCOALink processing
FASTforward MLOCR processing (for letters)
Address Change Service (ACS)
On-piece ancillary service endorsements, except ``Forwarding Service
Requested''
Additionally, two commenters proposed postponing implementation
until the benefits of the recent CASSTM Cycle L changes,
which were effective August 1, 2007, are realized. CASS Cycle L
requires the integration and use of Delivery Point Validation
(DPVTM) and Locatable Address Conversion System
(LACSLink TM) as part of CASS certification and processing
in order for mailers to be eligible for automation discounts. Most UAA
mail is attributed to Standard Mail move-related reasons. CASS Cycle L
changes do not affect move-related UAA problems.
Another commenter expressed concern that the alternative Move
Update method was not listed as a stand-alone option to meet the Move
Update requirement for Standard Mail. The alternative method is allowed
for First-Class Mail due to mailer's concerns about incorporating
change-of-address information into their mailing lists for mailpieces
containing personal information. Therefore, the Postal Service does not
consider alternative methods applicable to Standard Mail. However,
addresses that have been processed through any Move Update method,
including alternative methods for First-Class Mail, automatically meet
the Move Update standard for Standard Mail. And lastly, one commenter
asked if addresses received directly from their customers or clients
may be claimed within a mailing at the First-Class Mail or Standard
Mail discounted rates. The answer is yes, if mailed within the first
185 days of acquiring the address. When this final rule is implemented,
the current requirement to perform Move Update processing within 185
days before mailing will be changed to 95-days.
As information, in addition to the four authorized Move Update
methods listed above, addresses utilizing any of the three alternative
addressing formats in DMM 602.3.0 (for example, ``John Doe or Current
Resident,'' ``Occupant,'' ``Postal Customer'' etc.) will not be subject
to the Move Update standard.
2. Frequency of Use of Move Update Processing
The Postal Service will increase the minimum frequency of Move
Update processing from 185 days to 95 days prior to the date of mailing
for First-Class Mail and for Standard Mail.
Two commenters voiced general support for the proposal, but
expressed concerns about the 95-day window for processing addresses.
One suggested keeping Move Update processing for First-Class Mail at
185 days and requiring Move Update processing for Standard Mail at an
annual interval. The other commenter suggested requiring Move Update
processing within 120 days instead of 95 days, asserting that the
reduced window for processing will have a negative effect due to the
planning cycles in use by many mailers.
We understand that certain operational changes may be necessary for
the mailing industry to implement this proposal. However, the UAA mail
problem is of such magnitude that it is
[[Page 55057]]
in the best interests of all stakeholders to modify current practices
in order to mitigate the problem. We also recognize that some mailers
who are successfully reducing UAA mail within their operations have
already set quarterly production cycles for their Move Update and
Address Matching processing.
Reducing the processing window from 185 days to 95 days prior to
the mailing date will lessen the effect of the natural deterioration of
address currency, resulting in a significant decrease in UAA volume and
the costs associated with the redirecting, re-handling, and disposing
of mail.
Part B
Effective November 23, 2008, we will adopt the following amendments
to the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic
Mail Manual (DMM), incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal
Regulations. See 39 CFR 111.1., 111.4.
List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111
Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service.
0
Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is amended as follows:
PART 111--[AMENDED]
0
1. The authority citation for 39 CFR part 111 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 414,
3001-3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3626, 5001.
0
2. Revise the following sections of the Mailing Standards of the United
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), as follows:
* * * * *
200 Discount Letters and Cards
* * * * *
230 First-Class Mail
233 Rates and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for First-Class Mail Letters
* * * * *
3.5 Move Update Standard
3.5.1 Basic Standards
* * * * *
[Revise item a in 3.5.1 as follows:]
a. Each address and associated occupant name used on the mailpieces
in a mailing must be updated within 95 days before the mailing date,
with one of the USPS-approved methods in 3.5.2.
* * * * *
[Revise item c in 3.5.1 as follows:]
c. The Move Update standard is met when an address used on a
mailpiece, in a mailing at any class of mail, is updated with an
approved method in 3.5.2, and the same address is used in a First-Class
Mail mailing within 95 days after the address has been updated.
* * * * *
240 Standard Mail
243 Rates and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail Letters
* * * * *
[Add new item 3.9 as follows:]
3.9 Move Update Standard
3.9.1 Basic Standards
The Move Update standard is a means of reducing the number of
mailpieces in a mailing that require forwarding, return, or discard by
the periodic matching of a mailer's address records with customer-filed
change-of-address orders received and maintained by the USPS. For the
purposes of this standard, ``address'' means a specific address
associated with a specific occupant name. Addresses subject to the Move
Update standard must meet these requirements:
a. Each address and associated occupant name used on the mailpieces
in a mailing must be updated within 95 days before the mailing date,
with one of the USPS-approved methods in 3.9.2.
b. Each individual address in the mailing is subject to the Move
Update standard.
c. The Move Update standard is met when an address used on a
mailpiece, in a mailing for any class of mail, is updated with an
approved method in 3.9.2, and the same address is used in a Standard
Mail mailing within 95 days after the address has been updated.
d. Except for mail bearing an alternative address format, addresses
used on pieces claiming Standard Mail rates, regardless of any required
surcharge, must meet the Move Update standard.
3.9.2 USPS-Approved Methods
The following methods are authorized for meeting the Move Update
standard:
a. Address Change Service (ACS).
b. National Change of Address Linkage System (NCOALink).
c. FASTforward MLOCR processes if used each time before mail entry
(for letter mail only). If a mailpiece that initially uses FASTforward
MLOCR processing is rejected and then entered into a Direct View
Encoding Desk (DVED) operation (or similar system), the piece does not
meet the Move Update standard. The name and address information on the
piece must then be processed through a FASTforward RVE system to meet
the Move Update standard. FASTforward RVE processes also meet the Move
Update standard if used each time before mail entry.
d. Ancillary service endorsements under 507.1.5.3, Standard Mail,
except ``Forwarding Service Requested.''
3.9.3 Mailer Certification
The mailer's signature on the postage statement certifies that the
Move Update standard has been met for each address in the corresponding
mailing presented to the USPS.
* * * * *
300 Discount Flats
* * * * *
330 First-Class Mail
333 Rates and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Eligibility Standards for First-Class Mail Flats
* * * * *
3.5 Move Update Standard
3.5.1 Basic Standards
* * * * *
[Revise item a in 3.5.1 as follows:]
a. Each address and associated occupant name used on the mailpieces
in a mailing must be updated within 95 days before the mailing date,
with one of the USPS-approved methods in 3.5.2.
* * * * *
[Revise item c in 3.5.1 as follows:]
c. The Move Update standard is met when an address used on a
mailpiece, in a mailing for any class of mail, is updated with an
approved method in 3.5.2, and the same address is used in a First-Class
Mail mailing within 95 days after the address has been updated.
* * * * *
340 Standard Mail
343 Rates and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail Flats
* * * * *
[Add new item 3.9 as follows:]
3.9 Move Update Standard
3.9.1 Basic Standards
The Move Update standard is a means of reducing the number of
mailpieces in a mailing that require forwarding, return, or discard by
the periodic matching of a mailer's address records
[[Page 55058]]
with customer-filed change-of-address orders received and maintained by
the USPS. For the purposes of this standard, ``address'' means a
specific address associated with a specific occupant name. Addresses
subject to the Move Update standard must meet these requirements:
a. Each address and associated occupant name used on the mailpieces
in a mailing must be updated within 95 days before the mailing date,
with one of the USPS-approved methods in 3.9.2.
b. Each individual address in the mailing is subject to the Move
Update standard.
c. The Move Update standard is met when an address used on a
mailpiece, in a mailing for any class of mail, is updated with an
approved method in 3.9.2, and the same address is used in a Standard
Mail mailing within 95 days after the address has been updated.
d. Except for mail bearing an alternative address format, addresses
used on pieces claiming Standard Mail rates, regardless of any required
surcharge, must meet the Move Update standard.
3.9.2 USPS-Approved Methods
The following methods are authorized for meeting the Move Update
standard:
a. Address Change Service (ACS).
b. National Change of Address Linkage System (NCOALink).
c. Ancillary service endorsements under 507.1.5.3, Standard Mail,
except ``Forwarding Service Requested.''
3.9.3 Mailer Certification
The mailer's signature on the postage statement certifies that the
Move Update standard has been met for each address in the corresponding
mailing presented to the USPS.
* * * * *
400 Discount Parcels
* * * * *
430 First-Class Mail
433 Rates and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for First-Class Mail Parcels
* * * * *
3.5 Move Update Standard
3.5.1 Basic Standards
* * * * *
[Revise item a in 3.5.1.as follows:]
a. Each address and associated occupant name used on the mailpieces
in a mailing must be updated within 95 days before the mailing date,
with one of the USPS-approved methods in 3.6.2.
* * * * *
[Revise item c in 3.5.1 as follows:]
c. The Move Update standard is met when an address used on a
mailpiece, in a mailing at any class of mail, is updated with an
approved method in 3.6.2, and the same address is used in a First-Class
Mail mailing within 95 days after the address has been updated.
* * * * *
440 Standard Mail
443 Rates and Eligibility
* * * * *
3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail Parcels
* * * * *
[Add new item 3.9 as follows:]
3.9 Move Update Standard
3.9.1 Basic Standards
The Move Update standard is a means of reducing the number of
mailpieces in a mailing that require forwarding, return, or discard by
the periodic matching of a mailer's address records with customer-filed
change-of-address orders received and maintained by the USPS. For the
purposes of this standard, ``address'' means a specific address
associated with a specific occupant name. Addresses subject to the Move
Update standard must meet these requirements:
a. Each address and associated occupant name used on the mailpieces
in a mailing must be updated within 95 days before the mailing date,
with one of the USPS-approved methods in 3.9.2.
b. Each individual address in the mailing is subject to the Move
Update standard.
c. The Move Update standard is met when an address used on a
mailpiece, in a mailing for any class of mail, is updated with an
approved method in 3.9.2, and the same address is used in a Standard
Mail mailing within 95 days after the address has been updated.
d. Except for mail bearing an alternative address format, addresses
used on pieces claiming Standard Mail rates, regardless of any required
surcharge, must meet the Move Update standard.
3.9.2 USPS-Approved Methods
The following methods are authorized for meeting the Move Update
standard:
a. Address Change Service (ACS).
b. National Change of Address Linkage System (NCOA\Link\).
c. Ancillary service endorsements under 507.1.5.3, Standard Mail,
except ``Forwarding Service Requested.''
3.9.3 Mailer Certification
The mailer's signature on the postage statement certifies that the
Move Update standard has been met for each address in the corresponding
mailing presented to the USPS.
* * * * *
Neva Watson,
Attorney, Legislative.
[FR Doc. E7-19151 Filed 9-27-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P
