82 FR 49123 - Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process
POSTAL SERVICE Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 204 (October 24, 2017)
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 204 (October 24, 2017)
| Page Range | 49123-49128 | |
| FR Document | 2017-22962 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 204 (Tuesday, October 24, 2017)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 49123-49128] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-22962] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- POSTAL SERVICE 39 CFR Part 111 Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process AGENCY: Postal ServiceTM. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Postal Service is revising Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]), to include a new method of Move Update verification and assessment procedure for evaluating address quality, the ``Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process.'' This new procedure is applicable to mailers who enter eligible letter- and flat-size pieces of First-Class Mail[supreg] and USPS Marketing MailTM that meet the requirements for Basic or Full Service mailings. In addition, the Postal Service is extending no-fee Address Correction Service (ACSTM) to mailers who enter qualifying mailpieces. DATES: Effective January 21, 2018. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Heather Dyer, USPS Mail Entry, Phone: (207) 482-7217, Email: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 30, 2017, the Postal Service filed a notice of price adjustment with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) seeking approval of price and classification changes related to the Address Quality Measurement and Assessment Process, and the extension of no-fee ACS to mailers who enter qualifying mailpieces. On August 23, 2017, the PRC approved the price and classification changes related to the Address Quality Assessment and Measurement Assessment Process, including the 0.5 percent error threshold, and Move Update assessment charge. In addition, the PRC approved extending no- fee ACS to certain Basic automation and non-automation mailpieces that are submitted by qualifying mailers. The prices approved by the PRC are available under Docket Number R2017-7 on the PRC's Web site at www.prc.gov, and these changes will take effect on January 21, 2018. This final rule adopts the conforming changes to the DMM, which were previously noticed for public comment in a proposed rule (79 FR 76930- 76931) and two subsequent revisions. The Postal Service issued its first revised proposed rule on July 6, 2016 (81 FR 43965-43971). Subsequently, on February 27, 2017, the Postal Service elected to issue a second, revised proposed rule (82 FR 11871-11878) in order to further clarify the proposal, more thoroughly respond to mailer comments, and clearly outline the ways in which the proposal had changed since the previous proposed rule. In response, the Postal Service received valuable feedback from the mailing industry. Although the substance of the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process has not changed since the proposed rule of February 27, 2017, the Postal Service has buttressed the level of detail [[Page 49124]] provided on the mechanics of the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process in DMM 602.5.3, given that it now has obtained regulatory approval. The following subheadings are intended to provide a snapshot of the forthcoming Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process. Terms For purposes of clarification, the Postal Service provides the following definitions of several terms used in this document: [ssquf] eDoc Submitter: The electronic documentation (eDoc) Submitter is determined using the Customer Registration IDentifier (CRID) number that is used to upload the eDoc to the Postal Service for processing. The eDoc submitter most often is the Mail Preparer but can also be the Mail Owner. All results of the Address Quality Measurement will be displayed on the scorecards for the eDoc Submitter and Mail Owner; however, any additional postage assessments will be presented to the eDoc submitter. [ssquf] Legal Restraint: Mailers of First-Class Mail pieces who assert that they are restricted by law from incorporating Postal Service change of address (COA) information onto their mailpieces without permission from addressees; these mailers may request Postal Service approval to meet the requirements for Move Update by using the Legal Restraint alternate method. Such mailers must be able to clearly demonstrate how the use of a primary Move Update method would violate the law. For details, consult Guide to Move Update at: http://beta.postalpro.usps.com/node/1116. Pieces that meet the requirements for the Legal Restraint method will be excluded from the Mailer Scorecard and the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process, as long as the mailpieces use the appropriate CRID or Mailer IDentifier (MID). [ssquf] Mailer: The term mailer within this document encompasses Mail Owners, Mail Preparers, and Mail Service Providers (MSPs). [ssquf] Mailer Scorecard: This is an electronic report that contains mail quality measurements and assessments on mailings over a calendar month for Move Update, Full Service Intelligent Mail, eInduction[supreg] and Seamless Acceptance. The Scorecard is accessible through the Business Customer Gateway (BCG) and provides views for eDoc submitters, MSPs, and Mail Owners. [ssquf] Non-qualifying Mailings: The non-qualifying mailpieces listed below will be excluded from the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process and the Mailer Scorecard:Mailpieces that are undeliverable due to an address change that is Temporary, Foreign, Moved Left No Address (MLNA), and Box Closed No Order (BCNO). Mailpieces that are priced as single-piece. Mailpieces that qualify for the Legal Restraint method. Mailpieces without the documentation submitted electronically. [ssquf] Qualifying Mailings: An eDoc submitter is eligible for the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process when at least one of its mailings qualifies for Full Service in a calendar month. Thereafter, when mailers enter eligible mailings of letter- and flat- size pieces of First-Class Mail and USPS Marketing Mail that meet the requirements for Basic or Full Service mailings in a subsequent calendar month, the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process will be used, if the postage statement and supporting documentation are submitted electronically and a unique Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb[supreg]) is included in the eDoc. Summary of Industry Comments and Postal Service Responses The Postal Service appreciates all of the comments that were provided by the mailing industry in response to the revised proposal of February 27, 2017. These comments and replies can serve as frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help clarify the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process. The mailers' comments and corresponding Postal Service responses are outlined as follows: Mailer Comment Mailers are unable to effectively determine the success of the new measurement and assessment process, because the Postal Service has not provided sufficient information (i.e., statistical analysis) regarding how the error threshold will be set or modified. Therefore, mailers are not confident that mailings will be measured appropriately. Additionally, the determination of the assessment charge is not clearly outlined. We feel that the PRC should review both the proposed assessment charge along with the error threshold percentage and prior to the Postal Service publishing a final rule, then revisit the requirements of the proposed rule in light of the determinations made in that docket. USPS Response As previously stated, on August 23, 2017, the PRC approved the 0.5 percent error threshold and Move Update assessment charge under the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process. The Postal Service will implement the changes on January 21, 2018, which provides mailers nearly five months to adopt a USPS-approved Move Update method pursuant to the Move Update standard. In addition, this lead time will enable mailers to monitor COA errors via the Mailer Scorecard before the assessment process begins. Mailer Comment Why are mailers required to adhere to specific approved Move Update methods? If the USPS decides this is a necessary requirement, can they enact ``safe harbor'' provisions that protect mailers who are consistently meeting the criteria for the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process from further liability resulting from United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) investigations? USPS Response The DMM provides that certain commercial mailings must comply with the Move Update standard, regardless of whether the mail is verified for Move Update compliance presently under the Mail Evaluation Readability Lookup Instrument (MERLIN[supreg]) method, or will be subject to the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process when it takes effect on January 21, 2018. Failure to meet the Move Update standard may result in an additional postage assessment. The purpose of the Move Update standard is to correct mailpieces bearing an old address for which the Postal Service has a new address on record to help ensure that such mailpieces reach their intended recipients. Move Update requirements aim to bring down the incidence of UAA mail, which is costly to both the Postal Service and its customers. As noted in the proposed rule of July 6, 2016, there are three USPS-approved methods for satisfying the Move Update requirement, and mailers must use one of those approved methods unless a USPS-approved alternate method is used. There are two USPS-approved alternative methods (99 Percent Accuracy and Legal Restraint), which are available under very limited circumstances for mailers who enter First-Class Mail. By contacting the USPS National Customer Support Center (NCSC), eligible mailers may apply for [[Page 49125]] the following USPS-approved alternative methods: [ssquf] 99 Percent Accuracy: This method is available to mailers who enter First-Class Mail and demonstrate that their internal list management maintains address quality at 99 percent or greater accuracy for COAs. Mailpieces that meet the criteria for the USPS-approved 99 Percent Accuracy method are subject to the new Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process. [ssquf] Legal Restraint: This method is available to mailers who enter First-Class Mail and First-Class Mail Package Service pieces and demonstrate that a legal restriction prevents them from updating their customer's address without direct contact from the customer. Mailpieces that meet the conditions of the USPS-approved Legal Restraint method are excluded from the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process. For more information related to Move Update alternative methods, see the Guide to Move Update at https://postalpro.usps.com/node/1116. Mailer Comment Why is the Postal Service measuring compliance and applying assessments at the eDoc submitter and CRID level rather than at the Mail Owner level? The Postal Service requires by/for and Mail Owner information with all eDoc for Full Service mailings, which means that they have the necessary information to determine the Mail Owners with whom any identified address quality errors are associated. Therefore, Mail Owners with less volume are concerned that they will be overshadowed by larger Mail Owners who dominate the MSP's volume. USPS Response The Postal Service will measure compliance and apply assessments at the eDoc submitter and CRID level, because it is the eDoc submitter who submits the mail to the Postal Service; this allows USPS to remain consistent with the current verification process. As previously stated in the proposed rule of February 27, 2017, the Postal Service is providing specific data to assist eDoc submitters with identifying the Mail Owners who exceed the Census error threshold and contribute to the assessment charge. These data are provided throughout the calendar month to allow eDoc submitters and Mail Owners to discuss assessments before and during the 10-day mailer review period. Mailer Comment It would be beneficial if USPS would provide sufficient notice to eDoc submitters who are at risk of losing free ACS so that they can take action to avoid disruption and continue to use the program. USPS Response Once the extension of the no-fee ACS proposal takes effect on January 21, 2018, the Postal Service will monitor Full Service compliance for these mailers on a quarterly basis. If a mailer's average Full Service volume drops below the 95 percent threshold for a given quarter, that mailer will receive a notification of its removal from receiving no-fee ACS in the next billing cycle. Mailer Comment How many locations, if any, will still be using MERLIN once this new Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process is implemented? What is the transition plan to convert any remaining MERLIN sites? USPS Response As stated in the proposed rule of February 27, 2017, upon implementation of the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process, the MERLIN Move Update verification process will terminate for all sites. Mailer Comment When the new Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process becomes effective, will USPIS, USPS, and mailers all be using the exact same, transparent Move Update compliance data for proof of Move Update compliance? USPS Response All mailings using postage prices that require compliance with the Move Update standard, regardless of whether they qualify for verification under the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process, may be subject to a separate assessment in the event that they do not comply with the Move Update standard pursuant to DMM 602.5. A mailer has not complied with the Move Update standard if a USPS-approved Move Update method (DMM 602.5.2) was not used to update the mailer's address list with correct addresses (unless the mail bears an alternative address format under DMM 602.3). In those circumstances, the mailer did not qualify for the Presort or Automation price claimed on the postage statement or eDoc. The separate assessment could be applied to every mailpiece in a mailing for which the mailer did not comply with the Move update standard, and would be limited to the difference between the postage previously paid (including the Move Update assessment charge, if applicable) and the applicable First-Class Mail single-piece price. Mailer Comment The Postal Service should further clarify how it will reconcile different results from NCOA\Link\, MPE NCOA\Link\, and ACS. Those systems do not always return the same results. USPS Response As clarified in the proposed rule of February 27, 2017, the COA data for NCOA\Link\ and ACS are from the same source, the moving customer, and are in sync. If the mailer has a record with a name or address that cannot be matched to the addressee's COA request, the update may not be provided via NCOA\Link\ but may be available through ACS. These scenarios are encompassed within the threshold. Mailer Comment We disagree with the 95 percent Full Service threshold required to access the free ACS data. When free ACS data for non-Full Service mail was proposed several years ago, USPS representatives promised to provide free ACS for the non-Full Service portion of all Full Service mailings. Additionally, the proposed threshold is applied to a MSP vs. the actual mail owner, which may result in a Mail Owner losing out on ACS data through no fault and no control of their own. USPS Response In order to further encourage the adoption of Full Service and to increase the number of mailers who receive address quality information, the Postal Service is extending no-fee ACS to mailers who enter qualifying Basic automation and non-automation mailpieces that meet the criteria of the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process and to mailers who meet a Full Service threshold of 95 percent along with other requirements. As consistent with all other program measurements, this is determined at the eDoc submitter and CRID level. Mailer Comment When the new process is implemented, the Federal Register indicated that all mail would be scanned through the MPE and not just randomly sampled. Therefore, if the Move Update percentage falls below the threshold, will any charges be assessed at the time of the mailing like it's [[Page 49126]] currently done or will the penalties simply be assessed on the scorecard? USPS Response Effective January 21, 2018, mailings will no longer be assessed at the time of mailing. For qualifying mailers all mailpieces will be measured and aggregated across a calendar month, and any mailpieces exceeding the threshold will be assessed under the new Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process. Mailer Comment When an address list is processed through a third-party, USPS- licensed software system and the USPS later determines that the mail is UAA with corresponding COA information is on file, the COA error should be charged against the software vendor. Such errors should be tracked, reported by the software vendor, and be a factor in the renewal of a software vendor's certification. This would allow mailers to make informed decisions regarding the accuracy of the software vendor and put responsibility for the software accuracy and COA errors where it belongs. USPS Response NCOA\Link\ Software Developers are responsible for programming NCOA\Link\ Software so that it adheres to specific USPS performance requirements for name and address matching rules. Developers are tested on a periodic bases using an NCOA\Link\ test address file similar to the one for CASS/MASS certification. The Postal Service is providing specific data to mailers to assist with identifying errors exceeding the established threshold and contributing to the assessment fee. Mailers who submit eDoc are encouraged to use this data to identify root causes for failures and related fees. The Postal Service is providing specific data to mailers to assist with identifying errors that exceed the established threshold and contribute to the assessment fee. Mailers who submit eDoc are encouraged to use this data to identify root causes for failures and related fees. Mailer Comment The Postal Service should provide additional detail with respect to the appeals process. The revised proposed rule references the Guide to Postage Assessments, but does not provide specific guidance on the type of information that the Postal Service would require to rescind or revise an assessment or audit result. Further certainty in this area would help Mailers, MSPs, and the Postal Service by setting clear advance guidelines as to what would be considered reasonable and acceptable evidence when appealing an assessment. USPS Response As in the past, the Postal Service will continue to work with mailers in relations to the appeal process, fee assessments, and to obtain supporting documentation. For example, if a mailer is using NCOA\Link\ to update addresses, a summary/acknowledgement report could be provided to show that NCOA\Link\ was performed on the mailpieces. Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process Overview The Postal Service will replace the existing MERLIN Move Update verification process with the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process on January 21, 2018. In other words, MERLIN Move Update verification will terminate upon implementation of the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process. The new method will apply to First-Class Mail and USPS Marketing Mail letter- and flat-size pieces that meet the requirements for Basic and Full Service mailings. Once the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process is in place, mailers will still be required to document Move Update compliance methods on a postage statement, mail.dat, or mail.xml. Documents demonstrating the method used should be available upon request by the Postal Service. Mailers who enter Periodicals will be provided with address quality data, but Periodicals mailpieces will not be verified under the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process. The Postal Service is emphasizing that the Move Update standards in DMM 602.5 do apply to Periodicals, because the proposed rule published on February 27, 2017 (82 FR 11871-11878) inaccurately stated that Periodicals are not subject to the Move Update standard. The Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process will generate several benefits, including enhanced mailing visibility and improved mail quality metrics on all mailings entered within a calendar month, rather than sampled mailings. Under the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process, qualifying mailpieces within a calendar month will be measured according to the following process: [ssquf] Mailpieces will be scanned on MPE. [ssquf] Address information captured from mailpieces identified as UAA will be evaluated to determine if COA information is on file. [ssquf] The address information for mailpieces matching an active COA will be sent electronically to NCSC. [ssquf] NCSC will forward COA information to the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process for evaluation. [ssquf] Move Update validations will be performed by comparing the MID + Serial Number of the IMb from the COA-related mailpiece data. If the COA is between 95 days and 18 months old, and the address has not been updated, then a COA error for the associated IMb will be logged and allocated under the CRID of the eDoc submitter. [ssquf] All qualifying mailpieces entered by an eDoc submitter in a calendar month are subject to the proposed error threshold for the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process. The error threshold is 0.5 percent. [ssquf] The Move Update Assessment Charge is assessed by Postal Service to the relevant eDoc submitter at the CRID level for each mailpiece with a COA percentage that exceeds the error threshold. [ssquf] The data will be collected and reported on the Mailer Scorecard under the eDoc submitter CRID. Move Update Assessment Charge When the ratio of qualifying mailpieces with COA errors to total qualifying mailpieces submitted in the calendar month by the eDoc submitter exceeds the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process error threshold, the Move Update assessment charge will apply to the mailpieces with COA errors above the threshold. Mailer Scorecard The Mailer Scorecard is currently available to mailers, and provides data that allow mailers to gauge address quality on their mailpieces. Mailers will be charged only for mailpieces above the errors threshold. Criteria Mailers will be verified under the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process when they: [ssquf] Have submitted any mailpieces as Full Service in the current month or any previous month. [ssquf] Use a unique Basic or Full Service IMb on mailings of letter- and flat-size pieces for First-Class Mail and USPS Marketing Mail. [ssquf] Use eDoc to submit mailing information. [[Page 49127]] Specifications The Postal Service has retained the proposed specifications for assessing address quality. Once the Postal Service implements the proposed process, address quality will be measured as follows: [ssquf] Analysis will be performed on all pieces in the mailing, rather than on a sample. [ssquf] The assessment will be determined by the number of COA errors in a calendar month, divided by the total number of pieces mailed that were subject to analysis. The resulting percentage will be compared to the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process error threshold of 0.5 percent. [ssquf] There are a number of exclusions to the measurement and assessment process. Generally, mailpieces with addresses that have the following COA characteristics will not be included in the assessment: Temporary moves, MLNA, BCNO, and COA data for foreign addresses. [ssquf] Mailpieces authorized for the Legal Restraint alternate Move Update method (See Guide to Move Update) will be excluded. Mailpiece Results Once qualifying mailings are processed on MPE, the data from mailpieces will be reconciled with eDoc. These results will be available on the BCG and displayed on the Electronic Verification tab of the Mailer Scorecard, which will be easily accessible at https://gateway.usps.com/eAdmin/view/signin. Mailers will be able to review the Mailer Scorecard and corresponding detailed reports to identify any anomalies or issues. To resolve Mailer Scorecard irregularities, mailers should contact the PostalOne! Help Desk at 800-522-9085 or their local Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU). Address Change Service and Correction Notifications The Postal Service will extend no-fee Full Service ACS to qualifying Basic automation and non-automation mailpieces for mailers who enter at least 95 percent of their mail as Full Service in a calendar month. The Basic mailpieces must be prepared as follows: [ssquf] Bear a unique IMb printed on the mailpiece. [ssquf] Include a Full Service ACS or OneCode ACS[supreg] STID in the IMb. [ssquf] Include the unique IMb in eDoc. [ssquf] Be sent by an eDoc submitter providing accurate By/For identification in eDoc. As clarification, if mailers meet the 95 percent threshold during a calendar month, they will be enrolled to receive free Full Service ACS for all Basic automation and non-automation mailpieces in the following month. The Postal Service will monitor Full Service compliance for these mailers on a quarterly basis. If an enrolled mailer's average Full Service volume dropped below the 95 percent threshold for a given quarter, that mailer will receive notification of its removal from receiving free ACS in the next billing cycle. If the 95 percent threshold is met in a subsequent month, the removed mailer will be re- enrolled to receive free Full Service ACS for Basic automation and non- automation mailpieces for the next billing cycle. Address change information will be provided through Full Service ACS feedback to the Mail Owner identified in eDoc or its delegate. ACS information will continue to be distributed through SingleSource to the Mail Owner identified in the IMb or its delegate. Regarding Periodicals, mailers who enter mailings of Full Service Periodicals will no longer be required to receive and pay for manual address corrections when a Full Service ACS STID is used. However, these mailers may elect to receive and pay for manual address correction notifications by including the appropriate STID within the IMb. List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111 Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service. The Postal Service adopts the following changes to Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR 111.1. Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is amended as follows: PART 111--[AMENDED] 0 1. The authority citation for 39 CFR part 111 continues to read as follows: Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 13 U.S.C. 301-307; 18 U.S.C. 1692- 1737; 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 414, 416, 3001-3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3632, 3633, and 5001. 0 2. Revise the following sections of Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), as follows: Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) * * * * * 507 Mailer Services 1.0 Treatment of Mail * * * * * 1.5 Treatment for Ancillary Services by Class of Mail * * * * * 1.5.2 Periodicals * * * * * [Revise 507.1.5.2c by changing the last word of the sentence to ``received'' as follows:] c. Address correction service is mandatory for all Periodicals publications, and the address correction service fee must be paid for each notice received. * * * * * 4.0 Address Correction Services * * * * * 4.2 Address Change Service (ACS) * * * * * 4.2.2 Service Options [Revise 507.4.2.2 by modifying the introductory sentence and adding a new item ``d'' as follows:] ACS offers four levels of service, as follows: * * * * * d. A Full Service option available to mailings of First-Class Mail automation cards, letters, and flats; USPS Marketing Mail automation letters and flats; USPS Marketing Mail Carrier Route, High Density, and Saturation letters; Periodicals Outside County barcoded or Carrier Route letters and flats; Periodicals In-County automation or Carrier Route letters and flats; and Bound Printed Matter Presorted, non-DDU barcoded flats. Mailers who present at least 95 percent of their eligible First-Class Mail and USPS Marketing Mail volume as Full Service in a calendar month would receive electronic address correction notices for their qualifying Basic automation and non-automation First- Class Mail and USPS Marketing Mail pieces, at the address correction fee for pieces eligible for the Full Service Intelligent Mail option as described in DMM 705.23.0 for future billing cycles. The Basic First- Class Mail and USPS Marketing Mail mailpieces must: 1. Bear a unique IMb printed on the mailpiece; 2. Include a Full Service or OneCode ACS STID in the IMb; 3. Include the unique IMb in eDoc; 4. Be sent by an eDoc submitter providing accurate Mail Owner identification in eDoc, and; [[Page 49128]] 5. Be sent by an eDoc submitter maintaining 95 percent Full Service compliance to remain eligible for this service and undergo periodic Postal Service re-evaluation. * * * * * 4.2.8 Address Correction Service Fee [Revise 507.4.2.8 by deleting the old language and replacing with new language as follows:] ACS fees would be assessed as follows: a. The applicable fee for address correction is charged for each separate notification of address correction or the reason for nondelivery provided, unless an exception applies. b. Once the ACS fee charges have been invoiced, any unpaid fees for the prior invoice cycle (month) would be assessed an annual administrative fee of 10 percent for the overdue amount. c. Mailers who present at least 95 percent of their eligible First- Class Mail and USPS Marketing Mail volume as Full Service in a calendar month would receive electronic address correction notices for their qualifying Basic automation and non-automation First-Class Mail and USPS Marketing Mail mailpieces, as specified in 4.2.2. The electronic address correction notices are charged at the applicable Full Service address correction fee for all future billing cycles. * * * * * 600 Basic Mailing Standards for All Mailing Services * * * * * 602 Addressing * * * * * 5.0 Move Update Standards * * * * * [Revise 602.5.3 by deleting former contents and replacing with new title and contents as follows:] 5.3 Move Update Verification Mailers who submit any Full Service volume in a calendar month will be verified pursuant to the Address Quality Census Measurement and Assessment Process beginning in the next calendar month. First-Class Mail and USPS Marketing Mail letter and flat-size mailpieces with addresses that have not been updated in accordance with the Move Update Standard will be subject to the Move Update assessment charge, if submitted via eDoc with unique Basic or Full Service IMbs. The Move Update assessment charge will be assessed if: a. The percent of all qualifying mailpieces submitted in a calendar month that have a COA error is greater than the 0.5 percent error threshold, as determined by an analysis of the data captured by mail processing equipment. b. Each mailpiece with addresses containing COA errors in excess of the error threshold will be assessed the Move Update assessment charge. c. Supporting details are described in Publication 685, Publication for Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters and Flats, available at www.postalpro.usps.com. [Revise 602.5.4 as follows:] 5.4 Mailer Certification The mailer's signature on the postage statement or electronic confirmation during eDoc submission certifies that the Move Update standard has been met for the address records including each address in the corresponding mailing presented to the USPS. * * * * * 700 Special Standards * * * * * 705 Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems * * * * * 23.0 Full Service Automation Option * * * * * 23.5 Additional Standards * * * * * 23.5.2 Address Correction Notices * * * * * [Revise 705.23.5.2a as follows:] a. Address correction notices would be provided at the applicable Full Service address correction fee for letters and flats eligible for the Full Service option, except for USPS Marketing Mail ECR flats, BPM flats dropshipped to DDUs, or BPM carrier route flats. Mailers who present at least 95 percent of their eligible First-Class Mail and USPS Marketing Mail volume as Full Service in a calendar month would receive electronic address correction notices for their qualifying Basic automation and non-automation First-Class Mail and USPS Marketing mailpieces charged at the applicable Full Service address correction fee for future billing cycles. The Basic automation and non-automation First-Class Mail and USPS Marketing Mail mailpieces must: 1. Bear a unique IMb printed on the mailpiece. 2. Include a Full Service or OneCode ACS STID in the IMb. 3. Include the unique IMb in eDoc. 4. Be sent by an eDoc submitter providing accurate Mail Owner identification in eDoc. 5. Be sent by an eDoc submitter maintaining 95 percent Full Service compliance to remain eligible for this service and undergo periodic USPS re-evaluation. * * * * * We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to reflect these changes. Stanley F. Mires, Attorney, Federal Compliance. [FR Doc. 2017-22962 Filed 10-23-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710-12-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 204 / Tuesday, October 24, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 49123
current rule amendment; therefore, VA this rule is exempt from the initial and Move Update verification and
makes no changes to the rule based on final regulatory flexibility analysis assessment procedure for evaluating
these comments. requirements of sections 603 and 604. address quality, the ‘‘Address Quality
Census Measurement and Assessment
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 Unfunded Mandates
Process.’’ This new procedure is
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act applicable to mailers who enter eligible
direct agencies to assess the costs and of 1995 requires, at 2 U.S.C. 1532, that letter- and flat-size pieces of First-Class
benefits of available regulatory agencies prepare an assessment of Mail® and USPS Marketing MailTM that
alternatives and, when regulation is anticipated costs and benefits before meet the requirements for Basic or Full
necessary, to select regulatory issuing any rule that may result in the Service mailings. In addition, the Postal
approaches that maximize net benefits expenditure by state, local, and tribal Service is extending no-fee Address
(including potential economic, governments, in the aggregate, or by the Correction Service (ACSTM) to mailers
environmental, public health and safety private sector, of $100 million or more who enter qualifying mailpieces.
effects, and other advantages; (adjusted annually for inflation) in any DATES: Effective January 21, 2018.
distributive impacts; and equity). year. This rule will have no such effect FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Executive Order 13563 (Improving on State, local, and tribal governments, Heather Dyer, USPS Mail Entry, Phone:
Regulation and Regulatory Review) or on the private sector. (207) 482–7217, Email: heather.l.dyer@
emphasizes the importance of usps.gov.
quantifying both costs and benefits, Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
reducing costs, harmonizing rules, and The Catalog of Federal Domestic SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June
promoting flexibility. Executive Order Assistance program number and title 30, 2017, the Postal Service filed a
12866 (Regulatory Planning and affected by this rule is 64.109, Veterans notice of price adjustment with the
Review) defines a ‘‘significant Compensation for Service-Connected Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC)
regulatory action,’’ which requires Disability. seeking approval of price and
review by the Office of Management and classification changes related to the
Budget (OMB), as ‘‘any regulatory action Signing Authority Address Quality Measurement and
that is likely to result in a rule that may: The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or Assessment Process, and the extension
(1) Have an annual effect on the designee, approved this document and of no-fee ACS to mailers who enter
economy of $100 million or more or authorized the undersigned to sign and qualifying mailpieces.
adversely affect in a material way the submit the document to the Office of the On August 23, 2017, the PRC
economy, a sector of the economy, Federal Register for publication approved the price and classification
productivity, competition, jobs, the electronically as an official document of changes related to the Address Quality
environment, public health or safety, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. Gina Assessment and Measurement
state, local, or tribal governments or S. Farrisee, Deputy Chief of Staff, Assessment Process, including the 0.5
communities; (2) Create a serious Department of Veterans Affairs, percent error threshold, and Move
inconsistency or otherwise interfere approved this document on September Update assessment charge. In addition,
with an action taken or planned by 25, 2017, for publication. the PRC approved extending no-fee ACS
another agency; (3) Materially alter the to certain Basic automation and non-
List of Subjects in 38 CFR Part 3 automation mailpieces that are
budgetary impact of entitlements,
grants, user fees, or loan programs or the Administrative practice and submitted by qualifying mailers. The
rights and obligations of recipients procedure, Claims, Disability benefits, prices approved by the PRC are
thereof; or (4) Raise novel legal or policy Veterans available under Docket Number R2017–
issues arising out of legal mandates, the The interim rule amending 38 CFR 7 on the PRC’s Web site at www.prc.gov,
President’s priorities, or the principles part 3, published October 17, 2016, at 81 and these changes will take effect on
set forth in this Executive Order.’’ The FR 71382, is adopted as final without January 21, 2018. This final rule adopts
economic, interagency, budgetary, legal, change. the conforming changes to the DMM,
and policy implications of this final rule which were previously noticed for
Dated: September 25, 2017. public comment in a proposed rule (79
have been examined, and it has been Jeffrey Martin,
determined not to be a significant FR 76930–76931) and two subsequent
Office Program Manager, Office of Regulation revisions.
regulatory action under Executive Order Policy & Management, Office of the Secretary,
12866. The Postal Service issued its first
Department of Veterans Affairs. revised proposed rule on July 6, 2016
Paperwork Reduction Act [FR Doc. 2017–22970 Filed 10–23–17; 8:45 am] (81 FR 43965–43971). Subsequently, on
This final rule contains no provisions BILLING CODE 8320–01–P February 27, 2017, the Postal Service
constituting a collection of information elected to issue a second, revised
under the provisions of the Paperwork proposed rule (82 FR 11871–11878) in
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 POSTAL SERVICE order to further clarify the proposal,
et seq.). more thoroughly respond to mailer
39 CFR Part 111 comments, and clearly outline the ways
Regulatory Flexibility Act in which the proposal had changed
The Secretary hereby certifies that Address Quality Census Measurement since the previous proposed rule. In
this rule will not have a significant and Assessment Process response, the Postal Service received
pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES
economic impact on a substantial AGENCY: Postal ServiceTM. valuable feedback from the mailing
number of small entities as they are ACTION: Final rule. industry. Although the substance of the
defined in the Regulatory Flexibility Address Quality Census Measurement
Act, 5 U.S.C. 601–612. This rule will not SUMMARY: The Postal Service is revising and Assessment Process has not
affect any small entities. Only VA Mailing Standards of the United States changed since the proposed rule of
beneficiaries could be directly affected. Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual February 27, 2017, the Postal Service
Therefore, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b), (DMM®), to include a new method of has buttressed the level of detail
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 204 / Tuesday, October 24, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 49127
Specifications As clarification, if mailers meet the 95 507 Mailer Services
The Postal Service has retained the percent threshold during a calendar 1.0 Treatment of Mail
proposed specifications for assessing month, they will be enrolled to receive
free Full Service ACS for all Basic * * * * *
address quality. Once the Postal Service
implements the proposed process, automation and non-automation 1.5 Treatment for Ancillary Services
address quality will be measured as mailpieces in the following month. The by Class of Mail
follows: Postal Service will monitor Full Service
compliance for these mailers on a * * * * *
D Analysis will be performed on all
pieces in the mailing, rather than on a quarterly basis. If an enrolled mailer’s 1.5.2 Periodicals
sample. average Full Service volume dropped
* * * * *
D The assessment will be determined below the 95 percent threshold for a
given quarter, that mailer will receive [Revise 507.1.5.2c by changing the
by the number of COA errors in a
notification of its removal from last word of the sentence to ‘‘received’’
calendar month, divided by the total
receiving free ACS in the next billing as follows:]
number of pieces mailed that were
subject to analysis. The resulting cycle. If the 95 percent threshold is met c. Address correction service is
percentage will be compared to the in a subsequent month, the removed mandatory for all Periodicals
Address Quality Census Measurement mailer will be re-enrolled to receive free publications, and the address correction
and Assessment Process error threshold Full Service ACS for Basic automation service fee must be paid for each notice
of 0.5 percent. and non-automation mailpieces for the received.
D There are a number of exclusions to next billing cycle. * * * * *
the measurement and assessment Address change information will be 4.0 Address Correction Services
process. Generally, mailpieces with provided through Full Service ACS
addresses that have the following COA feedback to the Mail Owner identified * * * * *
characteristics will not be included in in eDoc or its delegate. ACS information 4.2 Address Change Service (ACS)
the assessment: Temporary moves, will continue to be distributed through
MLNA, BCNO, and COA data for foreign SingleSource to the Mail Owner * * * * *
addresses. identified in the IMb or its delegate. 4.2.2 Service Options
D Mailpieces authorized for the Legal Regarding Periodicals, mailers who
Restraint alternate Move Update method enter mailings of Full Service [Revise 507.4.2.2 by modifying the
(See Guide to Move Update) will be Periodicals will no longer be required to introductory sentence and adding a new
excluded. receive and pay for manual address item ‘‘d’’ as follows:]
corrections when a Full Service ACS ACS offers four levels of service, as
Mailpiece Results follows:
STID is used. However, these mailers
Once qualifying mailings are may elect to receive and pay for manual * * * * *
processed on MPE, the data from address correction notifications by d. A Full Service option available to
mailpieces will be reconciled with including the appropriate STID within mailings of First-Class Mail automation
eDoc. These results will be available on the IMb. cards, letters, and flats; USPS Marketing
the BCG and displayed on the Electronic Mail automation letters and flats; USPS
Verification tab of the Mailer Scorecard, List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111 Marketing Mail Carrier Route, High
which will be easily accessible at Administrative practice and Density, and Saturation letters;
https://gateway.usps.com/eAdmin/view/ procedure, Postal Service. Periodicals Outside County barcoded or
signin. Mailers will be able to review the Carrier Route letters and flats;
The Postal Service adopts the
Mailer Scorecard and corresponding Periodicals In-County automation or
following changes to Mailing Standards
detailed reports to identify any Carrier Route letters and flats; and
of the United States Postal Service,
anomalies or issues. Bound Printed Matter Presorted, non-
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM),
To resolve Mailer Scorecard DDU barcoded flats. Mailers who
incorporated by reference in the Code of
irregularities, mailers should contact the present at least 95 percent of their
Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR 111.1.
PostalOne! Help Desk at 800–522–9085 eligible First-Class Mail and USPS
or their local Business Mail Entry Unit Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is
amended as follows: Marketing Mail volume as Full Service
(BMEU). in a calendar month would receive
Address Change Service and Correction PART 111—[AMENDED] electronic address correction notices for
Notifications their qualifying Basic automation and
■ 1. The authority citation for 39 CFR non-automation First-Class Mail and
The Postal Service will extend no-fee part 111 continues to read as follows: USPS Marketing Mail pieces, at the
Full Service ACS to qualifying Basic address correction fee for pieces eligible
automation and non-automation Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 13 U.S.C. 301–
307; 18 U.S.C. 1692–1737; 39 U.S.C. 101, for the Full Service Intelligent Mail
mailpieces for mailers who enter at least option as described in DMM 705.23.0
401, 403, 404, 414, 416, 3001–3011, 3201–
95 percent of their mail as Full Service 3219, 3403–3406, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3632, for future billing cycles. The Basic First-
in a calendar month. 3633, and 5001. Class Mail and USPS Marketing Mail
The Basic mailpieces must be
■ 2. Revise the following sections of mailpieces must:
prepared as follows:
D Bear a unique IMb printed on the Mailing Standards of the United States 1. Bear a unique IMb printed on the
pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES
mailpiece. Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual mailpiece;
D Include a Full Service ACS or (DMM), as follows: 2. Include a Full Service or OneCode
OneCode ACS® STID in the IMb. ACS STID in the IMb;
Mailing Standards of the United States
D Include the unique IMb in eDoc. 3. Include the unique IMb in eDoc;
D Be sent by an eDoc submitter Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual 4. Be sent by an eDoc submitter
providing accurate By/For identification (DMM) providing accurate Mail Owner
in eDoc. * * * * * identification in eDoc, and;
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![49128 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 204 / Tuesday, October 24, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
5. Be sent by an eDoc submitter than the 0.5 percent error threshold, as 5. Be sent by an eDoc submitter
maintaining 95 percent Full Service determined by an analysis of the data maintaining 95 percent Full Service
compliance to remain eligible for this captured by mail processing equipment. compliance to remain eligible for this
service and undergo periodic Postal b. Each mailpiece with addresses service and undergo periodic USPS re-
Service re-evaluation. containing COA errors in excess of the evaluation.
* * * * * error threshold will be assessed the * * * * *
Move Update assessment charge. We will publish an appropriate
4.2.8 Address Correction Service Fee c. Supporting details are described in amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to reflect
[Revise 507.4.2.8 by deleting the old Publication 685, Publication for these changes.
language and replacing with new Streamlined Mail Acceptance for Letters
language as follows:] and Flats, available at Stanley F. Mires,
ACS fees would be assessed as www.postalpro.usps.com. Attorney, Federal Compliance.
follows: [Revise 602.5.4 as follows:] [FR Doc. 2017–22962 Filed 10–23–17; 8:45 am]
a. The applicable fee for address BILLING CODE 7710–12–P
5.4 Mailer Certification
correction is charged for each separate
notification of address correction or the The mailer’s signature on the postage
reason for nondelivery provided, unless statement or electronic confirmation
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
an exception applies. during eDoc submission certifies that
AGENCY
b. Once the ACS fee charges have the Move Update standard has been met
been invoiced, any unpaid fees for the for the address records including each 40 CFR Part 52
prior invoice cycle (month) would be address in the corresponding mailing
assessed an annual administrative fee of presented to the USPS. [EPA–R03–OAR–2017–0342; FRL–9969–83–
10 percent for the overdue amount. Region 3]
* * * * *
c. Mailers who present at least 95
percent of their eligible First-Class Mail 700 Special Standards Approval and Promulgation of Air
and USPS Marketing Mail volume as Quality Implementation Plans;
* * * * * Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania’s
Full Service in a calendar month would
receive electronic address correction 705 Advanced Preparation and Adoption of Control Techniques
notices for their qualifying Basic Special Postage Payment Systems Guidelines for Automobile and Light-
automation and non-automation First- Duty Truck Assembly Coatings
* * * * *
Class Mail and USPS Marketing Mail AGENCY: Environmental Protection
mailpieces, as specified in 4.2.2. The 23.0 Full Service Automation Option
Agency (EPA).
electronic address correction notices are * * * * * ACTION: Direct final rule.
charged at the applicable Full Service
23.5 Additional Standards
address correction fee for all future SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection
billing cycles. * * * * * Agency (EPA) is taking direct final
* * * * * 23.5.2 Address Correction Notices action to approve a revision to the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s state
600 Basic Mailing Standards for All * * * * * implementation plan (SIP). The revision
Mailing Services [Revise 705.23.5.2a as follows:] includes the addition to the SIP of
* * * * * a. Address correction notices would amendments to the Pennsylvania
be provided at the applicable Full Department of Environmental
602 Addressing Service address correction fee for letters Protection’s (PADEP) regulations and
* * * * * and flats eligible for the Full Service addresses the requirement to adopt
option, except for USPS Marketing Mail reasonably available control technology
5.0 Move Update Standards ECR flats, BPM flats dropshipped to (RACT) for sources covered by EPA’s
* * * * * DDUs, or BPM carrier route flats. control techniques guidelines (CTG)
[Revise 602.5.3 by deleting former Mailers who present at least 95 percent standards for automobile and light-duty
contents and replacing with new title of their eligible First-Class Mail and assembly coatings. This action is being
and contents as follows:] USPS Marketing Mail volume as Full taken under the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Service in a calendar month would
5.3 Move Update Verification receive electronic address correction DATES: This rule is effective on
Mailers who submit any Full Service notices for their qualifying Basic December 26, 2017 without further
volume in a calendar month will be automation and non-automation First- notice, unless EPA receives adverse
verified pursuant to the Address Quality Class Mail and USPS Marketing written comment by November 24,
Census Measurement and Assessment mailpieces charged at the applicable 2017. If EPA receives such comments, it
Process beginning in the next calendar Full Service address correction fee for will publish a timely withdrawal of the
month. First-Class Mail and USPS future billing cycles. The Basic direct final rule in the Federal Register
Marketing Mail letter and flat-size automation and non-automation First- and inform the public that the rule will
mailpieces with addresses that have not Class Mail and USPS Marketing Mail not take effect.
been updated in accordance with the mailpieces must: ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
Move Update Standard will be subject 1. Bear a unique IMb printed on the identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R03–
pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES
to the Move Update assessment charge, mailpiece. OAR–2017–0342 at https://
if submitted via eDoc with unique Basic 2. Include a Full Service or OneCode www.regulations.gov, or via email to
or Full Service IMbs. The Move Update ACS STID in the IMb. stahl.cynthia@epa.gov. For comments
assessment charge will be assessed if: 3. Include the unique IMb in eDoc. submitted at Regulations.gov, follow the
a. The percent of all qualifying 4. Be sent by an eDoc submitter online instructions for submitting
mailpieces submitted in a calendar providing accurate Mail Owner comments. Once submitted, comments
month that have a COA error is greater identification in eDoc. cannot be edited or removed from
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Document Created: 2018-10-25 10:09:19
Document Modified: 2018-10-25 10:09:19
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Final rule. | |
| Dates | Effective January 21, 2018. | |
| Contact | Heather Dyer, USPS Mail Entry, Phone: (207) 482-7217, Email: [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 49123 | |
| CFR Associated | Administrative Practice and Procedure and Postal Service |
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