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Domestic Mail (Continued)

146.3 Disposition

146.31 Damaged Article

[Revise 146.31 to read as follows:]

For a completely damaged article with little or no salvage value (under $10.00), allow the customer to keep the article if the customer wants it; items that may be of a hazardous nature to employees must be destroyed. If the completely damaged Insured Mail, COD, or Express Mail article has salvage value, retain it for 60 days, and then forward it to the appropriate mail recovery center on the next weekly dispatch.

Provide the customer with PS Form 3831, Receipt for Article(s) Damaged in Mails. The status of a claim can be obtained by calling the St. Louis ASC Help Desk at 866-974-2733. If the customer's claim is denied, return the article upon request. St. Louis ASC will notify the customer in writing that the claimant has 30 days from the date of denial action to recover the article and that he/she has no recourse if, subsequently, the item is disposed of after the 30 days. Articles on which claims are paid, on which the customer has not filed an appeal, or on which the customer fails to recover after the final denial action, should be forwarded to the appropriate mail recovery center on the next weekly dispatch. Articles being sent to the mail recovery center should not be stripped of the insured labels and must include a copy of the paid claim letter or notice that the item is ready for auction. Always document disposition of damaged article. For Registered Mail damage claims, retain the article and packaging at the Post Office until released by notification from the St. Louis ASC. Make sure the disposition of the damaged article is clearly annotated on PS Form 1000.

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[Delete current 146.4. Renumber current 146.5 as new 146.4.]

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- Revenue and Field Accounting,
Finance, 4-29-04

Employees

CORRECTION/REVISED PUBLICATION

Publication 553, Employee's Guide to Understanding Sexual Harassment

In Postal Bulletin 22126 (4-15-04, page 90), the article "Publication 553 Helps Employees Identify Sexual Harassment and Inappropriate Sexual Conduct" incorrectly stated that Publication 553, Employee's Guide to Understanding Sexual Harassment (February 2004), is available on the Internet at www.usps.com.

It is available only on the Postal ServiceTM PolicyNet Web site; go to http://blue.usps.gov; click on More References, then PUBs.

- Headquarters and Field Programs,
Diversity Development, 4-29-04

New Supplier Diversity Training Tool

Effective May 1, 2004, the course Supplier Diversity in the U.S. Postal Service: An Introduction for Buyers (course number 34Q01-09) will be available. This 2-hour, self- paced Computer Based Training (CBT) module combines information, graphics, and tests to provide a basic understanding of supplier diversity as a supply management strategy. The training is mandatory for any Postal ServiceTM employee in a buying function, including contracting officers, contracting officer representatives, managers, eBuy users, those selecting suppliers, and I.M.P.A.C. credit card holders. Participants who complete the training will receive 2-hour VOE training credit through the National Training Data Base.

The CBT translates the nine elements of the supplier diversity corporate plan - along with the transformation plan - into real-life "best practices" that the Postal Service buyer may use immediately.

Effective May 1, 2004, the course will be available at the Supplier Diversity Web page on the corporate Intranet at http://blue.usps.gov/purchase/scmstrategies/diversity.htm.

You may request CD copies of the training by sending an e-mail to business@usps.gov or by writing to:

SUPPLY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES SUPPLIER
DIVERSITY
475 L'ENFANT PLAZA SW RM 4320
WASHINGTON DC 20260-4320

- SCM Strategies,
Supply Management, 4-29-04

Information Technology

Nitta Belting Materials Now Available Through eBuy

Working in partnership, Information Technology and Supply Management are pleased to announce that belting materials produced by Nitta Corporation of America are now available on eBuy.

On August 11, 2003, we awarded contract number 3CASPT-03-Q-6265 to Nitta Corporation of America for belting materials. As of April 7, 2004, you may order Nitta belting items only through eBuy, which may be accessed online at http://ebuy.usps.gov/eBuyWelcome.jsp. Contract pricing is available on eBuy in Nitta's electronic catalog.

To order through eBuy you should contact your district or area eBuy representative to receive a logon ID and password. If you have access to the Postal ServiceTM Intranet, you must order through eBuy and can obtain an eBuy logon ID and password at the blue page. Go to http://blue.usps.gov; under "eLinks," click on eBuy.

If your office currently uses the Visual Maintenance Activity Reporting System (VMARS), continue ordering through VMARS, because these orders pass through the eBuy purchasing system.

We will be publishing detailed ordering information in a forthcoming Material Logistics Bulletin, which may be accessed online (when it is available) at http://blue.usps.gov/purchase/operations/ops_nmcs_home.htm.

- Information Technology and
Supply Management, 4-29-04

Philately

Stamp Announcement 04-12

American Choreographers Stamps

The Postal ServiceTM will issue 37-cent, American Choreographers commemorative stamps (Item 456000) in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 on May 4, 2004, in Newark, New Jersey. The stamps, designed by Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, Maryland, go on sale nationwide May 5, 2004.

The stamps honor four extraordinary choreographers - George Balanchine, Martha Graham, Agnes de Mille, and Alvin Ailey. Each left a profound mark on the language of dance. Each stamp contains a collage that features a photographic portrait of the choreographer. Some of the stamps also show members of the choreographer's company dancing.

How to Order First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post OfficeTM, by telephone at 800-STAMP-24, and at the Postal Store Web site at www.usps.com/shop. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

AMERICAN CHOREOGRAPHERS COMMEMORATIVE STAMPS POSTMASTER
2 FEDERAL SQUARE RM 211
NEWARK NJ 07102-9998

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by June 3, 2004.

How to Order First Day Covers

Stamp Fulfillment Services also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by telephoning 800-STAMP-24 or writing to:

INFORMATION FULFILLMENT
DEPT 6270
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 219014
KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014

Each cover must have sufficient postage to meet current First-Class Mail® postage. First day covers remain on sale for at least 1 year after the stamp's issuance.

Philatelic Products

There is a philatelic product for this stamp issue. The Ceremony Program and First Day Cover Keepsake, Item 456091, sells for $8.95 and is available:

• In Postal Service retail stores.

• Online at www.usps.com/shop.

• By telephone at 800-STAMP-24.

Distribution: 37-cent, American Choreographers Commemorative Stamps, Item 456000

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive one-half of their standard automatic distribution quantities for a PSA sheet stamp. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (40,000 stamps).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

SDOs will make a subsequent automatic distribution to Post Offices for one-half of their standard automatic distribution quantities using PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute these stamps to Post Offices before April 29, 2004.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs with authorized philatelic centers will receive an automatic distribution of these stamps in six positions for subsequent distribution to each philatelic window.

Additional Supply

Post Offices requiring additional Item 456000 must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional stamps must order them from the appropriate accountable paper depository (APD) using PS Form 17.

For fulfilling supplemental orders from SDOs, the New York APD will receive 1,600,000 additional stamps; the Memphis and Chicago APDs will each receive 1,120,000 additional stamps; the San Francisco APD will receive 1,000,000 additional stamps; and the Denver APD will receive 480,000 additional stamps.

Sales Policy

All Post Offices must acquire and maintain a supply of each new commemorative stamp as long as customer demand exists, until inventory is depleted, or until the stamp is officially withdrawn from sale. If supplies run low, Post Offices must reorder additional quantities using their normal ordering procedures.

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 4-29-04

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 04-13

National World War II Memorial Stamp

The Postal ServiceTM will issue a 37-cent, National World War II Memorial commemorative stamp (Item 456200) in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20 on May 29, 2004, in Washington, DC. The stamp, designed by Howard E. Paine of Delaplane, Virginia, goes on sale nationwide May 29, 2004.

With the issuance of a stamp depicting the National World War II Memorial, the Postal Service honors the achievement and ideals of Americans who served during World War II.

The memorial, located on the National Mall in Washington, DC, between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, was designed by Friedrich St. Florian, an architect based in Providence, Rhode Island. Artist Tom Engeman's computer-generated design shows one of the two large memorial arches with a curving row of pillars, each pillar representing a state or territory from the World War II era, in the background. The stamp issuance is scheduled to coincide with the dedication of the memorial.

How to Order First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post OfficeTM, by telephone at 800-STAMP-24, and at the Postal Store Web site at www.usps.com/shop. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL
COMMEMORATIVE STAMP
POSTMASTER
WWII FIRST DAY OF ISSUE
900 BRENTWOOD RD NE
WASHINGTON DC 20066-9998

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by June 28, 2004.

How to Order First Day Covers

Stamp Fulfillment Services also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may

request a free catalog by telephoning 800-STAMP-24 or writing to:

INFORMATION FULFILLMENT
DEPT 6270
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 219014
KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products for this stamp issue.

Distribution: Item 456200, 37-cent, National World War II Memorial Commemorative Stamp

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive more than three-fourths of their standard automatic distribution quantities for a PSA sheet stamp. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (40,000 stamps).

Initial Supply to Post Offices

SDOs will make a subsequent automatic distribution to Post Offices for one-half of their standard automatic distribution quantities using PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute these stamps to Post Offices before May 21, 2004.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs with authorized philatelic centers will receive an automatic distribution of these stamps in nine positions for subsequent distribution to each philatelic window.

Additional Supply

Post Offices requiring additional Item 456200 must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional stamps must order them from the appropriate accountable paper depository (APD) using PS Form 17.

For fulfilling supplemental orders from SDOs, the New York, Memphis, and Chicago APDs will each receive 2,600,000 additional stamps; the San Francisco APD will receive 2,200,000 additional stamps; and the Denver APD will receive 1,000,000 additional stamps.

Sales Policy

All Post Offices must acquire and maintain a supply of each new commemorative stamp as long as customer demand exists, until inventory is depleted, or until the stamp is officially withdrawn from sale. If supplies run low, Post Offices must reorder additional quantities using their normal ordering procedures.

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 4-29-04

CORRECTION

Lewis & Clark: The Corps of Discovery, 1804-1806, Prestige Booklet

In the article "Stamp Announcement 04-07: Lewis & Clark: The Corps of Discovery, 1804-1806, Prestige Booklet of 20 Stamps," in Postal Bulletin 22126 (4-15-04, page 102), the technical details table incorrectly lists:

• "882600 Prestige Booklet w/special PG - $8.95." The item should have been listed as "882600 Prestige Booklet - $8.95."

• "882693 Prestige Booklet w/Full Pane stamp -$16.35." The item should have been listed as "882693 Prestige Booklet w/Full Pane stamp - $16.30."

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 4-29-04

CORRECTION

Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commemorative Stamp

In the article "Stamp Announcement 04-08: Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commemorative Stamp," in Postal Bulletin 22126 (4-15-04, page 105):

• The catalog item number 455993 (listed in the technical details table) incorrectly lists "455993 Full Pane w/FDC single -$8.15." The item should have been listed as "455993 Full Pane w/11 FDC -$15.65."

• In addition, a new catalog item (455992) has been added. The specifics of item 455992 are "455992 Full Pane w/1 FDC - $8.15."

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 4-29-04

Pictorial Cancellations Announcement

As a community service, the Postal ServiceTM offers pictorial cancellations to commemorate local events celebrated in communities throughout the nation. A list of events for which pictorial cancellations are authorized appears below. If available, the sponsor of the pictorial cancellation appears in italics under the date. Also provided, as space permits, are illustrations of those cancellations that were reproducible and available at press time.

People attending these local events may obtain the cancellation in person at the temporary Post OfficeTM station established there. Those who cannot attend the event, but who wish to obtain the cancellation, may submit a mail order request. Pictorial cancellations are available only for the dates indicated, and requests must be postmarked no later than 30 days following the requested pictorial cancellation date.

All requests must include a stamped envelope or postcard bearing at least the minimum First-Class Mail® postage. Items submitted for cancellation may not include postage issued after the date of the requested cancellation. Such items will be returned unserviced.

Customers wishing to obtain a cancellation should affix stamps to any envelope or postcard of their choice, address the envelope or postcard to themselves or others,insert a card of postcard thickness in envelopes for sturdiness, and tuck in the flap. Place the envelope or postcard in a larger envelope and address it to: PICTORIAL CANCELLATIONS, followed by the NAME OF THE STATION,ADDRESS, CITY, STATE, ZIP+4® CODE, exactly as listed below (using all capitals and no punctuation, except the hyphen in the ZIP+4 code).

Customers can also send stamped envelopes and postcards without addresses for cancellation, as long as they supply a larger envelope with adequate postage and their return address. After applying the pictorial cancellation, the Postal Service returns the items (with or without addresses) under addressed protective cover.

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations, 4-29-04

Post Offices