Changes to Move Update Standards, 40844-40849 [2011-17390]

Agencies

• Postal Service

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 133 (Tuesday, July 12, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 40844-40849]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-17390]


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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111


Changes to Move Update Standards

AGENCY: Postal Service\TM\.

ACTION: Proposed rule, revised.

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SUMMARY: The Postal Service proposes to revise Mailing Standards of the 
United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]) to add 
602.5.0 and 602.6.0, and to revise the Move Update standards regarding 
change of address orders, by including in the revised standards change 
of address notices filed by postal employees. The Postal Service also 
deletes multiple sections throughout the DMM to centralize Move Update 
and ZIP CodeTM accuracy standards under section 602.

DATES: We must receive your comments on or before August 11, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product 
Classification, U.S. Postal Service,[supreg] 475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW., 
Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260-5015. You may inspect and photocopy all 
written comments at USPS[supreg] Headquarters Library, 475 L'Enfant 
Plaza, SW., 11th Floor North, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 4 
p.m., Monday through Friday. Email comments, containing the name and 
address of the commenter, may be sent to: MailingStandards@usps.gov, 
with a subject line of ``Move Update.'' Faxed comments are not 
accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Wilson at 901-681-4600, or Bill 
Chatfield at 202-268-7278.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 21, 2010, the Postal Service 
published a proposed rule in the Federal Register (75 FR 57410-57412) 
to include all changes-of-address, whether filed by customers or postal 
employees, as subject to Move Update requirements. In addition, the 
proposal announced that the online publication, Guide to Move Update, 
is the appropriate source for additional information and procedures for 
meeting the Move Update requirements.
    The prior proposal also would have changed the timeframe for 
providing address correction and nixie notices without charge for 
First-Class Mail[supreg], Standard Mail[supreg], and Bound Printed 
Matter (BPM) pieces eligible for full-service Intelligent Mail[supreg] 
prices. The Postal Service is not including that initiative in this 
rule; for now, we will retain the current timeframe for notices without 
charge for pieces eligible for full-service prices.
    In this notice we provide an overview of the revised proposal, a 
summary of comments on the original proposal, our response to those 
comments, and the proposed new mailing standards to implement this 
proposal.

Change of Address Orders

    The Postal Service proposes that the Move Update standards are met, 
not only by updating address records from customer-filed change-of-
address (COA) orders, but also from COA orders supplied by postal 
employees. Customers occasionally move from a street address or allow 
their Post Office\TM\ Box service to expire without providing a new 
address to redirect their mail. In these instances, the customer no 
longer receives mail at that address, and the postal employee files 
either a ``Moved Left No Address'' (MLNA) or a ``Box Closed No Order'' 
(BCNO) COA order. These two types of COAs are included in the address 
change databases the Postal Service maintains. To comply with the new 
proposed Move Update standards, mailers must not include pieces in 
presorted mailings to these undeliverable addresses once the effective 
date of the COA is older than 95 days.
    However, the Postal Service understands that some mailers may have 
difficulty isolating MLNAs and BCNOs in their mailing processes. 
Therefore, to allow mailers sufficient time to modify their mailing 
systems to properly handle MLNA and BCNO occurrences, MLNAs and BCNOs 
with effective dates older than 95 days would not be classified as 
failures to update a COA by Performance Based Verification (PBV) Move 
Update verifications until a year after publication of the final rule. 
After the one-year grace period, MLNA/BCNO addresses with effective 
dates between 95 days and 18 months would be treated by PBV 
verifications for commercial mailings of First-Class Mail and Standard 
Mail pieces as failures to update a COA.

Guide to Move Update

    The online USPS publication Guide to Move Update (available on the 
RIBBS[supreg] Web site at https://ribbs.usps.gov) provides general 
information and recommendations about each authorized Move Update 
method. This publication also provides specific information on the best 
use of the methods available for meeting the Move Update standards. It 
describes in detail the four primary and the two alternative Move 
Update methods available for updating mailing lists.
    Since the amount of information on Move Update involves numerous 
technical details in addition to the basic standards, it is not 
appropriate to include all the information within the DMM. Therefore, 
we reference the Guide to Move Update where relevant and appropriate in 
sections of the DMM. The Guide to Move Update is accessible online at: 
ribbs.usps.gov/move_update/documents/tech_guides/GuidetoMoveUpdate.pdf.

Comments and USPS Responses

General

    We received comments from two customers and eight mailer 
associations. A general comment recommended that the Postal Service 
explain the financial and other service-related benefits to

[[Page 40845]]

users of the mail as a consequence of this rule. Improving the quality 
and currency of addresses used on mail facilitates the efficient 
delivery of the mail and reduces cost associated with unnecessary 
handling and processing of mailpieces that are undeliverable-as-
addressed.
    Several associations suggested that the USPS should review all 
address-related recommendations made by appropriate Mailers' Technical 
Advisory Committee (MTAC) workgroups to make sure that those issues are 
being addressed, and also that we should provide an update on all work 
pertaining to the undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) reduction goal, 
including data on address quality improvements and specific factors 
that contributed to those results. The USPS appreciates and values the 
input and recommendations submitted through the MTAC Workgroup process 
and, where implementation of recommendations is practical and 
beneficial to the mutual interests of the mailing industry and the 
USPS, the USPS will take action to adopt MTAC Workgroup-submitted 
recommendations. We have made several responsive presentations to MTAC 
concerning the state of address quality and the performance by the 
mailing industry towards the goal to reduce UAA by 50 percent.
    One association requested that the USPS acknowledges that the 
pricing for First-Class Mail includes the cost to handle return mail. 
The cited statements that First-Class Mail prices ``factor in the 
cost'' of UAA mail is a reasonable summary of the relationship between 
costs and prices under the previous regulatory framework (the Postal 
Reorganization Act or PRA), in which a markup factor was added to 
attributable cost per piece to determine prices. Under the current 
Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act framework, however, prices 
are not directly connected to costs; price increase percentages cannot 
exceed the CPI price-cap even if the attributable cost per piece has 
risen faster than the CPI. In any case, because of the way the Move 
Update assessment is applied, changes in the assessment formula 
(tolerance or per-piece assessment) are included in price-cap 
calculations.
    One association asserted that the original proposed rule 
represented an instance of imposing rules that require major investment 
by mailers for little or no return, thus creating additional costs that 
functionally act as an increase in postage. In the association's 
opinion, the rules become unfunded mandates. The statement went on to 
recommend that USPS consider the impact of the burdens inherent in the 
costs associated with rules changes. The association suggested that 
ways can be found to reduce the customer impact, starting with a 
realistic assessment of the costs associated with the rules change.
    The USPS believes we have demonstrated sensitivity to the impact of 
new requirements that result in changes for mailers and mailing 
systems. We typically make accommodations to mailing industry interests 
to implement necessary changes in a reasonable manner that are 
minimally intrusive to the mailing industry. Examples of this 
accommodation are the 3-year implementation cycle of the DPV (delivery-
point validation) changes, the 2-year gradual implementation of the 
Suite[supreg]; changes, and the 1-year implementation deferral of the 
MLNA/BCNO changes from the date of the original proposal. And, in 
recognition of the comments, we are proposing to extend that deferral 
so that full implementation would begin one year after publication of 
the final rule. On an ongoing basis, the USPS will continue to seek 
opportunities to work collaboratively with the mailing industry to 
resolve issues of importance to both the mailing industry and the USPS. 
Better address quality benefits mailers and the customers they are 
trying to reach, because better quality current addresses enable 
product offers to reach addressees more quickly, resulting in higher 
and quicker response rates.
    One association commented extensively on the previously proposed 
change in the Move Update tolerance, a subject of a different proposal.

Moved Left No Address (MLNA) and Box Closed No Order (BCNO) Notices

    Several commenters asked that the USPS eliminate the MLNA/BCNO 
requirement until all data quality issues are rectified. The USPS 
believes that it is appropriate to include MLNA/BCNO postal employee-
filed changes in the Move Update Performance Based Verification 
process. The 95-day allowance granted to mailers provides sufficient 
time for customers for whom an MLNA or BCNO entry into the change-of-
address data has been made to resolve any data quality issues. The USPS 
does not believe that mailers should continue to send potentially 
sensitive mail at presorted prices to customers at addresses where it 
is known that customers no longer receive mail, when the result is that 
the USPS must re-handle this undeliverable-as-addressed mail.
    Several commenters urged the USPS to change MLNA and BCNO notices 
for Periodicals to nixie notifications or ensure the accuracy and 
consistency of the notices for multiple mailings to the same addressee. 
The USPS has historically treated MLNA and BCNO notices as change-of-
address notifications and not as nixies. This is demonstrated in USPS 
documents, such as Publication 8A, Address Change Service, that define 
MLNA and BCNO as carrier-filed actions.
    One mailer asserted that the MLNA/BCNO requirement will cause 
mailers to consider moving away from the mail due to the cost to 
provide solutions. The mailer further stated that this concern has been 
escalated on numerous occasions with the USPS management team, and 
recommended elimination of the MLNA/BCNO additional requirement. The 
USPS has made numerous accommodations of mailing industry concerns 
regarding the enforcement of the Move Update requirement for MLNA/BCNO 
changes-of-address orders. The USPS believes the revised accommodation 
to implement this change one year from publication of the Federal 
Register final rule provides sufficient time for the mailing industry 
to implement the changes necessary to handle these transactions. The 
same mailer also stated that the USPS should establish quality 
measurements to ensure that accurate and timely controls for issuance 
of MLNA/BCNO notices are in place. This mailer suggested that the USPS 
should be required to provide initial projections and detailed results 
of the savings associated with mailing requirements implemented to 
ensure accountability for proposed savings. Including the Move Update 
standard for MLNA/BNCO records protects against the revenue lost by the 
USPS from providing mailers reduced prices for mailpieces that will 
incur higher USPS processing costs.
    One association requested that the USPS confirm that the PBV 
process is not applied to single-piece full-rate mailings as the DMM 
does not state the need to apply PBV to full rate First-Class Mail 
pieces. The USPS confirms that mailpieces sent to MLNA or BCNO 
addresses at First-Class Mail single-piece prices are not subject to 
PBV (Performance Based Verification).

Temporarily Away Notices

    Several commenters requested that we clarify the proposed treatment 
of temporary moves in terms of Move Update requirements. Temporary 
change-of-address (COA) orders have never been included in the Move

[[Page 40846]]

Update standards, and there is no intent to include these records in 
Move Update standards in the future. The USPS will not subject 
temporary COA notices to the 95-day test, and will not charge mailers 
for additional temporary COA notices provided after 95 days beyond the 
date of the first temporary COA notification through full-service ACS.

Guide To Move Update

    Several commenters stated that we should develop other means 
(rather than the Guide to Move Update) for communicating changes in 
policies and procedures pertaining to Move Update. The Guide to Move 
Update is the USPS response to requests made by the mailing industry 
for a single source document that provides greater detail and 
additional information and recommendations on how mailers could use the 
approved Move Update products and services to meet the Move Update 
requirements. The Guide is not intended to be the vehicle for 
implementing changes in Move Update policies or price eligibility 
requirements; instead these changes will continue to be communicated 
through the DMM.
    Several commenters suggested that the USPS should publish changes 
to the Guide to Move Update in the Federal Register as a proposed rule 
so that all changes are vetted and visible to customers for their 
consideration and comments. One mailer suggested that a change 
management process should be used to notate modifications of 
requirements. The USPS does not believe the publication of changes made 
within the Guide to Move Update warrants the issuance of a Federal 
Register notice. The Guide to Move Update is not and will not be used 
to make changes to the Move Update requirements. It is intended to be a 
resource for the mailing industry to understand how various USPS 
programs and services can be used by a mailer to meet Move Update 
requirements. Where changes to Move Update requirements may occur, the 
standard processes for incorporating changes within the DMM will be 
followed. In response to industry concerns, the USPS will adopt a 
version control process as a standard method for describing changes 
within the Guide to Move Update.

Effective Dates

    We would implement the changes related to COAs filed for MLNA and 
BCNO addresses one year from the date of publication of a final rule.
    Although we are exempt from the notice and comment requirements of 
the Administrative Procedure Act [5 U.S.C of 553(b), (c)] regarding 
proposed rulemaking by 39 U.S.C. 410(a), we invite public comments on 
the following proposed revisions to 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.

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111

    Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service.

    Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 111--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for 39 CFR part 111 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 552(a); 13 U.S.C. 301-307; 18 U.S.C. 1692-
1737; 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 414, 416, 3001-3011, 3201-3219, 
3403-3406, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3632, 3633, and 5001.

    2. Revise the following sections of Mailing Standards of the United 
States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), as follows:
    Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic 
Mail Manual (DMM)
* * * * *

200 Commercial Letters and Cards

* * * * *

230 First-Class Mail

233 Prices and Eligibility

* * * * *

3.0 Basic Standards for First-Class Mail Letters

* * * * *

3.5 Move Update Standard

3.5.1 Basic Standards

    [Revise text of 3.5.1 to read as follows:]
    The Move Update standard requires the periodic matching of a 
mailer's address records with all change-of-address orders maintained 
by the USPS. For this standard, address is a specific address 
associated with a specific occupant name. The USPS Guide to Move Update 
(at ribbs.usps.gov) has more information on the methods for meeting 
this standard. Each address in a mailing at First-Class Mail commercial 
letter prices must meet the requirements in 602.5.0.
    [Delete 3.5.2, USPS-Approved Methods, and 3.5.3, Mailer 
Certification, in their entirety and renumber current item 3.5.4 as the 
new 3.5.2.]
* * * * *

3.6 ZIP Code Accuracy

    [Delete the title of 3.6.1, Basic Standard, and move the text of 
3.6.1 under 3.6 and revise as follows:]
    The ZIP Code accuracy standard is a means of ensuring that the 5-
digit ZIP Code in the delivery address correctly matches the delivery 
address information. For the purposes of this standard, address means a 
specific address associated with a specific 5-digit ZIP Code. Each 
address in a mailing at commercial First-Class Mail letter prices must 
meet the ZIP Code accuracy requirements in 602.6.0.
    [Delete 3.6.2, USPS-Approved Methods, and 3.6.3, Mailer 
Certification, in their entirety.]
* * * * *

240 Standard Mail

243 Prices and Eligibility

* * * * *

3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail Letters

* * * * *

3.8 ZIP Code Accuracy

    [Delete the title of 3.8.1, Basic Standard, and move the text of 
3.8.1 under 3.8 and revise as follows:]
    The ZIP Code accuracy standard is a means of ensuring that the 5-
digit ZIP Code in the delivery address correctly matches the delivery 
address information. For the purposes of this standard, address means a 
specific address associated with a specific 5-digit ZIP Code. Each 
address in a mailing at Standard Mail letter prices must meet the ZIP 
Code accuracy requirements in 602.6.0.
    [Delete 3.8.2, USPS-Approved Methods, and 3.8.3, Mailer 
Certification, in their entirety.]
* * * * *

3.9 Move Update Standards

3.9.1 Basic Standards

    [Revise text of 3.9.1 to read as follows:]
    The Move Update standard requires the periodic matching of a 
mailer's address records with all change-of-address orders maintained 
by the USPS. For this standard, address is a specific address 
associated with a specific occupant name. The USPS Guide to Move Update 
(at ribbs.usps.gov) has more information on the methods for meeting 
this standard. Each address in a mailing at Standard Mail letter prices 
must meet the requirements in 602.5.0.
* * * * *
    [Delete 3.9.2, USPS-Approved Methods, and 3.9.3, Mailer 
Certification,

[[Page 40847]]

in their entirety and renumber current item 3.9.4 as the new 3.9.2.]
* * * * *

300 Commercial Flats

* * * * *

330 First-Class Mail

333 Prices and Eligibility

* * * * *

3.0 Eligibility Standards for First-Class Mail Flats

* * * * *

3.5 Move Update Standards

3.5.1 Basic Standards

    [Revise text of 3.5.1 to read as follows:]
    The Move Update standard requires the periodic matching of a 
mailer's address records with all change-of-address orders maintained 
by the USPS. For this standard, address is a specific address 
associated with a specific occupant name. The USPS Guide to Move Update 
(at https://ribbs.usps.gov) has more information on methods for meeting 
this standard. Each address in a mailing at commercial First-Class Mail 
flats prices must meet the requirements in 602.5.0.
* * * * *
    [Delete 3.5.2, USPS-Approved Methods, and 3.5.3, Mailer 
Certification, in their entirety and renumber current item 3.5.4 as the 
new 3.5.2.]
* * * * *

3.6 ZIP Code Accuracy

    [Delete the title of 3.6.1, Basic Standard, and move the text of 
3.6.1 under 3.6 and revise as follows:]
    The ZIP Code accuracy standard is a means of ensuring that the 5-
digit ZIP Code in the delivery address correctly matches the delivery 
address information. For the purposes of this standard, address means a 
specific address associated with a specific 5-digit ZIP Code. Each 
address in a mailing at commercial First-Class Mail flats prices must 
meet the ZIP Code accuracy requirements in 602.6.0.
    [Delete 3.6.2, USPS-Approved Methods, and 3.6.3, Mailer 
Certification, in their entirety.]
* * * * *

340 Standard Mail

343 Prices and Eligibility

* * * * *

3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail Flats

* * * * *

3.8 ZIP Code Accuracy

    [Delete the title of 3.8.1, Basic Standard, and move the text of 
3.8.1 under 3.8 and revise as follows:]
    The ZIP Code accuracy standard is a means of ensuring that the 5-
digit ZIP Code in the delivery address correctly matches the delivery 
address information. For the purposes of this standard, address means a 
specific address associated with a specific 5-digit ZIP Code. Each 
address in a mailing at Standard Mail flats prices must meet the ZIP 
Code accuracy requirements in 602.6.0.
    [Delete 3.8.2, USPS-Approved Methods, and 3.8.3, Mailer 
Certification in their entirety.]
* * * * *

3.9 Move Update Standard

3.9.1 Basic Standards

    [Revise text of 3.9.1 to read as follows:]
    The Move Update standard requires the periodic matching of a 
mailer's address records with all change-of-address orders maintained 
by the USPS. For this standard, address is a specific address 
associated with a specific occupant name. The USPS Guide to Move Update 
(at ribbs.usps.gov) has more information on the methods for meeting 
this standard. Each address in a mailing at Standard Mail flats prices 
must meet the requirements in 602.5.0.
* * * * *
    [Delete 3.9.2, USPS-Approved Methods, and 3.9.3, Mailer 
Certification, in their entirety, and renumber current item 3.9.4 as 
the new 3.9.2.]
* * * * *

360 Bound Printed Matter

363 Prices and Eligibility

* * * * *

4.0 Price Eligibility for Bound Printed Matter Flats

* * * * *

4.3 ZIP Code Accuracy

    [Delete the title of 4.3.1, Basic Standard, and move the text of 
4.3.1 under 4.3 and revise as follows:]
    The ZIP Code accuracy standard is a means of ensuring that the 5-
digit ZIP Code in the delivery address correctly matches the delivery 
address information. For the purposes of this standard, address means a 
specific address associated with a specific 5-digit ZIP Code. Each 
address in a mailing at Bound Printed Matter presorted or carrier route 
prices must meet the ZIP Code accuracy requirements in 602.6.0.
    [Delete 4.3.2, USPS-Approved Methods, and 4.3.3, Mailer 
Certification, in their entirety.]
* * * * *

400 Commercial Parcels

* * * * *

430 First-Class Mail

433 Prices and Eligibility

* * * * *

3.0 Basic Standards for First-Class Mail Parcels

* * * * *

3.5 Move Update Standard

3.5.1 Basic Standards

    [Revise text of 3.5.1 to read as follows:]
    The Move Update standard requires the periodic matching of a 
mailer's address records with all change-of-address orders maintained 
by the USPS. For this standard, address is a specific address 
associated with a specific occupant name. The USPS Guide to Move Update 
(at ribbs.usps.gov) has more information on the methods for meeting 
this standard. Each address in a mailing at commercial First-Class Mail 
parcel prices must meet the requirements in 602.5.0.
    [Delete 3.5.2, USPS-Approved Methods, and 3.5.3, Mailer 
Certification, in their entirety and renumber current item 3.5.4 as the 
new 3.5.2.]
* * * * *

3.6 ZIP Code Accuracy

    [Delete the title of 3.6.1, Basic Standard, and move the text of 
3.6.1 under 3.6 and revise as follows:]
    The ZIP Code accuracy standard is a means of ensuring that the 5-
digit ZIP Code in the delivery address correctly matches the delivery 
address information. For the purposes of this standard, address means a 
specific address associated with a specific 5-digit ZIP Code. Each 
address in a mailing at commercial First-Class Mail parcel prices must 
meet the ZIP Code accuracy requirements in 602.6.0.
    [Delete 3.6.2, USPS-Approved Methods, and 3.6.3, Mailer 
Certification, in their entirety.]
* * * * *

440 Standard Mail

443 Prices and Eligibility

* * * * *

3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail Parcels

* * * * *

[[Page 40848]]

3.8 ZIP Code Accuracy

    [Delete the title of 3.8.1, Basic Standard, and move the text of 
3.8.1 under 3.8 and revise as follows:]
    The ZIP Code accuracy standard is a means of ensuring that the 5-
digit ZIP Code in the delivery address correctly matches the delivery 
address information. For the purposes of this standard, address means a 
specific address associated with a specific 5-digit ZIP Code. Each 
address in a mailing at Standard Mail parcel prices must meet the ZIP 
Code accuracy requirements in 602.6.0.
    [Delete 3.8.2 USPS-Approved Methods, and 3.8.3, Mailer 
Certification, in their entirety.]
* * * * *

3.9 Move Update Standards

3.9.1 Basic Standards

    [Revise text of 3.9.1 to read as follows:]
    The Move Update standard requires the periodic matching of a 
mailer's address records with all change-of-address orders maintained 
by the USPS. For this standard, address is a specific address 
associated with a specific occupant name. The USPS Guide to Move Update 
(at ribbs.usps.gov) has more information on the methods for meeting 
this standard. Each address in a mailing at Standard Mail parcel prices 
must meet the requirements in 602.5.0.
* * * * *
    [Delete 3.9.2, USPS-Approved Methods, and 3.9.3, Mailer 
Certification, in their entirety and renumber current 3.9.4 as new 
3.9.2.]
* * * * *

460 Bound Printed Matter

463 Prices and Eligibility

* * * * *

4.0 Price Eligibility for Bound Printed Matter Parcels

* * * * *

4.3 ZIP Code Accuracy

    [Delete the title of 4.3.1, Basic Standard, and move the text of 
4.3.1 under 4.3 and revise as follows:]
    The ZIP Code accuracy standard is a means of ensuring that the 5-
digit ZIP Code in the delivery address correctly matches the delivery 
address information. For the purposes of this standard, address means a 
specific address associated with a specific 5-digit ZIP Code. Each 
address in a mailing at Bound Printed Matter presorted or carrier route 
prices must meet the ZIP Code accuracy requirements in 602.6.0.
    [Delete 4.3.2, USPS-Approved Methods, and 4.3.3, Mailer 
Certification, in their entirety.]
* * * * *

600 Basic Standards for All Mailing Services

* * * * *

602 Addressing

* * * * *
    [Add new 5.0 and 6.0 as follows:]

5.0 Move Update Standards

5.1 Basic Standards

    Each address, except for mail bearing an alternative address format 
(under 602.3.0), in a mailing at commercial First-Class Mail or any 
Standard Mail prices is subject to the Move Update standard and 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 below.
    b. 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, and the same address is used in a First-Class Mail or Standard 
Mail mailing within 95 days after the address has been updated.

5.2 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. FASTforward MLOCR processes, for letters and flats, if used each 
time before mail entry. 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. Applicable ancillary service endorsements under 507.1.5.1 or 
507.1.5.3, except ``Forwarding Service Requested.''
    e. For First-Class Mail only: Mailer Move Update Process 
Certification and USPS-approved alternative methods for mailers with 
legitimate restrictions on incorporating USPS-supplied change-of-
address information into their mailing lists. The National Customer 
Support Center (see 608.8.1 for address) administers and approves both 
Mailer Move Update Process Certification and alternative methods.

5.3 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.

6.0 ZIP Code Accuracy Standards

6.1 Basic Standards

    Except for mail bearing a simplified address, addresses used on 
pieces in a mailing at commercial First-Class Mail, and all Standard 
Mail and Bound Printed Matter prices are subject to the ZIP Code 
accuracy standard and must meet these requirements:
    a. Each address and associated 5-digit ZIP Code used on the 
mailpieces in a mailing must be verified and corrected within 12 months 
before the mailing date with one of the USPS-approved methods below.
    b. If an address used on a mailpiece in a mailing at one class of 
mail and price is verified and corrected with an approved method, the 
same address may be used during the following 12 months to meet the ZIP 
Code accuracy standard required for mailing at any other class of mail 
and price.

6.2 USPS-Approved Methods

    The following methods are authorized for meeting the ZIP Code 
accuracy standard:
    a. For computerized lists, Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS)-
certified address matching software and current USPS City State 
Product, within a mailer's computer systems or through an authorized 
service provider.
    b. For manually maintained lists or small computerized lists, 
options include the following:
    1. Surveys of addressees on mailers address lists inquiring about 
the accuracy of ZIP Code information.
    2. Any mailing list service in 507.7.0.
    3. An authorized service provider.
    4. CASS-certified matching software.
    5. USPS Web site https://www.usps.com.

6.3 Mailer Certification

    The mailer's signature on the postage statement certifies that the 
ZIP Code accuracy standard has been met for each address in the 
corresponding mailing presented to the USPS.
* * * * *
    We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to 
reflect

[[Page 40849]]

these changes if our proposal is adopted.

Stanley F. Mires,
Chief Counsel, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 2011-17390 Filed 7-11-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P