PostalReporter.com Blog

Talk about being a Grinch! On January 1st, more than 4 million federal employees — half of the government workforce — are having their benefits cut by Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS).

That’s right, BCBS has drastically altered a plan that millions of federal employees and their families rely upon for their healthcare coverage — and hasn’t bothered to notify anyone. Federal employees have only until December 8th to either switch their insurance plan or face the consequences.

These changes affect all Federal Blue Cross Blue Shield Standard Option plan holders nationwide.

For those affected by these changes, in addition to a 13% increase in premiums, out-of-network benefits for federal employees will be severely curtailed, affecting both emergency and surgical services. The policy change increases a patient’s out-of-pocket cost up to $7,500.00 for each procedure or surgery when using an out-of-network provider, and it imposes up to a $350.00 out-of-pocket cost for care provided by an out-of-network emergency room doctor.

Can you imagine patients trying to find out if their ER doctor or consulting surgical specialist is in-network or out-of-network when they’re having a broken leg set? Patients have the alternative of switching to an in-network doctor and keeping their previous benefits, but then their PPO with higher premiums is really just an HMO in disguise.

On top of that, the Office of Personnel Management describes the changes on page 10 of a 137-page document — burying the bad newsDespite OPM’s assurances that this benefit cut is actually good news, real patients, doctors and health care providers are upset with Blue Cross Blue Shield and want to take action.

To speak with an affected patient or doctor, please contact: Jason Miller at jmiller@dezenhall.com, or (202) 296-0263 x 136; or contact Gary Meltz at gmeltz@dezenhall.com, or (202) 296-0263 x 166

SOURCE DC Patients, Doctors and Healthcare Providers

From notice posted on Federal Biz Opps 

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is initiating a new acquisition program entitled “Next Generation Mail Processing Solution” to identify participants and sources of supply, capable of providing research and development, design, and in or out sourced manufacturing for a new state-of-the-art, automated, mail processing design solution. This solution will be deployed to sort and sequence the high volume of letter and flat mail currently processed within USPS facilities nationwide.

This market notice and supply chain opportunity is ultimately seeking suppliers who can offer new or not previously fielded concepts or variations of existing equipment, having an achievable maturation path leading to deployable equipment commencing within the next six years.

This initial notice is providing for market research and publication of opportunity, with a following step of additional discussions related to supplier capabilities and qualifications for inclusion within a competitive process toward the above goal.

Current Mail Processing Operational Information:

Currently, the Postal Service processes approximately 550 million letter and flat mail pieces at 283 processing facilities each day. The USPS segregates letter and flat shaped mail as it enters processing, and this separation is maintained throughout the sorting process. Our existing automated process yields a high volume of sorted mail to a finite number of delivery points. Several high speed processing runs are performed each day to accommodate all delivery points within a single mail processing centers’ coverage area. Letter and flat mail is manually merged during the final processing operations by our street carriers for delivery to the addressee.

NGMPS Program Objectives:

The NGMPS Program Objective is to deploy a system solution which will be capable of efficiently, reliably and accurately delivery point sequencing both letter and flat mail simultaneously within a merged mail stream and within the same system. As space is a cost consideration for the USPS, the solution should utilize and accomplish this task within the smallest footprint possible. The required output of the system is a single, combined mail stream for letter and flat mail in delivery point sequence order. Designed solutions should consider the use of specifically designed letter and flat mail input subsystems, or use feeders currently deployed within the Postal Service. Deployment of equipment to individual delivery units is not desired and does not meet the Postal Service’s future vision. Competitive factors for success will be sort and sequence accuracy, time to process, and the systems ability to support our established high standards of service for the American people. Additional factors are projected to be development cost to bring to market, system reliability, accept rate, labor cost to operate, and overall space required to accomplish the mission. Finally through NGMPS, the USPS seeks a system which can be deployed nationally and incrementally to provide maximum flexibility to delivery point sequence letter and flat shaped mail within existing and future Postal Service infrastructure.

Future Mail Trend Impact on NGMPS:

Research indicates a shift in mailing trends propelled by the numerous means of communication options available to business and consumers today. These trends are characterized by slower mail volume growth and continued increases in the number of delivery points. As volume growth slows, emphasis must shift to accommodate more delivery points with less volume. A new solution with processing based upon the volume of mail available, with delivery points as the variable, would provide an opportunity to streamline operations. Processing letter and flat shaped mail on one system (using either a single induction feeder or multiple induction feeders to accommodate the varying mail shapes) would eliminate the manual merging process, improve efficiencies, and reduce costs. The most efficient processing scenario would be a one feed solution for letter and flat mail, independent of delivery points, limited only by a maximum volume, which would provide a merged letter and flat mail product in delivery point order. The NGMPS Program is seeking such a solution.

NGMPS Acquisition Approach:

The Postal Service will provide for a supplier prequalification and competitive process through identified Phases leading to test and production deployment. The Postal Service is reviewing alternative approaches to ensure that it provides for selection of a best value solution which ensures supply base availability to support future deployment phases, quantity acquisitions, and system upgrades.

NGMPS Phase I Acquisition Schedule/Time Line:

It is envisioned that development and deployment of the NGMPS will be contracted for in phases. Phase I will include a study, concept design, and simulation deliverable. Simulation analysis is critical in demonstrating the potential USPS return on investment of the developed concept to substantially and positively impact USPS infrastructure in mail processing, transportation, logistic and delivery operations.

Phase II is planned as an equipment build and component test phase, with participation planned for those suppliers, and their manufacturing source if applicable, who submitted concept designs and simulations which were considered by the Postal Service as best value in the ability of the design concept to meet operational needs. Phase II will be divided into subsequent “equipment build” phases, which might include major component bread board, prototype, or pre-production phases depending upon the maturation level of the proposed solution.

It is anticipated that the USPS will issue a Statement of Objectives (SOO) to pre-qualified sources in January 2009, and that contracts for Phase I as described would be awarded no later than April 2009. A subsequent announcement prior to RFP issuance in January will identify all pre-qualified participants.

FedBizOpps

Post Office: Topaz, CA 96133

From the National Association of Postmasters Of the US

On November 20, 2008 NAPUS held its quarterly consultative meeting with the Postal
Service at the NAPUS Headquarters building. President Dale Goff, Secretary/Treasurer
Ruthie Cauble, incoming Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Orshak and Executive Director Ken
Engstrom attended representing NAPUS. Manager, Labor Relations Policy
Administration Bill Jones, Labor Relations Specialist Lee Ann Olohan, and Rich Rudez,
Manager of Retail USPS attended representing the Postal Service.

Introduction of the new players for each team were made. Incoming Secretary/Treasurer
Wayne Orshak was introduced to his first consultative meeting. Also introduced was
newly promoted Labor Relations Specialist Lee Ann Olohan who took over for Sheryl
Bonifer.

President Dale has made informational requests to Postal Headquarters on several issues
that Rich Rudez, USPS Manager Retail explained:

1. Question was asked about the measurement of EXFC concerning mail dropped
off in a collection box and the Priority and First Class mail sold after 5pm. This
affects every Postmasters NPA score and their end of the year merit. The answer
was that only the mail dropped before the last posted collection time will be
counted on the EXFC. The Priority and First Class sold at the retail window after
5pm will have tomorrow’s date. This then will roll out correct in the EXFC
process.

2. Question was asked about the new USPS Retail program, “SSA Daily Revenue
Goals” becoming another “got ya” system for the Postal Service. Both the
APWU and NAPUS have voiced our concerns over this new program. This
program involves giving goals to the window clerks based on the hours worked
by each clerk and the walk in revenue goal for the unit. Rich Rudez stated that
the program is not a “got ya” and stated that information will be put out to ALL
Area’s to focus on page one of the program. Which states: “The goal of the SSA
Revenue Goals System is to provide a revenue target for each SSA assigned to
work at a postal counter. It also provides a weekly and monthly revenue target for
each Postal facility at the 6-digit finance number level. The use of the tool
provides clarity of the role and the expectations of the SSA. Postal management
may use the tool as an opportunity to coach and reinforce the importance of
revenue generation at all levels of the organization. The tool presents the
opportunity to be used in local recognition programs as well as providing access
to revenue information.” In the Western Area an SOI was sent stating that
managers will “take corrective action” or “take appropriate correction action”
when the goals are not met. A letter written by Bill Jones, Manager Labor
Relations Policy Administration to President Dale Goff on November 20, 2008
states the intention is for the manager or supervisor to implement a change to
correct an identified deficiency. The SOI does not instruct or suggest the manager
or supervisor must take disciplinary action. The USPS stated that in messages in
the future this fact will be provided as a reminder. They also stated that they
welcome issues from NAPUS where we can work together to solve our
differences.

3. Question was asked why are Postmasters still being given discipline for the “wait
time in line” failures. This issue has been brought forward to the USPS in
consultative meetings as far back as 10/23/06. The APWU has a MOU on NO
discipline on a Mystery Shop. Doug Tulino, Vice President Labor Relations
USPS has stated in a letter that Mystery Shopper evaluations are not to be used as
a source for disciplinary action. Maybe the best way to present a Postmaster’s
issue when going into the MPOO’s office for a possible PIP is to give them the
“root cause” for the perceived failure. NAPUS has asked the Postal Service for
training to be given by Rich Rudez at next years National Convention in Alaska
on how to pull up the needed information in programs such as the “RDM &
WOS” reports. These tools will make the case for the Postmasters actions on any
given day.

4. Question was asked on where the Postal Service is on their timeline to consolidate
the SDO offices into the three main offices nationally. Postmasters have a hard
enough time getting their stamp orders now so NAPUS concern is very real when
it is the proposed action to cut these distributing units to three nationally. The
Postal Service stated they would get us updated information on this issue.
5. Question was asked on the status of the new program presented by the retail office
of the Postal Service titled “Lead Team Program”. Postal Service stated that this
program is to be discontinued.

6. Question was asked on when NAPUS will get an answer on the POV issue.
Postmasters are still being mandated to use their own vehicles to deliver mail.
The Postal Service stated that we will have a meeting in December 2008 with the
Law Department and the Vehicle Services Department of the USPS with NAPUS,
League, and NAPS.

7. Question was raised concerning the posting of Postmaster jobs when in states like
PA. and CA. they are posting and filling POOM vacancies. Are POOM positions
now considered more essential than a Postmaster position of a city? The Postal
Service did not have an answer but stated they would research and get back to
NAPUS.

8. Question was presented to the Postal Service regarding “bonus pay-outs” in the
Postal Service. The Postal Service did not have an answer but stated they would
get back to President Dale Goff with the information.

Association for Postal Commerce

“From today’s MTAC meeting: ‘The USPS today at the MTAC meeting announced an unprecedented route adjustment process as a result of a joint effort between the USPS and the NALC. The USPS said it needs to eliminate 9200 city carrier routes in FY 2009 in order to meet its budget goals. It said the route adjustments could impact 50 million addresses, 85,000-90,000 carrier routes and 5,000 delivery units. The USPS already has eliminated 1100 routes a change that took effect November 15. Adjustments will begin again on January 5 and continue until early April. The USPS urged mailers to update their address lists on a monthly basis over the next 4-5 months because a significant number of routes may be changed or eliminated. The USPS plans to post the information on its RIBBS web site as the adjustments are made.”

Press Release

U.S. Department of Labor final rule will expand FMLA for military families and clarify rules for workers and employers

Final rule brings two-year public process to close with common sense reforms for modern workforce

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor will publish a final rule on Nov. 17 to update its regulations under the 15-year-old Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) — a measure that will help workers and their employers better understand their rights and responsibilities, and speed the implementation of a new law that expands FMLA coverage for military family members.

“This final rule, for the first time, gives America’s military families special job-protected leave rights to care for brave service men and women who are wounded or injured, and also helps families of members of the National Guard and Reserves manage their affairs when their service member is called up for active duty,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “At the same time, the final rule provides needed clarity about general FMLA rights and obligations for both workers and employers.”

“This common sense, balanced rule is the product of a two year-long transparent process involving about 20,000 public comments and reflects the careful consideration of the views of FMLA’s stakeholders,” said Victoria A. Lipnic, assistant secretary for the Labor Department’s Employment Standards Administration.

Provisions in the final rule call for increased notice obligations for employers so that employees will better understand their FMLA rights, while revising the employee notice rules to minimize workplace disruptions due to unscheduled FMLA absences. The final rule also contains technical changes that reflect decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court and lower courts. (more…)

DECLINING MAIL VOLUME CITED

The Postal Service concluded fiscal year 2008 with a net loss of $2.8 billion as the national economic slowdown lowered mail volume and as the Postal Service bore additional costs mandated by the Postal Act of 2006.

The loss occurred despite more than $2 billion in cost-cutting measures that included the use of 50 million fewer workhours compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the on-time delivery of First-Class mail reached record levels for FY 08. The year-end results were presented during today’s meeting of the Postal Service Board of Governors.

Mail volume in FY 08 totaled 202.7 billion pieces, a decline of 9.5 billion pieces, or 4.5 percent, compared to the previous fiscal year. Declining mail volume was a symptom of the worsening national economy, particularly related to the financial and housing industries and to trends toward the use of electronic mail.

Total revenue in FY 08 was $75 billion, unchanged from last year. Expenses totaled $77.8 billion, including the $5.6 billion payment required by the Postal Act of 2006 to pre-fund retiree health benefits.

Excluding all the retiree health benefit fund payments from 2008 and 2007, expenses were up less than 1 percent over last year. Cost reductions offset nearly all of the impact from rising inflation, of which the major contributors were a $562 million increase in cost of living adjustments paid to craft employees and $525 million in additional fuel costs.

FINANCIAL OUTLOOK

“We expect the new fiscal year to be another difficult one for the Postal Service and the entire mailing industry, as economic factors will continue to reduce mail volume and increase expenses,” PMG Jack Potter told the Board of Governors at today’s meeting. “As we continue to reduce workhours and other costs, our top priority remains providing excellent service to our customers. The combination of excellent service and affordable prices makes postal products a great value.”

In addition to the weak or contracting economy and the diversion of mail to electronic means, the pre-funding of retiree health benefits continues to have a significant impact on Postal Service finances.

“The Board will work with members of Congress to ease some of the financial pressure we are currently facing from the Postal Act,” Board Chairman Alan Kessler announced at today’s meeting. “Legislative relief is only part of the solution to the problems facing the Postal Service. The Board and management will actively pursue the actions necessary to further reduce costs and grow revenue,” Kessler added.

FOURTH QUARTER SERVICE PERFORMANCE

In the fourth quarter of FY 08, on-time delivery performance for overnight First-Class Mail service remained at 97 percent for the second consecutive quarter, one point above the same period last year. Two-day service was 94 percent on-time and three-day service was 93 percent on-time, unchanged from the fourth quarter of the previous year.

USPS TO CHANGE SHIPPING PRICES IN JANUARY

Shipping services prices will change on Sunday, Jan. 18, for Express Mail, Priority Mail, Parcel Select, Parcel Return Service and some international shipping products. Overall, shipping services prices will increase an average of 5 percent. For the new prices, click here (click “New Shipping Prices” box).

Residual Mail Processing Sources Sought

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is seeking to obtain information on potential strategic sources for developing, acquiring, and managing a system to automate the processing of residual letter and flat volumes. These residual letter mail and flat mail volumes manifest themselves as current letter and flat automation rejects or non-automation compatible mailpieces. The new system will replace the current manual distribution processes of sorting letter and flat rejects or non-automation compatible mailpieces. Respondents to this Sources Sought Notice are requested to submit “white papers” on their approach or solution for the automation of residual letter and flat volumes.

Companies must describe their system concept, its technical and functional feasibility and capability of going from prototype to production to deployment. At a minimal your white paper must depict how your company will accomplish the following:

1. Process all letter and flat mail residual volumes, without regard to physical mailpiece shape, height, width, weight and condition. Provide an automated volume input method, that may include an operator assisted input function.

2. Derive finest depth-of-code address data for individual residual mail pieces. As a minimum, the following mail piece data will be determined: finalized ZIP Code data based upon the delivery address. 3. Uniquely identify - via tag info - each mailpiece processed. 4. Accept sort plan data from the National Directory Support System (NDSS). 5. Provide sortation depth to the carrier park point or relay point (as available in the national DPF file. 6. Shall not create reject / subsequent handling residual pieces. 7. Include a Video Encoding workstation. 8. Contain Undeliverable -as-Addressed handling capability

The Respondents to this Sources Sought Notice are reminded that responses to this notice are not considered offers and will not be accepted by the Postal Service to form a binding contract. In addition, the Postal Service will not incur any monetary obligation associated with this Sources Sought Notice or any responses thereto.

source: Federal Business Opportunties

Press Release from the US Postal Service

Statement of Gerald J. McKiernan
Manager, Media Relations, USPS

A news story currently in wide circulation is reporting that the Postal Service will soon layoff 40,000 employees. This story is not accurate. Originating out of Shreveport, LA, the story does quote a Postal Service spokesperson. Unfortunately, that spokesperson was in error. The Postal Service is not laying off employees. Efforts to match our workforce to a reduced workload are focused on voluntary early retirements. Voluntary early retirement has been offered to a number of employees and to date, 3,685 employees have accepted the offer.

This is what was discussed at a meeting of all District Managers and Plant Managers held in Chicago last week:

 7000 to 9000 routes have to be removed in FY 09.

Two rate increases in FY 09 packages will go up 5% in January, 1st Class will go up 4.8% in May.

Base pay will be frozen.

If we stop Saturday delivery it will be a savings of 3.5 - 5.0 billion, but we can’t do that by ourselfs, has to go through congress.

DPS goal will be 95% in FY09.

Mail will have to be finished in processing by 0600AM.

FSS orders have been cut, so if your district was getting 4 or five you will be getting only three now.

The volume we are working now is the same as it was in 1977.

Letters are going out this week informing clerks they are now going to be carriers.

We need to cut our compliment by 64,600 employees this FY.

Only 8,500 took the VERA, the goal was 40,000.
HQ will be reduced by 1,200 positions.

Registry jobs will not be posted as registry only jobs, they will have other duties including registry.

Pay is frozen for all executive positions.

SOURCE: http://www.lettercarriernetwork.info/