U.S. Postal Service

The purpose of the Postal Service’s universal service obligation (USO) is to ensure that all postal users receive a minimum level of service at a reasonable price. However, many aspects of the Postal Service’s current USO are not clearly defined. A further defined USO would protect postal customers...

OIG data analytics identified all Orlo Vista Branch’s retail floor stock inventory counts in fiscal years (FY) 2019 and 2020, Quarter (Q) 1, to be outside of tolerance levels. In addition, the last two counts of retail floor stock resulted in overages and shortages in excess of $4,000 (absolute...

We chose the Foothill Station based on our analysis of city carriers returning after 6:00 p.m. using data from the Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDW). Our objective was to review select mail delivery and customer service operations at the Foothill Station. Our fieldwork was completed before the...

At the end of a contract life cycle, Supply Management is required to close out the contract by concluding or resolving all contractual requirements. Contracting officers (CO) are responsible for ensuring that all contract closeout activities are performed. Our objective was to assess the...

Our objective was to assess whether the Postal Service is effectively hiring and retaining first-line supervisors. We reviewed recruitment and retention initiatives to determine if they met their intended purpose. Additionally, we evaluated a statistical sample of 246 first-line supervisor vacancies...

Our objective was to determine if Postal Service management is adhering to building maintenance and safety and security standards and employee working condition requirements at post offices.

Forensic Laboratory Services (FLS) consists of the National Forensic Laboratory near Washington, D.C., and 22 digital laboratories throughout the country. FLS has been accredited since 2009 and employs forensic scientists, analysts, and contractors to assist in identifying individuals responsible...

Our objective was to evaluate the accuracy of Postal Service “zone”-based postage rates. These rates apply to select mail products including Priority Mail, Bound Printed Matter, Parcel Select, First Class Package Service, and Periodicals. The total volume of competitive and market dominant mail that...

Many global postal operators, including the Postal Service, face difficulty covering the costs of their rural post offices. At the same time, rural post offices serve a special role for many small communities. The OIG studied how postal providers in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Sweden, and...

Postal Service employees with delegated purchase card local buying authority (cardholders) may use the expense purchase card in accordance with purchase card policies and procedures and are required to obtain approval for purchases. Purchase card local buying authority is the authority to buy and...