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Election Campaigns - Hatch Act and Other Requirements

Hatch Act Requirements for Postal Service Employees

The Hatch Act affects some political activities, including off-duty activities, for Postal ServiceTM employees. The Office of Special Counsel, which investigates possible Hatch Act violations, has prepared examples of permitted and prohibited activities for federal, including Postal Service, employees:

Postal Service employees may:

• Be candidates for public office in nonpartisan elections.

• Register and vote as they choose.

• Assist in voter registration drives.

• Express opinions about candidates and issues.

• Contribute money to political organizations.

• Attend political fundraising functions.

• Attend and be active at political rallies and meetings.

• Join and be an active member of a political party or club.

• Sign nominating petitions.

• Campaign for or against referendum questions, constitutional amendments, and municipal ordinances.

• Campaign for or against candidates in partisan elections.

• Make campaign speeches for candidates in partisan elections.

• Distribute campaign literature in partisan elections.

• Hold office in political clubs or parties.

But, Postal Service employees may not:

• Be candidates for public office in partisan elections.

• Use their official authority or influence to interfere with an election.

• Collect political contributions unless both individuals are members of the same federal labor organization or employee organization and the one solicited is not a subordinate employee.

• Knowingly solicit or discourage the political activity of any person who has business before the agency.

• Engage in political activity while on duty.

• Engage in political activity in any government office.

• Engage in political activity while wearing an official uniform.

• Engage in political activity while using a government vehicle.

• Solicit political contributions from the general public.

• Wear political buttons on duty.

For further information about the Hatch Act, please contact the Field Law Office that serves your location, or contact the Ethics Helpline by telephone at 202-268-6346 or by e-mail at ethics.help@usps.gov.

Campaigning on Postal Service Premises

Because 2004 is an election year, candidates may seek to use Postal Service premises for campaign purposes. Postal Service regulations (see Postal Operations Manual 124.54; 39 CFR 232.1; and Poster 7, Rules and Regulations Governing Conduct on Postal Property) prohibit campaigning for election to public office on leased or owned Postal Service property. Tell individuals who ask about the availability of Postal Service property for such purposes about the prohibition, and give them a copy of the regulations. The following points will help you interpret and apply the regulations:

• The focus of the regulations is to identify activities that are "prohibited." Activities that are not prohibited by any of the regulations are permitted. For example, in the context of political campaigning, informational leafleting would be permitted, so long as the information in the leaflet itself is not political campaigning and the leafleting were carried out in a way that does not disrupt Postal Service business.

• Campaigning for election to public office is prohibited on Postal Service property, even if the candidate is independent of any political party.

• The regulations do not prohibit all activities related to political issues. For example, distributing literature pertaining to a referendum or ballot measure is permitted. The regulations do prohibit, however, the solicitation of signatures on petitions, polls, and surveys.

• The regulations prohibit depositing posters or literature on Postal Service property, obstructing entrances, any activity that tends to impede or disturb the public in transacting Postal Service business, the sale of goods, and the solicitation of contributions on Postal Service property.

• The regulations cover activity only on Postal Service premises. Activity outside Postal Service property, even if it affects our premises, is not governed by our regulations.

Local managers should pose questions about the Postal Service's conduct regulations to their district or plant manager or designee, who should contact counsel in the appropriate area legal office. When necessary, counsel will coordinate with the Postal Inspection Service to enforce the regulations.

- Ethics and Federal Government,
Law Department, 6-24-04

Thinking of Backing up? Don't! Backing Accidents on the Rise

Most of us back our personal vehicles without thinking twice. But when we sit behind the wheel of a postal vehicle, it's a different story, because most postal vehicles have blind spots. You can't look out the rear window of an LLV because it doesn't have one.

In fact, it's USPS® policy to avoid placing yourself in situations that require unauthorized backing while on your route.

All backing accidents are preventable. USPS employees are averaging about 10 backing accidents a day. And here's the worst part. Many involve children.

Here are some of the "reasons" postal drivers have given for backing:

• I was in a hurry! Going around the block would have taken too much time.

• I wanted to avoid the misdelivery. Walking back would have taken too long.

• I've done it a hundred times and nothing happened.

• I was careful - checked all mirrors and tapped the horn.

• It was only a few feet.

• That's what reverse is for.

• I thought I was allowed to back at this location.

But what do you say to a grief-stricken mother who has just lost a child? Or a father who has had a child seriously injured by a vehicle backing up? No "reason" is good enough!

Children live and play where you work - in their neighborhoods. All it takes is a second for a child to dart behind a backing vehicle. You want to be the driver who hit a kid in a backing accident?

Only you can avoid backing on your route. Next time you decide to back your postal vehicle, ask yourself: Am I backing because I'm in a hurry? Is there a safe alternative to backing my vehicle? Is this my last resort? Could someone be behind me, perhaps a child? Am I relying on Lady Luck?

Backing a postal vehicle is your decision. Remember, the safety of others depends on you. Do the right thing - avoid backing while on your route. A child's life could be in your hands.

Through the end of Quarter 3, USPS has experienced 2,222 motor vehicle accidents caused by backing vehicles. You don't have to be a math wizard to know that's way too many.

- Safety Performance Management,
Employee Resource Management, 8-5-04

You Can Take That to the Bank - New Campaign Focuses on Saving Sick Leave

Building a cushion or a nest egg to protect yourself during hard times makes sense. You get a little money and set it aside in case your roof needs repairs or your car needs work.

That's exactly what banking your sick leave is like. It's a little something set aside for days when you're physically unable to make it to work due to illness or injury.

That's the theme behind a new employee awareness campaign from Health and Resource Management called "Protect Your Future - Bank Your Sick Leave."

About 10,000 Postal ServiceTM facilities will receive a copy of the field kit this month. The kit contains a video titled "Don't Let Your Team Down," related service talk, and poster. (An additional 26,000 facilities will receive the posters.) Six new kits will be issued every other month.

Remember, sick leave is an employee benefit - a cushion - for when you fall on hard times.

And it's one you can bank on.

For more informaton about the kit, visit us at http://blue.usps.gov/hrisp/hrm/eap.htm.

- Health and Resource Management,
Employee Resource Management, 8-5-04

Finance

Fiscal Year Closing Guidance

Message from the Controller

I ask that each of you continue your efforts to control expenses. It is important that we carry this effort through to the end of the fiscal year, September 30. We must also control discretionary activity. This does not mean curtailing business, but it does mean making prudent choices by deferring or eliminating noncritical activity, and purchasing goods or services throughout the year rather than at the end of the fiscal year simply because there are available budget funds. I ask that you encourage your contractors to bill us in a timely manner for goods received and services rendered so we can recognize the expense prior to the close of the fiscal year. Additionally, I ask that you process accruals for goods received and services rendered but not invoiced. Please note the minimum expense accrual is $20,000.

The following instructions will assist you, when appropriate, in helping the Postal ServiceTM close its financial books in a timely and efficient manner.

Lynn Malcolm
Acting Vice President, Finance, Controller

I. Instructions for Fiscal Year Closing

We ask all organizations to limit their expenditures to essential spending. Accordingly, all vice presidents should review discretionary spending to ensure that the Postal Service attains its financial target for this fiscal year (FY).

The instructions and reporting dates in this Postal Bulletin supplement procedures followed during the normal monthly or quarterly reporting schedule.

II. Fiscal Year

The Postal Service prepares its annual reports on a government FY basis, which comprises 365 days (366 in leap years) always ending on September 30.

III. Capital and Expense Commitment or Accrual Activities

A. Capital

Supply Management will not accept capital and expense requisitions and request for contract modifications after September 10, unless work is currently under way on advance requirements or the buying manager grants an exception. Supply Management will accept capital purchase card transactions through September 17. Also, organizations should limit capital commitments, particularly Postal Service support equipment, to essential needs. The schedule for Supply Management processing is as follows:

• For requisitions received on or before September 10, Supply Management will attempt to issue the required contract/modification in time for the San Mateo Accounting Service Center (ASC) to process against FY 2004 funds.

• Requisitions received after September 10 and before September 30 that require issuance of a solicitation or negotiation with vendors/modification may not be issued in time for processing against FY 2004 funds depending on workload, etc.

• Requisitions received on or after October 1 will be processed against FY 2005 funds.

Supply Management will process all requisitions for the issuance of contracts against FY 2004 funds according to the following priorities:

• Priority 1 - Capital commitment requisitions.

• Priority 2 - Expense commitment requisitions.

Organizations must forward commitment documents with award dates on or before September 30 to reach the San Mateo ASC no later than October 4. Appropriate receiving reports or certified invoices for goods and services received by September 30 must be forwarded to the San Mateo ASC for receipt no later than October 4. Please expedite processing of receiving reports and certified invoices as these documents are used to charge costs to the proper FY. Additionally, review contracts to ensure sufficient funds are available.

B. Unpaid Expenses or Accruals for Goods and Services Received on or Before September 30 (expense accrual minimum for FY 2004 is $20,000)

If it is impossible to furnish a receiving report or certified invoice in time to reach the San Mateo ASC by October 4, and the expense per contract sequence number or miscellaneous (noncommitment) purchase or service is $20,000 or more, the expense may be accrued.

Complete PS Form 8163, Request for Fiscal Year Expense Accrual, a copy of which is found on page 17 of this Postal Bulletin. Documentation supporting accruals must be attached (see PS Form 8163 for examples of proper vendor documentation). Documents received at the San Mateo ASC pertaining to activities occurring October 1 and later will be recorded in FY 2005.

IV. Liquidation of Accruals

When submitting an actual certified invoice to liquidate an accrual, include the statement "Accrued to FY 2004" on the face of the document. Mail these invoices to the following address (do not mail invoices to the Scanning and Imaging Center):

MANAGER
ACCOUNTING SERVICE CENTER
2700 CAMPUS DR
SAN MATEO CA 94497-9401

Liquidate accruals as soon as possible. Offices must monitor their accruals and payments to ensure that the accruals are properly liquidated. All FY 2004 accruals processed by the San Mateo ASC that are not liquidated by the close of February 2005 (FY 2005), will be reversed to finance number 10-4380 as a prior-year credit. Subsequent payments will be charged to the appropriate budget finance number as a FY 2005 expense.

V. Submission Schedules

Please use the following schedules relating to FY 2004 closing:

• Schedule I - Accrual Processing Information (see item A below).

• Schedule II - Submission Processing (see item B on page 18).

A. Schedule I - Accrual Processing Information

The following are examples of items that may be accrued using PS Form 8163 if goods or services have been received on or before September 30:

• You have not received a receiving report.

• The dollar amount of service rendered is $20,000 or more.

• You will not get an invoice to certify for payment by September.

Document calculation of accrual on PS Form 8163 or other means that must be attached to the form; for example, an adding machine tape.

Service Maintenance Contract - Copier

Review the last invoice processed to determine the amount to accrue from the service ending date through September 30.

To estimate the accrual amount, perform the following calculation:

• Calculate number of days to accrue.

Billing period last invoice = 8/19 - 9/17

Number of days to accrue = 13 (9/18 - 9/30)

• Calculate the daily rate.

Divide the last invoice amount by the number of days in the billing period to determine a daily rate.

Invoice amount = $60,000

Billing period = 30 days (8/19 - 9/17)

Daily rate = $2,000 ($60,000 / 30 days)

• Calculate the accrual amount.

Multiply the daily rate calculated by the number of days that will be accrued.

Accrual amount = $2,000 x 13 = $26,000

Utility Billing Accrual - Natural Gas

Use the accrual amount calculation for service maintenance as shown above.

Other Goods or Services Accrual - Consultant Contract

Calculate the accrual amount.

Check with the vendor to validate the cost of goods or services received during the unbilled period ending September 30 and obtain the necessary supporting documentation.

Note: Do not accrue if the amount is less than $20,000.

The following items may not be accrued on PS Form 8163:

- Basic Pricing Agreements (BPA)

- Bulk fuel deliveries, oil purchases, and vehicle parts

- Capital

- Carrier drive-outs

- Credit card purchases *

- Direct Vendor Delivery (DVD) and eBuy purchases

- FEDSTRIPs *

- Gasoline credit card (fleet card) purchases

- Government Printing Office (GPO) printings

- Government Travel Accounts (GTAs)

- Imprest funds

- Incentive awards

- Inventory

- Nonpostal training

- Nonmetered fuel

- Telecommunications (Raleigh)*

- Relocation Management Firm (RMF) services *

- Tort claims

- Travel

- Uniform allowances

- Vehicle repairs on PS Form 4541, Order-Invoice for Vehicle Repair (Commercial Work Order)

* Items that will be accrued by Corporate Financial Reporting or the San Mateo ASC.

B. Schedule II - Submission Processing

** Do not place orders for DVD or eBuy purchases from October 1 through October 7, 2004, except for critical needs.

Address questions concerning these instructions to the appropriate servicing Finance office.

- National Accounting,
Finance, 8-5-04

International Mail

ICM UPDATES

International Customized Mail

We have combined ICM updates into one Postal Bulletin article to save space and paper. 15 ICM updates appear here.

On July 12, 2004, the Postal ServiceTM entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: July 26, 2004, through July 25, 2005.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of 600 pieces of EMS mail.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at eight (8) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

On May 7, 2004, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: May 21, 2004, through May 20, 2006.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of $20,000 in EMS postage.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at ten (10) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

On May 14, 2004, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: May 28, 2004, through May 29, 2005.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of 1,000 pieces of EMS mail or $20,000 in EMS postage.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at ten (10) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

On July 12, 2004, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: July 26, 2004, through July 25, 2005.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of $60,000 in EMS postage.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at twelve (12) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

On May 11, 2004, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: May 25, 2004, through May 24, 2005.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of 600 pieces of EMS mail.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at eight (8) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

On May 21, 2004, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: June 4, 2004, through June 3, 2005.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of 1,000 pieces of EMS mail.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at ten (10) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

On May 27, 2004, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: June 10, 2004, through June 9, 2005.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of 1,000 pieces of EMS mail.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at ten (10) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

On May 18, 2004, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: June 1, 2004, through May 31, 2006.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of 600 pieces of EMS mail or $20,000 in EMS postage.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at ten (10) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

On May 13, 2004, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: May 27, 2004, through May 26, 2005.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of 3,000 pieces of EMS mail.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at twelve (12) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

On May 11, 2004, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: May 25, 2004, through May 24, 2005.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of 1,000 pieces of EMS mail.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at ten (10) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

On May 5, 2004, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: May 19, 2004, through May 18, 2005.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of $20,000 in EMS postage.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at ten (10) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

On April 26, 2004, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: May 10, 2004, through May 9, 2005.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of $12,000 in EMS postage.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at eight (8) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

On April 26, 2004, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: May 10, 2004, through May 9, 2005.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of $12,000 in EMS postage.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at ten (8) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

On May 26, 2004, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: June 9, 2004, through June 8, 2005.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of $12,000 in EMS postage.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at eight (8) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

On July 12, 2004, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a Qualifying Mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: July 26, 2004, through July 25, 2005.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum commitment of $60,000 in EMS postage.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at twelve (12) percent off nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

- Pricing Strategy,
Pricing and Classification, 8-5-04

Philately

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 04-27

John Wayne Stamp

The Postal ServiceTM will issue a 37-cent, John Wayne commemorative stamp (Item 455700) in a pressure- sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 20, in one design on September 9, 2004, in Los Angeles, California. The stamp, designed by Derry Noyes of Washington, DC, goes on sale nationwide September 10, 2004.

John Wayne remains one of America's most beloved celebrities. He played many memorable characters: heroic soldiers, revered figures in history, and ordinary men with a deep loyalty to country and a strong commitment to justice. His films celebrate courage, patriotism, and independence - characteristics that many Americans hold dear.

With the issuance of this tenth stamp in the Legends of Hollywood series, the Postal Service will honor this American film legend. Artist Drew Struzan based his painting for the stamp on a black-and-white publicity still of Wayne taken during the filming of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962).

How to Order First Day of Issue Postmark

This information is not available at the time of this printing.

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 calling 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: 37-cent John Wayne Commemorative Stamp, Item 455700

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive approximately three-fourths 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 of one-half their standard automatic distribution quantity using PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition/Stamp Return. SDOs must not distribute stamps to Post Offices before September 3, 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.

Post Offices requiring additional Item 455700 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 San Francisco APD will receive 1,280,000 additional stamps; the Chicago, Memphis, and New York APDs will each receive 1,120,000 additional stamps; and the Denver APD will receive 400,000 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, 8-5-04

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 thehyphen 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.