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NCOA^Link: the Premium Pre -Mailin g

New Move Update processing changes:

• Increase the minimum frequency of all Move Update processing from 185 (calendar) days to 95 days prior to the date of mailing.
• Expand the Move Update standards from First-Class Mail automation and presort mailings to include all Standard Mail mailings.

The New Move Update standards mean that starting Nov. 23, mailers must begin using addresses on mailpieces that were updated within the previous 95 days of the mailing date.

For example, a mailing entered on Jan. 5, 2009, must bear addresses that were updated no earlier than Oct. 2, 2008. Eligible mailpieces bearing an alternative address format such as “John Doe or Current Resident,” “Occupant” or “Postal Customer,” are not subject to the Move Update standards.

One of the best methods for Move Update processing prior to mailing is the National Change of Address Linkage System — or NCOA^Link.

NCOA^Link allows mailers to electronically process their mailing lists against the USPS National Change of Address database. NCOA^Link reduces undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) mail by correcting input addresses in the file prior to mailing.

Using NCOA^Link prior to the mailing will help mailers avoid unnecessary production and postage costs for mail that may not be forwardable or that the mailer does not want to have forwarded. It also helps keep Postal Service processing costs down by eliminating forwarding and return-tosender processing of UAA mail.

The NCOA^Link process consists of computer software purchased, leased or developed by the licensee to access NCOA^Link data. USPS certifies the process and licenses the NCOA^Link product to private sector companies for commercial mail list processing, or internal mail list management.

USPS provides updated, computerized change-of-address information on a weekly basis to NCOA^Link Full Service and Limited Service Provider licensees and monthly to End User licensees.

NCOA^Link Processing Acknowledgement Form

Almost five out of every 100 mailpieces are UAA. When you look at UAA mail by reason, approximately 75 percent is caused by people moving. In addition, when you look at UAA mail by class, Standard Mail accounts for almost 63 percent of all UAA mail volume.

There are three types of NCOA^Link licensing:

• Full Service licensee receives a 48-month COA database.
• Limited Service licensee receives an 18-month COA database.
• End User licensee receives 18-month COA data.

NCOA^Link Full Service and Limited Service licensees are required by their license agreement with USPS to acquire a Processing Acknowledgement Form (PAF) for each of their customers. The PAF is not a requirement for the End User licensee.

The PAF is an essential part of the NCOA^Link process because it enables USPS and the mailing industry to comply with the Privacy Act of 1974 by way of a written request to use COA information for mailing purposes. Specifically, section 552a of Title 5 states in part: