Our objective was to assess the Postal Service’s management of its employees’ use of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Although the FFCRA expired on December 31, 2020, the Postal Service continued to allow liberal leave usage for employees who had a sickness related to COVID‑19. On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law. This Act is similar to the FFCRA in that it created a new type of leave. Effective March 12, 2021, and continuing through September 30, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act provides employees with up to 600 hours of paid leave. The OPM issued guidance on using the new leave authority on April 29, 2021.
Report File
Date Issued
Submitting OIG
U.S. Postal Service OIG
Other Participating OIGs
U.S. Postal Service OIG
Agencies Reviewed/Investigated
U.S. Postal Service
Report Number
21-032-R21
Report Description
Report Type
Audit
Special Projects
Pandemic
Agency Wide
Yes
Number of Recommendations
4
Questioned Costs
$12,381,178
Funds for Better Use
$0