USPS Responds to Questions On Proposed Direct Mail Solution Initiative
The USPS is conducting market information research to identify interested organizations with the capability to partner with the USPS to develop; host; and market a go-to-market strategy. Yesterday via FedBizOPP USPS posted answers to questions posed by possible partners. See details of the solicitation and the Questions and Answers Questions with USPS Responses.doc
Q 1: How does the USPS envision this new initiative to differ from what is currently offered from Amazing Mail and Click2Mail?
R 1: No such assessments have been made. The purpose of this RFI is to get information for market research and planning purposes. The USPS’ goal is to provide access to a full portfolio of nationwide services and solutions that continue to add value to the mail process and reach as many customers as possible.
Q 2: What has the USPS learned from those endeavors?
R 2: The Postal Service considers the information requested to be proprietary and confidential.
Q 3: Will the USPS look to increase the number of partners, and if so, how many additional partners will be chosen?
R 3: See Response 1.
Q 4: Section 1.4 mentions a “revenue share arrangements” – does the current contract with Amazing Mail and Click 2 Mail have a revenue share agreement? If so, what is the basis for the revenue share – postage, Production mark-up?
R 4: This information is considered proprietary and confidential. As referenced in section 1.4 of the RFI, we are seeking industry input on potential business models and revenue share arrangements.
Q 5: How many orders a day does the USPS link to AmazingMail and Click2Mail generate?
R 5: This information is considered proprietary and confidential.
Q 6: Is the USPS allowed to develop competing products and services that are already being provided by companies in the private sector, when such competition potentially could bring economic harm to some of the USPS’s own best customers?
R 6: The Postal Service believes that it has the authority to promote and increase the use of direct mail by small and medium sized enterprises, to the benefit the overall mailing industry. The Postal Service’s goal is to provide services that continue to add value to the mail process and reach as many customers as possible with solutions that can be offered nationwide.
Q 7: In response to the statement: “Allowing the user to create a direct mail order and navigate other elements on the site without the need of having a login account.” Why does the USPS feel this requirement is a necessity?
R 7: Based on USPS research, customers have indicated that the creation of mail is a cumbersome and extensive process. Our goal is to make the creation of mail as user friendly and easy to use as possible before log-in is required. Read more
Postal Contracts
The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG) intends to award a Blanket Purchasing Agreement (BPA) to a qualified organization to assist OIG staff with specific subject matter expertise in areas such as Postal Economics, Financial Reporting, Transportation, Engineering, Supply Management, Delivery, Sales and Service, Information Technology (IT), and Network Optimization.
https://www.fbo.gov/spg/USPS/SSP/OIG/6HQOIG-10-A-0005/listing.html
The OIG has undertaken a project to upgrade existing analog Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems to an IP based camera system known as the Integrated Security and Investigative Platform (ISIP). The ISIP is to be deployed at USPS facilities nationwide in order to provide OIG Special Agents with enhanced video surveillance capabilities of activities occurring within USPS facilities.
https://www.fbo.gov/spg/USPS/SSP/OIG/6HQOIG-10-A-0006/listing.html
Direct Mail Online Solution
USPS is looking to enter into business relationships to enable access to a comprehensive, end-to-end, online direct mail solution targeted at Small and Medium size Enterprises (SME). The online solution will be:
• A convenient and easy-to-use, turnkey online service providing end-to-end functionality that allows SMEs to develop and execute direct marketing campaigns in a few simple steps.
• A standardized and scalable platform that can be leveraged across SME segments and distribution channels
https://www.fbo.gov/spg/USPS/SSP/PPHQ/RFI-SMEDM-03302010/listing.html
USPS eSourcing
All suppliers interested in doing business with the U.S. Postal Service should register their organization in the Supplier Registration module of the USPS eSourcing solution. Registration provides suppliers the opportunity to ensure their organization is included in this extensive supplier database. USPS eSourcing is a web-based electronic solicitation and reverse auction application that automates, standardizes, and streamlines the sourcing of supplies, services, equipment, transportation, and facilities. The solution is also utilized as one additional method for USPS to search for viable suppliers.
Supplier registration provides suppliers eligibility to participate in USPS eSourcing events. Suppliers can access the solution at https://uspsesourcing.emptoris.com. Once on the landing page, simply click on the “Register Supplier Organization” hyperlink to begin the registration process. Suppliers are encouraged to review the eSourcing Supplier Registration Guide (located at http://www.usps.com/suppliers/howto/registration.htm) prior to starting the registration process. This guide provides insight to completing the registration entry.
https://www.fbo.gov/spg/USPS/1/1/USPS-SUPPLIER-REGISTRATION/listing.html
PRC Seeking Third Party Consultant Services To Review USPS Current CSRS Obligations
PRC looking for Actuarial Consultant Services to review current CSRS obligations
Statement of Work for Actuarial Consultant Services – Federal Business Opportunities: Opportunities:
Recent Developments
On January 20, 2010, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG) published a document entitled “The Postal Service’s Share of CSRS Pension Responsibility.” This paper is identified as Report No. RARC-WP-10-001 and is posted under White Papers on the USPS OIG’s website.
The paper examines the Postal Service’s responsibility for CSRS-related pension obligations at the time of the Postal Service’s July 1, 1971 transition from a Department-level agency (Post Office Department) to an independent establishment of the federal government. It notes that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) developed the current method of allocating these obligations between the Postal Service and the Federal Government and explains the methodology, including key assumptions. The report also describes an approach that the OIG believes would be more appropriate and equitable.
On February 23, 2010, as modified March 2, 2010, the Postal Service requested that the Commission initiate a review of decisions made by OPM regarding the Postal Service’s CSRS liabilities and issues highlighted in the USPS OIG report, including the report’s conclusion that OPM’s method, among other things, has resulted in substantial overfunding. The request was filed pursuant to section 802(c) of the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (PAEA) of 2006, Pub. L. 109-435, 120 Stat. 3250-51. The Postal Service requests the Commission’s opinion on the fairness and equity of the current OPM method used to apportion the CSRS obligation between the Postal Service and the POD.
Objectives
The PRC requires actuarial consultant services, using the OIG report as background, to review the method selected by OPM to allocate CSRS obligations associated with USPS employees’ POD-era service between the Postal Service and the federal government.
Tasks
The actuarial consultant shall provide reports, documentation and deliverables in verbal, written or electronic format (as appropriate) and shall provide weekly written progress reports.
Project Details
The actuarial consultant shall:
Review the method employed by OPM to allocate CSRS liabilities incurred during employment by the POD and during employment with the USPS between the Postal Service and the Federal Government for the purpose of assessing the advantages and disadvantages of this allocation method
Advise as to any alternative methods that should be considered, including (but not limited to) the method suggested in the OIG paper
Provide an assessment of how an allocation would be structured if all parties had negotiating power similar to that involved in acquisitions in the private sector
As applicable, provide recommendations typically made in similar situations for estimating the allocation of pension liability between a parent company and subsidiaries, particularly if those subsidiaries are divested
As applicable, compare OPM’s current method of allocation to standard or typical allocation methods used in a spin-off by other semi-government, government bodies or private sector entity undergoing a similar restructuring
Meet with OPM, USPS and USPS OIG actuaries, as needed, to discuss and to apply methods and results.
Support PRC staff members in identifying and assessing appropriate allocation methods
Provide related supporting data and, to the extent practicable, models or description thereof, to PRC staff
Address the appropriate level of funding for a Retiree Pension fund, including standard or typical practice, risks of overfunding vs. underfunding, volatility of funding assumptions, and any other important issues
Requirements
The actuarial consultant must be a member in good standing of the American Academy of Actuaries, have extensive experience in the pension field, and must have experience analyzing pension issues in a legal and legislative context.
The actuarial consultant must disclose all current and previous work performed for USPS or any other federal agency. The actuarial consultant also must disclose any pending negotiations for professional engagements with USPS or other federal agencies, apart from this SOW.
The actuarial consultant shall provide a description of qualifications, proposed work methods, an estimate of the length of time needed to complete the project, the total cost of the project, and the basis for the calculation.
The actuarial consultant shall acknowledge that if selected to provide professional services pursuant to this SOW, all work will be conducted with the understanding that time is of the essence in meeting the contractual deadline and that no extension of the deadline will be allowed.
Deliverables Date due: July 1, 2010
Provide a written evaluation of the determinative factors in assessing an appropriate allocation method and an evaluation of the current method used in OPM’s allocation. The evaluation will include:
1. A comparison, where appropriate, to allocation methods typically used for splitting pension liabilities;
2. An assessment of the alternative method set out in the OIG paper;
3. Specific discussion of the effects of the current allocation method on affected parties
Commission and Staff Review Session
USPS Seeks Manufacturer For Anti-Pilferage Seals To Use On Mail Containers
The US Postal Service posted following notice on the Federal Business Opportunities website:
A successful manufacturer of seals shall be capable of producing anti-pilferage seals with the minimum general requirements listed below:
The seal is intended for use on mail containers where security is of utmost importance. The seal shall secure the mail containers and shall not allow the container to be opened without physical destruction of the seal. The seal shall be a passive one time use locking device and shall indicate tampering or access into the mail containers. The seal shall close and lock in a manner that provides an audible and tactile feedback to the user that the seal has closed securely. When forcibly opened or cut, the seal shall be incapable of being resealed. The seal shall be protected against “picking”, i.e., to unlock and re-close the seal without evidence of tampering. Any attempt to open the seal should be readily detectable.
Each seal shall bear a printed barcode that encodes its unique sequential serial number. The barcode shall match an eight (8) digit identification number embossed on the seal. The barcode shall be compatible with USPS scanners and utilize one of the following barcode symbologies (to be specified in the future): GS1-128; ISS Code 128; DataMatrix; PDF-417; Interleaved 2-of -5 (I 2-of-5); or Code 39. At least 70 percent of the barcodes in each shipment of seals shall have an overall symbol grade of “B” or better. The remainder shall measure no less than a symbol grade of “C”. Specified symbol grades are based upon the ISO/IEC 15416 Barode Print Quality Guideline (formerly INCITS 182) which recommends a method of measuring the quality parameters of printed barcode symbols.
source: Federal Business Opportunities
USPS OIG Awards Contract To Company For Purpose Of Scrutinizing OWCP Medical Bills
Postal Reporter Reader: The OIG is carefully scrutinizing OWCP medical bills. (see attachment) This will discourage some providers from taking these patients. Why would a physician want the hassle of dealing with the OIG?
From FedBizOpp
This Solicitation/Award Package is issued to acquire professional services for the review of medical record documentation and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding analysis of bill payment records to substantiate healthcare fraud in accordance with the attached Statement of Work (SOW).
Scope of Work
The United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General conducts investigations of medical providers suspected of false billings related to medical services provided to Postal Service employees receiving FECA-OWCP benefits. These healthcare fraud investigations may require review of the medical and billing records by an independent source to substantiate the fraud and determine the financial loss to the Postal Service. In addition, expert medical testimony by the supplier’s reviewer may be required during criminal and/or civil proceedings.
https://www.fbo.gov/spg/USPS/SSP/OIG/6HQOIG-08-A-0009/listing.html
USPS Still Seeking Home-Based Independent Contractors For EEO Investigations
An EEO investigator is paid on a “per case” basis, generally $1100. Note that these positions are open to postal retirees. Preferred applicants have three years experience in EEO law or EEO complaint processing with a background in Human Resources, Labor Relations, or Law.
Don
From Federal Business Opportunities website
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is soliciting individuals with the right skill sets and availability to invest numerous hours a week to conduct EEO investigations in accordance with EEOC regulations and USPS quality and timeliness standards. Selected individuals will be home-based independent contractors, located throughout the United States, who will enter into Ordering Agreements with the USPS to provide investigative services in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement. Individual Task Orders assigning the investigation of particular complaints of discrimination may be issued under the Ordering Agreement in a “fee for service” arrangement. There is no guarantee of work or the number of cases assigned. An investigator is paid on a “per case” basis, generally $1100, on successful completion of the case
USPS Seeks Supplier For Renewable Energy Project(s) – Solar
The purpose of this project is to provide renewable energy solutions through the installation of stand alone solar technologies to offset the energy cost at selected USPS owned facilities. The overall expectation is to deliver up to nine sites achieving between 10 MW and 15MW of solar systems. As the project advances it is anticipated that six to twenty-five sites ranging from 100 kilowatts to 2 megawatts will be added to the program every two years. The determining program expansion factors are dependant on the Postal Service requirements to reduce its greenhouse gas and carbon footprint and the financial value to the USPS.
source: Fed Biz Opps
USPS To Offer Greeting Cards In Post Offices
The United States Postal Service (USPS) will partner with a supplier who has NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION AND WAREHOUSING CAPABILITIES to introduce a range of greeting card formats to be sold at postal retail locations. This initiative will:
• Determine retail sales opportunity of offering greeting cards in Post Offices
• Evaluate SKU level sales to optimize product mix for launch
• Evaluate merchandising solutions
o Flexibility of solutions for varied office configurations
o Aesthetically pleasing in USPS retail environment
o Meets USPS requirements (i.e., Safety & Heath Equipment Guidelines)
• Increase single-piece First Class Mail volume
• Provide added convenience to USPS customers
• Provide added support to USPS retail employees
The Postal Service will execute the Greeting Card test pilot in three (3) phases. Phase I will issue a RFP for the Greeting Card test, along with a Statement of Objective (SOO). SOO is defined as “a document that describes the basic, high-level objectives of the purchase, to allow potential suppliers the flexibility to develop cost-effective solutions and the opportunity to propose innovative alternatives to meet Postal Service objectives. “ Phase II is the actual Greeting Card Test Phase for the successful candidate. The Test will be performed in 1,500 Post Offices. The test phase is expected to run at least one (1) year, and is planned to start October 1, 2009. Phase III exercises the Option Period, which allows the supplier to update their proposals and write the final Statement of Work. USPS intends full implementation to approximately 15,000 Post Offices.
source: Fed Biz Opp
USPS Seeks Suppliers For Its Electric Vehicle Conversion of Delivery Vehicles
From Federal Business Opportunities
The U. S. Postal Service is considering potential suppliers for its Electric Vehicle (EV) conversion of Long Life Vehicles (LLVs).
The USPS is actively evaluating various alternative vehicle technologies for the eventual replacement of our fleet of delivery vehicles. One technology with a good potential is an all-electric drive train. The majority of our vehicles have a route length of less than 20 miles and park overnight for approximately 16 hours daily.
The 142,000 LLVs in our fleet operate in each of the 50 States, delivering mail in a wide range of weather conditions and over a variety of urban terrain. Though still not optimal, the LLV design has developed over decades of postal deliveries and continues to be improved upon.
USPS Seeking Contractor To Create New ID Cards For Postal Employees
The United States Postal Service is requesting quote for the Identification for Postal Access and Security Standardization (iPass) Card Initiative
Background
Today, the United States Postal Service (USPS) does not have uniform identification card requirements across facilities. Many employees require multiple access cards for different facilities, and districts have different policies regarding employee identification card design, purpose, and type of information stored. As a result, the United States Postal Service (“Postal Service”) has initiated the Identification for Postal Access and Security Standardization (iPass) program to issue a uniform identification card for all career employees in order to improve the management of employee identification and facility security.
The purpose of this Request for Quotation (RFQ) is to receive pricing for a minimum of 700,000 uniform identification (ID) cards following specific United States Postal Service (“Postal Service”) topology and technology requirements. Of the 700,000 cards, only 200,000 will have specific technical requirements regarding a proximity antenna.
Scope
All Postal Service career employees will be issued a uniform identification and access card that may be interoperable with Postal Service physical access control systems (PACS) depending on the PACS type. It will be the official identification of the Postal Service and allow for entry to all Postal Service facilities (based on an employee’s access needs). Specifically, this procurement is for approximately 700,000 non-personalized stock cards and their delivery to the USPS.
source: Federal Business Opportunities