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Employees (Continued)

NOTICE

National Manpower Contract

Employee Resource Management has extended the National Manpower (Temporary Services Personnel) contract for a 3-year period, ending April 2007. Corporate Personnel Management (CPM) manages the contract. This contract allows for easier transitions for management of temporary personnel and freezes pricing for a longer period, giving managers the ability to accurately forecast their temporary services costs for budgeting purposes.

During this extension, reviewing managers can use the Manpower Direct Time system to approve or reject time slips submitted by temporary personnel assigned to their office.

Per customer request, we have added three new positions to the contract - general office helper, rural route counter, and data entry II-team lead - and we will consider more as the need arises. We have encouraged customers to continue considering other positions and contact CPM for assistance (see contact information below).

The eBuy catalog for Manpower is available. We require a 30-day notice (before the start date), but we recommend a 60-day notice on all requests for temporary services personnel to cover both Manpower's recruiting and the Inspection Service's security clearance processes.

The eBuy catalog is a mandatory source for all temporary agency employees. Do not solicit or use other sources, unless approved by the CPM manager and the contracting officer. (You can still hire casual employees as employees using PS Form 50, Notification of Personnel Action.)

For further information, questions, or assistance on the National Manpower contract, please contact the following:

Deborah A. Mobley, COR, CPM: 202-268-7011

Manpower On-Site Office: 202-268-6400

- Corporate Personnel Management,
Employee Resource Management, 10-28-04

Finance

CORRECTION - HANDBOOK F-15 REVISION

Travel Per Diem Rates

This article corrects the article "Handbook Revisions: Travel Per Diem Rates - Handbooks F-15 and F-12" published in Postal Bulletin 22138 (9-30-04, pages 28-39).

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed edition of Handbook F-15 and F-12 and into the next update of the online version accessible on the Postal ServiceTM PolicyNet Web site.

• Go to http://blue.usps.gov.

• Under "Essential Links" in the left-hand column, click on References.

• Under "References" in the right-hand column, click on PolicyNet.

• Then click on HBKs.

Handbook F-15, Travel and Relocation

* * * * *

Part 4 Appendixes

Appendix A Rates

* * * * *

A-2 Travel Per Diem Rates

* * * * *

A-2.4 High Cost Localities

* * * * *

* * * * *

Handbook F-12, Relocation Policy

* * * * *

B Relocation Rates

* * * * *

I Mileage Rates

C High cost localities

* * * * *

* * * * *

- National Accounting,
Finance, 10-28-04

CLARIFICATION - HANDBOOK F-1 REVISION

Check Acceptance Policy

This article clarifies the article "Handbook F-1 Revision: Check Acceptance Policy" published in Postal Bulletin 22139 (10-14-04, pages 21-24). Effective November 1, 2004, the requirement of photo-bearing identification does not apply to checks received by mail for payment of Post Office BoxTM and caller services, trust account deposits, or Stamps by Mail®. However, the acceptance employee must record the customer's Post Office Box and caller services numbers or trust account permit numbers for payment of these services, and mark "by mail" on the face of the checks.

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed edition of Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures, and into the next update of the online version accessible on the Postal ServiceTM PolicyNet Web site:

• Go to http://blue.usps.gov.

• Under "Essential Links" in the left-hand column, click on References.

• Under "References" in the right-hand column, click on PolicyNet.

• Then click on HBKs.

Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures

* * * * *

3 Managing Postal Funds

31 Acceptable Payment for Postal Goods and Services

* * * * *

312 Bank Checks

* * * * *

312.2 Checks Mailed in for Payments

* * * * *

[Revise item 4, delete item 5, and renumber item 6 as item 5:]

4> The requirement of photo-bearing identification is not applicable; however, the acceptance employee must record the customer's Post Office Box/caller services numbers or trust account permit numbers for payment of these services, and mark "by mail" on the face of the checks.

5> For checks in the amount of $1,000 or more, the issuing bank must be contacted by the Post Office to make sure the bank account is active. Record the bank official's name on the face of the check. (The district Finance manager may recommend a different threshold amount for this process following instructions outlined in section 312.)

* * * * *

- Revenue and Field Accounting,
Finance, 10-28-04

CLARIFICATION - HANDBOOK F-1 REVISION

Customer Permit Mailing Accounts

This article clarifies the article "Handbook F-1 Revision: Customer Permit Mailing Accounts" published in Postal Bulletin 22136 (9-2-04, pages 32-36).

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed edition of Handbook F-1 and into the next update of the online version accessible on the Postal ServiceTM PolicyNet Web site.

• Go to http://blue.usps.gov.

• Under "Essential Links" in the left-hand column, click on References.

• Under "References" in the right-hand column, click on PolicyNet.

• Then click on HBKs.

Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures

* * * * *

5 Trust, Suspense, and Financial Differences

51 Trust Funds

* * * * *

512 Handling Customer Permit Accounts

* * * * *

512.2 Withdrawals from Permit Accounts

512.21 Locally Managed Customer Permit Accounts (Post Office or Postal Retail Unit)

* * * * *

[Insert note after number 5 of 512.21 to read as follows:]

Note: Payment must be made for each mailing - either by cash, by check, or through an advance deposit account - before the mailing can be released for processing. If the funds paid or on deposit are less than the amount necessary to pay for the mailing, the difference must be paid or deposited before the mailing is accepted. Credit for postage is not allowed, nor is a negative balance in a trust account allowed.

512.22 Business Mail Entry Units

* * * * *

[Insert note after number 4 of 512.22 to read as follows:]

Note: Payment must be made for each mailing - either by cash, by check, or through an advance deposit account - before the mailing can be released for processing. If the funds paid or on deposit are less than the amount necessary to pay for the mailing, the difference must be paid or deposited before the mailing is accepted. Credit for postage is not allowed, nor is a negative balance in a trust account allowed.

* * * * *

513 Handling Other Trust Fund Accounts

* * * * *

513.4 Special Provisions for Business and Government Advance Deposits

* * * * *

[Revise the second sentence of 513.4 to read as follows:]

***These amounts are reported into AIC 074, Special Provisions Locally Managed Trust Advance Deposits, on PS Form 1412.***

* * * * *

514 Clearing Trust Fund Accounts

* * * * *

[Revise the last entry of the table to read as follows:]

* * * * *

Appendix A Account Identifier Code and General Ledger Account Crosswalk

* * * * *

[Revise AIC 074 to read as follows:]

* * * * *

[Revise AIC 474 to read as follows:]

* * * * *

- Revenue and Field Accounting, Finance, 10-28-04

International Mail

IMM AND PUBLICATION 51 REVISION

Requirements for Properly Addressing International Mail

Due to heightened security, many foreign postal administrations require complete sender and addressee information in roman letters and arabic numerals on postal items. Without this information, mailed items are subject to return.

Consequently, effective October 28, 2004, International Mail Manual (IMM) 122.2 and 431 and Publication 51, International Postal Rates and Fees, are revised to reflect this requirement. In addition, in the IMM, the Individual Country Listing for Canada is revised to reflect Canada's requirements pursuant to the Canada Customs Act.

We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version of IMM 31 and into the next printed version of Publication 51, and also into the online versions of the IMM and Publication 51, both of which can be accessed via Postal Explorer® at http://pe.usps.gov.

International Mail Manual (IMM)

1 International Mail Services

* * * * *

120 Preparation for Mailing

* * * * *

122 Addressing

* * * * *

122.2 Return Address

[Revise the paragraph by adding a new first sentence so that the paragraph in its entirety reads as follows (the first sentence is highlighted here merely for emphasis):]

Due to heightened security, many foreign postal administrations require complete sender and addressee information in roman letters and arabic numerals on postal items. The complete address of the sender, including ZIP Code and country of origin, should be shown in the upper left corner of the address side of the envelope, package, or card. Only one return address may be used. It must be located so that it does not affect either the clarity of the address of destination or the application of service labels and notations (postmarks, etc.). Unregistered items bearing a return address in another country are accepted only at the sender's risk. In the case of bulk mailings, the return address must be in the country of mailing. For the purpose of this section, a "bulk mailing" is 200 or more pieces mailed at the same time by the sender.

* * * * *

4 Treatment of Outbound Mail

* * * * *

430 Improperly Prepared Mail

431 Insufficient Address

* * * * *

[Add a note at the end of 431 to read as follows:]

Note: Due to heightened security, many foreign postal administrations require complete sender and addressee information in roman letters and arabic numerals on postal items.

* * * * *

Individual Country Listings

* * * * *

Canada

Country Conditions of Mailing

* * * * *

Observations

* * * * *

[Add new number 14 to read as follows:]

14. Pursuant to the Canada Customs Act and a need to heighten border security, Canada will deny entry of all postal items (except postcards) that do not bear complete sender and addressee information in roman letters and arabic numerals.

* * * * *

Publication 51, International Postal Rates and Fees

* * * * *

Mail Preparation

Addressing

* * * * *

Sender's Return Address

* * * * *

[Add a second paragraph to read as follows:]

Due to heightened security, many foreign postal administrations require complete sender and addressee information in roman letters and arabic numerals on postal items.

* * * * *

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 10-28-04

ICM UPDATES

International Customized Mail

We have combined ICM updates into one Postal Bulletin article to save space and paper. 7 ICM updates appear here.

On January 30, 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: February 1, 2004, through January 31, 2005.

b. Type of mail: Global Direct - Canada Lettermail. Every item must conform to the mailing requirements the Postal Service provides.

c. Destination countries: Canada.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Pos- tal Service has agreed to:

1. Provide the Mailer with pre-mailing consultation on postal regulations as they relate to Lettermail, including information on indicia, mail preparation and presentation.

2. Furnish the Mailer with any equipment and/or supplies required for the use of Qualifying Mail.

3. Verify the mailings at the Business Mail Entry Unit at the Processing and Distribution Center the Postal Service designates.

4. Facilitate postage payments through the use of Permit accounts.

5. Arrange transportation for Qualifying Mail from the Mailer's plant to the USPS Processing and Distribution Center, and to the appropriate Canada Post Corporation acceptance site in Canada.

6. Coordinate with Canada Post Corporation for delivery to addressees.

e. Minimum volume commitment: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum volume commitment of 50,000 pounds of Qualifying Lettermail or to pay at least $300,000 in postage on an annualized basis for Qualifying Lettermail.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Present all ICM Mail in accordance with the preparation requirements the Postal Service provides and to pay any penalty Canada Post Corporation may assess for mail which is not prepared in accordance with the appropriate preparation requirements.

2. Present mail for plant loading at the Mailer's location.

3. Pay postage to the Postal Service, either directly or through a mailing agent, for all Qualifying Mail by use of a dedicated permit imprint subject to the conditions stated in DMM P040.

4. Provide the Postal Service with projections of mailings including the intended date of mailing, weight, volume, and tender locations.

5. Provide the Postal Service with notification of any new acceptance sites and appropriate permit numbers, via e-mail or by fax at least two (2) weeks before the startup of each additional site.

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage for Qualifying Mail according to the rate charts in Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1, Rates

Letter Size

Flat Size

On June 30, 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 1, 2004, through June 30, 2005.

b. Type of mail: Global Direct - Canada Admail. Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for Qualifying Mail.

c. Destination countries: Canada.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Pos- tal Service has agreed to:

1. Furnish the Mailer, or its agent(s), with the postal equipment and postal supplies required for the use of Qualifying Mail.

2. Provide the Mailer, or its agent(s), with any training necessary to prepare mail shipments in conformity with the requirements of Qualifying Mail.

3. To arrange with carriers to transport Qualifying Mail to Canada where the proper authority will effect delivery.

4. Verify and accept Qualifying Mail at a location mutually agreed upon between the Mailer and the Postal Service.

e. Minimum volume commitment: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum volume commitment of 1,200,000 pieces of Qualifying Mail.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Mail a minimum of 25,000 Admail items or 250 pounds with at least 1,000 pieces per mailing.

2. Tender Qualifying Mail to the USPS in accordance with Canada Post Corporation requirements for Admail.

3. Tender Global Direct - Canada Admail at a location mutually agreed upon between the Mailer and the Postal Service.

4. Provide the Postal Service with an advance schedule of all mailings.

5. Provide the Postal Service, via e-mail, with notification of any new permit numbers at least two (2) weeks in advance of using the new permit numbers.

6. Pay postage to the Postal Service, either directly or through a mailing agent(s), for all Qualifying Mail with a dedicated unique permit imprint to be used only for Qualifying Mail, subject to the conditions stated in DMM P040. For non-identical weight items, mailings are acceptable as authorized under the specific procedures in one of the special payment programs in DMM 710 or P720.

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage for Qualifying Mail according to the rate charts in Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1, Global Direct - Canada Admail

On January 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: February 14, 2004, through June 30, 2006.

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

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Pos- tal Service has agreed to:

1. Furnish the Mailer or its agent(s) with the postal equipment and postal supplies required for the use of Qualifying Mail.

2. Provide the Mailer or its agent(s) with any training necessary to prepare mail shipments in conformity with the requirements for Qualifying Mail.

3. Provide the Mailer with technical assistance necessary to prepare the necessary information linkages, electronic data files, and data exchanges.

4. Arrange with carriers to transport Qualifying Mail to international destinations where the proper authority will effect delivery.

5. Return Global Express Mail (EMS) items refused by an addressee and undeliverable items to the Mailer via Express Mail at no charge provided that the return rate is no more than four percent (4.0%) of total volume.

6. Return Global Express Mail (EMS) items and Airmail Parcel Post items receiving Customs Pre-Payment, whether refused by an addressee or undeliverable, to the Mailer at the fees listed in Exhibit 1.

7. Return Airmail Parcel Post items refused by an addressee and undeliverable items to the Mailer according to the provisions of IMM 771.

8. Provide the Mailer with access to tracking reports, if applicable to the service, and delivery performance reports on a regular basis.

9. Present, at the Mailer's request, a customized binding Proposal detailing the number of hours required to complete a harmonization process. The Proposal shall be presented before the process begins.

10. Send an electronic data file for Global Express Mail (EMS) to Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and the United Kingdom and to send an electronic data file for Airmail Parcel Post to Australia, Canada, Singapore, and the countries of the European Union indicated in Exhibit 2 that will allow the Customs officials to review the contents of each shipment before the packages arrive.

e. Minimum volume commitment: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum volume commitment of 3,000 packages of Qualifying Mail.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Establish the necessary linkages with the Postal Service so that the Mailer and the Postal Serivice can exchange data transmissions concerning the Mailer's packages; and so that the Postal Service can extract information by scanning the Mailer- provided barcode on each package.

2. Exchange electronic information with the Postal Service according to the specifications and instructions the Postal Service provides.

3. Pay for the return of Global Express Mail (EMS) items and Airmail Parcel Post items receiving Customs Pre-Payment, whether refused by an addressee or undeliverable, at the fees listed in Exhibit 3.

4. Pay postage to the Postal Service, either directly or through a mailing agent, for all Qualifying Mail by use of a permit imprint subject to the conditions stated in DMM P040 (with the exception that DMM P040.1.1 shall not apply) and IMM 152.3.

5. Provide the Postal Service, via fax or e-mail, with notification of new permit numbers used for Qualifying Mail, one week in advance of using the new permit numbers.

6. Provide the appropriate Postal Service acceptance sites a schedule of mailings, including the intended date of tender, weight, volume, and location where mail will originate, in accordance with instructions the Postal Service provides.

7. Present the mailings to the Postal Service at a location the Postal Service designates.

8. Pay for any requested harmonization at a rate of $250 per hour.

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage for Qualifying Mail according to the rate charts in Exhibit 3.

Exhibit 1
Fees for the Return of Unopened Undeliverable and Refused Items Receiving Customs Pre-Payment

Exhibit 2
* Airmail Parcel Post Rate Group 6
Countries That Accept Customs Pre-Advice

1. Belgium

2. Denmark

3. France (including Corsica & Monaco)

4. Faroe Islands

5. Finland

6. Germany

7. Greece

8. Ireland

9. Italy

10. Luxembourg

11. Netherlands

12. Norway

13. Iceland

14. Switzerland

* Airmail Parcel Post Rate Group 7
Countries That Accept Customs Pre-Advice

1. Austria

2. Portugal (including Azores & Madeira Islands)

3. Spain (including Canary Islands)

4. Sweden

Exhibit 3
Global Express Mail (EMS)
Mailer Applies Labels