Accuracy of In-Office Cost System Data

Our objective was to assess the accuracy and reliability of In-Office Cost System (IOCS) telephone readings. The IOCS is the primary probability sampling system used by the U.S. Postal Service to attribute the labor costs of clerks, mail handlers, city carriers, and supervisors related to the handling of mail of all classes and rate categories. While the DCTs observed by the OIG during selected site visits generally followed policies and procedures, opportunities exist to improve sampling procedures and controls to enhance the accuracy and reliability of the data.