Non-Public Information, 31258-31294 [2018-14183]

Agencies

• POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 128 (Tuesday, July 3, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31258-31294]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-14183]



[[Page 31257]]

Vol. 83

Tuesday,

No. 128

July 3, 2018

Part II





Postal Regulatory Commission





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39 CFR Parts 3001, 3004, and 3007





Non-Public Information; Final Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 83 , No. 128 / Tuesday, July 3, 2018 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 31258]]


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POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION

39 CFR Parts 3001, 3004, and 3007

[Docket No. RM2018-3; Order No. 4679]


Non-Public Information

AGENCY: Postal Regulatory Commission.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Commission is adopting final rules relating to non-public 
materials. The final rules ensure appropriate transmission and 
protection of non-public materials, maintain appropriate transparency, 
and modernize practice before the Commission.

DATES: Effective August 2, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David A. Trissell, General Counsel, at 
202-789-6820.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Regulatory History

83 FR 7338 (Feb. 20, 2018)

Table of Contents

I. Introduction
II. Procedural History
III. Response to Significant Comments and Explanation of Changes
IV. Section-by-Section Analysis of the Final Changes to 39 CFR part 
3001
V. Section-by-Section Analysis of the Final Changes to 39 CFR part 
3004
VI. Section-by-Section Analysis of the Final Changes to 39 CFR part 
3007
VII. Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis
VIII. Ordering Paragraphs

I. Introduction

    In this Order, the Commission adopts final rules relating to non-
public information. The final rules adopted by this Order replace, in 
their entirety, the existing rules appearing in 39 CFR part 3007. 
Additionally, the final rules amend and move the existing rules 
regarding information requests to 39 CFR part 3001, subpart E. Further, 
the final rules update two rules appearing in existing 39 CFR part 3004 
concerning the application of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) \1\ 
to materials that are provided to the Commission with the reasonable 
belief that the materials are exempt from public disclosure. The final 
rules appear after the signature of this Order in Attachment A.
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    \1\ 5 U.S.C. 552.
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II. Procedural History

    On February 13, 2018, the Commission issued the notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPR), setting forth a proposed revision and reorganization 
of its rules relating to non-public information.\2\ The NPR also 
appointed an officer of the Commission to represent the interests of 
the general public (Public Representative) and provided an opportunity 
for public comment. Order No. 4403 at 36-37. On March 23, 2018, the 
Commission received comments from the Postal Service, the Public 
Representative, and United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS).\3\
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    \2\ Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Relating to Non-Public 
Information, February 13, 2018 (Order No. 4403). The Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking Relating to Non-Public Information was published 
in the Federal Register; see 83 FR 7338 (February 20, 2018).
    \3\ Initial Comments of the United States Postal Service, March 
23, 2018 (Postal Service Comments); Public Representative Comments 
in Response to Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Concerning Non-Public 
Information, March 23, 2018 (PR Comments); Comments of United Parcel 
Service, Inc. on Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Relating to Non-
Public Information, March 23, 2018 (UPS Comments).
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III. Response to Significant Comments and Explanation of Changes

A. Overview

    The Commission has carefully considered all comments that it 
received. Generally, the three commenters express support for the 
Commission's efforts to streamline and simplify procedures as well as 
to reorganize and update the existing rules. See Postal Service 
Comments at 1; PR Comments at 1-2, UPS Comments at 8-9. The Commission 
appreciates these remarks.
    Additionally, the commenters provide instructive perspectives on 
specific proposed rules. Notably, the commenters alert the Commission 
to areas that would benefit from additional clarification. All three 
commenters provide comments regarding the expiration of non-public 
treatment appearing in proposed Sec.  3007.401. See Postal Service 
Comments at 8-11; PR Comments at 2, 4-6; UPS Comments at 1-7, 9-10. The 
Postal Service and the Public Representative also suggest rule changes 
affecting other issues.\4\ Aside from the issues related to the 
expiration of non-public treatment, the issues raised by the Public 
Representative do not overlap with the issues raised by the Postal 
Service. Both the Postal Service and the Public Representative provide 
``redline'' revisions to the NPR's proposed rules. Postal Service 
Comments, Appendix (Postal Service Appendix); PR Comments at 17-49.
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    \4\ Aside from the issues related to the expiration of non-
public treatment, UPS did not recommend any other changes to the 
proposed rules. See generally UPS Comments.
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    The Commission appreciates the time and effort of the commenters in 
preparing their filings, and their comments have contributed to an 
improved set of final rules. The final rules appearing after the 
signature of this Order incorporate suggestions offered by commenters, 
particularly with respect to improving precision and clarity; however, 
the substance of the rules and their effect on interested persons 
remains the same as the rules proposed in the NPR.
    Accordingly, section III.B. reviews all issues raised by the three 
commenters related to the expiration of non-public treatment, provides 
analysis, and describes the resulting changes made to the proposed 
rules. Section III.C. reviews all other changes proposed by the Postal 
Service, provides analysis, and describes the resulting changes made to 
the proposed rules. Section III.D. reviews all other changes proposed 
by the Public Representative, provides analysis, and describes the 
resulting changes made to the proposed rules. Sections IV-VI provide 
the line-by-line discussion of the changes between the existing rules 
and the final rules (as adopted) for each affected part of the Code of 
Federal Regulations. Section VII provides the analysis required under 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The final rules appear after the 
signature of this Order in Attachment A.

B. Review of Comments Concerning the Expiration of Non-Public Treatment 
(Proposed Sec.  3007.401)

    The following discussion summarizes all changes proposed by the 
Postal Service, the Public Representative, and UPS concerning the 
expiration of non-public treatment, provides analysis, and describes 
the resulting changes made to the proposed rules.
1. Comments
    Generally, the Postal Service supports the procedure set forth in 
proposed Sec.  3007.401(b)-(f). Postal Service Comments at 8-9. The 
Postal Service observes that many of the persons other than the Postal 
Service that have a proprietary interest in non-public information 
submitted by the Postal Service ``lack familiarity with the 
Commission's regulations as well as the resources to vigilantly watch 
for and react to upcoming deadlines that would place their commercially 
sensitive data at risk.'' Id. at 9. The Postal Service asserts that 
this observation is appropriately addressed by proposed Sec.  
3007.401(b), which requires the person seeking public disclosure of the 
materials at issue to take the first step in the process for the 
Commission to determine whether to disclose the materials to the 
public. Id.

[[Page 31259]]

    Referring to its 2008 comments in the initial rulemaking 
promulgating existing 39 CFR part 3007, the Postal Service renews its 
objection to the default expiration period being set at 10 years.\5\ 
Noting that many of its customers have remained the same over the 
years, the Postal Service asserts that the non-public status of 
customer-specific information should not expire after 10 years. Postal 
Service Comments at 10. The Postal Service asserts ``this 10-year 
period is significantly shorter than the appropriate period for 
protection of nonpublic materials recognized in other contexts.'' Id. 
The Postal Service contends that this is exemplified by the FOIA's 
provision of a time limit for only one of its nine exemptions (the 25-
year time limit on the deliberative process privilege). Id. (quoting 5 
U.S.C. 552(b)(5)). The Postal Service recommends changing the proposed 
rules to permit a longer initial period of time for which non-public 
status generally applies (such as 25 years) and to exempt the non-
public status of customer-specific information from expiration. Postal 
Service Comments at 10. The Postal Service suggests changes to proposed 
Sec. Sec.  3007.400(a) and 3007.401(a) in accordance with this 
recommendation. Id. at 10-11; Postal Service Appendix at xxiii-xxiv.
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    \5\ Id. at 9-10 (quoting Docket No. RM2008-1, Initial Comments 
of the United States Postal Service, September 25, 2008, at 18 
(Docket No. RM2008-1 Initial Postal Service Comments)).
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    The Postal Service also suggests a procedural change to the 
response deadline appearing in proposed Sec.  3007.401(c). Postal 
Service Comments at 11. The Postal Service asks to dispense with the 
expedited response deadline (3 business days rather than 7 calendar 
days) proposed for instances in which actual notice is given. Id. 
Stating that ``[b]ecause it is unlikely that there would be great 
urgency to obtain materials that were filed at least 10 years before 
the request,'' the Postal Service recommends that the response deadline 
be set at 7 calendar days, regardless whether actual notice is given. 
Id. The Postal Service suggests deleting text appearing in proposed 
Sec.  3007.401(c) in accordance with its recommendation. Postal Service 
Appendix at xxv-xxvi.
    The Public Representative objects that the procedure set forth in 
proposed Sec.  3007.401(b)-(f), requiring a motion and continuing non-
public treatment pending its resolution, effectively negates the 
provision that non-public materials shall lose their non-public status 
10 years after submission. PR Comments at 5. He asserts that proposed 
Sec.  3007.401(b)-(f) unfairly shifts the burden to the person seeking 
the materials. Id. He characterizes proposed Sec.  3007.401(b)-(f) as 
an unexplained and major policy shift. Id. at 6. He contends that a 
motion should not be necessary and that the burden should remain with 
the submitter to request that non-public status be extended. Id. at 5. 
He questions whether it may be more effective and less administratively 
burdensome to review a limited number of requests for extension versus 
a potentially unlimited number of requests for disclosure that may lack 
a real interest in the materials at issue. Id. at 5, n.8. He suggests 
that the Commission can post materials to its website upon the 
expiration of protective conditions, on its own or upon receiving an 
informal request. Id. at 6. He provides sample language to make 
materials for which non-public treatment has expired available to the 
public through a written request to the Secretary of the Commission. 
Id. at 47.
    UPS similarly objects to proposed Sec.  3007.401(b)-(f), asserting 
that the proposed rule creates a default condition of maintaining non-
disclosure, even after 10 years. UPS Comments at 5. UPS characterizes 
proposed Sec.  3007.401(b)-(f) as preventing disclosure unless the 
person seeking disclosure meets the burden to affirmatively seek 
disclosure and obtains Commission approval. Id. at 4. UPS cautions that 
this procedure may incentivize excessive redaction so as to hinder the 
success of a motion for disclosure of materials for which non-public 
treatment has expired. Id. at 5. Acknowledging that it does not 
disagree that certain information (such as customer-specific data) 
should remain sealed for an extended period, UPS suggests that after 10 
years, disclosure of other data should be either automatic or place the 
burden of justification on the person seeking extended non-public 
status. Id. UPS suggests that the Commission promulgate a rule setting 
forth a framework including the timing of disclosure for different 
types of non-public information and the level of disclosure. Id. at 5-
6.
    UPS objects to the mechanism contained in proposed Sec.  
3007.401(b) as excessively burdensome stating that the proposed rule 
requires the movant to specify whether notice was provided to persons 
with a potential proprietary interest (including the dates, times, and 
methods of notice) and to provide detailed justifications for 
disclosure. Id. at 6. UPS further characterizes this mechanism related 
to actual notice as burdensome if multiple persons with proprietary 
interests are implicated, noting that Universal Postal Union (UPU) data 
covers over 190 countries. Id.
    UPS also objects to proposed Sec.  3007.401(f)'s use of the 
applicable standard appearing in proposed Sec.  3007.104 (balancing 
test), which UPS characterizes as negating the purpose of the 10-year 
expiration period. Id. Instead, UPS recommends that non-public 
materials generally be disclosed to the public after 10 years and be 
published on a regular schedule, unless it is demonstrated that such 
publication will result in material harm. Id. UPS asserts that material 
harm is the appropriate burden of proof to justify extension of non-
public treatment ``as a regulated entity with monopoly powers competing 
with the private sector should be held to transparency standards beyond 
those imposed on third parties and outside organizations.'' Id. at 7.
2. Commission Analysis
    The comments reflect a number of concerns with respect to proposed 
Sec.  3007.401, which pertains to materials for which non-public 
treatment has expired. For the reasons discussed below, the Commission 
retains the basic process in final Sec.  3007.401: The default 
expiration period remains 10 years; the person seeking the materials 
for which non-public treatment has expired triggers the process by 
filing a formal document in a Commission docket; there is an 
opportunity for response and reply filings by any interested person; 
and the Commission uses the applicable standard appearing in final 
Sec.  3007.104 to determine whether to publicly disclose the materials 
at issue. The Commission restates that it is maintaining the 10-year 
default period for protecting non-public materials, and that these 
regulation changes are not intended to extend or expand that default 
period of protection. As discussed below, the Commission makes minor 
modifications in order to simplify the procedure and better distinguish 
this process to seek public disclosure of materials for which non-
public treatment has expired from the process to seek public disclosure 
of materials for which non-public treatment remains active under final 
Sec.  3007.400. The changes include a terminology change from 
``motion'' to ``request,'' the inclusion of a template request form in 
final Appendix A to subpart D of 39 CFR part 3007, and the deletion of 
all provisions related to the giving of actual notice.
    All three commenters express their views on whether the person 
seeking the materials for which non-public

[[Page 31260]]

treatment has expired or the person seeking extended non-public 
treatment should take the first step in the Commission's process of 
determining whether to publicly disclose such materials. The process 
appearing in proposed Sec.  3007.401 begins with the person seeking 
public disclosure formally identifying the materials sought, provides 
an opportunity for response and reply by any interested person, and 
concludes with a Commission order determining the non-public status of 
the materials. Generally, the Postal Service supports the process 
appearing in proposed Sec.  3007.401. Postal Service Comments at 8-9. 
On the other hand, both the Public Representative and UPS favor an 
automatic disclosure approach. PR Comments at 5-6; UPS Comments at 3-4. 
The Public Representative observes that the Commission can adopt a 
default procedure of automatic disclosure after 10 years (such as 
through posting to the Commission's public website), unless a person 
obtains extended non-public treatment in advance. PR Comments at 6. 
Similarly, UPS indicates that it assumed that the Commission would 
automatically disclose non-public materials after the passage of 10 
years. UPS Comments at 3-4.
    The existing rules were silent on the mechanism for administration 
of materials for which non-public treatment had expired. Broadly, the 
Commission considered two default approaches: (1) Automatic disclosure 
(posting to the Commission's public website, unless a person obtains 
extended non-public treatment in advance); or (2) making materials 
available upon request (with an opportunity for interested persons to 
object and seek extended non-public treatment). The difference between 
the two approaches comes down to whether the person taking the first 
step in the Commission's process of determining whether to publicly 
disclose the materials should be the person seeking public disclosure 
or the person seeking extended non-public treatment.
    The Commission agrees with the Postal Service that the proposed 
rule ``appropriately requir[es] the parties who seek public disclosure, 
not the parties with a proprietary interest in the information, to take 
the first step in the Commission's process of determining whether to 
publicly disclose materials.'' Postal Service Comments at 9. The key 
issue is the level of attention to the expiration of non-public status 
in Commission dockets. As the Postal Service observes, many of the 
persons other than the Postal Service that have a proprietary interest 
in non-public information submitted by the Postal Service may lack the 
resources to affirmatively monitor and timely respond to automated 
deadlines that would expose their proprietary information to public 
view. See id. Affected persons that may have a proprietary interest 
include customers, suppliers, PC postage providers, and foreign postal 
operators. Id. at 12-13. As the Postal Service further explains, it has 
engaged in the practice of providing one-time notice (rather than for 
each submission) using standard language contained in a contract, 
letter, or UPU circular. Id. at 13. Under these circumstances, a 
process that would require affected persons with a proprietary interest 
to seek extended non-public treatment in advance of the 10-year 
expiration, without any pending request for the materials at issue, may 
not adequately protect the substantive rights of such affected persons. 
Accordingly, the Commission maintains its conclusion that the first 
step in the process should be taken by the person seeking the 
materials. This conclusion, and the final rules adopted in this Order, 
take into account the need for transparency, sound records management 
practices, and according adequate protection to the commercial 
interests of affected persons, including the Postal Service. See Order 
No. 4403 at 32.
    The process and content requirements are designed to mitigate 
against the Public Representative's concerns regarding a potentially 
unlimited number of requests for disclosure that may lack a real 
interest in the materials at issue. See PR Comments at 5, n.8. The 
process requires the person seeking the materials to take the first 
step: Formally file a document that identifies the materials sought and 
the date(s) of the original sealed submission. To better aid compliance 
with this content requirement, a template form is provided in final 
Appendix A to subpart D of 39 CFR part 3007 for use and modification. 
The additional steps in the process--the opportunity (but not a 
requirement) to file a response and a reply--may be indicative of the 
level of interest in the materials. Moreover, the Postal Service has 
sought indefinite protection of non-public materials in its initial 
application for non-public treatment in many dockets. See Order No. 
4403 at 32 n.16. Accordingly, a procedure involving automatic 
disclosure after 10 years (unless an extended non-public treatment is 
sought and granted in advance) may result in a potentially large number 
of requests for extension (and potentially premature ones).
    UPS raises a concern about excessive redactions. The Commission 
acknowledges that excessive redactions are improper and negatively 
affect the public interest in transparency. UPS expresses concern that 
the process appearing in proposed Sec.  3007.401 may incentivize 
excessive redactions to obscure the non-public information and reduce 
the likelihood that a person seeking public disclosure after the 
passage of 10 years will be successful. However, the Commission 
observes that an automatic disclosure policy may also negatively affect 
the public interest in transparency by chilling the voluntary 
submission of non-public information.
    Moreover, adequate procedural mechanisms exist in the final rules 
to address excessive redactions. Final Sec.  3007.202 expressly 
provides that only the information that is claimed to be non-public 
shall be blacked out. It is also important to observe that members of 
the general public have the ability to request access to the materials 
under final Sec.  3007.301 and that Public Representatives are granted 
access under final Sec.  3007.300(a)(2). Further, any person may 
challenge the level of redaction earlier than 10 years through a motion 
for public disclosure under final Sec.  3007.400.
    While the Commission maintains the requirement that the person 
seeking the materials take the first step, the Commission adopts minor 
changes in final Sec.  3007.401 to clarify that the intended content 
requirements associated with filing a formal document to seek materials 
for which non-public treatment has expired are lower than that 
requirements associated with filing a motion under final Sec.  3007.400 
to seek the public disclosure of materials for which non-public status 
remains active. UPS and the Public Representative appear to interpret 
the proposed rule as unfairly shifting the burden to the person seeking 
the materials. See UPS Comments at 5; PR Comments at 5. Part of this 
misunderstanding appears to lie within a misinterpretation of the 
content requirements pertaining to what the person seeking materials 
for which non-public treatment has expired must file with the 
Commission. To clarify this issue, the Commission provides a discussion 
of the distinction between the rules applicable to materials for which 
the non-public status remains active versus materials for which non-
public treatment has expired. Based on its review of the comments, the 
Commission also adopts revisions to the

[[Page 31261]]

final rule to make these distinctions more clear.
    By way of background, under proposed Sec.  3007.200(a), whenever 
non-public materials are provided to the Commission, an application for 
non-public treatment must also be submitted that clearly identifies all 
non-public materials and describes the circumstances causing them to be 
submitted to the Commission.\6\ Moreover, under proposed Sec.  
3007.201(a), the application, in addition to demonstrating that the 
materials at issue are of a type and nature eligible for non-public 
treatment, must contain all of the information and arguments to fulfill 
the burden of persuasion that the materials designated as non-public 
should be withheld from the public.\7\ Under proposed Sec.  
3007.201(b), the application must include a ``specific and detailed 
statement'' containing (among other things) particular identification 
of the nature and extent of harm alleged and the likelihood of such 
harm.\8\ Under proposed Sec.  3007.102(a), the Commission preliminarily 
treats those materials as non-public.\9\
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    \6\ Proposed Sec.  3007.200(a) expanded on existing Sec.  
3007.21(a), which applied only to Postal Service filings, to all 
submissions of non-public materials. See Order No. 4403 at 14-15.
    \7\ Proposed Sec.  3007.201(a) expanded on existing Sec.  
3007.21(b), which applied only to Postal Service filings, to all 
submissions of non-public materials. See Order No. 4403 at 15.
    \8\ Proposed Sec.  3007.201(b) expanded on existing Sec.  
3007.21(c), which applied only to Postal Service filings, to all 
submissions of non-public materials. See Order No. 4403 at 15-16.
    \9\ This is consistent with the Commission's long-standing 
practice under existing Sec.  3007.23. See Order No. 4403 at 12; see 
also Docket No. RM2008-1, Second Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to 
Establish a Procedure for According Appropriate Confidentiality, 
March 20, 2009, at 17 (Order No. 194).
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    The Commission's long-standing practice, retained under proposed 
Sec.  3007.103, is that it does not accept any rationale for non-public 
treatment given in the application for non-public treatment unless the 
Commission makes a determination of non-public status, which may occur 
in response to a motion by an interested person or sua sponte. See 
Order No. 4403 at 7. Either procedure concludes with the issuance of a 
Commission order determining the non-public treatment to be accorded 
(if any) under the applicable standard described in proposed Sec.  
3007.104.
    For materials for which the non-public status remains active 
(either because the non-public status has not expired or has been 
extended by order of the Commission), proposed Sec.  3007.400(b) 
presents the requirements that must be met by those seeking public 
disclosure. By contrast, the burden to seek the public disclosure of 
materials for which non-public treatment has expired is lower. UPS 
characterizes proposed Sec.  3007.401(b) as requiring that the person 
seeking the materials ``provide detailed justifications for why the 
materials should be made public.'' UPS Comments at 6. Proposed Sec.  
3007.400(b), the rule applicable to materials for which the non-public 
status remains active, does require the filing of justification for why 
the materials should be made public, which must specifically address 
any pertinent rationale(s) provided in the application for non-public 
treatment. See Order No. 4403 at 29-30. However, proposed Sec.  
3007.401(b), the rule applicable to materials for which non-public 
status has expired, does not impose such a content requirement. See id. 
at 32-33.
    Similarly, the Public Representative focuses on the usage of the 
term ``motion'' in objecting to proposed Sec.  3007.401(b). PR Comments 
at 5-6. He suggests that instead ``an informal request (something short 
of a motion)'' be required. Id. at 6. These comments indicate that the 
final rules would benefit from more clear distinctions between the 
content requirements applicable under Sec. Sec.  3007.400(b) and 
3007.401(b). The Commission had intended that the formal filing of a 
motion for public disclosure under proposed Sec.  3007.401(b) would be 
the procedural trigger for determining whether to publicly disclose 
materials for which non-public treatment has expired. The word 
``motion'' was used in proposed Sec.  3007.401(b)-(f) to correspond 
with the Commission's practice that a motion (either by an interested 
person or by the Commission acting on its own) would trigger the 
process for the Commission to determine non-public status. The 
Commission acknowledges that the use of parallel language between 
Sec. Sec.  3007.400(b) and 3007.401(b) may have resulted in confusion 
regarding the substantive contents of that triggering filing under 
proposed Sec.  3007.401(b). To minimize confusion, the Commission 
adopts a change in terminology from ``motion,'' to ``request'' in final 
Sec.  3007.401(b)-(f). To further clarify the Commission's intent of 
minimal content requirements for such a request, a template request 
form is provided in final Appendix A to subpart D of 39 CFR part 3007 
for use and modification.
    Notably, in expressing their opposition to proposed Sec.  3007.401, 
UPS and the Public Representative do not appear to consider the content 
requirements imposed on the filing of a response opposing public 
disclosure under proposed Sec.  3007.401(c). See UPS Comments at 3-7; 
PR Comments at 4-6. UPS characterizes proposed Sec.  3007.401(f)'s use 
of the balancing test standard as negating the purpose of having a 10-
year expiration provision. UPS Comments at 6. The Commission disagrees 
with this characterization. Proposed Sec.  3007.401(c) provides that 
any response opposing public disclosure shall seek an extension of non-
public status by including an application for non-public treatment 
compliant with proposed Sec.  3007.201. Order No. 4403 at 33-34. In 
addition to meeting the requirements imposed by proposed Sec.  3007.201 
(including the burden of persuasion that the materials should be 
withheld from the public), proposed Sec.  3007.401(c) requires this 
extension application to include specific facts supporting any 
assertion of commercial injury after the passage of 10 years. Id. at 
34. This requirement is the very purpose of having the 10-year default 
period--the setting of a point in time to evaluate if the facts 
underlying the initial application's claim for non-public treatment 
have become stale. Further, a proponent of disclosure will have the 
opportunity to reply to any new arguments raised under proposed Sec.  
3007.401(d). Such a procedure allows any updates pertinent to the 
balancing test to be evaluated. The formal request filed under final 
Sec.  3007.401(b) will trigger that process.
    With respect to that process, all three commenters express views in 
favor of simplifying the process appearing in proposed Sec.  3007.401. 
Therefore, the Commission maintains that process generally, with some 
changes aimed to streamline the procedure.
    The Commission generally agrees with the suggestion by the Public 
Representative to reduce the procedural complexity involved in the 
proposed procedure related to seeking materials for which non-public 
treatment has expired. See PR Comments at 6. Ultimately, a change in 
terminology throughout final Sec.  3007.401(b)-(f) from ``motion,'' to 
``request'' minimizes complexity. Also, to better convey the exact 
content requirements of a request, a template form is provided in final 
Appendix A to subpart D of 39 CFR part 3007 for use and modification to 
comply with final Sec.  3007.401(b). It is useful to have such requests 
formally filed in dockets so as to provide near immediate notice of the 
request to the Postal Service and make the request (and any responses 
and replies filed) available to the public for viewing. Therefore, the 
requirement to formally file the request in a docket and the associated 
docketing

[[Page 31262]]

instructions are retained in final Sec.  3007.401(b).
    Based on review of the comments received relating to instances of 
actual notice and a potential expedited response deadline, the 
Commission deletes such procedural requirements in the final rule in 
the interest of simplicity.
    The Commission acknowledges the Postal Service's observation that 
``it is unlikely that there would be great urgency to obtain materials 
that were filed at least 10 years before the request.'' Postal Service 
Comments at 11. After the passage of 10 years, the difference between 3 
business days versus 7 calendars is less significant to the requestor 
(in contrast to examples when the information at issue is more recent 
and its usefulness to participants is more time-sensitive). Also, the 
additional response time may be beneficial to the submitter and any 
person with a proprietary interest, given the need to re-familiarize 
themselves with the materials 10 years later. Further, having a single 
response deadline is simpler for participants. Therefore, the 
Commission dispenses with the expedited response deadline appearing in 
proposed Sec.  3007.401(c).
    Given this determination, there is no compelling reason to keep the 
related proposed requirements appearing in proposed Sec.  3007.401(b) 
(requiring specification if actual notice was given, and if so stated, 
requiring additional information) and proposed Sec.  3007.401(f) 
(stating that the Commission may grant public disclosure any time after 
receiving a request representing that actual notice was given and the 
request was uncontested). The deletions simplify the procedural 
requirements relating to the disclosure of materials for which non-
public treatment has expired. UPS also objected to the provisions 
appearing in proposed Sec.  3007.401(b) for other reasons.\10\
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    \10\ The Commission disagrees with UPS's characterization of 
proposed Sec.  3007.401(b) as excessively burdensome. See UPS 
Comments at 6. Proposed Sec.  3007.401(b) did not require that 
actual notice be given (or attempted); it provided a mechanism to 
better isolate those instances in which the expedited response 
deadline appearing in proposed Sec.  3007.401(c) would apply. Order 
No. 4403 at 32. The related proposed requirement appearing in 
proposed Sec.  3007.401(b), to provide additional information, would 
apply only if it was stated that actual notice was given. See id. at 
33. The deletion of the expedited response appearing in proposed 
Sec.  3007.401(c) renders these requirements unnecessary.
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    UPS suggests using a different substantive standard to determine 
whether to publicly disclose materials for which non-public treatment 
has expired. UPS suggests that the Commission adopt a policy of 
automatic disclosure at the 10-year mark absent a showing that public 
disclosure will result in ``material harm.'' UPS Comments at 6-7. The 
Commission appreciates UPS's comment as an effort to convey that any 
rationale for extended non-public treatment provided in an extension 
application that lacks adequate factual support should not be accepted. 
However, the applicable balancing test under final Sec.  3007.104, 
taking into account the passage of time (which may render the harms 
alleged in the original application stale), adequately encompasses this 
concern.
    The comments from the Postal Service and UPS also suggest changes 
to the proposed rules relating to the retention of the 10-year 
timeframe. The Commission declines to adopt changes to the proposed 
rules for the following reasons.
    The Commission rejects the Postal Service's suggestion to set 25 
years as the new default timeframe for expiration of non-public status. 
The Postal Service's observation that the FOIA sets a time limit of 25 
years pertaining to information protectable under the deliberative 
process privilege is not persuasive. Generally in practice before the 
Commission, the types of information for which non-public treatment is 
sought involve issues pertaining to commercial injury, as contemplated 
by 39 U.S.C. 504(g)(3)(A). It is important to reconfirm that the final 
rules adopted in this Order do not alter the Commission's long-standing 
practice that it does not interpret ``likely commercial injury'' so 
narrowly as to exclude harm associated with other interests, such as 
the deliberative process. Order No. 194 at 11. In any event, the 10-
year default period does not prejudice the ability of the Postal 
Service to seek extended protection, if circumstances warrant. The 10-
year default period was set to ``serve administrative convenience and 
sound records management practices while adequately protecting the 
commercial interest of the Postal Service.'' \11\ The Commission has 
not been presented with a rationale to disturb this earlier informed 
judgment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ Order No. 194 at 24-25; Docket No. RM2008-1, Final Rule 
Establishing Appropriate Confidentiality Procedures, June 19, 2009, 
at 13 (Order No. 225).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission also rejects the suggestion by the Postal Service to 
codify a rule providing for indefinite non-public treatment of 
customer-specific information. See Postal Service Comments at 10. 
Multiple orders state that ``[t]he Commission has consistently denied 
requests for indefinite protection.'' Order No. 4403 at 32 n.16. In any 
event, the 10-year default period does not prejudice the ability of the 
Postal Service to seek extended protection, if circumstances warrant.
    Finally, the Commission rejects the alternative suggested by UPS to 
set forth the timing and level of disclosure for different types of 
non-public information. See UPS Comments at 5-6. The Commission 
appreciates the effort by UPS to try to develop an advance framework 
for evaluating these issues. In promulgating proposed Sec.  
3007.401(b)-(f), the Commission does not prejudge whether any 
information categorically would (or would not) require extended non-
public status. The suggestion by UPS to consider setting forth 
different timing requirements based on whether the data was related to 
the Annual Compliance Report (ACR) or a negotiated service agreement 
(NSA) is not particularly useful to evaluating whether harm is still 
likely to occur. Data provided in connection with the ACR encompasses 
many forms, including NSA data. The suggestion by UPS to take into 
account distinctions based on level of granularity of the disclosure 
(such as whether the information at issue is specific to a customer, 
product, or class) may be relevant to the fact-specific analysis of the 
particular information at issue.
    Therefore, the Commission does not find that a persuasive rationale 
has been provided to depart from its general premise that non-public 
status shall expire after the passage of 10 years, unless otherwise 
provided by the Commission. However, the Commission adopts changes to 
facilitate procedures for publically disclosing such material that are 
more clear and simple.
3. Changes to the Proposed Rules
    Each line-by-line change to the proposed rules made in response to 
the comments related to the expiration of non-public treatment is 
reviewed below. Editorial changes made solely to improve global 
consistency, clarity, or precision are also reviewed below where 
applicable to final Sec.  3007.401(b)-(f). The following changes to the 
proposed rules appear in the final rules.
    Final Sec.  3007.401(b). All references to ``motion'' are replaced 
with ``request.'' Usage of the word ``materials'' is replaced with 
``information'' for precision in the second sentence. A sentence is 
added to notify the reader that completing and filing the template form 
appearing in final Appendix A to subpart D of 39 CFR part 3007 will 
satisfy the content requirements appearing in paragraph (b). The 
content requirements pertaining to whether or

[[Page 31263]]

not actual notice has been given are deleted.
    Final Sec.  3007.401(c). The expedited response deadline applicable 
to instances when actual notice has been given is deleted. All 
references to ``motion'' are replaced with ``request.'' In one 
instance, the word ``request'' as used as a verb is replaced with 
``seek'' to better distinguish between the usage of ``request'' as a 
noun to refer to the formal filing made under paragraph (b). In the 
last sentence, the word ``exists'' is replaced with ``is likely to 
occur if the information contained in the materials is publicly 
disclosed'' for precision because no injury would exist until the 
information contained in the materials is publicly disclosed. Also, in 
the last sentence, both cross-references are deleted because they are 
unnecessary.
    Final Sec.  3007.401(d). The word ``movant'' is replaced with 
``requestor.''
    Final Sec.  3007.401(e). The word ``motion'' is replaced with 
``request.''
    Final Sec.  3007.401(f). All references to ``motion'' are replaced 
with ``request.'' The references to the expedited response deadline are 
deleted. In the last sentence, the phrase ``balance the interests of 
the parties as'' is replaced with ``follow the applicable standard'' to 
more precisely encompass both standards (whichever may be applicable) 
appearing in paragraphs (a) and (b) of final Sec.  3007.104.
    Final Appendix A to subpart D of 39 CFR part 3007--Template Request 
Form. To aid compliance with final Sec.  3007.401(b), which requires a 
requestor to identify the materials requested and date(s) that 
materials were originally submitted under seal, a template request form 
is created. Final Appendix A is added to subpart D of 39 CFR part 3007 
contains a template form for requestors to use and modify.

C. Review of Other Changes Proposed by the Postal Service

    The following discussion summarizes all changes proposed by the 
Postal Service (other than issues related to the expiration of non-
public treatment), provides analysis, and describes the resulting 
changes made to the proposed rules.
1. Postal Service Comments
    Aside from the issues related to the expiration of non-public 
treatment, the Postal Service proposes changes to proposed Sec. Sec.  
3007.101(a), 3007.103, 3007.200, 3007.300, 3007.301, and Appendix A of 
subpart C of 39 CFR part 3007. Postal Service Comments at 2-8, 11-14; 
Postal Service Appendix at iii-vi, xi-xiii, xix.
    With respect to proposed Sec.  3007.101(a), which defines non-
public material, the Postal Service suggests two changes. First, the 
Postal Service requests to add text stating that inadvertent disclosure 
does not waive privilege or FOIA exemption status. Postal Service 
Comments at 7. Second, the Postal Service requests to add text stating 
that loss of non-public status applies only to the particular materials 
at issue, not to similar materials. Id. at 7-8.
    With respect to proposed Sec.  3007.103, the Postal Service 
requests to add text to ensure that notice and due process would occur 
in the event that the Commission issues an order to amend non-public 
status sua sponte. Id. at 8.
    With respect to proposed Sec.  3007.200, the Postal Service objects 
to the inclusion of existing Sec.  3007.20, which requires that before 
submitting non-public materials to the Commission, each submitter 
contact any affected person who may have a proprietary interest in the 
non-public information contained therein. Id. at 11. The Postal Service 
asserts that this advance notice provision imposes a large and 
impracticable burden on persons that submit large amounts of third-
party non-public information on a regular basis such as the Postal 
Service's NSA filings. Id. at 12. In particular, the Postal Service 
observes that the requirement to provide notice of docket numbers is 
impracticable because docket numbers are usually reserved on the day of 
filing. Id. The Postal Service states that it notifies NSA customers 
through template contract language, foreign postal operators through a 
UPU circular, and regularly involved third parties such as PC postage 
providers or suppliers through a general letter rather than through 
particular notification for each filing. Id. at 13. The Postal Service 
asserts that the Commission should recognize these methods of 
addressing third party notification. Id. at 14.
    As an alternative, the Postal Service proposes that the Commission 
adopt an exception ``that limits the individualized notice requirement 
to situations where a third party has requested the individualized 
notice or the submitter has determined that any blanket notification is 
not sufficient.'' Id. The Postal Service suggests adding text to 
proposed Sec.  3007.200(b) that would allow the submitter to provide 
annual notice, without identification of particular docket number 
designations, if the information is filed in multiple dockets. Id. The 
Postal Service suggests adding text to proposed Sec.  3007.200(b) that 
would waive the identification of docket number designations if the 
person with a proprietary interest has executed a contract or similar 
instrument providing notice. Id.
    With respect to proposed Sec. Sec.  3007.300, 3007.301, and 
Appendix A to subpart C of 39 CFR part 3007, the proposed rules and 
template forms relating to access to non-public material, the Postal 
Service raises three issues. Id. at 2-6.
    First, the Postal Service contends that proposed Sec.  
3007.300(a)(3)'s insertion of the term ``non-employee'' before the term 
``subject matter experts'' creates uncertainty as to whether such 
persons would be held to the similar requirements and conditions for 
contractors and attorneys described in that same subsection. Id. at 2. 
The Postal Service asserts that this uncertainty creates a risk that an 
individual may access non-public materials without being bound by a 
contract or code of conduct that would prevent dissemination of the 
materials at will. Id. The Postal Service further states that although 
such behavior is prohibited under proposed Sec.  3007.302, there are no 
apparent sanctions for such violations. Id. at 2-3. The Postal Service 
suggests that this can be remedied by inserting text in proposed Sec.  
3007.300(a)(3) stating that such persons have executed non-disclosure 
agreements. Id. at 3.
    Second, the Postal Service requests that the Commission delete text 
appearing in proposed Sec.  3007.300(b) and the corresponding template 
form in Appendix A to subpart C of 39 CFR part 3007 concerning 
``involved in competitive decision making.'' Id. at 3-4. The Postal 
Service asserts that an attorney with access to non-public materials 
then would be able to use the knowledge gained through access 
(consciously or unconsciously) in formulating legal or business advice. 
Id. at 4. The Postal Service asserts that codifying the text appearing 
in the existing sample protective conditions ``creates a risk of non-
public materials being used in ways that could be competitively 
harmful.'' Id.
    Third, the Postal Service requests that the Commission delete text 
appearing in proposed Sec.  3007.300(c) and the corresponding proposed 
Sec.  3007.301(b)(2), which would permit persons to seek access solely 
for the purpose of aiding the initiation of a proceeding before the 
Commission. Id. at 5. The Postal Service objects that this proposed 
rule could enable persons to obtain access to non-public materials by 
providing only limited justification relating to a vague, undeveloped 
proposal to initiate a proceeding before the Commission. Id. at 6. The 
Postal Service asserts that the proposed rules impose no consequences 
if the person

[[Page 31264]]

granted access under this provision does not ultimately initiate the 
proceeding. Id. The Postal Service notes that an example referenced in 
the NPR was based on a request for continued access in the ACR 
proceeding after the issuance of the ACD. Id. at 5.
2. Commission Analysis
    Based on the following analysis, the Commission adopts changes to 
proposed Sec. Sec.  3007.101(a), 3007.103, 3007.200(b), 3007.205, and 
3007.300(a)(3). Also, as discussed below, the Commission declines to 
make the Postal Service's suggested changes to proposed Sec. Sec.  
3007.300(b), 3007.300(c) and 3007.301(b)(2), and the template form in 
Appendix A to subpart C of 39 CFR part 3007.
    Proposed Sec.  3007.101(a). The Postal Service proposes that the 
definition of non-public materials in proposed Sec.  3007.101(a) should 
state that inadvertent public disclosure does not constitute waiver of 
privilege or FOIA exemption status. Id. at 7. To support this proposal, 
the Postal Service quotes the Department of Justice Guide to the 
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), in part. Id. The full sentence is 
reproduced, omitting the footnotes, using italics to display the text 
that was omitted from the Postal Service Comments: ``[w]hile it is 
generally found that agency carelessness or mistake in permitting 
access to certain information is not equivalent to waiver, on occasion 
courts have found waiver in such releases'' (emphasis added) (footnotes 
omitted).\12\ As the full statement indicates, numerous cases support 
this general principle, with certain boundaries and nuances.\13\ The 
Commission appreciates the Postal Service's aim to develop a rule that 
would provide certainty concerning recognition of this general 
principle. See Postal Service Comments at 7. However, the text 
suggested by the Postal Service would add no greater clarity or 
certainty than the line of cases referenced in its comments. 
Incorporating the suggested text into the definition of non-public 
materials used in the Commission's procedural rules is unnecessary and 
imprecise.\14\ Accordingly, this suggested revision is not adopted in 
final Sec.  3007.101(a).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ Department of Justice Guide to the Freedom of Information 
Act, Discretionary Disclosure and Waiver, at 703-704; see n. 82 
(available at https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/oip/legacy/2014/07/23/disclosure-waiver.pdf).
    \13\ Moreover, in accordance with Fed. R. Evid. 502(b), which 
applies to a disclosure to a federal office or agency, inadvertent 
disclosure does not waive the attorney-client privilege or work-
product protection in a federal or state proceeding if: ``the holder 
of the privilege or protection took reasonable steps to prevent 
disclosure; and [] the holder promptly took reasonable steps to 
rectify the error. . . .'' Fed. R. Evid. 502(b)(2)(3). Generally, 
federal courts consider a multi-factor test, which varies from case 
to case, in applying this rule. Fed. R. Evid. 502 advisory committee 
note (2008) (noting that Fed. R. Evid. 502 ``does not explicitly 
codify that test, because it is really a set of non-determinative 
guidelines that vary from case to case''); see Eden Isle Marina, 
Inc. v. United States, 89 Fed. Cl. 480, 506-08 (2009) (quoting) 
(finding that the government waived work-product protection for a 
memorandum, via an inadvertent disclosure in response to a FOIA 
request, where the government failed to take prompt, affirmative, 
curative action); Goodrich Corp. v. E.P.A., 593 F. Supp. 2d 184, 
192-93 (D.D.C. 2009) (finding that agency's failure to exercise 
``zealous stewardship'' of its work-product protection to prevent 
inadvertent disclosure of the results of its model operated as 
subject-matter waiver with respect to the model itself).
    \14\ Substantive regulatory provisions should not be included in 
a definition. Nat'l Archives and Records Admin., Office of the Fed. 
Register, Document Drafting Handbook, Update May 2017, (Revision 6, 
dated May 1, 2018) at 2-28.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Postal Service does not give a reason for suggesting to add a 
sentence to the definition of non-public materials in proposed Sec.  
3007.101(a) regarding the loss of non-public status for any reason. 
Postal Service Comments at 7-8; Postal Service Appendix at iii. The 
Commission interprets the intent of this suggestion to be an effort to 
seek clarification of the scope and operation of the loss of non-public 
status as a matter of procedure. Therefore, the Commission adds one 
sentence to final Sec.  3007.101(a) stating that the cessation of non-
public status applies to the particular document or thing and the 
particular information contained therein (in whole or in part, as 
applicable). This additional sentence provides sufficient clarification 
regarding the procedural question regarding the application of the loss 
of non-public status.
    Proposed Sec.  3007.103. The NPR proposed to dispense with a 
codified process and timeframes (as set forth in existing Sec.  
3007.32(b)-(d)) following the issuance of a notice of preliminary 
determination. Order No. 4403 at 13. The reason for the deletion was 
that the notice of preliminary determination would set forth the 
specific time allotted for the response and reply (if any). Id. The 
Postal Service asks to reincorporate these codified procedures and asks 
to codify the standard that would apply. Postal Service Comments at 8. 
The Commission agrees that it would be helpful to the public to codify 
additional detail regarding the conduct of proceedings after a 
preliminary determination has issued. Consistent with the NPR's intent, 
the final rule regarding response and reply a notice of preliminary 
determination allows the Commission flexibility to set the specific 
time allotted for the response and reply (if any). Therefore, the 
Commission adopts the Postal Service's suggestions with textual edits 
to correspond with the terminology and flow of final Sec.  3007.400 
(relating to the procedure for motions by any interested person). 
Accordingly, final Sec.  3007.103 reincorporates much of the content of 
existing Sec.  3007.32.
    Proposed Sec.  3007.200(b). The Postal Service objects to proposed 
Sec.  3007.200(b), which retains the existing requirement of Sec.  
3007.20(b), to provide advance notice to any other person who has a 
proprietary interest in the non-public material. Postal Service 
Comments at 11. The Postal Service's concerns appear to focus on the 
inclusion of the term ``docket designation.'' \15\ The Postal Service 
observes that when initiating a new docket, the unique number following 
the hyphen is usually not reserved or assigned until shortly before the 
actual filing. Postal Service Comments at 12. The Postal Service also 
complains that interpreting the rule to require advance individualized 
notice for each filing would substantially burden the Postal Service. 
Id. The Postal Service describes its practice of providing one-time 
notice (rather than for each filing) using standard language contained 
in a contract, letter, or UPU circular. Id. at 12-13.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ Id. By way of background, when establishing a docket, the 
Commission assigns the docket a unique identification tag that 
contains three components. First, a letter code indicates the nature 
of the proceeding. Second, four digits identify the fiscal year in 
which the docket was established. Third, a hyphen and a unique 
number are assigned to indicate the number of that type of 
proceeding for that fiscal year. For instance, the tag assigned to 
this proceeding indicates that it is a rulemaking (``RM''), 
established in FY 2018 (``2018''), and that it is the 3rd rulemaking 
docket of FY 2018 (``-3'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission acknowledges the business and practical difficulties 
for not providing individualized advance notice of each submission and 
of the complete unique docket number(s) and does not interpret the 
existing requirement, nor the final rule, to prohibit the approaches 
described by the Postal Service. While it may not always be possible to 
provide advance notice of the full unique docket number, it should be 
possible to inform affected persons of the nature of proceeding in 
which the information may be used (such as by using the Postal 
Service's approach of listing the applicable docket designation letter 
code(s) and the fiscal year). To minimize confusion, the Commission 
adds a parenthetical ``to the extent practicable'' to the requirement 
that notice include ``the

[[Page 31265]]

pertinent docket designation(s)'' in final Sec.  3007.200(b).
    Proposed Sec.  3007.205. With respect to the Postal Service's 
concern regarding what happens in the event that non-public materials 
are inadvertently released to the public, the Commission finds there is 
a benefit to providing additional procedural detail. See Postal Service 
Comments at 6-8. The NPR included proposed Sec.  3007.205, which 
``outlines a process to minimize exposure of sensitive information that 
may occur due to a filer's error.'' Order No. 4403 at 21. Although the 
Postal Service did not suggest changes to proposed Sec.  3007.205, the 
Commission has determined to require that the application for non-
public treatment concerning such inadvertently submitted materials 
shall also clearly indicate any special relief that is requested. This 
additional procedural detail provides better instruction to the person 
seeking to protect the interests of the submitter or other person(s) 
with a proprietary interest in the materials that is claimed to have 
been inadvertently submitted.
    Such special relief may be sought to address a situation in which a 
person who has not obtained access under proposed Sec. Sec.  3007.300 
or 3007.301 has preserved, viewed, or disseminated the materials (and 
the information contained therein that is later claimed to be non-
public) while they were still publicly available (due to the 
submitter's error). If a person who has not obtained access under 
proposed Sec. Sec.  3007.300 or 3007.301 has preserved, viewed, or 
disseminated the materials at issue while they were still publicly 
available (through no fault of his or her own), this provision better 
ensures that person is aware if any special relief sought. The 
Commission notes that this a procedural issue (and more specifically, a 
notice issue). It does not prejudice the ability of any person to seek 
access or to challenge the filer's claim that the materials should be 
accorded non-public treatment. Nor does this provision prejudge how the 
Commission would adjudicate such fact-specific issues.
    Proposed Sec.  3007.300(a)(3). The Postal Service focuses on the 
concern that non-employee subject matter experts may access non-public 
materials without an appropriate non-disclosure agreement in place. See 
Postal Service Comments at 2-3. The Postal Service asks to codify that 
all non-employees assisting the Commission execute appropriate non-
disclosure agreements before accessing non-public materials. See id. 
The Commission adopts the Postal Service's suggestion in final Sec.  
3007.300(a)(3), with linguistic edits for clarity and simplicity. Final 
Sec.  3007.300(a)(3) provides that access may be granted without 
issuance of an order to ``[n]on-employees who have executed appropriate 
non-disclosure agreements (such as contractors, attorneys, or subject 
matter experts), assisting the Commission in carrying out its duties.''
    Proposed Sec.  3007.300(b) and Appendix A to subpart C of 39 CFR 
part 3007. Proposed Sec.  3007.300(b) prohibits granting access to 
persons involved in competitive decision-making for any entity or 
individual that might gain a competitive advantage from using the 
materials at issue. The Postal Service does not object to this 
exclusion. The Postal Service suggests deleting two sentences appearing 
in proposed Sec.  3007.300(b) and the corresponding template form in 
Appendix A to subpart C of 39 CFR part 3007 that provides a non-
exhaustive list of the types of persons included and not included in 
the exclusion. Id. at 3-4.
    The Commission disagrees with the Postal Service's assertion that 
codifying the text at issue, which appears in the existing sample 
protective conditions ``creates a risk of non-public materials being 
used in ways that could be competitively harmful.'' Id. at 4. This 
language has been used in the protective conditions governing access in 
standard practice for many years.\16\ Moreover, the Postal Service did 
not object to its inclusion in existing Appendix A to 39 CFR part 
3007.\17\ The Postal Service does not explain how adding this language 
in paragraph (b), and retaining it in the template form, would create a 
risk of misuse. See Postal Service Comments at 4. Moreover, the Postal 
Service's suggested approach, to retain the categorical prohibition on 
access for any person involved in competitive decision-making, but 
exclude any sort of explanation of what type of persons would be 
included, would render the final rule (and the corresponding template 
form) vague, overbroad, and unhelpful.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ See, e.g., Docket No. RM2017-3, Motion of the National 
Postal Policy Council, the Major Mailers Association, and the 
National Association of Presort Mailers for Access to Nonpublic 
Document, Statement of Compliance with Protective Conditions, March 
21, 2018, at 1.
    \17\ See generally Docket No. RM2008-1, Initial Postal Service 
Comments; Docket No. RM2008-1, Reply Comments of the United States 
Postal Service, October 10, 2008; Docket No. RM2008-1, Comments of 
the United States Postal Service in Response to Second Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking, April 27, 2009; Docket No. RM2008-1, Reply 
Comments of the United States Postal Service in Response to Second 
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, May 11, 2009.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission acknowledges the Postal Service's concern regarding 
individuals serving in dual capacities.\18\ The Commission does not 
interpret the final rule (nor the corresponding template form) from 
preventing these concerns from being addressed when the Commission is 
balancing the interests of the parties consistent with the analysis 
undertaken by a federal court when applying the protective conditions 
appearing in Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(c).\19\ Paragraph (b) 
categorically excludes certain persons from access to non-public 
materials. Paragraph (b) does not restrict a submitter or a person with 
a proprietary interest from seeking to exclude additional persons from 
access on an ad hoc basis or opposing a request for access for a 
particular individual.\20\ Similarly, inclusion of this language in the 
proposed template form also does not restrict participants from seeking 
or negotiating stricter protections. Therefore, the Commission does not 
adopt the Postal Service's suggested deletions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ See, e.g., Seal Shield, LLC v. Otter Prod., LLC, No. 13-CV-
2736 CAB (NLS), 2014 WL 12160746, at *2-3 (S.D. Cal. Feb. 7, 2014) 
(entering protective order denying access to plaintiff's in-house 
counsel based on finding that the attorneys had prior and current 
involvement in business and product decisions such as to qualify 
them as competitive decision-makers and there was no record evidence 
that plaintiff could not retain outside counsel).
    \19\ For example, federal courts may restrict access to highly 
confidential information to independent outside counsel. See, e.g., 
W. Conv. Stores, Inc. v. Suncor Energy (U.S.A.) Inc., No. 11-CV-
01611, 2014 WL 561850, at *1 (D. Colo. Feb. 13, 2014) (``During 
discovery, [the non-party competitor's] interest was addressed by a 
protective order that entitled Western's counsel and retained 
experts to view [the non-party competitor's] wholesale purchase and 
retail sales information, but forbade the recipients of the 
information from sharing it with [the plaintiff's owner] . . . .''); 
Norbrook Laboratories LTD. v. G.C. Hanford Mfg. Co., No. 5:03-CV-
165, at 10, 2003 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 6851, *15-17 (N.D. N.Y. Apr. 24, 
2003) (denying outside counsel, who also served as corporate 
secretary and a board member, access to discovery materials 
containing trade secrets because the situation would place his 
fiduciary duties in conflict with his ethical obligations as an 
attorney and the restriction would not unduly prejudice his client).
    \20\ See, e.g., Docket No. RM2017-3, Notice of the United States 
Postal Service of Filing Non-Public Materials, Attachment to Notice 
of Non-Public Filing, March 16, 2018, at 8-9 (requesting that 
certain persons not be granted access to the non-public materials or 
only be granted access subject to more stringent protective 
conditions).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Proposed Sec. Sec.  3007.300(c) and 3007.301(b)(2). Finally, the 
Commission declines to adopt the Postal Service's suggestion to delete 
the provisions appearing in proposed Sec. Sec.  3007.300(c) and 
3007.301(b)(2) that would permit persons to seek access to non-public 
materials solely for the purpose of aiding the initiation of a 
proceeding before the Commission. See Postal Service Comments at 5. The 
Postal Service misinterprets proposed

[[Page 31266]]

Sec.  3007.301(b)(2) as enabling persons to obtain access to non-public 
materials by providing only limited justification relating to a vague, 
undeveloped proposal to initiate a proceeding before the Commission. 
Id. at 6. Proposed Sec.  3007.301(b)(2) requires that a motion for 
access include a detailed statement justifying the request for access. 
Also, proposed Sec.  3007.301(b)(2)(ii) requires that a motion for 
access to aid initiation of a proceeding before the Commission shall 
describe the subject of the proposed proceeding, how the materials 
sought are relevant to that proposed proceeding, and when the movant 
anticipates initiating the proposed proceeding. These requirements 
ensure that the request for access is made in good faith, but are not 
so strict as to require that the planned proceeding is fully ready. 
Further, final Sec.  3007.301(c) permits the filing of a response to a 
motion for access. Therefore, there are sufficient procedural 
mechanisms to ensure that the justification given is adequate. 
Ultimately, the standard to grant access balances the interests of the 
parties, which takes into account the interests of the person seeking 
access and the interests of any person opposing access.
    The Postal Service also objects that the proposed rules impose no 
consequences if the person granted access under this provision does not 
ultimately initiate the proceeding. Id. This corresponds with the 
existing practice, which does not impose consequences against a person 
who obtains access but then opts not to file a document with the 
Commission. Because the person requesting access has no opportunity to 
review the sealed materials in camera prior to obtaining access, it is 
possible that the person will opt against filing with the Commission 
after obtaining access. The underlying concern expressed by the Postal 
Service is not a failure to move forward with the planned proceeding; 
rather, the Postal Service is raising a concern of misuse, 
dissemination, or lack of care of the materials. The final rules 
prohibit such practices. Persons who obtain access are subject to 
protective conditions imposed by order and the rules, which limit use 
and dissemination of the non-public materials and the information 
contained therein. Final Sec.  3007.303(a) provides for sanctions for 
violation of protective conditions. Final Sec.  3007.303(b) reserves 
the right of any person, including the Postal Service, to pursue other 
remedies.
    The Postal Service reviews the potential to use indirect procedural 
mechanisms to aid persons to initiate a proceeding before the 
Commission, such as requesting that the Commission initiate a public 
inquiry docket and then seeking access, or seeking access in (and 
continuing access) in the ACR proceeding. Id. at 5-6. The Postal 
Service asserts that such indirect options undermine the necessity of 
the proposed rule. Id. at 6. Final Sec. Sec.  3007.300(c) and 
3007.301(b)(2) provide a direct mechanism. This makes the rules plain 
and more accessible to the public. Further, it facilitates the design 
and enforcement of protective conditions that will ensure the non-
public material, and the non-public information contained therein, are 
used only for the purposes supplied. Therefore, the Commission does not 
adopt the Postal Service's suggested deletions.
3. Changes to the Proposed Rules
    Each line-by-line change to the proposed rules made in response to 
the Postal Service's comments is reviewed below. Editorial changes made 
solely to improve global consistency, clarity, or precision are also 
reviewed below where applicable to the final rule at issue. The 
following changes to the proposed rules appear in the final rules.
    Final Sec.   3007.101(a). A sentence is added to the end of this 
paragraph to reflect that the cessation of non-public status applies to 
the particular document or thing and the particular information 
contained therein (in whole or in part, as applicable).
    Final Sec.   3007.103. This rule is divided into three paragraphs.
    Final Sec.  3007.103(a). This paragraph contains the first sentence 
of proposed Sec.  3007.103, informing the reader of examples of the 
types of action by which the Commission may seek additional information 
to determine the non-public treatment, if any, to be accorded. For 
global consistency, the word ``given'' is replaced with ``accorded.'' 
Clarifying text is also added to reflect that the materials at issue 
are those that are claimed by any person to be non-public.
    Final Sec.  3007.103(b). This paragraph contains the second 
sentence of proposed Sec.  3007.103, but deletes the reference to sua 
sponte amendment and instead focuses on amendment prompted by motions 
practice. For global consistency, the word ``given'' is replaced with 
``accorded.''
    Final Sec.  3007.103(c). This paragraph codifies the specific 
procedure relating to instances in which the Commission, on its own 
motion, issues notice of a preliminary determination. The first 
sentence of final Sec.  3007.103(c), which outlines the first step of 
this process--the issuance of notice of a preliminary determination, is 
based on existing Sec.  3007.32(a) and the Postal Service's suggested 
language. See Postal Service Appendix at iv. The second sentence of 
final Sec.  3007.103(c), which sets forth the response timeframe, is 
based on existing Sec.  3007.32(b) and the Postal Service's suggested 
language, with edits to correspond with final Sec.  3007.400(c). See 
id. The third sentence of final Sec.  3007.103(c), which sets forth the 
general rule regarding reply, is based on existing Sec.  3007.32(c), 
with edits to correspond with final Sec.  3007.400(d). The fourth 
sentence of final Sec.  3007.103(c), which reflects that the Commission 
will continue to accord non-public treatment to the materials while the 
issue is pending, incorporates the Postal Service's suggested text and 
corresponds with final Sec.  3007.400(e). See id. The fifth sentence of 
final Sec.  3007.103(c) which explains the timing for the Commission 
ruling, is based on existing Sec.  3007.32(d) and the Postal Service's 
suggested language, with edits to correspond with final Sec.  
3007.400(f). See id. at iv-v.
    The sixth sentence of final Sec.  3007.103(c), which explains the 
standards for the Commission ruling, is based on the Postal Service's 
suggested text. See id. at v. Specifically, the sixth sentence of final 
Sec.  3007.103(c) replaces the Postal Service's suggested phrase 
``balance the interests of the parties as'' with ``follow the 
applicable standard.'' This revision is made to more precisely 
encompass both standards (whichever may be applicable) appearing in 
paragraphs (a) and (b) of final Sec.  3007.104. This modified phrasing 
of the sixth sentence also corresponds with final Sec.  3007.400(f).
    Final Sec.   3007.200(b). The parenthetical ``if applicable'' is 
replaced with ``to the extent practicable.''
    Final Sec.   3007.205(c). An additional paragraph is added to 
provide additional instruction for an application for non-public 
treatment regarding materials that are claimed to have been 
inadvertently submitted publicly. If special relief is sought, the 
application for non-public treatment must clearly request it. Such 
special relief may include that any person not granted access to the 
materials in accordance with the Commission's rules immediately destroy 
or return all versions of such material; refrain from disclosing or 
using such materials (and the information contained therein); and, if 
applicable, take reasonable steps to retrieve such materials (and the 
information contained therein) that were disclosed to any person not 
granted access to the materials in accordance with the Commission's 
rules

[[Page 31267]]

prior to the filing of the application for non-public treatment.
    Final Sec.  3007.300(a)(3). The text is clarified to reflect that 
access may be granted without issuance of an order to non-employees who 
have executed appropriate non-disclosure agreements (such as 
contractors, attorneys, or subject matter experts), assisting the 
Commission in carrying out its duties.

D. Review of Other Changes Proposed by the Public Representative

    The following discussion summarizes all changes proposed by the 
Public Representative (other than issues related to the expiration of 
non-public treatment), provides analysis, and describes the resulting 
changes made to the proposed rules.
1. Public Representative Comments
    Aside from the issues related to the expiration of non-public 
treatment, the Public Representative discusses seven major issue areas. 
See generally PR Comments. First, he asserts that a framework should be 
adopted for the consistent usage of terminology throughout the proposed 
rules. Id. at 2-4. To illustrate this suggestion, the Public 
Representative proposes a framework for how to describe the 
manifestations of information, which he categorizes into documents, 
things, and communications similar to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 
26(b)(5). Id. at 3. As an alternative, he suggests adopting the 
``documents or other matter'' terminology based on 39 U.S.C. 504(g). 
Id. at 3, n.5. He acknowledges that fully consistent usage may not be 
possible in all instances, specifically with respect to the FOIA rules 
appearing in part 3004 of this chapter. Id. n.3.
    Second, he contends that proposed Sec.  3007.100(a) omits a 
reference to the ability to claim protection for materials provided by 
the Postal Service of its own volition. Id. at 7. Therefore, he 
suggests omitting the reference to materials being provided in response 
to a subpoena or request of the Commission. Id.
    Third, he suggests the term ``other person'' as used is unclear and 
that in each instance the Commission should specify ``person other than 
the Postal Service'' or ``person other than the submitter.'' Id.
    Fourth, he suggests that the Commission consider expansion of the 
proposed rules to apply to information exchanged by oral communications 
(meetings or consultations between the Commission and the Postal 
Service and users of the mail). Id. at 8. He describes past experience 
in which persons attending closed hearings involving the discussion of 
non-public information signed non-disclosure agreements prior to entry 
and suggests formalization of such procedure would be beneficial. Id.
    Fifth, he notes that filing materials in closed dockets is 
administratively inconvenient under the existing Filing Online 
interface--closed dockets are not displayed in the menu and Dockets 
personnel typically seek internal approval before posting materials in 
closed dockets. Id. He also observes that the proposed G docket is not 
currently accessible under the existing Filing Online interface. Id. He 
suggests the Commission update its Filing Online interface and Dockets 
procedures to accommodate such filings. Id. at 9.
    Sixth, he requests additional explanation for the conforming 
changes to proposed Sec.  3004.30. Id. at 11. He believes that the 
proposal ``would appear to require the Postal Service to concomitantly 
file a Protective Conditions Statement on every occasion that non-
public information or materials are revealed in any discussions or 
consultations with the Commission (or an individual Commissioner, or 
Commission staff).'' Id. He states that he does not oppose such a 
requirement. Id. He does not suggest any edits to proposed Sec. Sec.  
3004.30 or 3004.70. See id. at 10-11.
    Seventh, the Public Representative offers specific line-by-line 
editorial revisions to proposed subpart E of 39 CFR part 3001 and 39 
CFR part 3007. See id. at 9-10, 11-16.
2. Commission Analysis
    The following discussion addresses the first six major issue areas 
raised by the Public Representative, and then addresses the seventh 
major issue through a more detailed discussion of the specific line-by-
line editorial revisions he suggests.
    First, with respect to the Public Representative's suggested 
framework, the Commission clarifies the distinction between 
``information'' (the substance, such as explanations, confirmations, 
factual descriptions, and data) and its manifestations into 
``materials'' (tangible matter that conveys information). With respect 
to ``materials,'' the Commission distinguishes between ``documents'' 
and ``things.'' This framework parallels the ``documents or other 
matter'' framework of 39 U.S.C. 504(g). ``Documents'' convey 
information in hard copy (paper) or electronic forms. All other matter 
that conveys information are referred to as ``things.'' Generally, 
nearly all materials submitted to the Commission are ``documents;'' 
``things'' is a catch-all category for all other matter. Changes to 
implement this framework are made throughout the final rules appearing 
in subpart E of 39 CFR part 3001 and 39 CFR part 3007.
    Second, the Commission agrees that deleting proposed Sec.  
3007.100(a)'s reference to materials being provided under a subpoena or 
in response to a Commission request would better describe the 
applicability of protection for materials that the Postal Service 
submits to the Commission. The Postal Service may seek non-public 
treatment for materials that are submitted to the Commission 
voluntarily. This is consistent with existing practice for any person 
(including the Postal Service) and the Commission is authorized to 
provide for such procedural mechanisms consistent with its general 
rulemaking authority. See 39 U.S.C. 503.
    Third, the Commission agrees that use of the phrases ``person other 
than the submitter'' or ``person other than the Postal Service,'' 
whichever is applicable, would improve clarity. This suggestion is 
adopted globally throughout the final rules.
    Fourth, at this time, the Commission declines to codify specific 
rules relating to non-public information conveyed through oral 
communications during consultations and meetings.\21\ The Commission 
believes that addressing this issue ad hoc is sufficient. With respect 
to communications during Commission meetings, hearings, and other 
widely publicized Commission events existing Commission policy 
confirms, ``[f]or events that include presentation of non-public 
materials, interested persons may be limited to persons complying with 
provisions intended to protect non-public materials.'' Ex Parte 
Communications Policy at 8. This policy similarly addresses technical 
conferences ``[i]n dockets that include non-public materials, 
interested persons may be limited to persons complying with provisions 
intended to protect non-public materials.'' Id. at 15.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ By way of background, the Commission's ex parte rules and 
policy provide that ex parte communications do not include: (1) 
Documents filed using the Commission's docketing system; (2) 
communications during the course of public Commission meetings, 
hearings, and other widely publicized Commission events; (3) 
communications during the course of a public off-the-record 
technical conference associated with a matter before the Commission 
or the pre-filing conference required for a nature of service case; 
(4) questions regarding procedures, status, or scheduling; and (5) 
communications unrelated to the matter before the Commission. See 39 
CFR 3008.2; see also Ex Parte Communications Policy, Policy # OGC-
16-1, June 30, 2016, at 7, (Ex Parte Communications Policy) 
available at prc.gov, hover over ``References'' and follow ``Ex 
Parte Policy'' hyperlink.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 31268]]

    By way of additional background, two types of informal 
consultations and briefings occur subject to the Commission's ex parte 
policy that are not open to the public. Id. at 13-14. First, the 
Commission and the Postal Service regularly consult (at the highest 
organizational levels) to share operational information. Id. at 13. 
Second, the Postal Service periodically briefs the Commission (at all 
organizational levels) on matters of interest. Id. at 14. The 
communications made during these consultations and briefings are 
subject to the ex parte policy--discussion of pending or anticipated 
matters before the Commission, deliberations, and decisional 
discussions are prohibited. Id. at 13-14. Because these consultations 
and briefings are attended by officers and employees of the federal 
government (including the Postal Service and the Commission), 
protections are already in place under the law.\22\ Moreover, the 
Commission has internal policies and procedures that train employees 
not to disclose non-public information, provide procedures to 
immediately report and remediate potential exposure in the event of 
breach, and for employee discipline (if applicable). Also, as part of 
its standard contracting practice, contractors assisting the Commission 
have non-disclosure provisions in their contracts and, as suggested by 
the Postal Service, this practice has been formally codified in final 
Sec.  3007.300(a)(3). Therefore, the existing safeguards applicable to 
non-public information conveyed through oral communications render the 
suggested changes unnecessary. Further, the existing rules appearing in 
39 CFR part 3007 are focused on materials that are submitted to the 
Commission in a tangible fashion.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ See, e.g., 18 U.S.C. 1905 (prohibiting an officer or 
employee of the United States, or of any department or agency 
thereof, from disclosing confidential information except as 
authorized by law; prohibited disclosure shall result in removal 
from office or employment as well as monetary fines, imprisonment of 
not more than one year, or both).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Fifth, the Commission acknowledges the administrative issues noted 
by the Public Representative with respect to filing in closed dockets 
and G dockets. The Commission will make the necessary technical updates 
to allow for filings in Docket No. G2018-1 by the time these final 
rules will go into effect.
    The existing interface permits filings to be made in closed 
dockets. The interface to create a new filing record instructs the 
filer to type remarks into a designated box, if the drop-down menu does 
not list the docket number in which the filing should be posted. The 
interface explains that any text typed into this designated box is 
viewed only by Dockets personnel. Therefore, any filer that intends to 
file in a closed docket may use this feature in the existing interface 
to type in the closed docket number, consistent with exiting practice.
    Sixth, the Commission provides the following explanation with 
respect to the requirements applicable to the Postal Service's 
submitting non-public materials outside of a filing (e.g., not in the 
context of docketed proceedings or periodic reporting requirements). As 
stated in the NPR, the proposed rules ``reflect that in all instances 
in which the Postal Service submits materials to the Commission that it 
reasonably believes to be exempt from public disclosure, the Postal 
Service shall follow the submission procedures appearing in subpart B 
of 39 CFR part 3007.'' Order No. 4403 at 36 (emphasis added); see also 
UPS Comments at 8.
    As the NPR discussed, the existing rules do not clearly address the 
applicable procedural requirements if the Postal Service submits non-
public materials to the Commission outside of a filing. Order No. 4403 
at 14. As the NPR explained such submissions may occur in accordance 
with the Commission's ex parte policy. Id.
    The NPR aimed to better address the procedural requirements that 
would be applicable if the Postal Service submits non-public materials 
to the Commission outside of a filing. Id. This would include 
situations involving the submission of materials claimed by the Postal 
Service to contain non-public information during the course of 
consultations and briefings that occur in accordance with the ex parte 
policy. See id. Accordingly, if the Postal Service submits materials to 
the Commission that the Postal Service believes to contain non-public 
information (including related to consultations or briefings), the 
Postal Service must submit an application for non-public treatment, a 
redacted version of the non-public materials, and an unredacted version 
of the non-public materials. See id. As the NPR explained, the final 
rules are designed to facilitate the Commission's determination of non-
public treatment (if any) that should be accorded to materials that are 
submitted outside of a docketed proceeding or periodic reporting, 
better ensure that confidential treatment is properly accorded, and 
facilitate the Commission's resolution of motions practice. See id.
    As applied to the specific procedural question presented by the 
Public Representative, if the Commission (including an individual 
Commissioner or employee) takes custody of an unredacted version of a 
document during a consultation or briefing (e.g., the Postal Service 
employee hand delivers or electronically transmits a document to a 
member of the Commission or Commission staff) and the Postal Service 
claims that the document contains non-public information, there must be 
a concomitant submission of the application for non-public treatment 
and a redacted version of the document in accordance with final 
Sec. Sec.  3004.30(d) and 3007.200(a).
    This situation, which permissibly may occur subject to the ex parte 
rules outside of a docketed proceeding or a periodic reporting 
requirement, does not require the use of the Filing Online system to 
submit the application for non-public treatment and a redacted version 
of the document. Therefore, in the example at issue, it would be 
permissible for the Postal Service employee to provide the application 
for non-public treatment and a redacted version of the document 
(concomitantly with the unredacted version of the document) to a member 
of the Commission or Commission staff. Final Sec. Sec.  3007.201 and 
3007.202 impose requirements for the contents of the application for 
non-public treatment and the redacted version of the document claimed 
to contain non-public information. The same content requirements apply 
to persons other than the Postal Service that submit non-public 
materials under final Sec.  3004.70(a). See Order No. 4403 at 15, 36.
    The unredacted version of the non-public document (displaying the 
information that is claimed to be non-public) must be appropriately 
marked in accordance with final Sec.  3007.203(a). In accordance with 
final Sec.  3007.203(b), the Filing Online interface that results in 
the posting of a document on the Commission's public website may not be 
used to submit the unredacted version of a non-public document. If the 
non-public document is a spreadsheet, more specific form requirements 
apply to the unredacted version under final Sec.  3007.203(d). 
Submission of the unredacted version of the non-public document that is 
made during a consultation or briefing is not required to be made using 
sealed envelopes or the alternative system approved by the Secretary 
under final Sec.  3007.203(c)). Because the issues discussed during 
such consultation or briefing do not involve discussion of pending or 
anticipated matters before the

[[Page 31269]]

Commission, deliberations, or decisional discussions, the Commission 
does not interpret its final rules to require use of either filing 
method. However, a person making such submission should use care to 
ensure that he or she does not waive any applicable protection; using 
sealed envelopes for hard copy materials or a secure transmission 
method for electronic submissions would be prudent. The same 
requirements apply to persons other than the Postal Service that submit 
non-public materials under final Sec.  3004.70(a). See id.
    With respect to the Public Representative's inquiry regarding non-
public information conveyed through oral communications at 
consultations and briefings (in accordance with the ex parte rules), as 
stated above, the Commission does not adopt a specific procedural rule. 
The final rules apply to materials--documents and things--not oral 
communications. The protection of non-public information exchanged 
orally will continue to be handled through the existing safeguards.
    Seventh, generally the Public Representative's editorial revisions 
(with some variations) are adopted to improve the clarity and precision 
of the final rules. Additional explanation follows.
    Proposed Sec.  3001.100. The Commission generally adopts the 
proposed editorial changes to improve readability and conform to the 
distinction between information and the materials used to convey 
information. See PR Comments at 9, 17-18.
    With respect to the distinctions between types of materials, the 
final rule varies slightly from the Public Representative's proposal. 
The Public Representative proposes to categorize materials into 
documents, things, and communications similar to Federal Rule of Civil 
Procedure 26(b)(5). Id. at 3. As an alternative, he suggests 
categorizing materials into ``documents or other matter'' based on 39 
U.S.C. 504(g). Id. at 3, n.5. As discussed above, the Commission uses 
the terms documents and things as its framework for describing the 
types of materials that may be provided to the Commission. The final 
rule informs the reader that the information request may seek 
information that already exists in some tangible form as well as the 
creation of a tangible document or thing that describes the information 
sought. Whether the response might involve the creation of a tangible 
document or thing or the identification of an existing document or 
thing depends on the situation. The final rule is intended to be 
construed broadly to encompass whichever would be applicable and 
appropriately responsive to the information request. This is consistent 
with existing practice before the Commission.
    To the extent that information that was orally communicated is 
sought, the information request would typically seek the underlying 
substance of the oral communication through tangible matter (e.g., 
explanations, confirmations, factual descriptions, and data). 
Generally, the person responding to the information request would 
create document(s) or thing(s) to convey the underlying substance of 
the communication or identify existing responsive document(s), 
whichever may be applicable and appropriately responsive. As an 
example, a response to an information request may involve creating a 
narrative response containing the requested explanations, 
confirmations, factual descriptions; creating workpapers or tables 
containing the requested data; or identifying responsive document(s) or 
thing(s) that already exist.
    Practice before the Commission differs from practice before federal 
courts in that occurrence of oral communications are rarely at issue in 
information requests.\23\ In the unlikely instance that the occurrence 
of the oral communication itself was at issue in an information 
request, then the information request would likely seek a document or 
thing memorializing the occurrence of such oral communication. As an 
example, a response to such an information request may involve creating 
a narrative response containing confirmation that the oral 
communication at issue occurred (or did not occur), a description of 
the facts surrounding the occurrence (or non-occurrence) of the oral 
communication, or identification of an existing responsive document or 
thing relating to the occurrence (or non-occurrence) of the oral 
communication.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ It is also important to recognize that information requests 
serve as a Commission procedure separate and distinct from the 
discovery mechanisms appearing in existing 39 CFR part 3001 such as 
depositions, requests for admissions, interrogatories, and requests 
for production.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Proposed Sec.  3001.101. The Commission generally adopts the 
proposed editorial changes to improve readability and conform to the 
framework of information, documents, and things. See id. at 10, 19-20. 
The Commission also adopts the proposed change of the second sentence 
of paragraph (b) to the passive voice to minimize confusion regarding 
the ability of the Chairman of the Commission or the presiding officer 
to make a judgment independent of the full Commission.
    The references to ``filing'' a motion are deleted in paragraph (b) 
to reduce unnecessary text. The Commission does not interpret paragraph 
(b) to prohibit a motion from being stated orally on the record; these 
references to ``filing'' a motion appear in existing Sec.  3007.3(c). 
However, the movant may be instructed to reduce his or her oral motion 
to a writing and file it under Sec.  3001.30(g) of this chapter. The 
proposed change to abbreviate the end of the third sentence of 
paragraph (b) is not adopted; the additional text is retained in the 
final version of the rule to better inform the reader of what an 
information request based on a motion may include.
    Proposed Sec.  3007.100. The Commission generally agrees with the 
issues raised by the Public Representative. See id. at 11. With respect 
to applicability, the text of proposed Sec.  3007.100 is redesignated 
as final Sec.  3007.100(a) with four subparagraphs (1)-(4). Because the 
rules appearing in 39 CFR part 3007 are derived not only from the 
Commission's specific authority in 39 U.S.C. 504(g), but also the 
Commission's general rulemaking authority (see Order No. 4403 at 6), 
the specific cross-reference is deleted to minimize confusion. 
Therefore, the final rule abbreviates the Public Representative's 
suggested text. Similarly, the text quoted directly from section 
504(g)(1) of title 39 relating to materials provided by the Postal 
Service in response to a subpoena or otherwise at the request of the 
Commission is deleted to minimize confusion. The Postal Service may 
provide materials to the Commission in the absence of a subpoena or a 
direct Commission request and apply for non-public treatment, if 
circumstances warrant.
    Generally, the other clarifying language suggested by the Public 
Representative is adopted throughout final Sec.  3007.100(a). See PR 
Comments at 11. In final Sec.  3007.100(a)(3) and (4), a simpler 
phrase, ``any person,'' is adopted in lieu of the suggested phrase, 
``the Postal Service or any person other than the Postal Service.''
    Throughout final Sec.  3007.100(a)(1)-(4), edits are made to 
conform to the distinction between information and the materials used 
to convey information. Final Sec.  3007.100(b), which replicates the 
scope text appearing in final Sec.  3001.100(b), is added to assist 
readers.
    Proposed Sec.  3007.101(a). The Commission generally adopts the 
proposed edits to the first sentence, to better distinguish between 
information and the means of conveying information, with minor 
variations to fit

[[Page 31270]]

the selection of the documents or things framework. See id. at 24. The 
Commission also adopts the Public Representative's suggestion to divide 
the text into more sentences. See id. at 11-12. Accordingly, three 
revised sentences explain the applicable bases for the Postal Service, 
any person other than the Postal Service, and any person to claim that 
information is non-public. The final rule varies slightly from the 
Public Representative's suggestion to reflect the potential that any 
person (including the Postal Service) may cite to 5 U.S.C. 552(b) as a 
basis to claim that information is non-public. Potential examples 
involving a person other than the Postal Service may involve another 
government agency subject to FOIA or a business providing information 
in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(4).
    The Commission declines to adopt the Public Representative's 
suggestion to replace the proposed terminology ``publicly discloses'' 
with ``publicly provides access to'' the materials to avoid potential 
confusion with access granted subject to protective conditions. See id. 
at 24.
    Proposed Sec.  3007.102. In response to the Public Representative's 
concern, edits are adopted to more explicitly convey that disclosure of 
or access to the non-public information contained within non-public 
materials is prohibited, except in accordance with final 39 CFR part 
3004 or final 39 CFR part 3007. See id. at 12.
    Proposed Sec.  3007.104. The Commission adopts the Public 
Representative's suggestion to clarify the distinction between 
materials and the information conveyed therein in the heading and in 
paragraph (a). See id. at 12, 26. The Commission declines to adopt the 
suggestion to replace the proposed terminology ``publicly disclose'' 
and ``public disclosure of'' in the heading and in paragraph (a) with 
``publicly allow access to'' and ``public access to'' materials to 
avoid potential confusion with access granted subject to protective 
conditions. See id. at 26.
    The Commission agrees with the Public Representative that the 
description of the standard in paragraph (b) should be amplified and 
adopts his suggestion. See id. at 12-13.
    Proposed Sec.  3007.200. The Commission adopts the Public 
Representative's proposed edit in paragraph (a) to use the word 
``concomitantly'' rather than ``on the same business day'' to emphasize 
that the submissions shall occur as closely in time as practicable on 
the same business day. See id. at 13, 26.
    The Commission adopts the Public Representative's proposed 
clarifying edits in paragraph (b). See id. at 13, 27.
    Proposed Sec.  3007.201(b). The Commission adopts the Public 
Representative's proposed clarifying edits in paragraph (b), with one 
exception. See id. at 13, 27-28. The phrase ``or both'' is retained in 
subparagraph (b)(2) to emphasize that the submitter must either 
identify multiple individuals or ensure that a single designated 
individual will provide notice to the affected person.
    Proposed Sec.  3007.202. Taking the view that this proposed rule 
only applies to documents, not all materials, the Public Representative 
suggests limiting its applicability accordingly in the heading and in 
paragraph (a). See id. at 14, 29. Generally, the Commission's rules 
focus on documents (either hard copy or electronic). Although the 
category of ``things'' is simply a catch-all, that is unlikely to be 
used, paragraphs (b) and (c) allow sufficient flexibility to account 
for the practical difficulty in redacting a thing. Therefore, the 
Commission declines to adopt this suggestion. The Commission adopts the 
Public Representative's other proposed clarifying edits in paragraph 
(a) to more precisely refer to the information that is claimed to be 
non-public. See id. at 29.
    The two line edits suggested for the first sentence of paragraph 
(b) are not adopted because they are not necessary. See id. First, 
using ``shall'' is sufficient to convey that it is mandatory to justify 
using a method other than blackout to redact non-public information 
appearing in the materials. Second, replacing ``using'' with ``the use 
of'' does not produce an appreciable improvement in clarity.
    Proposed Sec.  3007.203. The Commission adopts the suggestions to 
re-divide the paragraphs, with some variations. See id. at 30-31. Final 
paragraph (a) pertains solely to the marking requirement; final 
paragraph (b) pertains to the prohibition on using the Filing Online 
interface that results in the public posting of a document; final 
paragraph (c) pertains to the method to file non-public materials; and 
final paragraph (d) pertains to requirements specific to non-public 
spreadsheets.
    The Commission generally adopts the suggested edits to final 
paragraph (a) with minor variations due to the selection of the 
documents or things framework. See id. at 14, 30.
    The Commission adds an additional phrase to the first sentence of 
final paragraph (b) to accommodate the potential that the existing 
Filing Online interface may be modified to accept non-public documents 
in a secure manner. See id. at 14. The existing Filing Online interface 
causes a public filing to be made, leading to the posting of a document 
to the Commission's public-facing website. Filers may not submit the 
unredacted version of the non-public materials (the version that 
displays the non-public information) using the existing Filing Online 
interface.
    In final paragraph (c), the suggestion to replace ``materials'' 
with ``documents'' is adopted in part. See id. at 14, 30-31. This 
change is not adopted in the introductory text of final paragraph (c); 
instead, other text is deleted so that the sentence is more generally 
applicable. In final subparagraph (c)(1), text pertaining to materials, 
as a broad category, is confined to the first two sentences. The 
suggestion to refer specifically to a document is adopted in the third 
and fourth sentences of final subparagraph (c)(1). This change is also 
not adopted in final subparagraph (c)(2); the Secretary's authority to 
approve and administer an alternative filing system includes all 
materials.
    The suggestion to reword final subparagraph (c)(2)'s reference to 
the Secretary is adopted. See id. at 31. The suggested additional 
description is adopted in the third sentence of final subparagraph 
(c)(1) to reflect that ``DVDs'' may be digital video discs or digital 
versatile discs. See id. at 14, 31.
    The Commission agrees with the Public Representative's observation 
that the requirements relating to spreadsheets appearing in proposed 
subparagraph (b)(1) are off-topic. See id. at 14. The Commission 
appreciates his suggestion to address certain requirements for 
spreadsheets in a different part of the Commission's regulations and 
may consider it in future rulemaking. Moving these two sentences to 
final paragraph (d) minimizes the diversion. The reason that the 
sentences are not deleted from final Sec.  3007.203 is to convey that 
there are certain minimal form and content requirements associated with 
the unredacted version of a spreadsheet, a matter that is entirely 
within the scope of 39 CFR part 3007. This is necessary to include 
because in some instances the formulas and links to related 
spreadsheets contain non-public information and, therefore, are masked 
in the redacted version of the spreadsheet.
    Proposed Sec.  3007.204. The clarifying language suggested by the 
Public Representative is adopted in the header and text. See id. at 14, 
31.

[[Page 31271]]

    Proposed Sec.  3007.205. With respect to the suggestion to replace 
``could'' with ``should'' in the first sentence, the Commission instead 
rephrases to better focus the issue not on the technical capability of 
making a sealed filing but rather on having a cognizable legal basis to 
assert a claim that the materials could have been subject to a claim 
for non-public treatment. See id. at 14-15, 32. The Commission declines 
to use ``should'' to avoid a potential interpretation that the final 
rule prejudges whether the materials at issue actually should (ought 
to) be withheld from the public.
    With respect to the suggestion to strike the last sentence 
pertaining to repeated mistakes, the Commission declines to adopt the 
suggestion. See id. at 15, 32. This sentence is retained to notify the 
reader that any reoccurring problems may be addressed by the Secretary 
administratively. It is also retained to emphasize that this procedure 
to minimize the potential exposure from an error made by a filer is 
meant to be rarely invoked.
    With respect to the suggestion to strike text to broaden the rule's 
applicability to materials submitted outside the context of a formal 
filing, the Commission instead incorporates this suggestion in a 
separate final paragraph (b). See id. Because such submissions related 
to consultations and briefings would most likely not be directed to 
Dockets personnel, the person making the request should contact the 
Commission personnel to whom the submission was directed. The heading 
of the final rule is changed to accommodate the addition of final 
paragraph (b).
    Proposed Sec.  3007.301. The Commission adopts the Public 
Representative's proposed clarifying edits in paragraphs (a), (b)(1), 
and (e). See id. at 15, 34, 36. The Commission agrees with the Public 
Representative that the description of the standard in paragraph (e) 
should be amplified and adopts his suggestion. See id. at 15.
    Proposed Sec.  3007.302. The Commission adopts the Public 
Representative's proposed clarifying edit in paragraph (a). See id. at 
15, 36.
    Proposed Sec.  3007.303. The Commission adopts the Public 
Representative's proposal to replace ``shall'' with ``may'' in 
paragraph (a) to acknowledge that a sanction may not be applied in 
every instance of an infraction. See id. at 15, 37. This change is 
consistent with the practice employed by federal courts and is 
equivalent to retaining the word ``shall'' and applying a nominal 
sanction.\24\ The Commission adopts his suggestions to provide two 
additional illustrative types of sanctions in final paragraphs (a)(3)-
(4). See PR Comments at 16, 37.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \24\ In federal practice, sanctions are mandatory ``[i]f a 
certification violates this rule without substantial 
justification.'' Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(g)(3).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission declines to adopt the proposed edit in paragraph 
(b). See id. at 16, 38. The phrase ``or both'' is retained to emphasize 
precisely who may face sanctions.\25\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \25\ See Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(g)(3) (``If a certification violates 
this rule without substantial justification, the court, on motion or 
on its own, must impose an appropriate sanction on the signer, the 
party on whose behalf the signer was acting, or both.'') (emphasis 
added).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Proposed Sec.  3007.304. The Commission agrees with the Public 
Representative's observation that it would be beneficial to convey that 
if judicial review occurs, access may continue through the duration of 
the review and any Commission response thereto. See PR Comments at 16. 
Final paragraph (a)(1) varies slightly from the suggested edit because 
if judicial review does occur, the final event triggering termination 
of access would be when judicial review expires for that decision or 
the Commission's actions in response to that decision. See id. at 38.
    Proposed Sec.  3007.400. The Public Representative suggests 
changing terminology from ``public disclosure'' or ``publicly 
disclosed'' to using ``public availability'' or ``made publicly 
available'' in the heading of Subpart D, the heading of proposed Sec.  
3007.400, and the text of proposed Sec.  3007.400(b). See id. at 45. 
The suggested changes are not adopted because they are unnecessary. 
Using terminology based on the phrase ``publicly disclose'' appears in 
existing Sec.  3007.33(a) and (b) (describing the applicable standard 
for the Commission ruling) to refer to unsealing materials filed as 
non-public (and the information therein claimed to be non-public). This 
terminology has been retained in final Sec.  3007.104(a) and (b) and it 
has been used globally throughout the final rules. Using terminology 
based on the term ``disclose'' is sufficient to refer to unsealing 
materials filed as non-public (and the information therein claimed to 
be non-public).\26\ The Public Representative's proposed clarifying 
edit to replace ``materials'' with ``information'' in the second 
sentence of paragraph (b) is adopted. See PR Comments at 45.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \26\ See Merriam-Webster Dictionary, available at https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disclose (``disclose'' defined as 
``to expose to view'' and ``to make known or public'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Changes to the Proposed Rules
    Each line-by-line change to the proposed rules made in response to 
the Public Representative's comments is reviewed below. Editorial 
changes made solely to improve global consistency, clarity, or 
precision are also reviewed below where applicable to the final rule at 
issue. The following changes to the proposed rules appear in the final 
rules.
    Final Sec.  3001.100(a). This paragraph is divided into 
subparagraphs (1) and (2) to improve readability. The phrase ``other 
person'' in final Sec.  3007.100(a)(2) is clarified to refer to 
``person other than the Postal Service.'' Editorial changes are made 
throughout final Sec.  3007.100(a)(1)-(a)(2) to clarify that 
information, and any associated documents or things, may be sought.
    Final Sec.  3001.100(b). This paragraph is clarified to better 
illustrate the distinctions between information (substantive knowledge) 
and materials (the means of conveyance of information). A non-
exhaustive list of examples of documents is provided. Things is a 
catch-all category for materials that are not documents.
    Final Sec.  3001.101(a). This paragraph is clarified to conform to 
the framework of information, documents, and things. The phrase ``the 
Postal Service or any other person'' is simplified to ``any person.''
    Final Sec.  3001.101(b). This paragraph is edited to conform to the 
framework of information, documents, and things. The references to 
``filing'' of a motion are deleted to simplify the text. The second 
sentence is changed to the passive voice is made to minimize confusion 
regarding the ability of the Chairman of the Commission or the 
presiding officer to make a judgment on a pending motion for issuance 
of an information request independent of the full Commission.
    Final Sec.  3004.70. The Commission replaces the word ``nonpublic'' 
with ``non-public'' in paragraphs (b) and (c) for consistent usage of 
terminology throughout this rule.
    Final Sec.  3007.100. Text is added to the heading to refer to 
scope. The text of the final rule is reorganized into paragraphs (a) 
and (b) to address applicability and scope. Descriptive headings are 
added at the paragraph-level.
    Final Sec.  3007.100(a). A descriptive paragraph-level heading is 
added. The first sentence is abbreviated to remove the statutory cross-
reference. Each of the described situations of applicability are 
reorganized into four subparagraphs (1) through (4). Throughout 
subparagraphs (1) through (4), text is conformed to the distinction 
between materials and the

[[Page 31272]]

information contained in materials. In subparagraph (1), the phrase 
``under a subpoena issued under 39 U.S.C. 504(f), or otherwise at the 
request of the Commission'' is deleted to more precisely reflect that 
the Postal Service may seek protection for materials that it submits to 
the Commission voluntarily. In subparagraph (2), the phrase ``other 
person'' is clarified to refer to ``person other than the Postal 
Service.'' In subparagraphs (3) and (4), the phrase ``the Postal 
Service or any other person'' is simplified to ``any person.'' In 
subparagraphs (3) and (4), the phrase ``in the process of'' is added 
for clarification.
    Final Sec.  3007.100(b). A descriptive paragraph-level heading is 
added. New text is added to illustrate the distinctions between 
information, documents, things, and materials.
    Final Sec.  3007.101(a). This paragraph is edited to conform to the 
framework of information, documents, and things. The various bases for 
seeking non-public treatment are subdivided into multiple sentences to 
clarify which basis is applicable to the Postal Service, persons other 
than the Postal Service, or both.
    Final Sec.  3007.102. Textual references to non-public information 
are added to clarify that the final rules apply to the non-public 
information contained within non-public materials.
    Final Sec.  3007.104. The heading and text of paragraph (a) are 
edited to reflect that materials contain information. Additional 
clarifying text is added to paragraph (b) to better explain that the 
Commission will use an analytical framework consistent with that of a 
federal court when applying the protective conditions appearing in 
Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(c).
    Final Sec.  3007.200(a). To convey that the submissions shall be 
made as closely in time as practicable on the same business day, the 
phrase ``on the same business day'' is replaced with ``concomitantly.''
    Final Sec.  3007.200(b). Text is conformed to the distinction 
between materials and the information contained therein. For clarity, 
the phrase ``other person'' is replaced with ``person other than the 
submitter.''
    Final Sec.  3007.201(a). For global consistency, the word 
``material'' is replaced with ``materials.''
    Final Sec.  3007.201(b)(2)-(3). Text is conformed to the 
distinction between materials and the information contained therein. 
For clarity, the phrase ``other person'' is replaced with ``person 
other than the submitter.''
    Final Sec.  3007.202(a). Text is conformed to the distinction 
between materials and the information contained therein.
    Final Sec.  3007.203(a). This paragraph is edited to more plainly 
emphasize that the materials must be appropriately marked on each page 
or portion thereof.
    Final Sec.  3007.203(b). In the first sentence, text is added to 
emphasize that the prohibition applies to using the Filing Online 
interface that results in posting a document that is available to the 
public.
    Final Sec.  3007.203(c). The requirements specific to filing 
methods are redesignated as a separate paragraph with editorial 
revisions. The cross-reference and the descriptive text concerning the 
requirements are deleted to reduce unnecessary text. Organization and 
textual edits are made to subparagraph (c)(1) to reflect requirements 
applicable to materials versus requirements that only apply to 
documents. A second description of DVD is added in subparagraph (c)(1). 
Subparagraph (c)(2) has been reworded to refer to ``[t]he secretary of 
the Commission.''
    Final Sec.  3007.203(d). The requirements specific to spreadsheets 
are redesignated as a separate paragraph with editorial revisions.
    Final Sec.  3007.204. For clarity, the phrase ``other person'' is 
replaced with ``person other than the submitter'' in the heading and 
text of the final rule.
    Final Sec.  3007.205. The heading is changed to accommodate the 
addition of final paragraph (b).
    Final Sec.  3007.205(a). For clarity, the phrase ``filed non-
publicly'' is changed to ``subject to a claim for non-public treatment 
is contained.'' For global consistency, the word ``material'' is 
replaced with ``materials.'' The tenses of the associated verbs are 
conformed to reflect the changes from singular to plural nouns.
    Final Sec.  3007.205(b). This paragraph is added to provide a 
procedure to address inadvertent submissions that may occur outside the 
context of public filings.
    Final Sec.  3007.301. Paragraph (a) and subparagraph (b)(1) are 
edited to conform to the distinctions between information and 
materials. For clarity in paragraph (e), the phrase ``other person'' is 
replaced with ``person other than the submitter.'' Additional 
clarifying text is added to the fourth sentence in paragraph (e) to 
better explain that the Commission will use an analytical framework 
consistent with that of a federal court when applying the protective 
conditions appearing in Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(c). Also, 
the inadvertent repetition of the words ``balance the'' is corrected in 
the fourth sentence in paragraph (e).
    Final Sec.  3007.302(a). Explicit reference to the non-public 
information contained within non-public materials is added. Commas are 
added for clarity.
    Final Sec.  3007.303(a). The word ``shall'' is changed to ``may'' 
for precision. Two types of illustrative sanctions are added in final 
Sec.  3007.303(a)(3) and (4). To accommodate the new text, the catch-
all content appearing in proposed Sec.  3007.303(a)(3) is redesignated 
as final Sec.  3007.303(a)(5).
    The phrase ``any or all of the following'' is added to the 
introductory text of paragraph (a) to better convey that the sanctions 
appearing in subparagraphs (1)-(5) are illustrative, and that the 
Commission may determine to apply any or all of them. Corresponding 
with this change, the word ``or'' is used in subparagraph (4).
    Final Sec.  3007.304(a)(1). Text is added to reflect that access 
may continue throughout the duration of the Commission's response to 
judicial review (if applicable).
    Final Sec.  3007.400(a). For global consistency, the word 
``material'' is replaced with ``materials.''
    Final Sec.  3007.400(b). For precision, the word ``materials'' is 
replaced with ``information''.
    Final Sec.  3007.400(f). For global consistency, the word ``given'' 
is replaced with ``accorded'' in the second sentence. In the last 
sentence, the phrase ``balance the interests of the parties as'' is 
replaced with ``follow the applicable standard'' to more precisely 
encompass both standards (whichever may be applicable) appearing in 
paragraphs (a) and (b) of final Sec.  3007.104. This modified phrasing 
of this last sentence also corresponds with final Sec.  3007.103(c).

IV. Section-by-Section Analysis of the Final Changes to 39 CFR Part 
3001

    Final subpart E of 39 CFR part 3001. The Commission adds subpart E 
to existing 39 CFR part 3001.
    Existing Sec. Sec.  3007.2 and 3007.3, which relate to information 
requests, are included in existing 39 CFR part 3007, which relates to 
non-public information. Information requests are not limited to 
situations involving non-public materials. Therefore, the Commission 
moves the procedural requirements relating to information requests to 
the Commission's rules of practice and procedure under existing 39 CFR 
part 3001. To minimize disruption associated with moving these rules to 
existing 39 CFR part 3001, the Commission adds proposed subpart E to 39 
CFR part 3001. Final subpart E to 39

[[Page 31273]]

CFR part 3001 contains two rules applicable to information requests.
    Final Sec.  3001.100 Applicability and scope. The first sentence of 
final Sec.  3001.100(a) mirrors the first sentence of existing Sec.  
3007.2, which informs the reader that the Commission may require that 
the Postal Service provide certain information that is likely to 
materially assist the Commission in fulfilling its statutory 
responsibilities. Consistent with existing Sec.  3007.3(b), the second 
sentence of final Sec.  3001.100(a) informs the reader that the 
Commission may request that persons other than the Postal Service 
provide certain information that is likely to materially assist the 
Commission in fulfilling its statutory responsibilities.
    Final Sec.  3001.100(b) is based on the second sentence of existing 
Sec.  3007.2 and includes a non-exhaustive list of the types of 
information that may be sought in an information request. Final Sec.  
3001.100(b) is intended to encompass information, documents, and things 
in whatever form that is likely to materially assist the Commission in 
fulfilling its statutory responsibilities.
    Final Sec.  3001.101 Information request. Final Sec.  3001.101(a) 
combines existing Sec.  3007.3(a) and (b). Final Sec.  3001.101(a) 
provides that an information request may be directed to any person 
(including the Postal Service) and describes the contents of an 
information request. Final Sec.  3001.101(a) dispenses with the defined 
term ``authorized representative'' and instead specifies that an 
information request may be issued by the Commission, the Chairman of 
the Commission, or the presiding officer, consistent with existing 
practice and 39 U.S.C. 504(f)(2). Consistent with existing practice, 
final Sec.  3001.101(a) provides that the issuance of an information 
request is discretionary.
    Final Sec.  3001.101(b) is based on existing Sec.  3007.3(c). Final 
Sec.  3001.101(b) provides that a request to issue an information 
request shall be via a motion listing the proposed questions and 
justifying the request. Final Sec.  3001.101(b) codifies that the 
Commission, the Chairman of the Commission, or the presiding officer 
may issue an information request at any time after the motion. Any or 
all of the proposed questions may be included or modified in the 
information request.

V. Section-by-Section Analysis of the Final Changes to 39 CFR Part 3004

    Final Sec.  3004.30 Relationship among the Freedom of Information 
Act, the Privacy Act, and the Commission's procedures for according 
appropriate confidentiality. The Commission amends the introductory 
text to paragraph (d) of the existing rule to reflect that in all 
instances in which the Postal Service submits materials to the 
Commission that it reasonably believes to be exempt from public 
disclosure, the Postal Service shall follow the submission procedures 
appearing in final subpart B of 39 CFR part 3007. The Commission also 
amends paragraph (e) of the existing rule to dispense with the use of 
the term ``third party'' to refer to a person other than the Postal 
Service.
    Final Sec.  3004.70 Submission of non-public materials by a person 
other than the Postal Service. The Commission amends the heading 
identified in the existing rule to dispense with the use of the term 
``third party'' to refer to a person other than the Postal Service. The 
Commission amends paragraph (a) of the existing rule to reflect that 
any other person providing materials to the Commission that it 
reasonably believes to be exempt from public disclosure shall follow 
the submission procedures appearing in final subpart B of 39 CFR part 
3007. The Commission also amends paragraph (b) of the existing rule to 
dispense with the use of the term ``third party'' to refer to a person 
other than the Postal Service. The Commission also amends paragraph (c) 
of the existing rule so as to update the cross-reference to the 
provision containing the requirements for an application for non-public 
treatment from existing Sec.  3007.10 to final Sec.  3007.201. Finally, 
the Commission replaces the word ``nonpublic'' with ``non-public'' in 
paragraphs (b) and (c) for consistent usage of terminology throughout 
this final rule.

VI. Section-by-Section Analysis of the Final Changes to 39 CFR Part 
3007

    As described below, the Commission amends 39 CFR part 3007 by 
replacing the existing heading and text of the rules.
    Final heading identified in 39 CFR part 3007. The Commission 
revises the heading to reflect that 39 CFR part 3007 applies to non-
public materials provided to the Commission rather than merely the 
treatment of non-public materials filed by the Postal Service.

A. Final Subpart A of 39 CFR Part 3007--General Provisions

    Final subpart A of 39 CFR part 3007. The Commission adds subpart A 
to 39 CFR part 3007 containing general provisions.
    Final Sec.  3007.100 Applicability and Scope. Final Sec.  
3007.100(a) identifies that final 39 CFR part 3007 applies when: (1) 
The Postal Service claims that any materials it provides to the 
Commission contain non-public information; (2) any person other than 
the Postal Service claims that any materials provided to the Commission 
contain non-public information; (3) the Commission is determining what 
type and degree of confidential treatment should be accorded to the 
materials claimed by any person (including the Postal Service) to 
contain non-public information; or (4) the Commission is determining 
what protective conditions should apply to any person (including the 
Postal Service) that is accessing non-public materials. Final Sec.  
3007.100(b) sets forth the scope by distinguishing between information 
(the substance) and materials (tangible matter that conveys 
information). Materials refers to documents and things. Examples of 
documents are provided. Things refers to a catch-all category for 
tangible matter used to convey information that is not a document.
    Final Sec.  3007.101 Definitions. Final Sec.  3007.101(a) is based 
on the definition of non-public materials appearing in existing Sec.  
3007.1(b).
    Final Sec.  3007.101(a) modifies the existing definition of non-
public materials to reflect the inclusion of materials that are claimed 
to contain information that is described in 39 U.S.C. 410(c) or exempt 
from public disclosure under 5 U.S.C. 552(b). Such information is 
protectable if provided by the Postal Service to the Commission 
pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 504(g)(1), 3652(f)(1), or 3654(f)(1). Such 
information is defined as non-public materials under existing Sec.  
3007.1(b) if the claim for non-public treatment is made by the Postal 
Service. This final rule reflects the Commission's practice to treat 
such information as non-public materials regardless of who submits the 
materials and regardless of who makes the claim for non-public 
treatment. This final rule clarifies that non-public information 
includes commercially sensitive information, whether it belongs to the 
Postal Service or any other person.\27\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \27\ Such information is protectable under 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(4), 
which exempts from public disclosure ``trade secrets and commercial 
or financial information obtained from a person and privileged or 
confidential.''
    Further, if the information is provided by the Postal Service, 
then the information is also protectable under 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(3) 
and 39 U.S.C. 410(c)(2). Section 552(b)(3) of title 5 exempts from 
public disclosure information that is specifically exempted by 
another statutory provision, such as 39 U.S.C. 410(c)(2). Section 
410(c)(2) of title 39 provides that the Postal Service shall not be 
required to disclose ``information of a commercial nature, including 
trade secrets, whether or not obtained from a person outside the 
Postal Service, which under good business practice would not be 
publicly disclosed.''

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[[Page 31274]]

    Final Sec.  3007.101(a) adds that materials cease to be non-public 
(except for inadvertent public submissions corrected in accordance with 
final Sec.  3007.205) if the person making the submission publicly 
discloses the materials, subject to the consent of each affected person 
with a proprietary interest in the materials (if applicable). This 
final rule reflects that consensual voluntary public disclosure of 
materials that were initially claimed to be non-public has been used to 
resolve issues of whether public or non-public treatment should apply 
in some instances. This final rule also protects the interests of a 
person other than the submitter that has a proprietary interest in the 
materials in those instances where the interests of the person making 
the submission may not be the same as the interests of a person other 
than the submitter that has a proprietary interest in the materials. 
This final rule clarifies that the cessation of non-public status 
applies to the particular document or thing and the particular 
information contained therein.
    Final Sec.  3007.101(b) defines the term submitter. The usage of 
this term helps to unify several procedural rules that apply to the 
Postal Service and any other person that provides non-public materials 
to the Commission. Consistent with Sec.  3001.5(f) of this chapter, 
this final rule uses person to include both a natural person 
(individual) and a legal person (entity).\28\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \28\ 39 CFR 3001.5(f) provides ``[p]erson means an individual, a 
partnership, corporation, trust, unincorporated association, public 
or private organization, or governmental agency.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Final Sec.  3007.102 Treatment of non-public materials. Final Sec.  
3007.102(a) incorporates existing Sec.  3007.23, which informs the 
reader that the Commission will not disclose or allow access to non-
public materials, except as provided by 39 CFR part 3007. Final Sec.  
3007.102(a) adds a cross-reference to the Commission's FOIA regulations 
in 39 CFR part 3004 and adds a parenthetical to refer to the non-public 
information appearing in non-public materials.
    Final Sec.  3007.102(b) retains the content of existing Sec.  
3007.60. Final Sec.  3007.102(b) adds references to non-public 
information so as to clearly encompass the non-public information 
appearing in non-public materials.
    Final Sec.  3007.103 Commission action to determine non-public 
treatment. Final Sec.  3007.103 informs the reader about the types of 
action that the Commission may take after receiving non-public 
materials. Final Sec.  3007.103 is divided into three paragraphs.
    Final Sec.  3007.103(a) informs the reader that the Commission may 
seek additional information to determine the non-public treatment, if 
any, to be accorded to materials claimed be non-public. Consistent with 
practice, final Sec.  3007.103(a) identifies examples such as the 
issuance of information requests, preliminary notices, or interim 
orders.
    Final Sec.  3007.103(b) states that upon a motion by any person, 
the Commission may issue an order containing a description of the non-
public treatment accorded (if any) and the timeframe for which non-
public treatment is accorded.
    Final Sec.  3007.103(c) is based on the procedure appearing in 
existing Sec.  3007.32, which provides the specific procedure relating 
to instances in which the Commission, on its own motion, issues notice 
of a preliminary determination of non-public treatment. Final Sec.  
3007.103(c) sets forth the response timeframe, the general rule 
regarding reply, and the timing and standards for the Commission 
ruling.
    Final Sec.  3007.104 Standard for public disclosure of materials 
claimed to contain non-public information. Final Sec.  3007.104 
incorporates the content appearing in existing Sec.  3007.33. Final 
Sec.  3007.104(a) modifies the language appearing in existing Sec.  
3007.33(a) because the existing rule did not appear to contemplate 
situations where materials containing Postal Service non-public 
information were submitted by another person (such as a person granted 
access to non-public Postal Service materials) or were provided by the 
Postal Service outside of a filing. Final Sec.  3007.104(b) modifies 
the content of existing Sec.  3007.33(b) by replacing the reference to 
``a third party'' to more precisely reflect that this final rule 
applies to materials that are claimed to be non-public because the 
materials contain the proprietary information of any person other than 
the Postal Service. Final Sec.  3007.104(b) amplifies the explanation 
of the standard appearing in existing Sec.  3007.33(b) by stating that 
the Commission will use an analytical framework consistent with that of 
a federal court when applying the protective conditions appearing in 
Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(c).

B. Final Subpart B of 39 CFR Part 3007--Submitting Non-Public Materials 
and Seeking Non-Public Treatment

    Final subpart B of 39 CFR part 3007. The Commission adds subpart B 
to 39 CFR part 3007 containing rules applicable to submitting non-
public materials to the Commission and seeking non-public treatment of 
those materials.
    Final Sec.  3007.200 General requirements for submitting non-public 
materials and seeking non-public treatment. Final Sec.  3007.200 
explains the process to provide non-public materials to the Commission 
applicable to all submitters. Final Sec.  3007.200(a) requires the 
provision of three things as closely in time as practicable on the same 
business day--an application for non-public treatment, a redacted 
version of the non-public materials, and an unredacted version of the 
non-public materials. Consistent with existing practice, the 
application for non-public treatment and the redacted version of the 
non-public materials are public documents. Consistent with existing 
practice, the unredacted version of the non-public materials shall be 
submitted under seal. Final Sec.  3007.200(a) unifies aspects of the 
content of existing Sec. Sec.  3007.10, 3007.20(a), 3007.21(a), and 
3007.22(a).
    Final Sec.  3007.200(a) also addresses situations that are not 
adequately addressed in the existing rules. Existing Sec. Sec.  
3007.20(a) and 3007.21(a) require the Postal Service to file an 
application whenever it files non-public material. However, the 
existing rules do not clearly address the procedural requirements 
applicable if the Postal Service submits non-public materials to the 
Commission outside of a filing made in accordance with Sec. Sec.  
3001.9 and 3001.10 of this chapter. Such submissions are permissible, 
subject to the Commission's ex parte policy appearing in 39 CFR part 
3008. Requiring that the Postal Service submit an application for non-
public treatment, a redacted version of the non-public materials, and 
an unredacted version of the non-public materials will facilitate the 
Commission's determination of non-public treatment (if any) that should 
be accorded to those materials and would better ensure that 
confidential treatment is properly accorded to those non-public 
materials. Moreover, these requirements will facilitate the 
Commission's resolution of motions practice related to those materials.
    Moreover, although existing Sec.  3007.22(a) sets forth the 
requirements of an application made by a third party, that existing 
rule appears to contemplate situations where a person other than the 
Postal Service files an application for non-public treatment of a 
Postal Service filing that contains the person's non-public 
information. This option is preserved under final Sec.  3007.204. 
However, the existing rules are silent regarding whether a person other 
than the Postal Service that submits non-public materials (either by 
formal filing or by informal submission)

[[Page 31275]]

must include an application. Existing Sec.  3004.70(a) reflects that a 
third party submitting materials claimed to be non-public to the 
Commission ``may'' lodge an application for non-public treatment. 
Requiring the submission of an application by any submitter of non-
public materials will promote fairness and will facilitate the 
Commission's determination of the type and degree of non-public 
treatment (if any) that should be accorded to those materials.
    Final Sec.  3007.200(b) requires that before submitting non-public 
materials to the Commission, each submitter contact any affected person 
who may have a proprietary interest in the information contained in the 
non-public materials. This final rule expands the application of 
existing Sec.  3007.20(b) to Postal Service submissions made outside 
formal filings and to submissions made by persons other than the Postal 
Service. The final rule will better ensure the protection of an 
affected person's proprietary information contained in the materials by 
giving the affected person an opportunity to file an application for 
non-public treatment and address its confidentiality concerns directly 
with the Commission.
    Final Sec.  3007.201 Application for non-public treatment. Final 
Sec.  3007.201(a) retains the same burden of persuasion appearing in 
existing Sec.  3007.21(b) and expands it to apply to all submitters.
    Final Sec.  3007.201(b) sets forth the required contents of an 
application. Existing Sec. Sec.  3007.21 and 3007.22 require slightly 
different content requirements based on whether the application is made 
by the Postal Service or any other person. Final Sec.  3007.201(b) 
makes the requirements uniform. In addition to simplifying the 
procedural rules, this better ensures that the Commission will receive 
adequate justification of an application. These requirements will aid 
the Commission's determination of the non-public treatment, if any, to 
be accorded to the materials.
    The uniform content requirements appearing in final Sec.  
3007.201(b)(1), (3)-(8) remains substantially the same as existing 
Sec.  3007.21(c)(1), (3)-(8). Final Sec.  3007.201(b)(1), (3)-(8) 
contain changes to improve clarity and update cross-references.
    Final Sec.  3007.201(b)(2) is based on existing Sec.  
3007.21(c)(2), which requires the Postal Service to identify any third 
party known to have a proprietary interest in the information contained 
in the materials or a designated Postal Service employee to notify each 
affected third party (if identification of the third party is 
sensitive). Final Sec.  3007.201(b)(2) applies this requirement to all 
applications (even if made by a person other than the Postal Service) 
and modifies this requirement as follows.
    Final Sec.  3007.201(b)(2) requires the application to identify a 
foundational fact--whether the submitter, any person other than the 
submitter, or both have an interest in the information contained in the 
non-public materials. This final rule will improve transparency, 
especially for persons seeking access or public disclosure of the non-
public materials. This final rule reflects the growing complexity 
related to the non-public materials submitted to the Commission. In 
simple scenarios, the information in the non-public materials belongs 
solely to the submitter. In more complex instances, the information in 
the non-public materials is a reproduction of the proprietary 
information of a business partner of the submitter or non-public 
materials to which the submitter has been granted access. Scenarios 
that are even more complex exist when the submitter manipulates the 
proprietary information of another person and comingles it with the 
submitter's own proprietary information.
    Depending on whether the proprietary interest of the submitter, any 
person other than the submitter, or both is implicated, the application 
must provide contact information for an individual designee of the 
submitter pursuant to final Sec.  3007.201(b)(2)(i), each person other 
than the submitter pursuant to final Sec.  3007.201(b)(2)(ii), or both 
pursuant to final Sec.  3007.201(b)(2)(iii).
    If the submitter's interest is implicated, final Sec.  
3007.201(b)(2)(i) requires that the application identify an individual 
(such as an employee, executive, or attorney) designated by the 
submitter to accept actual notice of a motion related to the non-public 
materials or notice of the pendency of a subpoena or order requiring 
production of the materials.
    If the proprietary interest of any person other than the submitter 
is implicated, final Sec.  3007.201(b)(2)(ii) requires that the 
application identify each affected person. Consistent with existing 
Sec.  3007.21(c)(2), the application need not identify each affected 
person (other than the submitter) if identification would be sensitive. 
The application also need not identify each affected person (other than 
the submitter) if identification would be impracticable. This final 
rule reflects situations not contemplated by existing Sec.  
3007.21(c)(2), such as if multiple persons speaking multiple languages 
were affected. Consistent with existing Sec.  3007.21(c)(2), if each 
affected person is not identified, the submitter shall identify an 
individual designated by the submitter to provide notice to each 
affected person. Moreover, if the submitter does not identify each 
affected person, whether that identification were asserted to be 
sensitive or impractical, final Sec.  3007.201(b)(2)(ii) requires that 
the application provide an explanation. This final rule will better 
ensure that the sensitivity or impracticability exceptions to 
identifying each affected person would not be overused and would be 
consistent with the past instances of when impracticability was 
asserted as a basis not to identify each affected person.
    If the proprietary interest of both the submitter and another 
person are implicated, final Sec.  3007.201(b)(2)(iii) requires the 
application to comply with the requirements of both final Sec.  
3007.201(b)(2)(i) and (ii). Final Sec.  3007.201(b)(2)(iii) permits the 
submitter to designate the same individual to serve as the designated 
point of contact on behalf of the submitter and any other affected 
person whose identification is asserted to be sensitive or 
impracticable. Designating the same individual would likely reduce the 
burden on the submitter and any person attempting to contact the 
designee.
    Final Sec.  3007.201(c) allows incorporation by reference to 
streamline applications that support the submission of non-public 
materials that have previously been claimed to be non-public by a prior 
application. Incorporation by reference may be particularly appropriate 
if a person granted access to non-public materials submitted by another 
person reproduces or otherwise uses those non-public materials in a 
submission to the Commission. In such instances, referring back to the 
original application would likely be sufficient to meet the 
requirements of Sec.  3007.201(b) and reduce the burden involved in 
drafting the application. Final Sec.  3007.201(c) imposes requirements 
to ensure that the prior application is clearly identified, which 
facilitates evaluation of the prior application by the members of the 
public and the Commission. Any application that incorporates by 
reference a prior application that is accessible through the 
Commission's website (https://www.prc.gov) must provide the date, docket 
number, and name of the filer of the prior application. In all other 
circumstances, the application must attach the document that is being 
incorporated by reference.

[[Page 31276]]

    Final Sec.  3007.202 Redacted version of the non-public materials. 
Final Sec.  3007.202 provides the requirements applicable to the 
submission of the redacted (public) version of the non-public 
materials.
    Consistent with existing Sec.  3007.10(c), final Sec.  3007.202(a) 
explains that submitters must graphically redact (blackout) the 
information that is claimed to be non-public from the materials. Final 
Sec.  3007.202(a) also incorporates the prohibition on excessive 
redactions (blacking out information that is not non-public), which 
appears in existing Sec.  3007.10(b), and expands its applicability to 
all submitters. This final rule will promote fairness and improve 
transparency.
    Final Sec.  3007.202(b) incorporates the requirement that the 
Postal Service justify the use of any other redaction method and 
specifically identify the alterations made to the materials, which 
appears in existing Sec.  3007.10(c), and expands its applicability to 
all submitters so as to promote fairness and improve transparency. 
Final Sec.  3007.202(b) modifies existing Sec.  3007.10(c)'s 
requirement to justify the use of another redaction method, stating 
with particularity the competitive harm associated with using the 
blackout method, to also allow the application to state with 
particularity the practical difficulty associated with using the 
blackout method. Based on experience under the existing rules, the 
Commission expects that the use of a redaction method other than the 
blackout method will continue to be rare.
    Consistent with existing Sec.  3007.10(b), final Sec.  3007.202(c) 
provides that electronic versions of redacted materials must be filed 
in a searchable format. Final Sec.  3007.202(c) permits the use of a 
non-searchable format only if accompanied by a certification that 
providing a searchable format would be impracticable. Based on 
experience under the existing rules, the Commission expects that such 
an occasion would occur rarely as most non-public materials are filed 
in .doc, .pdf, .xls, or similar formats.
    Final Sec.  3007.203 Unredacted version of the materials. Final 
Sec.  3007.203 sets forth the manner for submission of the unredacted 
version of the non-public materials.
    Consistent with existing Sec.  3007.10(d), final Sec.  3007.203(a) 
requires that upon submitting the unredacted version of the non-public 
materials, each page or portion (whichever is applicable) of the 
materials be marked in a manner reasonably calculated to alert 
custodians to its confidential nature.
    Consistent with existing Sec.  3007.10(a), final Sec.  3007.203(b) 
reflects that non-public materials may not be submitted through the 
Filing Online method that results in the posting of a document that is 
available to the public, which is accessible through the Commission's 
public website (https://www.prc.gov). This is a public website and does 
not presently allow for the submission of non-public documents to the 
Commission.
    Final Sec.  3007.203(c) sets forth additional requirements 
pertaining to the filing of the unredacted version of the non-public 
materials. Final Sec.  3007.203(c) sets forth how filings shall be 
performed for the unredacted versions of the non-public materials.
    Final Sec.  3007.203(c)(1) requires filing of the unredacted 
version of the non-public materials in sealed envelopes marked 
``Confidential. Do Not Post on Web,'' consistent with existing Sec.  
3007.10(a). Existing Sec.  3007.10(a) requires filing of both 
electronic (via compact disc (CD) or DVD and hard copy (paper) versions 
of the non-public materials. To reduce the burden, final Sec.  
3007.203(c)(1) allows the filer to provide only the electronic version 
of a non-public document. If it is impracticable to submit the 
electronic version, final Sec.  3007.203(c)(1) permits the filer to 
provide the paper version of a non-public document instead.
    The Commission is exploring the use of an alternative system to 
allow secure online transmission of non-public materials. This 
alternative system would significantly increase speed and reduce the 
overall burden, especially for submissions that are frequent, 
voluminous, or both. Therefore, final Sec.  3007.203(c)(2) sets forth 
the requirements associated with use of any alternative system. Final 
Sec.  3007.203(c)(2) provides that the Secretary has the authority to 
approve the use of a secure alternative system to file non-public 
materials online. It also states that no other system may be used to 
file non-public materials online. It also provides the Secretary with 
authority to set forth any minimum requirements associated with using 
an alternative system. If a filer fails to comply with any of the 
Secretary's requirements, the Secretary would have discretion to impose 
requirements specific to a particular filer. The Secretary may also 
revoke a filer's eligibility to use the alternative system and to 
require the filer to provide non-public materials in accordance with 
final Sec.  3007.203(c)(1).
    Final Sec.  3007.203(d) sets forth the requirements for the 
unredacted versions of spreadsheets.
    Final Sec.  3007.204 Protections for any person other than the 
submitter with a proprietary interest. Final Sec.  3007.204 
incorporates existing Sec.  3007.20(c), which allows any person other 
than the submitter with a proprietary interest in non-public materials 
filed with the Commission to lodge an application for non-public 
treatment. Final Sec.  3007.204 expands the applicability of this 
requirement to involve submissions made outside of filings and 
illustrates the procedural mechanisms by which an affected person may 
raise confidentiality concerns with the Commission.
    Final Sec.  3007.205 Non-public materials inadvertently submitted 
publicly. Final Sec.  3007.205(a) pertains to instances in which a 
person discovers that information that could have been subject to a 
claim for non-public treatment is contained within a public filing made 
in accordance with Sec. Sec.  3001.9 and 3001.10 of this chapter. Final 
Sec.  3007.205(a) instructs the person to notify Dockets by telephone 
to remove the non-public materials from the publicly available 
material. The person must file an application for non-public treatment 
and the non-public materials within 1 business day of this request to 
Dockets. Final Sec.  3007.205(a) states that the Secretary has the 
discretion to impose additional filing requirements on any filer that 
repeatedly invokes this rule. The Commission expects this proposed rule 
will be invoked rarely. The Commission website is public and the 
Commission expects that filers will transmit documents using a 
reasonable degree of care for any non-public information. This final 
rule outlines a process to minimize exposure of sensitive information 
that may occur due to a filer's error.
    Final Sec.  3007.205(b) pertains to instances in which a person 
discovers that information that could have been subject to a claim for 
non-public treatment is contained within a publicly available 
submission (other than a public filing made in accordance with 
Sec. Sec.  3001.9 and 3001.10 of this chapter). Final Sec.  3007.205(b) 
instructs the person to telephone the Commission personnel receiving 
the submission with the request to segregate the materials claimed to 
be non-public. The person must submit an application for non-public 
treatment and the non-public materials within 1 business day of this 
request. Final Sec.  3007.205(b) states that the Secretary has the 
discretion to impose additional filing requirements on any submitter 
that repeatedly invokes this rule. This final rule outlines a process 
to minimize exposure

[[Page 31277]]

of sensitive information that may occur due to a submitter error. The 
Commission expects this final rule will be invoked rarely because 
persons submitting materials to the Commission are incentivized to 
avoid errors.
    Final Sec.  3007.205(c) provides additional procedural instruction 
for a person making an application pursuant to final Sec.  3007.205(a) 
or (b). Final Sec.  3007.205(c) requires any special relief sought to 
be clearly indicated in the application. Final Sec.  3007.205(c) 
provides three non-exhaustive examples to illustrate types of special 
relief. The three examples focus on minimizing exposure of information 
claimed to be non-public that has already been preserved, viewed, or 
disseminated prior to the submitter taking action under final Sec.  
3007.205(a) or (b).

C. Final Subpart C of 39 CFR Part 3007--Seeking Access to Non-Public 
Materials

    Final subpart C of 39 CFR part 3007. The Commission adds subpart C 
to 39 CFR part 3007 containing rules applicable to seeking access to 
non-public materials. These rules allow non-public materials to remain 
under seal and allow specific persons to access the materials subject 
to protective conditions.
    Final Sec.  3007.300 Eligibility for access to non-public 
materials. Final Sec.  3007.300(a) incorporates existing Sec.  
3007.24(a), which provides that non-public materials may be disclosed 
to Commission and reviewing court personnel. Final Sec.  3007.300(a) 
adds clarifying language to indicate that such disclosure may be made 
without the need for issuance of an order.
    Final Sec.  3007.300(b) codifies the standard of ineligibility for 
access that was included in the sample Statement of Protective 
Conditions provided in existing Appendix A to 39 CFR part 3007. Final 
Sec.  3007.300(b) provides that persons involved in competitive 
decision-making shall not be granted access to non-public materials and 
defines the terms consistent with the language appearing in existing 
Appendix A to 39 CFR part 3007. Codifying this standard in the final 
rules, rather than only in the Statement of Protective Conditions, will 
enhance uniformity and protection against competitive harm without 
impeding the ability to participate in Commission proceedings.
    Final Sec.  3007.300(c) mirrors existing Sec.  3007.24(b) by 
explaining the circumstances and cross-referencing the relevant 
provision for other persons to obtain access (via proposed Sec.  
3007.301). Final Sec.  3007.300(c) unifies existing Sec. Sec.  
3007.40(a) and 3007.50(a) to apply to an access request made for the 
purpose of aiding participation in a pending Commission proceeding 
(including a compliance proceeding). Final Sec.  3007.300(c) also 
expands the scope to allow a person to seek access for the purpose of 
aiding the initiation of a proceeding before the Commission. Any person 
seeking to view non-public materials for other purposes may file a 
motion for disclosure pursuant to final Sec.  3007.400 or a FOIA 
request under 39 CFR part 3004. Any person seeking to view materials 
for which non-public treatment has expired may file a request pursuant 
to final Sec.  3007.401.
    Final Sec.  3007.301 Motion for access to non-public materials. 
Final Sec.  3007.301 concerns requests for access to non-public 
materials. This final rule combines the text of existing Sec. Sec.  
3007.40, 3007.42, 3007.50, and 3007.52, which have separate access 
rules for non-public materials based on whether or not the person 
seeking access seeks to use the materials in a compliance proceeding or 
other type of proceeding. Because this distinction does not produce a 
material difference in procedures, the Commission unifies this content 
for simplicity.
    Final Sec.  3007.301(a) combines language appearing in existing 
Sec. Sec.  3007.40 and 3007.50, which instruct the person seeking 
access to file a motion. Final Sec.  3007.301(a) also adds an 
instruction that any part of the motion revealing non-public 
information must be filed under seal.
    Final Sec.  3007.301(a) also adds instructions pertaining to the 
docket in which the motion must be filed. The motion must be filed in 
the docket in which the non-public materials sought were filed or are 
intended to be used, if such a docket (open or closed) exists. The 
Commission expects that an existing docket (open or closed) would 
accommodate most, and quite likely all, motions for access filed. 
However, if no docket (open or closed) meeting either of those 
conditions exists, then the motion shall be filed in the G docket for 
the applicable fiscal year.
    The Commission creates the G docket designation to serve as the 
administrative default designation. If the Commission determines that 
it is more convenient, expeditious, or otherwise appropriate to resolve 
any issue arising in a G docket in a different docket(s), the 
Commission may consolidate or sever proceedings in accordance with 
Sec.  3001.14 of this chapter.
    The Commission expects that the filing of a motion for access in a 
G docket would be rare--limited to situations in which the materials 
sought were not filed in an existing docket (open or closed) and the 
movant proposes to use the materials to initiate a Commission 
proceeding. Any movant considering filing in a G docket should 
telephone Dockets personnel to discuss whether a more appropriate 
docket exists.
    Final Sec.  3007.301(b) sets forth the content requirements for the 
motion based on the text appearing in existing Sec. Sec.  3007.40(a) 
and 3007.50(a). Final Sec.  3007.301(b)(1) requires identification of 
the non-public materials for which access is sought. Consistent with 
existing Sec. Sec.  3007.40(a)(1) and 3007.50(a)(1), final Sec.  
3007.301(b)(2) requires a detailed statement justifying the access 
request.
    Final Sec.  3007.301(b)(2) also specifies the minimum information 
necessary to justify the request, which may vary if the movant proposes 
to use the materials in a pending Commission proceeding or to initiate 
a Commission proceeding.
    Final Sec.  3007.301(b)(2)(i) pertains to using the materials in a 
pending Commission proceeding. In this instance, the motion must 
identify all proceedings in which the movant proposes to use the 
materials and how those materials are relevant to those proceedings. 
This final rule will provide additional guidance to movants regarding 
the justification required for access requests. Also, because in past 
practice, persons have sought to use non-public materials in multiple 
dockets, this final rule will ensure that adequate justification is 
provided relating to each docket at issue.
    Final Sec.  3007.301(b)(2)(ii) pertains to using the materials to 
aid initiation of a proceeding before the Commission. In that instance, 
the justification required must describe the subject of the proposed 
proceeding, how the materials sought are relevant to that proceeding, 
and the expected timeframe to initiate that proceeding. This final rule 
will provide additional guidance to movants regarding the justification 
required in these instances.
    Final Sec.  3007.301(b)(3) remains consistent with existing 
Sec. Sec.  3007.40(a)(2) and 3007.50(a)(2)'s requirements to list 
relevant affiliations.
    Final Sec.  3007.301(b)(4) requires the movant to indicate whether 
actual notice has been provided to each person identified in the 
application under Sec.  3007.201(b)(2). This final rule will make it 
clear whether the expedited deadline for a response under proposed 
Sec.  3007.301(c) applies.
    If the motion states that actual notice has been provided to any 
person, the

[[Page 31278]]

motion should identify the individual receiving actual notice, the date 
and approximate time, and the method of notification. This 
identification requirement will help to protect the interests of the 
submitter and any person with a proprietary interest. Moreover, this 
identification requirement will help to resolve motions seeking non-
public materials that were submitted years ago--for instance, if there 
is a successor to the individual designated in the application.
    If the motion states that actual notice has been provided to any 
person, the motion should also state whether the movant is authorized 
to represent that the motion (in whole or in part) has been resolved or 
is contested by such person. This final rule will expedite the 
resolution of motions where it is represented that motion is 
uncontested (in whole or in part).
    Final Sec.  3007.301(b)(5) requires attachment of a description of 
protective conditions executed by the movant's attorney or non-attorney 
representative. Final Sec.  3007.301(b)(6) requires attachment of an 
executed certification to comply with protective conditions from each 
person (and any individual working on behalf of that person) for whom 
access is sought. Both of these requirements may be satisfied by using 
the final template Protective Conditions Statement and Certification to 
Comply with Protective Conditions included in Final Appendix A to 
subpart C of 39 CFR part 3007.
    Final Sec.  3007.301(c) sets the response period at 3 business days 
if there has been actual notice. In all other circumstances, the 
response period remains 7 calendar days. These response timeframes 
remains consistent with existing Sec. Sec.  3007.40(b) and 3007.50(b).
    Final Sec.  3007.301(d) remains consistent with existing Sec. Sec.  
3007.40(c) and 3007.50(c) regarding reply.
    Final Sec.  3007.301(e) sets forth information related to the 
Commission's ruling. Consistent with past practice, final Sec.  
3007.301(e) explains that the Commission may rule on an uncontested 
access motion at any time after receiving the motion. Consistent with 
past practice, final Sec.  3007.301(e) provides that the Commission may 
rule on an unresolved access motion at any time after the response 
period has expired. Final Sec.  3007.301(e) sets forth the standard for 
the Commission ruling, which remains consistent with the standard 
appearing in existing Sec. Sec.  3007.42 and 3007.52. Final Sec.  
3007.301(e) states that access shall begin after issuance of the order 
setting forth all protective conditions.
    Final Sec.  3007.302 Non-dissemination, use, and care of non-public 
materials. Final Sec.  3007.302 sets forth the duties of persons 
granted access to non-public materials in Commission proceedings. Final 
Sec.  3007.302(a) remains consistent with existing Sec.  3007.62(a) by 
prohibiting dissemination of non-public materials to any person not 
granted access by the Commission under proposed Sec. Sec.  3007.300 
(Commission and reviewing court personnel) or 3007.301 (persons granted 
access by order of the Commission). Final Sec.  3007.302(b) remains 
consistent with existing Sec.  3007.25(a) by limiting the use of non-
public materials to only the purpose for which the non-public materials 
are supplied. Final Sec.  3007.302(c) is based on the prohibition on 
allowing unauthorized persons to have access to the materials, which 
appears in existing Sec.  3007.25(b). Final Sec.  3007.302(c) also 
incorporates the standard of care appearing in existing Appendix A to 
39 CFR part 3007, which requires a person granted access to non-public 
materials to use reasonable care to prevent the unauthorized disclosure 
of non-public materials.
    Final Sec.  3007.303 Sanctions for violating protective conditions. 
Final Sec.  3007.303(a) remains consistent with existing Sec.  
3007.62(a) relating to the sanctions for violations of the order 
granting access subject to protective conditions. Final Sec.  
3007.303(a) provides examples of the types of sanctions that may be 
applied.
    Final Sec.  3007.303(b) adapts the language of existing Sec.  
3007.62(b). Existing Sec.  3007.62(b) refers only to the Postal 
Service. To reflect that persons other than the Postal Service may be 
adversely affected by violations of protective conditions, final Sec.  
3007.303(b) states that the Commission's rules do not impair the 
ability of any person, including the Postal Service, to pursue other 
remedies available under the law related to violations of an order 
granting access subject to protective conditions.
    Final Sec.  3007.304 Termination and amendment of access to non-
public materials. Final Sec.  3007.304(a) combines the text appearing 
in existing Sec. Sec.  3007.41 and 3007.51, which relate to the 
termination of access to non-public materials. Existing Sec. Sec.  
3007.41 and 3007.51 divide the rules applicable to termination of 
access depending on whether the non-public materials at issue are 
relevant to general proceedings or compliance proceedings. Final Sec.  
3007.304(a) treats termination procedures consistently in both 
instances.
    Final Sec.  3007.304(a)(1) remains consistent with the timeframes 
for the termination of access described in existing Sec. Sec.  
3007.41(a)(1) and 3007.51(a)(1).
    Final Sec.  3007.304(a)(2) remains consistent with the procedural 
requirements upon termination described in existing Sec. Sec.  
3007.41(c) and 3007.51(c). Final Sec.  3007.304(a)(2) provides that the 
applicable non-public materials must be destroyed or returned to the 
Commission and notification of compliance must be filed with the 
Commission. As described below, the Commission revises the applicable 
template form to be filed with the Commission upon termination of 
access in final Appendix A to subpart C of 39 CFR part 3007.
    Final Sec.  3007.304(b) sets forth the procedure for a person to 
seek amendment of any protective conditions. This final rule will 
facilitate prompt resolution of common issues such as seeking access 
for additional time (as encompassed under existing Sec. Sec.  
3007.41(b) and 3007.51(b)) or for an additional employee or consultant.
    Final Sec.  3007.305 Producing non-public materials in non-
Commission proceedings. Final Sec.  3007.305 clarifies existing Sec.  
3007.61.
    Final Sec.  3007.305(a) retains the existing Sec.  3007.61(a)'s 2-
day notification requirement imposed upon any person who is the target 
of a subpoena or order to produce non-public materials that were 
obtained in a Commission proceeding. Existing Sec.  3007.61(a) requires 
the target to notify the Postal Service and does not adequately address 
situations in which the materials were submitted by or claimed to be 
non-public by a person other than the Postal Service. Therefore, final 
Sec.  3007.305(a) requires the target to notify all persons identified 
in the underlying application for non-public treatment pursuant to 
proposed Sec.  3007.201(b)(2). The final rule better serves its 
purpose, which is to give the affected person the opportunity to object 
to the production or to seek a protective order or other relief.
    Final Sec.  3007.305(b) clarifies the language of existing Sec.  
3007.61(b). Final Sec.  3007.305(b) requires a good faith effort to 
obtain protective conditions at least as effective as those ordered by 
the Commission regarding the disclosure of non-public materials in non-
Commission proceedings.
    Final Sec.  3007.305(c) clarifies the language of existing Sec.  
3007.61(c). Final Sec.  3007.305(c) provides that unless overridden in 
a non-Commission

[[Page 31279]]

proceeding, the protective conditions ordered by the Commission will 
remain in effect.
    Final Appendix A to subpart C of 39 CFR part 3007--Template Forms. 
Existing Appendix A to 39 CFR part 3007 contains three template forms 
relating to seeking or terminating access to non-public materials. The 
Commission moves this content to subpart C of 39 CFR part 3007, which 
pertains to access to non-public materials. To better reflect its 
content, the Commission updates the heading identified in existing 
Appendix A to 39 CFR part 3007, ``Statement of Compliance with 
Protective Conditions,'' to ``Template Forms.''
    The content of each proposed template form is revised to conform 
with the changes to the rules appearing in final 39 CFR part 3007 and 
to improve readability. The first template form is a Protective 
Conditions Statement to aid compliance with final Sec.  3007.301(b)(5), 
which requires attachment of a description of protective conditions to 
a motion for access to non-public materials. The second template form 
is a Certification to Comply with Protective Conditions to aid 
compliance with final Sec.  3007.301(b)(6), which requires attachment 
of a certification to comply with protective conditions executed by 
each person (and any individual working on behalf of that person) 
seeking access to non-public materials. The third template form is a 
Certification of Compliance with Protective Conditions and Termination 
of Access to aid compliance with final Sec.  3007.304(a)(2), which 
requires the filing of certifications executed by each person (and any 
individual working on behalf of that person) granted access to non-
public materials upon the termination of access.

D. Final Subpart D of 39 CFR Part 3007--Seeking Public Disclosure of 
Non-Public Materials

    Final subpart D of 39 CFR part 3007. The Commission adds subpart D 
to 39 CFR part 3007 containing rules applicable to seeking public 
disclosure of non-public materials.
    Final Sec.  3007.400 Motion for disclosure of non-public materials. 
Final Sec.  3007.400 applies to situations when a person seeks to 
challenge the non-public treatment claimed for materials--that is, to 
have the materials disclosed to the public, also known as ``unsealed.''
    Final Sec.  3007.400(a) specifies that this rule applies to 
materials for which the non-public status remains active--either 
because the non-public status has not expired or has been extended by 
order of the Commission.
    Final Sec.  3007.400(b) explains that a request to have non-public 
materials unsealed shall be made by motion and sets forth the contents 
of a motion. Consistent with existing Sec.  3007.31(a), the motion must 
explain why the materials should be made public and address any 
pertinent rationale(s) provided in the application for non-public 
treatment. Also, consistent with existing Sec.  3007.31(a), the motion 
may not publicly disclose the information that is designated as non-
public pending resolution of the motion.
    Final Sec.  3007.400(b) requires the movant to indicate whether 
actual notice has been provided to all persons identified in the 
application under final Sec.  3007.201(b)(2). This final rule will make 
it clear whether the expedited deadline for a response under final 
Sec.  3007.400(c) applies.
    If the motion states that actual notice has been provided to any 
person, the motion should identify the individual receiving actual 
notice, the date and approximate time, and the method of notification. 
This identification requirement will help to protect the interests of 
the submitter and any person with a proprietary interest. Moreover, 
this identification requirement will help to resolve motions seeking 
non-public materials that were submitted years ago--for instance, if 
there is a successor to the individual designated in the application.
    If the motion states that actual notice has been provided to all 
identified persons, the motion should also state whether the movant is 
authorized to represent that the motion (in whole or in part) has been 
resolved or is contested by such persons. This final rule will 
facilitate expedited resolution of motions where it is represented that 
motion is uncontested (in whole or in part) and particularly when a 
person other than the submitter has a proprietary interest in the non-
public materials. The Commission observes that in accordance with final 
Sec.  3007.101(a), a motion for public disclosure can be avoided if all 
persons identified pursuant to final Sec.  3007.201(b)(2) consent to 
allowing the submitter to file the materials at issue publicly.
    Final Sec.  3007.400(b) also adds instructions pertaining to the 
docket in which the motion must be filed. The motion must be filed in 
the docket in which the non-public materials sought were filed or are 
intended to be used, if such a docket (open or closed) exists. However, 
if no docket (open or closed) meeting either of those conditions 
exists, then the motion shall be filed in the G docket for the 
applicable fiscal year. Any movant considering filing in a G docket 
should telephone Dockets personnel to discuss whether a more 
appropriate docket exists.
    Final Sec.  3007.400(c) imposes an expedited response deadline for 
motions if there has been actual notice. If there has been actual 
notice, proposed Sec.  3007.400(c) sets the response period at 3 
business days. In all other circumstances, the response period remains 
7 calendar days, consistent with existing Sec. Sec.  3007.40(b) and 
3007.50(b). This final rule will encourage movants to provide actual 
notice and thereby streamline motions practice.
    Final Sec.  3007.400(d) remains consistent with existing Sec. Sec.  
3007.40(c) and 3007.50(c) regarding reply.
    Final Sec.  3007.400(e) reflects that the Commission will continue 
to accord non-public treatment to the materials while the motion is 
pending.
    Final Sec.  3007.400(f) sets forth information related to the 
Commission's ruling. Final Sec.  3007.400(f) remains consistent with 
existing Sec.  3007.31(d), which explains the timing for the Commission 
ruling. Final Sec.  3007.400(f) adds that if there has been actual 
notice and the motion is uncontested, the Commission may rule before 
the response period expires. Final Sec.  3007.400(f) remains consistent 
with existing Sec.  3007.33, which explains the standards for the 
Commission ruling.
    Final Sec.  3007.401 Materials for which non-public treatment has 
expired. Final Sec.  3007.401 applies to materials for which non-public 
treatment has expired. Consistent with existing Sec.  3007.30, final 
Sec.  3007.401(a) provides that non-public status shall expire after 
the passage of 10 years, unless otherwise provided by the Commission.
    The existing rules do not set forth the mechanism for the handling 
of materials when non-public treatment has expired. Final Sec.  
3007.401(b)-(f) provide the procedural mechanisms to take effect after 
10 years have passed. Final Sec.  3007.401(b)-(f) take into account the 
need for transparency, sound records management practices, and adequate 
protection of the commercial interests of affected persons, including 
the Postal Service.
    Final Sec.  3007.401(b) provides that any person may request the 
disclosure of materials for which non-public treatment has expired. 
Final Sec.  3007.401(b) explains the content of such a request. This 
request must identify the materials requested and date(s) that the 
materials sought were originally submitted under seal. Final Sec.  
3007.401(b) notifies the reader that

[[Page 31280]]

completing and filing the template form appearing in final Appendix A 
to subpart D of 39 CFR part 3007 will satisfy these content 
requirements. Final Sec.  3007.401(b) informs the reader that all 
documents are treated in accordance with the Commission's record 
retention schedule, which may reduce the availability of some non-
public information.
    Final Sec.  3007.401(b) also adds instructions pertaining to the 
docket in which the request must be filed. The request must be filed in 
the docket in which the non-public materials sought were filed or are 
intended to be used, if such a docket (open or closed) exists. However, 
if no docket (open or closed) meeting either of those conditions 
exists, then the request shall be filed in the G docket for the 
applicable fiscal year. Any requestor considering filing in a G docket 
should telephone Dockets personnel to discuss whether a more 
appropriate docket exists.
    Final Sec.  3007.401(c) sets forth the timing and content 
requirements pertaining to any response opposing the request. Final 
Sec.  3007.401(c) sets the response period at 7 calendar days. A 
response opposing the request must ask for an extension of non-public 
status by including an application for non-public treatment compliant 
with final Sec.  3007.201 and include specific facts supporting any 
assertion that commercial injury is likely to occur if the information 
contained in the materials is publicly disclosed 10 years after the 
original sealed submission.
    Final Sec.  3007.401(d) permits a reply to be filed within 7 
calendar days of the response.
    Final Sec.  3007.401(e) states that the information designated as 
non-public will be accorded non-public treatment pending resolution of 
the request.
    Final Sec.  3007.401(f) sets forth the timing and standard of the 
ruling. The request may be granted any time after the response period 
described in proposed Sec.  3007.401(c) expires. A request may be 
denied any time after the reply period described in final Sec.  
3007.401(d) expires. The Commission ruling shall follow the applicable 
standard described in final Sec.  3007.104.
    Final Appendix A to subpart D of 39 CFR part 3007--Template Request 
Form. To aid compliance with final Sec.  3007.401(b), which requires a 
requestor to identify the materials requested and date(s) that 
materials were originally submitted under seal, final Appendix A to 
subpart D of 39 CFR part 3007 contains a template form Request for 
Materials for Which Non-Public Treatment Has Expired.

VII. Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act requires federal agencies, in 
promulgating rules, to consider the impact of those rules on small 
entities. See 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. (1980). If the proposed or final 
rules will not, if promulgated, have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities, the head of the agency may 
certify that the initial and final regulatory flexibility analysis 
requirements of 5 U.S.C. 603 and 604 do not apply. See 5 U.S.C. 605(b).
    The Commission's primary responsibility is in the regulatory 
oversight of the United States Postal Service. The rules that are the 
subject of this rulemaking have an impact on participation in 
Commission proceedings, but impose no further financial obligation upon 
any entity. For entities other than the United Stated Postal Service, 
participation is strictly voluntary. Based on these findings, the 
Chairman of the Commission certifies that the rules that are the 
subject of this rulemaking will not have a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities. Therefore, pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 605(b), this rulemaking is exempt from the initial and final 
regulatory flexibility analysis requirements of 5 U.S.C. 603 and 604.

VIII. Ordering Paragraphs

    It is ordered:
    1. Parts 3001, 3004, and 3007 of title 39, Code of Federal 
Regulations, are revised as set forth below the signature of this 
Order, effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
    2. The Secretary shall arrange for publication of this Order in the 
Federal Register.

    By the Commission.
Stacy L. Ruble,
Secretary.

List of Subjects

39 CFR Part 3001

    Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business 
information, Freedom of information, Sunshine Act.

39 CFR Part 3004

    Administrative practice and procedure, Freedom of information, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

39 CFR Part 3007

    Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business 
information.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, the Commission amends 
chapter III of title 39 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

PART 3001--RULES OF PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

0
1. The authority citation for part 3001 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 39 U.S.C. 404(d); 503; 504; 3661.

0
2. Add subpart E to read as follows:

Subpart E--Information Requests

Sec.
3001.100 Applicability and scope.
3001.101 Information request.


Sec.  3001.100   Applicability and scope.

    (a) Applicability. The Commission may:
    (1) Require the Postal Service to provide any information, and any 
associated documents or things in its possession or control, or any 
information, and any associated documents or things that it can obtain 
through reasonable effort and expense, that are likely to materially 
assist the Commission in its conduct of proceedings, in its preparation 
of reports, or in performance of its functions under title 39 of the 
U.S. Code.
    (2) Request that any person other than the Postal Service provide 
any information, and any associated documents or things in its 
possession or control, or any information, and any associated documents 
or things that it can obtain through reasonable effort and expense, 
that are likely to materially assist the Commission in its conduct of 
proceedings, in its preparation of reports, or in performance of its 
functions under title 39 of the U.S. Code.
    (b) Scope. Information includes, but is not limited to, 
explanations, confirmations, factual descriptions, and data. Document 
refers to a hard copy or electronic conveyance of information and may 
be stored in any medium from which information can be obtained either 
directly or, if necessary, after translation into a reasonably usable 
form. Documents include, but are not limited to, writings, notes, 
graphs, charts, data files, emails, drawings, photographs, and images. 
Things include all matter, other than documents, that convey 
information. Documents and things shall collectively be referred to as 
materials.


Sec.  3001.101   Information request.

    (a) An information request may be issued at the discretion of the 
Commission, the Chairman of the Commission, or the presiding officer

[[Page 31281]]

seeking that any person provide information, documents, or things 
covered by Sec.  3001.100. An information request shall describe the 
information, documents, or things sought, briefly explain the reason 
for the request, and specify a date on which the response(s) shall be 
due.
    (b) Any person may request the issuance of an information request 
by motion. The motion shall list the information, documents, or things 
sought; explain the reasons the information request should be made, and 
justify why the information sought is relevant and material to the 
Commission's duties under title 39 of the U.S. Code. At any time after 
the motion, the Commission, the Chairman of the Commission, or the 
presiding officer may issue an information request that includes all or 
some of the proposed questions or modifies the proposed questions.

PART 3004--PUBLIC RECORDS AND FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

0
3. The authority citation for part 3004 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552; 39 U.S.C. 503.


0
4. Amend Sec.  3004.30, by revising paragraphs (d) introductory text 
and (e) to read as follows:


Sec.  3004.30   Relationship among the Freedom of Information Act, the 
Privacy Act, and the Commission's procedures for according appropriate 
confidentiality.

* * * * *
    (d) Requesting a Postal Service record. The Commission maintains 
custody of records that are both Commission and Postal Service records. 
In all instances that the Postal Service submits materials to the 
Commission that the Postal Service reasonably believes to be exempt 
from public disclosure, the Postal Service shall follow the procedures 
described in subpart B of part 3007 of this chapter.
* * * * *
    (e) Requesting a record submitted under seal by a person other than 
the Postal Service. The Commission maintains records of a confidential 
nature submitted by persons other than the Postal Service as non-public 
materials.
    (1) A request made pursuant to FOIA for records designated as non-
public by a person other than the Postal Service shall be considered in 
light of all applicable exemptions; and
    (2) A request made pursuant to part 3007 of this chapter for 
records designated as non-public by a person other than the Postal 
Service shall be considered under the applicable standards set forth in 
that part.

0
5. Amend Sec.  3004.70, by revising the section heading and paragraphs 
(a), (b), and (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  3004.70   Submission of non-public materials by a person other 
than the Postal Service.

    (a) Overlap with treatment of non-public materials. Any person who 
submits materials to the Commission (submitter) that the submitter 
reasonably believes to be exempt from public disclosure shall follow 
the procedures described in subpart B of part 3007 of this chapter.
    (b) Notice of request. Except as provided in Sec.  3004.30(d), if a 
FOIA request seeks materials designated as non-public materials, the 
Commission will provide the submitter with notice of the request. The 
Commission may also provide notice when it has reason to believe that 
materials submitted by a person other than the Postal Service are 
possibly exempt from disclosure and may fall within the scope of any 
FOIA request.
    (c) Objections to disclosure. A submitter may file written 
objections to the request specifying all grounds for withholding the 
information under FOIA within 7 days of the date of the notice. If the 
submitter fails to respond to the notice, the submitter will be 
considered to have no objection, beyond those objections articulated in 
its application for non-public treatment pursuant to Sec.  3007.201 of 
this chapter, to the disclosure of the information.
* * * * *

0
6. Revise part 3007 to read as follows:

PART 3007--NON-PUBLIC MATERIALS PROVIDED TO THE COMMISSION

Subpart A--General Provisions
Sec.
3007.100 Applicability and Scope.
3007.101 Definitions.
3007.102 Treatment of non-public materials.
3007.103 Commission action to determine non-public treatment.
3007.104 Standard for public disclosure of materials claimed to 
contain non-public information.
Subpart B--Submitting Non-public Materials and Seeking Non-public 
Treatment
3007.200 General requirements for submitting non-public materials 
and seeking non-public treatment.
3007.201 Application for non-public treatment.
3007.202 Redacted version of the non-public materials.
3007.203 Unredacted version of the non-public materials.
3007.204 Protections for any person other than the submitter with a 
proprietary interest.
3007.205 Non-public materials inadvertently submitted publicly.
Subpart C--Seeking Access to Non-public Materials
3007.300 Eligibility for access to non-public materials.
3007.301 Motion for access to non-public materials.
3007.302 Non-dissemination, use, and care of non-public materials.
3007.303 Sanctions for violating protective conditions.
3007.304 Termination and amendment of access to non-public 
materials.
3007.305 Producing non-public materials in non-Commission 
proceedings.
Appendix A to subpart C of part 3007--Template Forms
Subpart D--Seeking Public Disclosure of Non-public Materials
3007.400 Motion for disclosure of non-public materials.
3007.401 Materials for which non-public treatment has expired.
Appendix A to subpart D of part 3007--Template Form

    Authority:  39 U.S.C. 503, 504.

Subpart A--General Provisions


Sec.  3007.100   Applicability and Scope.

    (a) Applicability. The rules in this part apply whenever:
    (1) The Postal Service claims that any materials it provides to the 
Commission in connection with any proceeding or other purpose under 
title 39 of the U.S. Code, contain non-public information;
    (2) Any person other than the Postal Service claims that any 
materials it provides to the Commission contain non-public information;
    (3) The Commission is in the process of determining the appropriate 
degree of confidentiality to be accorded materials identified by any 
person to contain non-public information in accordance with these 
rules; or
    (4) The Commission is in the process of determining how to ensure 
appropriate confidentiality for materials identified to contain non-
public information that is furnished to any person in accordance with 
these rules.
    (b) Scope. Information includes, but is not limited to, 
explanations, confirmations, factual descriptions, and data. Document 
refers to a hard copy or electronic conveyance of information and may 
be stored in any medium from which information can be obtained either 
directly or, if necessary, after translation into a reasonably usable 
form. Documents include, but are not limited to, writings, notes, 
graphs,

[[Page 31282]]

charts, data files, emails, drawings, photographs, and images. Things 
include all matter, other than documents, that convey information. 
Documents and things shall collectively be referred to as materials.


Sec.  3007.101   Definitions.

    (a) Non-public materials means any documents or things that are 
provided to the Commission and identified as containing non-public 
information. The Postal Service may claim that information that would 
be exempt from disclosure pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 410(c), 504(g), 
3652(f), or 3654(f) is non-public information. Any person other than 
the Postal Service with a proprietary interest in the materials may 
claim that information that would be protectable under Federal Rule of 
Civil Procedure 26(c) is non-public information. Any person may claim 
that information that is exempt from public disclosure under 5 U.S.C. 
552(b) is non-public information. Non-public materials cease to be non-
public if the status has expired or been terminated by the Commission 
pursuant to this part. Except as provided by Sec.  3007.205, non-public 
materials cease to be non-public if the submitter publicly discloses 
the materials with the consent of each affected person with a propriety 
interest in the materials (if applicable). The cessation of non-public 
status applies to the particular document or thing and the particular 
information contained therein (in whole or in part, as applicable).
    (b) Submitter means any natural or legal person, including the 
Postal Service, that provides non-public materials to the Commission 
and seeks non-public treatment in accordance with the rules of this 
part.


Sec.  3007.102   Treatment of non-public materials.

    (a) Except as described in part 3007 or part 3004 of this chapter, 
the Commission will neither disclose nor grant access to any non-public 
materials (and the non-public information contained therein).
    (b) To accord appropriate confidentiality to non-public information 
and non-public materials during any stage of a proceeding before the 
Commission, or in connection with any other purpose under title 39 of 
the U.S. Code, the Commission may, based on Federal Rule of Civil 
Procedure 26(c):
    (1) Prohibit the public disclosure of the non-public information 
and non-public materials;
    (2) Specify terms for public disclosure of the non-public 
information and non-public materials;
    (3) Order a specific method for disclosing the non-public 
information and non-public materials;
    (4) Restrict the scope of the disclosure of the non-public 
information and non-public materials as they relate to certain matters;
    (5) Restrict who may access the non-public information and non-
public materials;
    (6) Require that a trade secret be revealed only in a specific and 
limited manner or to limited or specified persons; and
    (7) Order other relief as appropriate including sealing a 
deposition or part of a proceeding.


Sec.  3007.103   Commission action to determine non-public treatment.

    (a) Information requests as described in subpart E of part 3001 of 
this chapter, preliminary notices, or interim orders may be issued to 
help the Commission determine the non-public treatment, if any, to be 
accorded to the materials claimed by any person to be non-public.
    (b) Upon motion by any person, the Commission may issue an order 
containing a description of and timeframe for the non-public treatment, 
if any, to be accorded to materials claimed by any person to be non-
public.
    (c) Upon its own motion, the Commission may issue notice of its 
preliminary determination concerning the appropriate degree of 
protection, if any, to be accorded to materials claimed by any person 
to be non-public. A response is due within 7 calendar days of issuance 
of the preliminary determination, unless the Commission otherwise 
provides. No reply to a response shall be filed, unless the Commission 
otherwise provides. Pending the Commission's resolution of the 
preliminary determination, information designated as non-public will be 
accorded non-public treatment. The Commission will enter an order 
determining what non-public treatment, if any, will be accorded to the 
materials after the response period described in this paragraph has 
expired. The determination of the Commission shall follow the 
applicable standard described in Sec.  3007.104.


Sec.  3007.104   Standard for public disclosure of materials claimed to 
contain non-public information.

    (a) In determining whether to publicly disclose materials claimed 
by the Postal Service to contain non-public information, the Commission 
shall balance the nature and extent of the likely commercial injury 
identified by the Postal Service against the public interest in 
maintaining the financial transparency of a government entity competing 
in commercial markets.
    (b) In determining whether to publicly disclose materials in which 
the Commission determines any person other than the Postal Service has 
a proprietary interest, the Commission shall balance the interests of 
the parties consistent with the analysis undertaken by a federal court 
when applying the protective conditions appearing in Federal Rule of 
Civil Procedure 26(c).

Subpart B--Submitting Non-Public Materials and Seeking Non-Public 
Treatment


Sec.  3007.200   General requirements for submitting non-public 
materials and seeking non-public treatment.

    (a) Whenever providing non-public materials to the Commission, the 
submitter shall concomitantly provide the following: An application for 
non-public treatment that clearly identifies all non-public materials 
and describes the circumstances causing them to be submitted to the 
Commission in accordance with Sec.  3007.201, a redacted (public) 
version of the non-public materials in accordance with Sec.  3007.202, 
and an unredacted (sealed) version of the non-public materials in 
accordance with Sec.  3007.203.
    (b) Before submitting non-public materials to the Commission, if 
the submitter has reason to believe that any person other than the 
submitter has a proprietary interest in the information contained 
within the non-public materials, the submitter shall inform each 
affected person of the nature and scope of the submission to the 
Commission, including the pertinent docket designation(s) (to the 
extent practicable) and that the affected person may address any 
confidentiality concerns directly with the Commission.


Sec.  3007.201   Application for non-public treatment.

    (a) Burden of persuasion. An application for non-public treatment 
shall fulfill the burden of persuasion that the materials designated as 
non-public should be withheld from the public.
    (b) Contents of application. An application for non-public 
treatment shall include a specific and detailed statement setting forth 
the information specified in paragraphs (b)(1) through (8) of this 
section:
    (1) The rationale for claiming that the materials are non-public, 
including the specific statutory provision(s) supporting the claim, and 
an

[[Page 31283]]

explanation justifying application of the provision(s) to the 
materials.
    (2) A statement of whether the submitter, any person other than the 
submitter, or both have a proprietary interest in the information 
contained within the non-public materials, and the identification(s) 
specified in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) through (iii) of this section 
(whichever is applicable). For purposes of this paragraph, 
identification means the name, phone number, and email address of an 
individual.
    (i) If the submitter has a proprietary interest in the information 
contained within the materials, identification of an individual 
designated by the submitter to accept actual notice of a motion related 
to the non-public materials or notice of the pendency of a subpoena or 
order requiring production of the materials.
    (ii) If any person other than the submitter has a proprietary 
interest in the information contained within the materials, 
identification of each person who is known to have a proprietary 
interest in the information. If such an identification is sensitive or 
impracticable, an explanation shall be provided along with the 
identification of an individual designated by the submitter to provide 
notice to each affected person.
    (iii) If both the submitter and any person other than the submitter 
have a proprietary interest in the information contained within the 
non-public materials, identification in accordance with both paragraphs 
(b)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section shall be provided. The submitter may 
designate the same individual to fulfill the requirements of paragraphs 
(b)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section.
    (3) A description of the information contained within the materials 
claimed to be non-public in a manner that, without revealing the 
information at issue, would allow the Commission to thoroughly evaluate 
the basis for the claim that the information contained within the 
materials are non-public.
    (4) Particular identification of the nature and extent of the harm 
alleged and the likelihood of each harm alleged to result from 
disclosure.
    (5) At least one specific hypothetical, illustrative example of 
each alleged harm.
    (6) The extent of the protection from public disclosure alleged to 
be necessary.
    (7) The length of time for which non-public treatment is alleged to 
be necessary with justification thereof.
    (8) Any other relevant factors or reasons to support the 
application.
    (c) Incorporation by reference. If the material designated as non-
public has been previously claimed to be non-public material by a prior 
application for non-public treatment, the submitter may incorporate by 
reference the prior application. Any application that incorporates by 
reference a prior application that is accessible through the 
Commission's website (https://www.prc.gov) shall state the date, docket 
number, and the name of the filer of the prior application. In all 
other circumstances, the application that incorporates by reference a 
prior application shall attach the prior application.


Sec.  3007.202   Redacted version of the non-public materials.

    (a) Except as allowed under paragraph (b) of this section, the 
submitter shall use the graphical redaction (blackout) method to redact 
non-public information from the materials. The submitter shall blackout 
only the information that is claimed to be non-public.
    (b) The submitter shall justify using any other redaction method. 
The application for non-public treatment shall state with particularity 
the competitive harm or practical difficulty alleged to result from 
using the blackout method. The submitter shall specifically identify 
any alterations made to the unredacted version, including the location 
and number of lines or pages removed.
    (c) If electronic, the redacted version shall be filed in a 
searchable format, unless the submitter certifies that doing so would 
be impracticable.


Sec.  3007.203   Unredacted version of the non-public materials.

    (a) Each page or portion of the unredacted version of the materials 
for which non-public treatment is sought shall be marked in a manner 
reasonably calculated to alert custodians to the confidential nature of 
the materials.
    (b) The Filing Online method that results in posting a document 
that is available to the public, which is accessible through the 
Commission's website (https://www.prc.gov) described under Sec. Sec.  
3001.9 and 3001.10 of this chapter may not be used to submit the 
unredacted version of non-public materials.
    (c) The filing of the unredacted version of the non-public 
materials shall be made in accordance with the following requirements.
    (1) Except if using an alternative system approved by the 
Commission under paragraph (c)(2) of this section, the unredacted 
version of the non-public materials shall be filed in a sealed envelope 
clearly marked ``Confidential. Do Not Post on Web'' to the Office of 
Secretary and Administration, Postal Regulatory Commission, 901 New 
York Avenue NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20268-0001. The unredacted 
version of the non-public materials may not be password protected. Two 
copies of the unredacted version of a non-public document shall be 
filed using an electronic format such as compact discs (CDs), or 
digital video discs or digital versatile discs (DVDs) that shall be 
clearly marked ``Confidential. Do Not Post on Web.'' If making an 
electronic unredacted version of a non-public document is 
impracticable, two hard copies (paper) versions of the non-public 
document may be filed.
    (2) The Secretary of the Commission has authority to approve the 
use of a secure alternative system to file non-public materials. The 
Secretary may set forth any minimum requirements associated with using 
an alternative system. If a filer using the alternative system fails to 
comply with any of the Secretary's requirements, the Secretary has 
discretion to revoke the filer's eligibility to use the alternative 
system or impose requirements specific to the filer as necessary to 
ensure secure transmission of non-public materials.
    (d) The unredacted version of a spreadsheet shall display the 
formulas used and their links to related spreadsheets. The unredacted 
version of workpapers or data shall be submitted in a form, and be 
accompanied by sufficient explanation and documentation, to allow them 
to be replicated using a publicly available PC application.


Sec.  3007.204   Protections for any person other than the submitter 
with a proprietary interest.

    Any person other than the submitter with a proprietary interest in 
materials that have been or will be submitted to the Commission may 
address any confidentiality concerns directly with the Commission by 
seeking non-public treatment in accordance with the requirements of 
this subpart, responding to a motion for access to non-public materials 
in accordance with the requirements of subpart C of this part, or 
responding to a motion for disclosure of non-public materials in 
accordance with the requirements of subpart D of this part.


Sec.  3007.205   Non-public materials inadvertently submitted publicly.

    (a) Any filer or person with a proprietary interest that discovers 
the

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inclusion of materials that could have been subject to a claim for non-
public treatment are contained within a public filing made in 
accordance with Sec. Sec.  3001.9 and 3001.10 of this chapter shall 
telephone Dockets personnel immediately to request that the non-public 
materials be removed from the publicly available materials. Upon 
receipt of that telephone request, Dockets personnel will remove from 
the publicly available materials those materials for which non-public 
treatment are being requested until the end of the next business day in 
order to provide the filer or person with a proprietary interest an 
opportunity to file an application for non-public treatment and the 
non-public materials in accordance with the requirements of this 
subpart. If any filer makes repeated use of this rule, the Secretary 
has discretion to impose additional requirements on this filer as 
necessary to ensure secure filing of non-public materials.
    (b) Any submitter or person with a proprietary interest that 
discovers the inclusion of materials that could have been subject to a 
claim for non-public treatment are contained within a publicly 
available submission made to the Commission in circumstances other than 
through a public filing made in accordance with Sec. Sec.  3001.9 and 
3001.10 of this chapter shall telephone the Commission personnel to 
whom the submission was directed immediately to request that the non-
public materials be removed from the publicly available materials. Upon 
receipt of that telephone request, the Commission personnel will remove 
from the publicly available materials those materials for which non-
public treatment are being requested until the end of the next business 
day in order to provide the submitter or person with a proprietary 
interest an opportunity to submit an application for non-public 
treatment and the non-public materials in accordance with the 
requirements of this subpart. If any submitter makes repeated use of 
this rule, the Secretary has discretion to impose additional 
requirements on this submitter as necessary to ensure secure submission 
of non-public materials.
    (c) An application for non-public treatment made under paragraph 
(a) or (b) of this section shall also clearly indicate if any special 
relief is sought. Examples of special relief include a request that any 
person not granted access to the materials under Sec.  3007.300 or 
Sec.  3007.301 perform any or all of the following actions:
    (1) Immediately destroy or return all versions of the materials 
that are claimed to have been inadvertently submitted publicly;
    (2) Refrain from disclosing or using the materials, and the 
information contained therein, that are claimed to be non-public; and
    (3) Take reasonable steps to retrieve any materials, and the 
information contained therein, that are claimed to be non-public and 
were disclosed to any person not granted access to the materials under 
Sec.  3007.300 or Sec.  3007.301 prior to the submission of application 
for non-public treatment.

Subpart C--Seeking Access to Non-Public Materials


Sec.  3007.300   Eligibility for access to non-public materials.

    (a) The following persons may access non-public materials without 
an order issued pursuant to Sec.  3007.301(e):
    (1) Members of the Commission;
    (2) Commission employees, including Public Representatives, 
carrying out their official responsibilities;
    (3) Non-employees who have executed appropriate non-disclosure 
agreements (such as contractors, attorneys, or subject matter experts), 
assisting the Commission in carrying out its duties;
    (4) Reviewing courts and their staffs;
    (5) Court reporters, stenographers, or persons operating audio or 
video recording equipment for such court reporters or stenographers at 
hearings or depositions.
    (b) No person involved in competitive decision-making for any 
individual or entity that might gain competitive advantage from using 
non-public materials shall be granted access to non-public materials. 
Involved in competitive decision-making includes consulting on 
marketing or advertising strategies, pricing, product research and 
development, product design, or the competitive structuring and 
composition of bids, offers or proposals. It does not include rendering 
legal advice or performing other services that are not directly in 
furtherance of activities in competition with an individual or entity 
having a proprietary interest in the protected material.
    (c) Any person not described in paragraph (a) or (b) of this 
section may request access to non-public materials as described in 
Sec.  3007.301, for the purpose of aiding participation in a pending 
Commission proceeding (including compliance proceedings) or aiding the 
initiation of a proceeding before the Commission.


Sec.  3007.301   Motion for access to non-public materials.

    (a) Filing requirements. A request for access to non-public 
materials shall be made by filing a motion with the Commission. Any 
part of the motion revealing non- public information shall be filed in 
accordance with subpart B of this part. The motion shall be filed in 
the docket in which the materials were filed or in the docket in which 
the materials will be used; in all other circumstances, the motion 
shall be filed in the G docket for the applicable fiscal year.
    (b) Content requirements. The motion shall:
    (1) Identify the particular non-public materials to which the 
movant seeks access;
    (2) Include a detailed statement justifying the request for access:
    (i) If access is sought to aid participation in any pending 
Commission proceeding, the motion shall identify all proceedings 
(including compliance proceedings) in which the movant proposes to use 
the materials and how those materials are relevant to those 
proceedings, or
    (ii) If access is sought to aid initiation of a proceeding before 
the Commission, the motion shall describe the subject of the proposed 
proceeding, how the materials sought are relevant to that proposed 
proceeding, and when the movant anticipates initiating the proposed 
proceeding;
    (3) List all relevant affiliations, including employment or other 
relationship (including agent, consultant or contractor) with the 
movant, and whether the movant is affiliated with the delivery 
services, communications or mailing industries;
    (4) Specify if actual notice of the motion has been provided to 
each person identified in the application pursuant to Sec.  
3007.201(b)(2). If the motion states that actual notice has been 
provided, the motion shall identify the individual(s) to whom actual 
notice was provided, the date(s) and approximate time(s) of actual 
notice, the method(s) of actual notice (by telephone conversation, 
face-to-face conversation, or an exchange of telephone or email 
messages), and whether the movant is authorized to represent that the 
motion (in whole or in part) has been resolved or is contested by the 
submitter or any other affected person;
    (5) Attach a description of protective conditions completed and 
signed by the movant's attorney or non-attorney representative, who may 
use and modify the template Protective Conditions Statement in Appendix 
A to this subpart; and

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    (6) Attach a certification to comply with protective conditions 
executed by each person (and any individual working on behalf of that 
person) seeking access, who may use and modify the template 
Certification to Comply with Protective Conditions in Appendix A to 
this subpart.
    (c) Response. If actual notice of the motion was provided in 
advance of the filing to each person identified pursuant to Sec.  
3007.201(b)(2) by telephone conversation, face-to-face conversation, or 
an exchange of telephone or email messages, a response to the motion is 
due within 3 business days of the filing of the motion, unless the 
Commission otherwise provides. In all other circumstances, a response 
to the motion is due within 7 calendar days of filing the motion, 
unless the Commission otherwise provides.
    (d) Reply. No reply to a response shall be filed, unless the 
Commission otherwise provides.
    (e) Commission ruling. The Commission may enter an order at any 
time after receiving a motion if the movant states that: Actual notice 
has been given to each person identified pursuant to Sec.  
3007.201(b)(2) and that the movant is authorized to represent that the 
motion is uncontested. In all other circumstances, the Commission will 
enter an order determining if access will be granted after the response 
period described in paragraph (c) of this section has expired. If no 
opposition to the motion has been filed by the submitter or any person 
other than the submitter with a proprietary interest before the 
expiration of the response period described in paragraph (c) of this 
section, the Commission may issue an order granting access, subject to 
the agreed protective conditions. In determining whether to grant 
access to non-public materials, the Commission shall balance the 
interests of the parties consistent with the analysis undertaken by a 
Federal court when applying the protective conditions appearing in 
Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(c). If access is granted, access 
shall commence following the issuance of the appropriate order setting 
forth all protective conditions.


Sec.  3007.302   Non-dissemination, use, and care of non-public 
materials.

    (a) No person who has been granted access to non-public materials 
in accordance with Sec.  3007.300 or Sec.  3007.301 may disseminate the 
materials or the information contained therein, in whole or in part, to 
any person not allowed access pursuant to Sec.  3007.300 or Sec.  
3007.301.
    (b) Persons with access to non-public materials under Sec.  
3007.300 or Sec.  3007.301 shall use non-public materials only for the 
purposes for which the non-public materials are supplied.
    (c) Persons with access to non-public materials under Sec.  
3007.300 or Sec.  3007.301 shall protect the non-public materials from 
any person not granted access under Sec.  3007.300 or Sec.  3007.301 by 
using the same degree of care, but no less than a reasonable degree of 
care, to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of these materials as 
those persons, in the ordinary course of business, would be expected to 
use to protect their own proprietary material or trade secrets and 
other internal, confidential, commercially sensitive, and privileged 
information.


Sec.  3007.303   Sanctions for violating protective conditions.

    (a) If a person who has been granted access to non-public materials 
under Sec.  3007.301 violates the terms of the order granting access, 
the Commission may impose sanctions on the person who violated the 
order, the persons or entities on whose behalf the person was acting, 
or both. The sanctions may include any or all of the following:
    (1) Dismissing the proceeding in whole or in part;
    (2) Ruling by default against the person who violated the order or 
the persons or entities on whose behalf the person was acting;
    (3) Revoking access to non-public materials;
    (4) Restricting access to non-public materials in the future; or
    (5) Such other sanctions, as deemed appropriate by the Commission.
    (b) This rule does not prevent any person, including the Postal 
Service, whose interests are damaged by the violation of an order 
granting access subject to protective conditions, from pursuing any 
remedies available under the law against the person who violated the 
order, the persons or entities on whose behalf the person was acting, 
or both.


Sec.  3007.304   Termination and amendment of access to non-public 
materials.

    (a) Termination of access. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (b) 
of this section, access to non-public materials granted under Sec.  
3007.301 terminates either when the Commission issues the final order 
or report concluding the proceeding(s) in which the participant who 
filed the motion seeking access represented that the non-public 
materials would be used, or when the person granted access withdraws or 
is otherwise no longer involved in the proceeding(s), whichever occurs 
first. For purposes of this paragraph, an order or report is not 
considered final until after the possibility of judicial review expires 
(including the completion of any Commission response to judicial 
review, if applicable).
    (2) Upon termination of access, all non-public materials, and any 
duplicates, in the possession of each person (and any individual 
working on behalf of that person) granted access shall be destroyed or 
returned to the Commission. The participant who filed the motion 
seeking access shall file with the Commission a notice of termination 
of access and attach a certification of compliance with protective 
conditions executed by each person (and any individual working on 
behalf of that person) granted access to the non-public materials. The 
template Certification of Compliance with Protective Conditions and 
Termination of Access in Appendix A to this subpart may be used and 
modified to comply with this requirement.
    (b) Amendment of access. Any person may file a motion seeking to 
amend any protective conditions related to access of non-public 
materials, including extending the timeframe for which access is 
granted or expanding the persons to whom access is to be granted, in 
accordance with Sec.  3007.301.


Sec.  3007.305   Producing non-public materials in non-Commission 
proceedings.

    (a) If a court or other administrative agency issues a subpoena or 
orders production of non-public materials that a person obtained under 
protective conditions ordered by the Commission, the target of the 
subpoena or order shall, within 2 days of receipt of the subpoena or 
order, notify each person identified pursuant to Sec.  3007.201(b)(2) 
of the pendency of the subpoena or order to allow time to object to 
that production or to seek a protective order or other relief.
    (b) Any person that has obtained non-public materials under 
protective conditions ordered by the Commission and seeks to disclose 
the non-public materials in a court or other administrative proceeding 
shall make a good faith effort to obtain protective conditions at least 
as effective as those set forth in the Commission order establishing 
the protective conditions.
    (c) Unless overridden by the reviewing court or other 
administrative agency, protective conditions ordered by the Commission 
will remain in effect.

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Subpart D--Seeking Public Disclosure of Non-Public Materials


Sec.  3007.400   Motion for disclosure of non-public materials.

    (a) Application of this section. This section applies to non-public 
materials during the initial duration of non-public status, up to 10 
years, and any non-public materials for which the Commission enters an 
order extending the duration of that status under Sec.  3007.401(a).
    (b) Motion for disclosure of non-public materials. Any person may 
file a motion with the Commission requesting that non-public materials 
be publicly disclosed. Any part of the motion revealing non-public 
information shall be filed in accordance with subpart B of this part. 
The motion shall justify why the non-public materials should be made 
public and specifically address any pertinent rationale(s) provided in 
the application for non-public treatment. The motion shall specify 
whether actual notice of the motion has been provided to each person 
identified in the application pursuant to Sec.  3007.201(b)(2). If the 
motion states that actual notice has been provided, the motion shall 
identify the individual(s) to whom actual notice was provided, the 
date(s) and approximate time(s) of actual notice, the method(s) of 
actual notice (by telephone conversation, face-to-face conversation, or 
an exchange of telephone or email messages), and whether the movant is 
authorized to represent that the motion (in whole or in part) has been 
resolved or is contested by the submitter or any other affected person. 
The motion shall be filed in the docket in which the materials were 
filed or in the docket in which the materials will be used; in all 
other circumstances, the motion shall be filed in the G docket for the 
applicable fiscal year.
    (c) Response. If actual notice of the motion was provided in 
advance of the filing to each person identified pursuant to Sec.  
3007.201(b)(2) by telephone conversation, face-to-face conversation, or 
an exchange of telephone or email messages, a response to the motion is 
due within 3 business days of the filing of the motion, unless the 
Commission otherwise provides. In all other circumstances, a response 
to the motion is due within 7 calendar days of filing the motion, 
unless the Commission otherwise provides.
    (d) Reply. No reply to a response shall be filed, unless the 
Commission otherwise provides.
    (e) Non-public treatment pending resolution. Pending the 
Commission's resolution of the motion, information designated as non-
public will be accorded non-public treatment.
    (f) Commission ruling. The Commission may enter an order at any 
time after receiving a motion if the movant states that: Actual notice 
has been given to each person identified pursuant to Sec.  
3007.201(b)(2) and that the movant is authorized to represent that the 
motion is uncontested. In all other circumstances, the Commission will 
enter an order determining what non-public treatment, if any, will be 
accorded to the materials after the response period described in 
paragraph (c) of this section has expired. The determination of the 
Commission shall follow the applicable standard described in Sec.  
3007.104.


Sec.  3007.401   Materials for which non-public treatment has expired.

    (a) Expiration of non-public treatment. Ten years after the date of 
submission to the Commission, non-public materials shall lose non-
public status unless otherwise provided by the Commission.
    (b) Request for Disclosure of Materials for Which Non-Public 
Treatment has Expired. Any person may request that materials for which 
non-public treatment has expired under paragraph (a) of this section be 
publicly disclosed. Any part of the request revealing non-public 
information shall be filed in accordance with subpart B of this part. 
The request shall identify the materials requested and date(s) that 
materials were originally submitted under seal. The template Request 
for Materials for Which Non-public Treatment Has Expired in appendix A 
to this subpart may be used and modified to comply with this 
requirement. The request shall be filed in the docket in which the 
materials were filed or in the docket in which the materials will be 
used; in all other circumstances, the request shall be filed in the G 
docket for the applicable fiscal year. All documents are treated in 
accordance with the Commission's record retention schedule, which may 
reduce the availability of some non-public information.
    (c) Response. A response to the request is due within 7 calendar 
days of the filing of the request, unless the Commission otherwise 
provides. Any response opposing the request shall seek an extension of 
non-public status by including an application for non-public treatment 
compliant with Sec.  3007.201. This extension application shall also 
include specific facts in support of any assertion that commercial 
injury is likely to occur if the information contained in the materials 
is publicly disclosed despite the passage of 10 years or the timeframe 
established by Commission order.
    (d) Reply. Within 7 calendar days of the filing of a response, any 
person (including the requestor) may file a reply, unless the 
Commission otherwise provides.
    (e) Non-public treatment pending resolution. Pending the resolution 
of the request by the Commission, information designated as non-public 
will be accorded non-public treatment.
    (f) Ruling. The Commission may grant the request at any time after 
the response period described in paragraph (c) of this section has 
expired. The Commission may deny the request and enter an order 
extending the duration of non-public status at any time after the reply 
period described in paragraph (d) of this section has expired. The 
determination of the Commission shall follow the applicable standard 
described in Sec.  3007.104.

Appendix A to Subpart D of Part 3007--Template Request Form

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