Federal Times writer wins investigative journalism award for coverage of USPS Bernstock scandal
From the Federal Times Fedline blog:
Senior Writer Stephen Losey won the first place award for investigative journalism for “Did top postal exec break contracting rules?”, which examined how former U.S. Postal Service executive
Robert Bernstock awarded millions of dollars in no-bid contracts to his former business associates. “This look into non-bid contract giving by one official at the financially strapped Postal Service yielded what makes investigative journalism worth the effort: Response in the form of the probed official’s resignation and a rebidding of contracts under the microscope,” the judges said. “Congratulations to Losey and his editors for meaningful work that may have helped save taxpayers some money, but more importantly reminded readers of the importance of fairness and ethics in the public realm. Losey’s enterprising efforts should be praised for training a light on shadowy places.”
source: Federal Times wins three SPJ Dateline Awards – Fedline – The Federal Times Blog
Letter to Rep. Gallegly: USPS OIG Can’t Get Bernstock Prosecuted?
Letter sent to President Barack Obama, Senators Diane Feinstein, Barbara Boxer and Congressman Elton Gallegly by Guy Nohrenberg, Simi Valley,CA
How is it that the US Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG) cannot get Robert F. Bernstock prosecuted? The OIG has gathered enough evidence on this Postal Official to send it to the District Attorney and yet the case was turned down? Why?
What in the world is going on here? I know of front line supervisors fired for doing route inspection paperwork with their postmaster, carriers who were fired for letting their child sit in daddy’s jeep, and clerks who have been investigated for having Government pens at their homes. Yet this guy, Robert F. Bernstock isn’t even prosecuted? If I were an OIG Agent, I’d be pissed and embarrassed. The OIG cannot get Robert F. Bernstock to court? There are some big dogs stealing and wasting millions for their own personal gain. The boys and girls in the OIG set out instead to chase a few craft employees for pennies.
Read full text of letter via Congress.org
USPS OIG: Former Postal Marketing Exec Robert Bernstock misused staff, contractors
From the Federal Times
The U.S. Postal Service’s former top marketing executive repeatedly used government staff — and at least two business associates he hired with sole-source contracts — to manage his personal finances and outside business interests, according to a new report. Robert Bernstock, who resigned June 4, admitted to Office of Inspector General investigators that he had used postal resources and staff to handle his personal business while on the agency’s time. The report, released today, said his use of Postal Service employees and property to conduct personal business was improper. The report also raises questions about Postal Service general counsel Mary Anne Gibbons’ apparent failure to report Bernstock’s improper use of postal staff. download the entire report by clicking here.
USPS President Under Fire For Directing Postal Contracts To Former Associates Resigns
USPS President Under Fire For Directing Postal Contracts To Former Associates Resigns
Postmaster General Announces Leadership Change
Bernstock to Leave U.S. Postal Service in June
WASHINGTON — Postmaster General John Potter today accepted the resignation of Robert F. Bernstock as president of Mailing and Shipping Services, effective June 4.
Bernstock will pursue opportunities in the private sector.
Bernstock joined the Postal Service as president of the newly created Mailing and Shipping Services in June 2008, agreeing to work with the Postal Service for an initial period of two years.
“Bob led the effort to rethink and redesign the USPS customer experience. His talent, creativity and extensive business experience have benefitted the Postal Service, our customers and our employees,” Potter said.
As president, Bernstock was responsible for all product management, product development, retail and commercial products and services, as well as commercial sales. The division is responsible for more than $65 billion in annual revenue.
Among Bernstock’s achievements during his tenure at the Postal Service are:
* The Summer Sale and other groundbreaking pricing incentives that successfully generated incremental mail volume and increased revenue.
* The Priority Mail Flat Rate Box integrated marketing campaign, “A Simpler Way to Ship” that engaged employees across the country, provided consistent and unified messaging across all retail channels and led to record growth.
* A complete reimagining and revenue-focused redesign of the Postal Service website, usps.com. When complete this fall, customers will find a 21st Century system architecture that is easier to navigate, with customer-friendly interactive features making it even easier to do business with the Postal Service.
* The first Postal Service mobile applications launched earlier this year are part of ongoing efforts to channel technology for customer and business benefits.
* The first Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) “app” that allows customers to buy greetings with postage included for one price. “Postage Paid Greetings” uses a unique IMb on each card included in a package of cards. The business customer pays the postage expense when the cards are mailed.
“Bob’s work will have long-lasting, positive impact on the Postal Service and its customers,” Potter said.
Related link: USPS Executive Moonlights For Cash From Corporations