Postal Service 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Postal Service gives notice of filing a request with the Postal Regulatory Commission to add a domestic shipping services contract to the list of Negotiated Service Agreements in the Mail Classification Schedule's Competitive Products List.

The Postal Service will revise the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]) 601.10.20, to incorporate standards that prohibit the outbound international mailing of lithium batteries and devices containing lithium batteries. This prohibition also extends to the mailing of lithium batteries to and from an APO, FPO, or DPO location. However, this prohibition does not apply to lithium batteries authorized under DMM 601.10.20 when mailed within the United States or its territories.

The Postal Service hereby provides notice of filing of a request with the Postal Regulatory Commission to add a Standard Mail Saturation Flats negotiated service agreement to the market-dominant product list within the Mail Classification Schedule.

The Postal Service will revise the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]) throughout various sections to discontinue price eligibility based on the use of POSTNETTM barcodes on all types of mail.

The Postal Service is planning to move to the Full-Service Intelligent Mail[supreg] option to access automation prices for letters, postcards and flats, effective January 2014. The ``Full- Service'' Intelligent Mail program requires use of unique Intelligent Mail barcodes (IMb\TM\) applied to letter, postcard and flat mailpieces, trays, sacks, and containers, such as pallets, and submission of electronic mailing documentation. This plan includes the transition to the use of eDocumentation, along with additional information to support the By/For relationships, and replacement of the 10/24 transition tray label with the full use of the 24-digit tray label Intelligent Mail barcode format. This Federal Register document provides advance information to help mailers prepare and plan for the transition to Full-Service and asks for information about the possible challenges mailers perceive to moving to Full-Service, the operational changes they will have to make, the costs and benefits of those changes, and steps the Postal Service could take to assist mailers in moving to Full-Service. The USPS\TM\ looks forward to mailer feedback on all aspects of this plan. In addition, the USPS strongly encourages current Full-Service users to provide feedback about the benefits and value-added they have experienced by converting to Full-Service.

This rule establishes the responsibility of the providers of Postage Evidencing Systems (PES) to notify the U.S. Postal Service[supreg] of any cyber attacks to their systems.

The Postal Service proposes to revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]) 507.5 and 508.7 to implement second phase of USPS Package Intercept TM service introducing an electronic process for Commercial customers requesting USPS Package Intercept and other related features.

The Postal Service will revise the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]) 709.3 to add a new temporary promotion in the summer of 2012 for Presorted and automation First-Class Mail[supreg] cards, letters and flats, and Standard Mail[supreg] letters and flats bearing two-dimensional mobile barcodes or equivalent print technology.

The Postal Service proposes to revise its regulations with regard to forfeiture authority and proceedings. These new provisions would implement specific requirements in compliance with the Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act (CAFRA) of 2000.

This rule establishes standards of qualification and responsibility for contractors employed by the Office of Inspector General. The rule also emphasizes consistency in contractor selection, and clarifies the OIG's exclusive authority to set qualifications and standards for its own contractors, as well as ensure the use of contracting best practices as established by the Federal Acquisition Regulations and other applicable sources in making contract awards.

The Postal Service hereby gives notice of its filing a request with the Postal Regulatory Commission to add Global Plus 1C and 2C Negotiated Service Agreements to the Competitive Products List.