,i #aaeth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #gef ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,january #ca1 #bjag,mr4 ,chaffetz 7for himself1 ,mr4 ,cummings1 ,mr4 ,meadows1 ,mr4 ,lynch1 ,mr4 ,connolly1 and ,mr4 ,ross7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,oversight and ,government ,reform1 and in addition to the ,committees on ,energy and ,commerce1 and ,ways and ,means1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to restore the financial solvency and improve the governance of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service in order to ensure the efficient and affordable nationwide delivery of mail1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,postal ,service ,reform ,act of #bjag4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,definitions4 ,title ,i--,postal ,service ,benefits ,reform ,sec4 #aja4 ,postal ,service ,health ,benefits ,program4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,postal ,service retiree health care benefit funding reform4 ,sec4 #ajc4 ,postal ,service pension funding reform4 ,sec4 #ajd4 ,medicare part ,b premium transition for newly enrolling ,postal ,service annuitants and family members4 ,title ,,ii--,postal ,service ,operations ,reform ,sec4 #bja4 ,governance reform4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,transition to more efficient and secure mail delivery4 ,sec4 #bjc4 ,modernizing postal rates4 ,sec4 #bjd4 ,nonpostal services4 ,sec4 #bje4 ,efficient and flexible universal postal service4 ,sec4 #bjf4 ,fair stamp-evidencing competition4 ,sec4 #bjg4 ,market-dominant rates4 ,sec4 #bjh4 ,completion of initial rate regulation review4 ,sec4 #bji4 ,review of ,postal ,service cost attribution guidelines4 ,sec4 #baj4 ,aviation security for parcels4 ,sec4 #baa4 ,,zip codes4 ,title ,,iii--,postal ,service ,personnel ,sec4 #cja4 ,postal ,service ,chief ,innovation ,officer4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community4 ,sec4 #cjc4 ,right of appeal to ,merit ,systems ,protection ,board4 ,title ,,iv--,postal ,contracting ,reform ,sec4 #dja4 ,contracting provisions4 ,sec4 #djb4 ,technical amendment to definition4 #b4 ,definitions ,in this ,act-- 7#a7 the term ,postal ,service means the ,united ,states ,postal ,service2 and 7#b7 the term postal retail facility means a post office1 post office branch1 post office classified station1 or other facility which is operated by the ,postal ,service1 and the primary function of which is to provide retail postal services1 but does not include a contractor-operated facility offering postal services4 ,i ,postal ,service ,benefits ,reform #aja4 ,postal ,service ,health ,benefits ,program 7a7 ,establishment 7#a7 ,in general ,chapter #hi of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after section #hijc;b the following3 #hijc;c4 ,postal ,service ,health ,benefits ,program 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section-- 7#a7 the term covered ,medicare individual means an individual who is entitled to benefits under part ,a of title ,,xviii of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acie;c et seq471 but excluding an individual who is eligible to enroll under such part under section #ahah or #ahah;,a of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acie;i-#b1 #acie;i-#b;a72 7#b7 the term initial contract year means the contract year beginning in ,january of #bjai2 7#c7 the term initial participating carrier means a carrier that enters into a contract with the ,office to participate in the ,postal ,service ,health ,benefits ,program during the initial contract year2 7#d7 the term ,office means the ,office of ,personnel ,management2 7#e7 the term ,postal ,service means the ,united ,states ,postal ,service2 7#f7 the term ,postal ,service annuitant means an annuitant enrolled in a health benefits plan under this chapter whose ,government contribution is paid pursuant to the requirements of section #hijf7;g77#b72 7#g7 the term ,postal ,service employee means an employee of the ,postal ,service enrolled in a health benefits plan under this chapter whose ,government contribution is paid by the ,postal ,service2 7#h7 the term ,postal ,service ,medicare covered annuitant means an individual who-- 7,a7 is a ,postal ,service annuitant2 and 7,b7 is a covered ,medicare individual2 7#i7 the term ,program means the ,postal ,service ,health ,benefits ,program established under subsection 7c7 within the ,federal ,employees ,health ,benefit ,program2 and 7#aj7 the term ,program plan means a health benefits plan offered under the ,program4 7b7 ,application ,the requirements under this section shall-- 7#a7 apply to the initial contract year and each contract year thereafter2 and 7#b7 supersede any other provision of this chapter inconsistent with such requirements1 as determined by the ,office4 7c7 ,establishment of the ,postal ,service ,health ,benefits ,program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,office shall establish the ,postal ,service ,health ,benefits ,program under which the ,office contracts with carriers to offer health benefits plans as described under this section4 ,except as otherwise provided under this section1 any such contract shall be consistent with the requirements of this chapter for contracts under section #hijb with carriers to offer health benefits plans other than under this section4 ,the ,program shall-- 7,a7 to the greatest extent practicable1 include plans offered by-- 7i7 each carrier for which the total enrollment in the plans provided under this chapter includes1 in the contract year beginning in ,january #bjah1 #a1ejj or more enrollees who are ,postal ,service employees or ,postal ,service annuitants2 and 7ii7 any other carrier determined appropriate by the ,office2 7,b7 be available for participation by all ,postal ,service employees and ,postal ,service annuitants1 in accordance with subsection 7d72 7,c7 provide for enrollment in a plan as an individual1 for self plus one1 or for self and family2 and 7,d7 not be available for participation by an individual who is not a ,postal ,service employee or ,postal ,service annuitant 7except as a family member of such an employee or annuitant or as provided under paragraph 7#e774 7#b7 ,separate ,postal ,service risk pool ,the ,office shall ensure that each ,program plan includes rates that reasonably and equitably reflect the cost of benefits provided to a risk pool consisting solely of ,postal ,service employees and ,postal ,service annuitants 7and covered family members of such employees and annuitants71 taking into specific account the reduction in benefits cost for the ,program plan due to the ,medicare enrollment requirements under subsection 7e7 and any savings or subsidies resulting from subsection 7f77#a74 7#c7 ,actuarially equivalent coverage ,the ,office shall ensure that each carrier participating in the ,postal ,service ,health ,benefits ,program provides coverage under the ,program plans offered by the carrier that is actuarially equivalent1 as determined by the ,office1 to the coverage that the carrier provides under the health benefits plans offered by the carrier under this chapter that are not ,program plans4 7#d7 ,applicability of ,federal ,employees ,health ,benefits ,program requirements ,except as otherwise set forth in this section1 all provisions of this chapter applicable to health benefits plans offered by the carrier under section #hijc or #hijc;a shall also apply to plans offered under the ,program4 7#e7 ,application of continuation coverage ,in accordance with rules established by the ,office1 section #hije;a shall apply to health benefits plans offered under this section in the same manner as such section applies to other health benefits plans offered under this chapter4 7d7 ,election of coverage 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c71 each ,postal ,service employee and ,postal ,service annuitant who elects to receive health benefits coverage under this chapter-- 7,a7 shall be subject to the requirements of this section2 and 7,b7 may not enroll in any other health benefits plan offered under any other section of this chapter4 7#b7 ,annuitants 7,a7 ,application ,a ,postal ,service annuitant shall not be subject to the requirements of this section if the ,postal ,service annuitant-- 7i7 is enrolled in a health benefits plan under this chapter for the contract year immediately preceding the initial contract year that is not a health benefits plan offered by an initial participating carrier1 unless-- 7,i7 the ,postal ,service annuitant voluntarily enrolls in a ,program plan2 7,,ii7 the health benefits plan in which such annuitant is enrolled for such contract year ceases to be available2 or 7,,iii7 the health benefits plan in which such annuitant is enrolled for such contract year becomes available as a ,program plan2 or 7ii7 resides in a geographic area for which there is not a ,program plan in which the ,postal ,service annuitant may enroll4 7,b7 ,changed enrollment ,if a ,postal ,service annuitant changes enrollment to a health benefits plan under this chapter provided by a different carrier than the health benefits plan in which such annuitant is enrolled during the previous contract year1 the ,postal ,service annuitant may only enroll in a ,program plan4 7#c7 ,employees ,a ,postal ,service employee who is enrolled in a health benefits plan under this chapter for the contract year immediately preceding the initial contract year that is not a health benefits plan offered by an initial participating carrier shall not be subject to the requirements of this section1 except that-- 7,a7 if the ,postal ,service employee changes enrollment to a different health benefits plan under this chapter during the open season for the initial contract year1 or after the start of the initial contract year1 the ,postal ,service employee may only enroll in a ,program plan2 7,b7 if the health benefits plan in which such employee is enrolled for such contract year becomes available as a ,program plan1 the ,postal ,service employee may only enroll in a ,program plan2 7,c7 upon becoming a ,postal ,service annuitant1 if the ,postal ,service employee elects to continue coverage under this chapter1 the ,postal ,service employee shall enroll in a ,program plan during the open season that is-- 7i7 being held when the ,postal ,service employee becomes a ,postal ,service annuitant2 or 7ii7 if the date on which the ,postal ,service employee becomes a ,postal ,service annuitant falls outside of an open season1 the first open season following that date2 and 7,d7 subparagraphs 7,a71 7,b71 and 7,c7 shall not apply to an employee who resides in a geographic area for which there is not a ,program plan in which the employee may enroll4 7e7 ,requirement of ,medicare enrollment for annuitants and their family members 7#a7 ,postal service medicare covered annuitants ,a ,postal ,service ,medicare covered annuitant subject to the requirements of this section may not obtain coverage under this chapter unless the annuitant is enrolled in part ,b of title ,,xviii of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acie;j et seq474 7#b7 ,medicare covered family members ,if a family member of a ,postal ,service annuitant who is subject to the requirements of this section is a covered ,medicare individual1 the family member may not be covered under the ,program as a family member of the ,postal ,service annuitant unless the family member is enrolled in part ,b of title ,,xviii of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acie;j et seq474 7#c7 ,process for coordinated election of enrollment under ,medicare part ,b ,the ,office shall establish a process under which-- 7,a7 ,postal ,service annuitants and family members who are subject to the requirements of paragraph 7#a7 or 7#b7-- 7i7 are informed1 at the time of enrollment under this chapter1 of such requirement2 7ii7 receive requests for any additional information necessary for enrollment in writing2 and 7iii7 as a consequence of such enrollment are deemed1 for such continuous period as such annuitant or family member involved otherwise maintains eligibility for enrollment under ,medicare part ,b1 to have elected to be enrolled under ,medicare part ,b 7under section #ahcg7m77#a7 of the ,social ,security ,act7 in connection with the enrollment in a ,program plan under this chapter2 and 7,b7 the ,office provides the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services and the ,commissioner of ,social ,security in a timely manner with such information respecting such annuitants and family members and such election as may be required to effect their enrollment and coverage under ,medicare part ,b and this section in a timely manner4 7f7 ,medicare coordination 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,office shall require each ,program plan to provide benefits for covered ,medicare individuals pursuant to the standard coordination of benefits method used under this chapter1 rather than the exclusion method or the carve-out method4 7#b7 ,medicare part ,d prescription drug benefits ,the ,office shall require each ,program plan to provide prescription drug benefits for ,postal ,service annuitants and family members who are eligible individuals 7as defined in section #ahfj;,d-#a7;a77#c77;,a7 of the ,social ,security ,act7 through an employer group waiver plan offered under subsection 7b7 of section #ahfj;,d-#bb of the ,social ,security ,act4 ,the ,federal ,government1 through the ,office1 shall be deemed the sponsor of such plan4 7g7 ,postal ,service contribution 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to subsection 7i71 for purposes of applying section #hijf7;b7 to the ,postal ,service1 the weighted average shall be calculated in accordance with paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c74 7#b7 ,weighted average calculation ,not later than ,october #a of each year 7beginning with #bjah71 the ,office shall determine the weighted average of the rates established pursuant to subsection 7c77#b7 for ,program plans that will be in effect during the following contract year with respect to-- 7,a7 enrollments for self only2 7,b7 enrollments for self plus one2 and 7,c7 enrollments for self and family4 7#c7 ,weighting in computing rates for initial contract year ,in determining such weighted average of the rates for the initial contract year1 the ,office shall take into account 7for purposes of section #hijf7;a77#b77 the enrollment of ,postal ,service employees and annuitants in the health benefits plans offered by the initial participating carriers as of ,march #ca1 #bjah4 7h7 ,reserves 7#a7 ,separate reserves 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,office shall ensure that each ,program plan maintains separate reserves 7including a separate contingency reserve7 with respect to the enrollees in the ,program plan in accordance with section #hiji4 7,b7 ,references ,for purposes of the ,program1 each reference to the ,government in section #hiji shall be deemed to be a reference to the ,postal ,service4 7,c7 ,amounts to be credited ,the reserves 7including the separate contingency reserve7 maintained by each ,program plan shall be credited with a proportionate amount of the funds in the reserves for health benefits plans offered by the carrier4 7#b7 ,discontinuation of ,program plan ,in applying section #hiji7;e7 relating to a ,program plan that is discontinued1 the ,office shall credit the separate ,postal ,service contingency reserve maintained under paragraph 7#a7 for that plan only to the separate ,postal ,service contingency reserves of the ,program plans continuing under this chapter4 7i7 ,no effect on existing law ,nothing in this section shall be construed as affecting section #ajje7;f7 of title #ci regarding variations1 additions1 or substitutions to the provisions of this chapter4 7j7 ,medicare ,education ,program ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,postal ,service shall establish a ,medicare ,education ,program4 ,under the ,program1 the ,postal ,service shall-- 7#a7 notify annuitants and employees of the ,postal ,service about the ,postal ,service ,health ,benefits ,program established under subsection 7c77#a72 7#b7 provide information regarding the ,postal ,service ,health ,benefits ,program to such annuitants and employees1 including a description of the health care options available under such ,program1 the requirement that retirees be enrolled in ,medicare under subsection 7e77#a71 and the operation of the premium transition fund to be created under section #ajd of the ,postal ,service ,reform ,act of #bjag2 and 7#c7 respond and provide answers to any inquiry from such employees and annuitants about the ,postal ,service ,health ,benefits ,program or ,medicare enrollment4 4 7#b7 ,technical and conforming amendments 7,a7 ,section #hijc7a7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking two levels of benefits and inserting #b levels of benefits for enrollees under this chapter generally and #b levels of benefits for enrollees under the ,postal ,service ,health ,benefits ,program established under section #hijc;c4 7,b7 ,the table of sections for chapter #hi of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #hijc;b the following3 #hijc;c4 ,postal ,service ,health ,benefits ,program4 4 7b7 ,coordination with ,medicare 7#a7 ,medicare enrollment and coverage ,section #ahcg of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aciep7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7m7 7#a7 ,in the case of an individual who-- 7,a7 is-- 7i7 a ,postal ,service ,medicare covered annuitant2 or 7ii7 an individual who is a family member of such an annuitant and is a covered ,medicare individual2 7,b7 enrolls in a ,program plan under section #hijc;c of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code2 and 7,c7 is not enrolled under this part1 the individual is deemed1 in accordance with section #hijc;c7e77#c7 of such title1 to have elected to be enrolled under this part4 7#b7 ,in the case of an individual who is deemed to be enrolled under paragraph 7#a71 the coverage period under this part shall begin on the date that the individual first has coverage under the ,program plan pursuant to the enrollment described in paragraph 7#a77;,b74 7#c7 ,the definitions in section #hijc;c7a7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall apply for purposes of this subsection4 4 7#b7 ,waiver of increase of premium ,section #ahci7;b7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acier7b77 is amended by inserting after section #ahcg the following3 or pursuant to subsection 7m7 of such section4 7#c7 ,conforming coordination of benefit rules ,section #ahfb7;b7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aciey7b77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#aj7 ,coordination of benefits with postal service health benefits plans ,the previous provisions of this subsection are superseded to the extent the ,secretary determines1 in consultation with the ,office of ,personnel ,management1 them to be inconsistent with section #hijc;c7f7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 4 #ajb4 ,postal ,service retiree health care benefit funding reform 7a7 ,contributions ,section #hijf7;g7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking 7#b77;,a7 ,the ,government and inserting 7#b77;,a77i7 ,the ,government2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,a7-- 7i7 in clause 7i71 as added by paragraph 7#a71 by striking shall through ,september #cj1 #bjaf1 be paid and all that follows and inserting the following3 shall be paid as provided in clause 7ii742 and 7ii7 by adding at the end the following3 7ii7 ,with respect to the ,government contributions required to be paid under clause 7i7-- 7,i7 the portion of the contributions that is equal to the amount of the net claims costs under the enrollment of the individuals described in clause 7i7 shall be paid from the ,postal ,service ,retiree ,health ,benefits ,fund up to the amount contained in the ,fund2 and 7,,ii7 any remaining amount shall be paid by the ,united ,states ,postal ,service4 2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 ,for purposes of this paragraph1 the amount of the net claims costs under the enrollment of an individual described in subparagraph 7,a77i7 shall be the amount1 as determined by the ,office over any particular period of time1 equal to the difference between-- 7i7 the sum of-- 7,i7 the costs incurred by a carrier in providing health services to1 paying for health services provided to1 or reimbursing expenses for health services provided to1 the individual and any other person covered under the enrollment of the individual2 and 7,,ii7 an amount of indirect expenses reasonably allocable to the provision1 payment1 or reimbursement described in subclause 7,i71 as determined by the ,office2 and 7ii7 the amount withheld from the annuity of the individual or otherwise paid by the individual under this section4 4 7b7 ,postal ,service ,retiree ,health ,benefits ,fund ,section #hiji;a of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7d7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking required under section #hijf7;g77#b77;,a7 and inserting the following3 required to be paid from the ,postal ,service ,retiree ,health ,benefits ,fund under section #hijf7;g77#b77;,a77ii77,i72 7,b7 by striking paragraph 7#b7 and inserting the following3 7#b7 7,a7 ,not later than ,june #cj1 #bjah1 the ,office shall compute1 and by ,june #cj of each succeeding year1 the ,office shall recompute1 a schedule including a series of annual installments which provide for the liquidation of the amount described under subparagraph 7,b7 7regardless of whether the amount is a liability or surplus7 by ,september #cj1 #bjee1 or within #ae years1 whichever is later1 including interest at the rate used in the computations under this subsection4 7,b7 ,the amount described in this subparagraph is the amount1 as of the date on which the applicable computation or recomputation under subparagraph 7,a7 is made1 that is equal to the difference between-- 7i7 #ajj percent of the ,postal ,service actuarial liability as of ,september #cj of the preceding fiscal year2 and 7ii7 the value of the assets of the ,postal ,service ,retiree ,health ,benefits ,fund as of ,september #cj of the preceding fiscal year4 2 7,c7 in paragraph 7#c7-- 7i7 in subparagraph 7,a7-- 7,i7 in clause 7iii71 by adding and at the end2 7,,ii7 in clause 7iv71 by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting a period2 and 7,,iii7 by striking clauses 7v7 through 7x72 and 7ii7 in subparagraph 7,b7-- 7,i7 in clause 7i71 by striking paragraph 7#a7 and inserting paragraph 7#a71 except to the extent the payment would cause the value of the assets in the ,fund to exceed the ,postal ,service actuarial liability2 and 7,,ii7 in clause 7ii71 by striking paragraph 7#b77;,b74 and inserting paragraph 7#b742 7,d7 by amending paragraph 7#d7 to read as follows3 7#d7 ,computations under this subsection shall be based on-- 7,a7 economic and actuarial methods and assumptions consistent with the methods and assumptions used in determining the ,postal surplus or supplemental liability under section #hcdh7;h72 and 7,b7 any other methods and assumptions1 including a health care cost trend rate1 that the ,director of the ,office determines to be appropriate4 2 and 7,e7 by adding at the end the following3 7#g7 ,in this subsection1 the term ,postal ,service actuarial liability means the difference between-- 7,a7 the net present value of future payments required to be paid from the ,postal ,service ,retiree ,health ,benefits ,fund under section #hijf7;g77#b77;,a77ii77,i7 for current and future ,united ,states ,postal ,service annuitants2 and 7,b7 the net present value as computed under paragraph 7#a7 attributable to the future service of ,united ,states ,postal ,service employees4 7#h7 ,for purposes of computing an amount under paragraph 7#a7 or 7#g77;,a71 subclause 7,i7 of section #hijf7;g77#b77;,a77ii7 shall be applied without regard to the limit in such subclause with respect to the amount contained in the ,fund4 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7e7 ,subsections 7a7 through 7d7 of this section shall be subject to the requirements of section #hijc;c4 4 7c7 ,cancellation of certain unpaid obligations of the ,postal ,service ,any obligation of the ,postal ,service under section #hiji;a7d77#c77;,a7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this ,act1 that remains unpaid as of such date of enactment is canceled4 7d7 ,technical and conforming amendment ,the heading of section #hiji;a of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking ,benefit and inserting ,benefits4 #ajc4 ,postal ,service pension funding reform 7a7 ,civil ,service ,retirement ,system ,section #hcdh7;h7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c7 and inserting the following3 7,b7 ,the ,office shall redetermine the postal surplus or supplemental liability as of the close of the fiscal year1 for each fiscal year beginning after ,september #cj1 #bjaf4 ,subject to subparagraph 7,c71 beginning ,june #ae1 #bjah1 if the result is a surplus or a supplemental liability the ,office shall establish an amortization schedule1 including a series of annual installments commencing on ,september #cj of the subsequent fiscal year1 which provides for the liquidation of such surplus or liability to the ,postal ,service or the ,fund 7as the case may be7 by ,september #cj1 #bjdc4 7,c7 ,no later than ,june #cj1 #bjcc1 the ,office shall determine1 and thereafter redetermine as necessary1 but not more frequently than once per year1 the appropriate date to complete the liquidation of any remaining surplus or liability determined under this paragraph4 ,the determination under this subparagraph shall be set in accordance with generally accepted actuarial practices and principles and shall not be longer than a period of #ae years from the date on which the determination is made4 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#d7 ,for the purpose of carrying out paragraph 7#a71 for fiscal year #bjag and each fiscal year thereafter1 the ,office shall use-- 7,a7 demographic factors specific to current and former employees of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service1 unless such data cannot be generated2 and 7,b7 economic assumptions regarding wage and salary growth that reflect the specific past1 and likely future1 pay for current employees of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service4 4 7b7 ,federal ,employees ,retirement ,system liability assumption reform ,section #hdbc of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7i7 in subparagraph 7,a7-- 7,i7 in clause 7i71 by striking subparagraph 7,b771 and inserting subparagraph 7,b7 or 7,c7712 and 7,,ii7 in clause 7ii71 by striking and at the end2 7ii7 in subparagraph 7,b77ii71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7iii7 by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 the product of-- 7i7 the normal-cost percentage1 as determined for employees 7other than employees covered by subparagraph 7,b77 of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service under paragraph 7#e71 multiplied by 7ii7 the aggregate amount of basic pay payable by the ,united ,states ,postal ,service1 for the period involved1 to employees of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service4 2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#e7 7,a7 ,in determining the normal-cost percentage for employees of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service for purposes of paragraph 7#a77;,c71 the ,office shall use-- 7i7 demographic factors specific to such employees1 unless such data cannot be generated2 and 7ii7 economic assumptions regarding wage and salary growth that reflect the specific past1 and likely future1 pay for such employees4 7,b7 ,the ,united ,states ,postal ,service shall provide any data or projections the ,office requires in order to determine the normal-cost percentage for employees of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service1 consistent with subparagraph 7,a74 7,c7 ,the ,office shall review the determination of the normal-cost percentage for employees of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service and make such adjustments as the ,office considers necessary-- 7i7 upon request of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service1 but not more frequently than once each fiscal year2 and 7ii7 at such other times as the ,office considers appropriate4 7#f7 ,for the purpose of carrying out subsection 7b77#a77;,b71 and consistent with paragraph 7#e71 for fiscal year #bjag1 and each fiscal year thereafter1 the ,office shall use-- 7,a7 demographic factors specific to current and former employees of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service1 unless such data cannot be generated2 and 7,b7 economic assumptions regarding wage and salary growth that reflect the specific past1 and likely future1 pay for current employees of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service4 2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 by redesignating paragraph 7#e7 as paragraph 7#f72 and 7,b7 by inserting after paragraph 7#d7 the following3 7#e7 7,a7 ,in this paragraph1 the term postal funding surplus means the amount by which the amount of the supplemental liability computed under paragraph 7#a77;,b7 is less than zero4 7,b7 ,if the amount of supplemental liability computed under paragraph 7#a77;,b7 as of the close of any fiscal year after the date of enactment of the ,postal ,service ,reform ,act of #bjag is less than zero1 the ,office shall establish an amortization schedule1 including a series of equal annual installments that-- 7i7 provide for the liquidation of the postal funding surplus in #cj years1 commencing on ,september #cj of the subsequent fiscal year2 and 7ii7 shall be transferred to the ,postal ,service ,fund4 4 #ajd4 ,medicare part ,b premium transition for newly enrolling ,postal ,service annuitants and family members 7a7 ,in general ,section #ahci of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acier7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7j7 ,transition for newly enrolling postal service annuitants and family members ,with respect to each individual who is enrolled under this part pursuant to and during the open enrollment period established under section #ahcg7m7 and who is not eligible for ,medicare cost-sharing described in section #aije7p77#c77;,a77ii7 under a ,state plan under title ,,xix1 the premium otherwise established under this part 7taking into account any adjustments1 including those under subsections 7b7 and 7i77 for a month-- 7#a7 in the initial contract year 7as defined in section #hijc;c7a7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code71 shall be reduced by #ge percent2 7#b7 in the succeeding year1 shall be reduced by #ej percent2 and 7#c7 in the second succeeding year1 shall be reduced by #be percent4 4 7b7 ,funding through ,postal ,service ,fund ,section #ahdd of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aciew7 is amended-- 7#a7 in the last sentence of subsection 7a71 by striking under subsection 7d77#a7 with respect to enrollees described in subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 of such subsection and inserting under subsections 7d77#a7 and 7d77#d7 with respect to enrollees described in subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 of such respective subsection2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7d71 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#d7 ,for each year1 there shall be transferred from the ,postal ,service ,fund to the ,trust ,fund an amount1 as estimated by the ,chief ,actuary of the ,centers for ,medicare ,medicaid ,services1 equal to the reduction in aggregate premiums payable under this part for a month in such year that is attributable to the application of section #ahci7;j7 with respect to-- 7,a7 enrollees age #fe and over2 and 7,b7 enrollees under age #fe4 ,such amounts shall be transferred from time to time as appropriate but1 to the extent practicable1 on an annual basis and in a manner that places the ,trust ,fund in the same actuarial status as if this paragraph and section #ahci7;j7 did not apply4 4 ,,ii ,postal ,service ,operations ,reform #bja4 ,governance reform 7a7 ,board of ,governors 7#a7 ,in general ,section #bjb of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended to read as follows3 #bjb4 ,board of ,governors 7a7 ,in general ,there is established in the ,postal ,service a ,board of ,governors composed of #e ,governors1 a ,postmaster ,general1 and a ,deputy ,postmaster ,general1 all of whom shall be appointed in accordance with this section4 ,the ,governors shall have the power to-- 7#a7 exercise the powers of the ,postal ,service1 consistent with section #bjc7;c72 7#b7 appoint1 fix the term of service of1 and remove the ,postmaster ,general2 7#c7 in consultation with the ,postmaster ,general1 appoint1 fix the term of service of1 and remove the ,deputy ,postmaster ,general2 7#d7 set the strategic direction of postal operations and approve the pricing and product strategy for the ,postal ,service2 7#e7 set the compensation of the ,postmaster ,general and the ,deputy ,postmaster ,general in accordance with private sector best practices1 as determined by the ,governors pursuant to section #cfhf2 and 7#f7 carry out any other duties specifically provided for in this title4 7b7 ,appointment2 pay 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,governors shall be appointed by the ,president1 by and with the advice and consent of the ,senate1 not more than #c of whom may be adherents of the same political party4 ,the ,governors shall elect a ,chair from among their members4 ,the ,governors shall represent the public interest generally1 and shall be chosen solely on the basis of their experience in the field of public administration1 law1 or accounting1 or on their demonstrated ability in managing organizations or corporations 7in either the public or private sector7 of substantial size1 except that at least #c of the ,governors shall be chosen solely on the basis of their demonstrated ability in managing organizations or corporations 7in either the public or private sector7 that employ at least #aj1jjj employees4 ,the ,governors shall not be representatives of specific interests using the ,postal ,service1 and may be removed only for cause4 7#b7 ,compensation ,each ,governor shall receive a salary of #cj1jjj a year plus #cjj a day for not more than #db days of meetings each year and shall be reimbursed for travel and reasonable expenses incurred in attending meetings of the ,board4 ,nothing in the preceding sentence shall be construed to limit the number of days of meetings each year to #db days4 7#c7 ,consultation ,in selecting the individuals described in paragraph 7#a7 for nomination for appointment to the position of ,governor1 the ,president should consult with the ,speaker of the ,house of ,representatives1 the minority leader of the ,house of ,representatives1 the majority leader of the ,senate1 and the minority leader of the ,senate4 7c7 ,terms of ,governors 7#a7 ,in general ,the terms of the #e ,governors shall be #g years1 except that the terms of the #e ,governors first taking office shall expire as designated by the ,president at the time of appointment1 #a at the end of #a year1 #a at the end of #b years1 #a at the end of #c years1 #a at the end of #d years1 and #a at the end of #e years1 following the appointment of the first of them4 ,any ,governor appointed to fill a vacancy before the expiration of the term for which the ,governor's predecessor was appointed shall serve for the remainder of such term4 ,a ,governor may continue to serve after the expiration of the ,governor's term until such ,governor's successor has qualified1 but not to exceed one year4 7#b7 ,limitation ,no individual may serve more than #b terms as a ,governor4 7d7 ,staff ,the ,chair of the ,board of ,governors shall ensure that the ,board has appropriate independent staff to carry out the roles and responsibilities of the ,board and the ,governors4 4 7#b7 ,application ,any individual serving as a ,governor on the ,board of ,governors of the ,postal ,service on the date of enactment of this ,act shall continue to serve as a ,governor until the term applicable to such individual expires 7as determined under section #bjb7;b7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 as in effect before the amendments made by this section take effect pursuant to subsection 7g774 7b7 ,postmaster ,general 7#a7 ,in general ,section #bjc of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended to read as follows3 #bjc4 ,postmaster ,general 7a7 ,in general ,the chief executive officer of the ,postal ,service is the ,postmaster ,general1 appointed pursuant to section #bjb7;a77#b74 ,the alternate chief executive officer of the ,postal ,service is the ,deputy ,postmaster ,general1 appointed pursuant to section #bjb7;a77#c7 of this title4 7b7 ,powers ,consistent with the requirements of this title1 the exercise of the power of the ,postal ,service shall be vested in the ,governors and carried out by the ,postmaster ,general in a manner consistent with the strategic direction and pricing and product strategy approved by the ,governors4 ,the ,postmaster ,general shall1 in accordance with by-laws determined appropriate by the ,board1 consult with the ,governors and the ,deputy ,postmaster ,general in carrying out such power4 4 7#b7 ,conforming amendment ,the item relating to section #bjc in the table of sections for chapter #b of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended to read as follows3 #bjc4 ,postmaster ,general4 4 7c7 ,procedures of the ,board ,section #bje of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended to read as follows3 #bje4 ,procedures of the ,board of ,governors and the ,governors 7a7 ,vacancies ,vacancies in the ,board shall not impair the powers of the ,board or the ,governors under this title4 7b7 ,vote ,the ,board and the ,governors shall act upon majority vote of those members who are present1 subject to such quorum requirements as the ,board and the ,governors may respectively establish4 7c7 ,limitation ,no officer or employee of the ,united ,states may serve concurrently as a ,governor4 ,a ,governor may hold any other office or employment not inconsistent or in conflict with the ,governor's duties1 responsibilities1 and powers as an officer of the ,government of the ,united ,states in the ,postal ,service4 4 7d7 ,delegation of authority ,section #djb of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended to read as follows3 #djb4 ,delegation of authority 7a7 ,postmaster ,general ,the ,postmaster ,general may delegate his or her authority under such terms1 conditions1 and limitations1 including the power of redelegation1 as he or she determines desirable4 ,the ,postmaster ,general may establish such committees of officers and employees of the ,postal ,service1 and delegate such powers to any committee1 as the ,postmaster ,general determines appropriate to carry out his or her functions and duties4 ,delegations under this section shall be consistent with other provisions of this title1 shall not relieve the ,postmaster ,general of full responsibility for the carrying out the ,postmaster ,general's duties and functions1 and shall be revocable by the ,postmaster ,general4 7b7 ,board of ,governors ,the ,board may establish such committees of the ,board1 and delegate such powers to any committee1 as the ,board determines appropriate to carry out its functions and duties4 ,delegations to committees shall be consistent with other provisions of this title1 shall not relieve the ,board of full responsibility for the carrying out of its duties and functions1 and shall be revocable by the ,board in its exclusive judgment4 4 7e7 ,international postal arrangements 7#a7 ,in general ,section #djg of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7f7 ,after submission to the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission by the ,department of ,state of the budget detailing the estimated costs of carrying out the activities under this section1 and the ,commission's review and approval of such submission1 the ,postal ,service shall transfer to the ,department of ,state1 from any funds available to the ,postal ,service1 such sums as may be reasonable1 documented1 and auditable for the ,department of ,state to carry out such activities4 4 7#b7 ,application ,the amendment made by paragraph 7#a7 shall take effect on ,october #a of the first fiscal year beginning after the date of enactment of this ,act4 7#c7 ,conforming amendment ,section #fcc of title ,,vi of the ,treasury and ,general ,government ,appropriations ,act1 #aiii 7,public ,law #aje-bgg2 #ci ,u4,s4,c4 #djg note7 is amended by striking subsection 7d74 7f7 ,technical and conforming amendments ,title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended as follows3 7#a7 ,in section #ajb7c7-- 7,a7 by striking #i members and inserting #e members2 and 7,b7 by striking section #bjb7;a7 and inserting section #bjb7;b77#a74 7#b7 ,in section #bjd-- 7,a7 by striking the ,board and inserting the ,postmaster ,general2 and 7,b7 by striking the ,governors and4 7#c7 ,in section #bjg1 by striking the ,board and inserting the ,postal ,service4 7#d7 ,in section #dad7;b77#b71 by striking the ,governors in each instance it appears and inserting the ,postal ,service4 7#e7 ,in section #daf7;c7-- 7,a7 by striking the ,governors and inserting the ,postal ,service2 and 7,b7 by striking they and inserting the ,postal ,service4 7#f7 ,in section #ajaa1 by striking the ,board and inserting the ,postal ,service4 7#g7 ,by striking section #bdjb and inserting the following3 #bdjb4 ,annual report ,the ,postmaster ,general shall render an annual report concerning the operations of the ,postal ,service under this title to the ,president and ,congress4 4 7#h7 ,in section #cfcb-- 7,a7 by striking the section heading1 and inserting ,establishment of rates and classes of competitive products2 7,b7 by striking subsection 7a7 and redesignating subsections 7b7 and 7c7 as 7a7 and 7b71 respectively2 7,c7 in paragraph 7a77#b7 7as redesignated by subparagraph 7,b771 by striking and the record of the ,governors' proceedings in connection with such decision2 7,d7 in paragraph 7a77#c7 7as redesignated by subparagraph 7,b77-- 7i7 by striking and the record of the proceedings in connection with such decision2 and 7ii7 by striking the ,governors consider and inserting the ,postal ,service considers2 and 7,e7 by striking the ,governors in each instance it appears and inserting the ,postal ,service4 7#i7 ,the table of sections for chapter #cf is amended by striking the item relating to section #cfcb and inserting the following3 #cfcb4 ,establishment of rates and classes of competitive products4 4 7g7 ,delayed effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall take effect upon the date that is #cj days after the date of enactment of this ,act4 #bjb4 ,transition to more efficient and secure mail delivery 7a7 ,in general ,subchapter ,,vii of chapter #cf of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #cfib4 ,delivery-point modernization 7a7 ,definitions ,for purposes of this section-- 7#a7 the term delivery point means a mailbox or other receptacle to which mail is delivered2 7#b7 the term primary mode of mail delivery means the typical method by which the ,postal ,service delivers letter mail to the delivery point of a postal patron2 7#c7 the term door delivery means a primary mode of mail delivery whereby mail is placed into a slot or receptacle at or near the postal patron's door or is hand delivered to a postal patron1 but does not include centralized delivery1 curbside delivery1 or sidewalk delivery2 7#d7 the term centralized delivery means a primary mode of mail delivery whereby mail receptacles of a number of delivery points are grouped or clustered at a single location2 7#e7 the term curbside delivery means a primary mode of mail delivery whereby a mail receptacle is situated at the edge of a sidewalk abutting a road or curb1 at a road1 or at a curb1 and can be served by a letter carrier from a motorized vehicle2 and 7#f7 the term sidewalk delivery means a primary mode of mail delivery whereby a mail receptacle is situated at the edge of a sidewalk and can be served by a letter carrier from the sidewalk4 7b7 ,policy ,it shall be the policy of the ,postal ,service-- 7#a7 to provide access to secure1 convenient mail and package delivery receptacles to the greatest number of postal patrons feasible2 and 7#b7 to use the most cost-effective primary mode of mail delivery feasible for postal patrons4 7c7 ,phaseout of door delivery for new addresses 7#a7 ,in general ,for any new delivery point established after the date of enactment of the ,postal ,service ,reform ,act of #bjag1 the ,postal ,service shall provide a primary mode of mail delivery other than door delivery1 with a preference for secure1 centralized delivery4 7#b7 ,exception ,paragraph 7#a7 shall not apply in circumstances in which the new delivery point is built or established within a block of existing delivery points whose primary mode of mail delivery is door delivery4 7d7 ,business address conversion 7#a7 ,identification ,not later than #a year after the date of the ,postal ,service ,reform ,act of #bjag1 each ,postal ,service district office shall identify the business delivery points within its service area that are appropriate candidates for conversion from door delivery to centralized delivery1 curbside delivery1 or sidewalk delivery4 7#b7 ,conversion requirement ,beginning not later than ,october #a1 #bjah1 the ,postal ,service shall implement a program to convert delivery points identified under paragraph 7#a7 to centralized delivery1 curbside delivery1 or sidewalk delivery at a rate sufficient to ensure that-- 7,a7 not less than #bj percent of such delivery points are converted by ,september #cj1 #bjai2 7,b7 not less than #dj percent of such delivery points are converted by ,september #cj1 #bjbj2 7,c7 not less than #fj percent of such delivery points are converted by ,september #cj1 #bjba2 7,d7 not less than #hj percent of such delivery points are converted by ,september #cj1 #bjbb2 and 7,e7 all such delivery points are converted by ,september #cj1 #bjbc4 7#c7 ,notification ,in carrying out conversions under paragraph 7#b71 the ,postal ,service shall provide written notice at least #fj days in advance of the implementation date of a change in primary mode of mail delivery to postal customers served by an applicable delivery point4 7e7 ,residential address conversion 7#a7 ,identification ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of the ,postal ,service ,reform ,act of #bjag1 each ,postal ,service district office shall identify the residential delivery points within its service area that are appropriate candidates for conversion from door delivery to centralized delivery1 curbside delivery1 or sidewalk delivery4 7#b7 ,voluntary conversion ,not later than ,october #a1 #bjah1 the ,postal ,service shall commence a program to convert delivery points identified under paragraph 7#a7 to centralized delivery1 curbside delivery1 or sidewalk delivery4 ,such program shall operate as follows3 7,a7 ,not later than #c months after the identification of the delivery points under paragraph 7#a71 the ,postal ,service shall divide such delivery points into geographically based address units 7such as street blocks or other similar reasonably segregable units7 not to exceed #ej delivery points per unit4 7,b7 ,not later than #f months after such identification1 the ,postal ,service shall provide written notification to postal patrons served by each identified delivery point containing the following3 7i7 ,notice that the delivery point has been proposed for conversion to a more efficient primary mode of mail delivery to more economically provide universal postal service and improve service4 7ii7 ,a description of the new primary mode of delivery proposed by the ,postal ,service and a visual example of such mode4 7iii7 ,a conversion consent form and notice that conversion for residential addresses is on a voluntary basis4 7iv7 ,a description of benefits of conversion to the postal patron1 including access to secure mail and package delivery1 and benefits of conversion to the ,postal ,service1 including a smaller environmental impact for delivery4 7v7 ,a description of how the conversion process would work1 and the monetary costs 7if any7 to the postal patron4 7vi7 ,any other information the ,postal ,service considers necessary4 7,c7 ,no delivery point may be converted under this subsection unless prior written consent is provided to the ,postal ,service by a postal patron served by such delivery point who is at least #ah years old1 except as provided for in subparagraph 7,e74 ,prior to the conversion of a delivery point under this section1 any written consent so provided may be withdrawn by such patron or by any other postal patron served by such delivery point who is at least #ah years old upon written notification to the ,postal ,service4 ,the ,postal ,service shall place on the ,postal ,service's public website an option to request that a consent form or consent-withdrawal form be delivered to any delivery point identified for conversion under this subsection4 7,d7 ,upon the receipt of written consent applicable to at least #dj percent of the delivery points within an address unit described under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,postal ,service shall-- 7i7 not later than #cj days after the date that the requisite percentage is reached1 provide written notice to each delivery point within such unit stating that the conversion threshold has been reached and that-- 7,i7 with respect to any delivery point for which a consent for conversion was received1 that the primary mode of mail delivery for such address will be converted2 and 7,,ii7 with respect to any delivery point for which a consent for conversion was not received1 that-- 7aa7 a postal patron served by such delivery point may elect1 by written consent1 at any time to convert the primary mode of mail delivery to the same form of delivery as the converted delivery points in such unit2 and 7bb7 if such a patron provides such consent1 the primary mode of mail delivery shall be converted not later than #cj days after the date of such consent or1 in any case where the conversion of delivery points has not yet occurred1 upon implementation of that conversion2 7ii7 not later than #ij days after the date that the requisite percentage is reached1 but not less than #cj days following the written notice under clause 7i71 convert the delivery points for which consent was received to the applicable new primary mode of mail delivery2 and 7iii7 following the conversion of an address unit1 ensure that the primary mode of mail delivery for any new residents to the address unit is the converted primary mode of mail1 regardless of the primary mode of mail delivery for the previous occupant4 7,e7 ,any delivery point created pursuant to subsection 7c77#b7 shall be automatically and irrevocably deemed to consent to delivery conversion if the delivery point is established within1 or later becomes a part of1 an address unit that is proposed for conversion to a different primary mode of mail delivery4 7f7 ,considerations ,in making a determination to convert the primary mode of mail delivery under this section1 the ,postal ,service shall consider-- 7#a7 the impact of weather conditions1 physical barriers1 or any other factor that may impact the feasibility of providing a primary mode of mail delivery other than door delivery 7such as a factor that may significantly reduce the potential cost savings associated with providing centralized delivery or curbside delivery72 7#b7 whether the address is in a registered historic district 7as that term is defined in section #dg7;c77#c77;,b7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf71 is listed on the ,national ,register of ,historic ,places1 is designated as a ,national ,historic ,landmark1 or is of historic value2 and 7#c7 population density and the concentration of poverty4 7g7 ,waiver for physical hardship 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,postal ,service shall establish and maintain a waiver program under which1 upon application1 door delivery may be continued1 or provided1 for a delivery point identified under subsection 7d77#a7 or 7e77#a7 at no cost to the applicant in any case in which-- 7,a7 centralized delivery1 curbside delivery1 or sidewalk delivery would1 but for this paragraph1 otherwise be the primary mode of mail delivery2 and 7,b7 door delivery is necessary in order to avoid causing significant physical hardship or physical safety risks to a postal patron4 7#b7 ,treatment of waiver ,an address receiving door delivery pursuant to a waiver under this subsection-- 7,a7 shall be counted1 for purposes of the reporting requirement under subsection 7j71 as an address that receives the primary mode of mail delivery which the address would be subject to if not for the waiver2 and 7,b7 shall1 not later than #fj days after ceasing to meet the requirements of paragraph 7#a71 be converted to the primary mode of mail delivery which is otherwise applicable4 7h7 ,procedures ,in carrying out conversions under this section1 the ,postal ,service shall establish procedures to-- 7#a7 solicit1 consider1 and respond to input from the general public1 postal patrons1 ,state and local governments1 local associations1 and property owners2 7#b7 calculate and make publicly accessible the cost or savings of the conversion to the ,postal ,service as well as the average conversion cost or savings to each postal patron and any cost or savings to the ,state and local government2 and 7#c7 place centralized delivery points in locations that maximize delivery efficiency1 ease of use for postal patrons1 and respect for private property rights4 7i7 ,voucher program ,the ,postal ,service shall provide for a voucher program under which1 upon application1 the ,postal ,service may defray all or any portion of the costs of new mail receptacles associated with conversion from door delivery under this section which would otherwise be borne by postal patrons4 7j7 ,annual report ,not later than #fj days after the end of each of fiscal years #bjah through #bjbc1 the ,postal ,service shall submit to ,congress and the ,inspector ,general a report on the implementation of this section during the most recently completed fiscal year4 ,each such report shall include-- 7#a7 the number of residential and business addresses that-- 7,a7 receive door delivery as of the end of the fiscal year preceding the most recently completed fiscal year2 7,b7 receive door delivery as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year2 and 7,c7 during the most recently completed fiscal year1 were converted from door delivery to-- 7i7 centralized delivery2 7ii7 curbside delivery2 and 7iii7 any other primary mode of mail delivery2 7#b7 the estimated cost savings from the conversions described in paragraph 7#a77;,c72 7#c7 a description of the progress made by the ,postal ,service toward meeting the requirements of the phaseout under subsection 7c72 and 7#d7 any other information which the ,postal ,service considers appropriate4 7k7 ,inspector ,general audit ,the ,inspector ,general shall issue an annual audit report on the implementation of this section not later than #ij days after the date on which the ,postal ,service releases its annual report under subsection 7j74 ,such report shall include-- 7#a7 an audit of the data contained in the ,postal ,service's report under subsection 7j72 and 7#b7 an evaluation of the ,postal ,service's implementation of the voucher program under subsection 7i74 7l7 ,review ,subchapters ,,iv and ,v shall not apply with respect to any action taken by the ,postal ,service under this section4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #cf of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding after the item relating to section #cfia the following3 #cfib4 ,delivery-point modernization4 4 7c7 ,updated delivery cost data 7#a7 ,study ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,postal ,service shall begin to collect data on delivery mode costs and the potential savings of converting to more cost-efficient primary modes of mail delivery4 7#b7 ,report ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,postal ,service shall submit to the ,committee on ,oversight and ,government ,reform of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate a report describing the findings of the study conducted under paragraph 7#a74 7d7 ,inspector ,general review of costs and benefits of delivery point conversions 7#a7 ,study ,not later than #b years after the date on which the ,postal ,service commences delivery point conversions pursuant to subsections 7d77#b7 and 7e77#b7 of section #cfib of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code 7as added by subsection 7a771 and not later than #c years thereafter1 the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community shall conduct a study of the costs and benefits of such conversions4 7#b7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the date on which the ,inspector ,general conducts each study required under paragraph 7#a71 the ,inspector ,general shall submit to the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,oversight and ,government ,reform of the ,house of ,representatives a report on the results of each study4 7#c7 ,content ,the studies required under paragraph 7#a7 shall assess the following3 7,a7 ,the cost savings realized by the ,postal ,service from the conversions under subsections 7d77#b7 and 7e77#b7 of section #cfib of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code 7as added by subsection 7a771 and the projected cost savings the ,postal ,service is likely to realize from full implementation of such conversions4 7,b7 ,the expenses incurred by the ,postal ,service to achieve such conversions and the projected expenses the ,postal ,service is likely to incur from full implementation of such conversions4 7,c7 ,the impact of the conversions on-- 7i7 read and response rates to mailed advertising2 7ii7 advertising mail revenue earned by the ,postal ,service2 7iii7 small businesses1 including small home-based businesses2 and 7iv7 mail volumes shipped through the ,postal ,service4 7,d7 ,any other factors the ,inspector ,general considers relevant to provide a complete analysis of the costs and benefits associated with the conversions described under such subsections4 7#d7 ,net cost benefit analysis ,the ,inspector ,general shall conduct a cost benefit analysis to determine the net cost or benefit to the ,postal ,service of the conversions conducted under such subsections and include the analysis in each report submitted under paragraph 7#b74 #bjc4 ,modernizing postal rates 7a7 ,adequacy1 efficiency1 and fairness of postal rates 7#a7 ,objectives ,section #cfbb7;b7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#b71 by inserting and ensure after create2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#c7-- 7i7 by inserting and meet after maintain2 and 7ii7 by inserting 1 with a focus on achieving predictable and consistent delivery before the period at the end2 7,c7 in paragraph 7#e71 by inserting establish and before maintain2 7,d7 in paragraph 7#f71 by striking process and inserting and cost attribution processes2 and 7,e7 in paragraph 7#i71 by inserting 7and to ensure appropriate levels of transparency7 before the period at the end4 7#b7 ,factors ,section #cfbb7;c7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended to read as follows3 7c7 ,factors ,in establishing or revising such system1 the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall take into account the following factors3 7#a7 ,the effect of rate increases upon the general public and business mail users4 7#b7 ,the available alternative means of sending and receiving written communications1 information1 and letters and other mail matter at reasonable costs4 7#c7 ,the reliability of delivery timelines and the extent to which the ,postal ,service is meeting its service standard obligations4 7#d7 ,the need to ensure that the ,postal ,service has adequate revenues and has taken appropriate cost-cutting measures to maintain financial stability and meet all legal obligations4 7#e7 ,the extent to which the ,postal ,service has taken actions to increase its efficiency and reduce its costs4 7#f7 ,the value of the mail service actually provided by each class or type of mail service to both the sender and the recipient1 including the collection1 mode of transportation1 and priority of delivery4 7#g7 ,the requirement that each class of mail or type of mail service bear the direct and indirect postal costs attributable to each class or type of mail service through reliably identified causal relationships plus that portion of all other costs of the ,postal ,service reasonably assignable to such class or type4 7#h7 ,the degree of preparation of mail for delivery into the postal system performed by the mailer and its effect upon improving efficiency and reducing costs to the ,postal ,service4 7#i7 ,simplicity of structure for the entire schedule and simple1 identifiable relationships between the rates or fees charged the various classes of mail for postal services4 7#aj7 ,the importance of pricing flexibility to encourage increased mail volume and operational efficiency4 7#aa7 ,the relative value to postal users of the kinds of mail matter entered into the postal system and the desirability and justification for special classifications and services of mail4 7#ab7 ,the importance of providing classifications with extremely high degrees of reliability and speed of delivery and of providing those that do not require high degrees of reliability and speed of delivery4 7#ac7 ,the desirability of special classifications for both postal users and the ,postal ,service in accordance with the policies of this title1 including agreements between the ,postal ,service and postal users1 when available on public and reasonable terms to similarly situated mailers1 that-- 7,a7 improve the net financial position of the ,postal ,service by reducing ,postal ,service costs or increasing the overall contribution to the institutional costs of the ,postal ,service2 and 7,b7 do not cause-- 7i7 unfair competitive advantage for the ,postal ,service or postal users eligible for the agreements2 or 7ii7 unreasonable disruption to the volume or revenues of other postal users4 7#ad7 ,the educational1 cultural1 scientific1 and informational value to the recipient of mail matter4 7#ae7 ,the need for the ,postal ,service to increase its efficiency and reduce its costs1 including infrastructure costs1 to help maintain high quality1 affordable postal services4 7#af7 ,the value to the ,postal ,service and postal users of promoting intelligent mail and of secure1 sender-identified mail4 7#ag7 ,the importance of stability and predictability of rates to ratepayers4 7#ah7 ,the policies of this title as well as such other factors as the ,commission determines appropriate4 4 7#c7 ,requirements ,section #cfbb7;d77#a7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,b7 through 7,e7 as subparagraphs 7,c7 through 7,f71 respectively2 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,f7 7as redesignated by clause 7i77 by striking subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,c7 and inserting subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,d72 and 7,c7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,a7 the following3 7,b7 establish postal rates for each group of functionally equivalent agreements between the ,postal ,service and users of the mail that-- 7i7 cover attributable cost2 7ii7 improve the net financial position of the ,postal ,service2 and 7iii7 do not cause unreasonable disruption in the marketplace1 consistent with subsection 7c77#ac77;,b71 for purposes of this subparagraph1 a group of functionally equivalent agreements shall consist of all service agreements that are functionally equivalent to each other within the same market-dominant product1 but shall not include agreements within an experimental product2 4 7#d7 ,technical and conforming amendments ,section #cfbb of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 in subsection 7a7 by striking 1 within #ah months after the date of enactment of this section12 and 7,b7 in subsection 7d77#a77;,d7 7as redesignated by paragraph 7#c77;,a77 by striking 7c77#aj7 and inserting 7c77#ac74 7b7 ,repeal of rate preferences for qualified political committees ,subsection 7e7 of section #cfbf of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is repealed4 7c7 ,use of negotiated service agreements 7#a7 ,streamlined review of qualifying service agreements for competitive products ,section #cfcc of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7c7 ,streamlined review ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of this subsection1 after notice and opportunity for comment1 the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall promulgate 7and may from time to time thereafter revise7 regulations for streamlined after-the-fact review of newly proposed agreements between the ,postal ,service and users of the mail that provide rates not of general applicability for competitive products4 ,streamlined review shall apply only if agreements are functionally equivalent to existing agreements that have collectively covered attributable costs and collectively improved the net financial position of the ,postal ,service4 ,the regulations issued under this subsection shall provide that streamlined review shall be concluded not later than #e business days after the date on which the agreement is filed with the ,commission and shall be limited to approval or disapproval of the agreement as a whole based on the ,commission's determination of its functional equivalence4 ,agreements not approved may be resubmitted without prejudice under section #cfcb4 4 7#b7 ,submission of service agreements for streamlined review ,section #cfcb7;b7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating paragraph 7#d7 as paragraph 7#e72 and 7,b7 by inserting after paragraph 7#c7 the following3 7#d7 ,rates for streamlined review ,in the case of rates not of general applicability for competitive products that the ,postmaster ,general considers eligible for streamlined review under section #cfcc7;c71 the ,postmaster ,general shall cause the agreement to be filed with the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission by a date that is on or before the effective date of any new rate established under the agreement1 as the ,postmaster ,general considers appropriate4 4 7#c7 ,transparency and accountability for service agreements 7,a7 ,certain information required to be included in determinations of compliance ,section #cfec of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7i7 by redesignating subsections 7c71 7d71 and 7e7 as subsections 7d71 7e71 and 7f71 respectively2 and 7ii7 by inserting after subsection 7b7 the following3 7c7 ,written determination ,each annual written determination of the ,commission under this section shall include the following3 7#a7 ,requirements ,for each group of functionally equivalent agreements between the ,postal ,service and users of the mail1 whether such group fulfilled requirements to-- 7,a7 cover costs attributable2 and 7,b7 improve the net financial position of the ,postal ,service4 7#b7 ,noncompliance ,any group of functionally equivalent agreements not meeting subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 of paragraph 7#a7 shall be determined to be in noncompliance under this subsection4 7#c7 ,definition ,for purposes of this subsection1 a group of functionally equivalent agreements shall consist of one or more service agreements that are functionally equivalent to each other within the same market-dominant or competitive product1 but shall not include agreements within an experimental product4 4 7,b7 ,technical amendment ,section #cfec7;d7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code 7as redesignated by subparagraph 7,a771 is amended by striking subsections 7c7 and 7e7 and inserting subsections 7c7 and 7d74 #bjd4 ,nonpostal services 7a7 ,nonpostal services 7#a7 ,in general ,part ,,iv of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding after chapter #cf the following3 #cg ,nonpostal ,services ,sec4 #cgja4 ,purpose4 #cgjb4 ,definitions4 #cgjc4 ,postal ,service program for ,state governments4 #cgjd4 ,postal ,service program for other ,government agencies4 #cgje4 ,transparency and accountability for nonpostal services4 #cgja4 ,purpose ,the purpose of this chapter is to enable the ,postal ,service to increase its net revenues through specific nonpostal products and services that are expressly authorized by this chapter4 ,postal ,service revenues and expenses under this chapter shall be funded through the ,postal ,service ,fund4 #cgjb4 ,definitions ,in this chapter-- 7#a7 the term nonpostal services is limited to services offered by the ,postal ,service that are expressly authorized by this title and are not postal products or services2 7#b7 the term attributable costs has the meaning given such term in section #cfca2 and 7#c7 the term year means a fiscal year4 #cgjc4 ,postal ,service program for ,state governments 7a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding any other provision of this title1 the ,postal ,service may establish a program to enter into agreements with an agency of any ,state government1 local government1 or tribal government to provide property and services on behalf of such agencies for non-commercial products and services1 but only if such property and services-- 7#a7 provide enhanced value to the public1 such as by lowering the cost or raising the quality of such services or by making such services more accessible2 7#b7 do not interfere with or detract from the value of postal services1 including-- 7,a7 the cost and efficiency of postal services2 and 7,b7 unreasonably restricting access to postal retail service1 such as customer waiting time and access to parking2 and 7#c7 provide a reasonable contribution to the institutional costs of the ,postal ,service1 defined as reimbursement that covers at least #ajj percent of attributable costs of all property and services provided under each relevant agreement in each year4 7b7 ,public notice ,at least #ij days before offering a service under the program1 the ,postal ,service shall make available to the public on its website-- 7#a7 the agreement with the agency regarding such service2 and 7#b7 a business plan that describes the specific service to be provided1 the enhanced value to the public1 terms of reimbursement1 the estimated annual reimbursement to the ,postal ,service1 and the estimated percentage of attributable ,postal ,service costs that will be covered by reimbursement 7with documentation to support the estimates74 7c7 ,public comment ,before offering a service under the program1 the ,postal ,service shall provide for a public comment period of at least #cj days that allows the public to post comments relating to the provision of such services on the ,postal ,service website4 ,the ,postal ,service shall make reasonable efforts to provide written responses to the comments on such website at least #cj days before offering such services4 7d7 ,approval required ,the ,postal ,service may not establish the program under subsection 7a7 unless the ,governors of the ,postal ,service approve such program by a recorded vote that is publicly disclosed on the ,postal ,service website with a majority of the total ,governors voting for approval4 7e7 ,application of reporting requirements ,for purposes of the reporting requirements under section #cgje1 the ,postal ,service shall submit a separate report for each agreement with an agency entered into under subsection 7a7 analyzing the costs1 revenues1 rates1 and quality of service for the provision of all services under such agreement1 including information demonstrating that the agreement satisfies the requirements of paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#c7 of subsection 7a74 7f7 ,regulations required ,the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall issue such regulations as are necessary to carry out this section4 7g7 ,definitions ,for the purpose of this section-- 7#a7 the term local government means a county1 municipality1 city1 town1 township1 local public authority1 school district1 special district1 intrastate district1 council of governments1 or regional or interstate government entity2 7#b7 the term ,state government includes the government of the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 and any other territory or possession of the ,united ,states2 7#c7 the term tribal government means the government of an ,indian tribe1 as that term is defined in section #d7;e7 of the ,indian ,self-,determination ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #dej;b7e772 and 7#d7 the term ,united ,states1 when used in a geographical sense1 means the ,states1 the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 and any other territory or possession of the ,united ,states4 7h7 ,confidential information ,subsection 7b7 or 7c7 shall not be construed as requiring the ,postal ,service to disclose to the public any information-- 7#a7 described in section #daj7;c72 or 7#b7 exempt from public disclosure under section #eeb7;b7 of title #e4 #cgjd4 ,postal ,service program for other ,government agencies 7a7 ,in general ,the ,postal ,service may establish a program to provide property and services to other ,government agencies within the meaning of section #daa1 but only if such program provides a reasonable contribution to the institutional costs of the ,postal ,service1 defined as reimbursement by each agency that covers at least #ajj percent of the attributable costs of all property and service provided by the ,postal ,service in each year to such agency4 7b7 ,application of reporting requirements ,for purposes of the reporting requirements under section #cgje1 the ,postal ,service shall submit a separate report for each agreement with an agency entered into under subsection 7a7 analyzing the costs1 revenues1 rates1 and quality of service for the provision of all services under such agreement1 including information demonstrating that the agreement satisfies the requirements of subsection 7a74 #cgje4 ,transparency and accountability for nonpostal services 7a7 ,annual report to the ,commission 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the last day of each year1 the ,postal ,service shall submit to the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission a report that analyzes costs1 revenues1 rates1 and quality of service for each agreement for the provision of property and services under this chapter1 using such methodologies as the ,commission may prescribe1 and in sufficient detail to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of this chapter4 7#b7 ,supporting matter ,a report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall include any nonpublic annex1 the working papers1 and any other supporting matter of the ,postal ,service and the ,inspector ,general related to the information submitted in such report4 7b7 ,content and form of report 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall1 by regulation1 prescribe the content and form of the report required under subsection 7a74 ,in prescribing such regulations1 the ,commission shall give due consideration to-- 7,a7 providing the public with timely1 adequate information to assess compliance2 7,b7 avoiding unnecessary or unwarranted administrative effort and expense on the part of the ,postal ,service2 and 7,c7 protecting the confidentiality of information that is commercially sensitive or is exempt from public disclosure under section #eeb7;b7 of title #e4 7#b7 ,revised requirements ,the ,commission may1 on its own motion or on request of any interested party1 initiate proceedings to improve the quality1 accuracy1 or completeness of ,postal ,service data required by the ,commission if-- 7,a7 the attribution of costs or revenues to property or services under this chapter has become significantly inaccurate or can be significantly improved2 7,b7 the quality of service data provided to the ,commission for a report under this chapter has become significantly inaccurate or can be significantly improved2 or 7,c7 such revisions are1 in the judgment of the ,commission1 otherwise necessitated by the public interest4 7c7 ,audits ,the ,inspector ,general shall regularly audit the data collection systems and procedures used in collecting information and preparing the report required under subsection 7a74 ,the results of any such audit shall be submitted to the ,postal ,service and the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission4 7d7 ,confidential information 7#a7 ,in general ,if the ,postal ,service determines that any document or portion of a document1 or other matter1 which it provides to the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission in a nonpublic annex under this section contains information described in section #daj7;c71 or exempt from public disclosure under section #eeb7;b7 of title #e1 the ,postal ,service shall1 at the time of providing such matter to the ,commission1 notify the ,commission of its determination1 in writing1 and describe with particularity the documents 7or portions of documents7 or other matter for which confidentiality is sought and the reasons therefor4 7#b7 ,treatment ,any information or other matter described in paragraph 7#a7 to which the ,commission gains access under this section shall be subject to paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c7 of section #ejd7;g7 in the same way as if the ,commission had received notification with respect to such matter under section #ejd7;g77#a74 7e7 ,annual compliance determination 7#a7 ,opportunity for public comment ,upon receiving a report required under subsection 7a71 the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall promptly-- 7,a7 provide an opportunity for comment on such report by any interested party2 and 7,b7 appoint an officer of the ,commission to represent the interests of the general public4 7#b7 ,determination of compliance or noncompliance ,not later than #ij days after receiving a report required under subsection 7a71 the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall make a written determination as to whether the nonpostal activities carried out during the applicable year were or were not in compliance with the provisions of this chapter4 ,for purposes of this paragraph1 any case in which the requirements for coverage of attributable costs have not been met shall be considered to be a case of noncompliance4 ,if1 with respect to a year1 no instance of noncompliance is found to have occurred1 the determination shall be to that effect4 ,such determination of noncompliance shall be included with the annual compliance determination required under section #cfec4 7#c7 ,noncompliance ,if a timely written determination of noncompliance is made under paragraph 7#b71 the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall take appropriate action4 ,if the requirements for coverage of attributable costs specified by this chapter are not met1 the ,commission shall1 within #fj days after the determination1 prescribe remedial action to restore compliance as soon as practicable1 including the full restoration of revenue shortfalls during the following year4 ,the ,commission may order the ,postal ,service to discontinue a nonpostal service under section #cgjc that persistently fails to meet cost coverage requirements4 7#d7 ,deliberate noncompliance ,in the case of deliberate noncompliance by the ,postal ,service with the requirements of this chapter1 the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission may order1 based on the nature1 circumstances1 extent1 and seriousness of the noncompliance1 a fine 7in the amount specified by the ,commission in its order7 for each incidence of such noncompliance4 ,all receipts from fines imposed under this subsection shall be deposited in the general fund of the ,treasury4 7f7 ,regulations required ,the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall issue such regulations as are necessary to carry out this section4 4 7#b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of chapters for part ,,iv of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding after the item relating to chapter #cf the following3 #cg4,nonpostal services#cgja 4 7b7 ,conforming amendments 7#a7 ,section #djd ,section #djd7;e7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#b71 by inserting after subsection the following3 1 or any nonpostal products or services authorized by chapter #cg2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#f7 ,licensing which1 before the date of enactment of this paragraph1 has been authorized by the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission for continuation as a nonpostal service may not be used for any purpose other than-- 7,a7 to continue to provide licensed mailing1 shipping1 or stationery supplies offered as of ,june #bc1 #bjaa2 or 7,b7 to license other goods1 products1 or services1 the primary purpose of which is to promote and enhance the image or brand of the ,postal ,service4 7#g7 ,nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the ,postal ,service from establishing nonpostal products and services that are expressly authorized by chapter #cg4 4 7#b7 ,section #daa ,the last sentence of section #daa of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking including reimbursability and inserting including reimbursability within the limitations of chapter #cg4 7#c7 ,treatment of existing nonpostal services ,all individual nonpostal services1 provided directly or through licensing1 that are continued pursuant to section #djd7;e7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall be considered to be expressly authorized by chapter #cg of such title 7as added by subsection 7a77#a77 and shall be subject to the requirements of such chapter4 #bje4 ,efficient and flexible universal postal service 7a7 ,conditions regarding determinations for post office closures ,clause 7i7 of section #djd7;d77#b77;,a7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended to read as follows3 7i7 the effect of such closing or consolidation on the community served by such post office1 including through an analysis of-- 7,i7 the distance 7as measured by public roads7 to the closest postal retail facility not proposed for closure or consolidation under such plan2 7,,ii7 the characteristics of such location1 including weather and terrain2 7,,iii7 whether commercial mobile service 7as defined in section #ccb of the ,communications ,act of #aicd7 and commercial mobile data service 7as defined in section #fjja of the ,middle ,class ,tax ,relief and ,job ,creation ,act of #bjab7 are available in at least #hj percent of the total geographic area of the ,,zip codes served by the postal retail facility proposed for closure or consolidation2 and 7,,iv7 whether fixed broadband ,internet access service is available to households in at least #hj percent of such geographic area at speeds not less than those sufficient for service to be considered broadband for purposes of the most recent report of the ,federal ,communications ,commission under section #gjf of the ,telecommunications ,act of #aiif2 4 7b7 ,,prc review of determinations ,to close or consolidate a post office 7#a7 ,deadline for review ,section #djd7;d77#e7 title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking #abj days and inserting #fj days1 or a longer period for good cause shown but in no event longer than #abj days14 7#b7 ,applicability ,the amendment made by paragraph 7#a7 shall not apply with respect to an appeal received by the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission before the date of enactment of this ,act 7as determined by applying the rules set forth in section #djd7;d77#f7 of such title74 7c7 ,expedited procedures 7#a7 ,in general ,section #cffa of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7d7 7#a7 ,the ,commission shall issue its opinion within #ij days1 or a longer period for good cause shown but in no event longer than #abj days1 after the receipt of any proposal 7as referred to in subsection 7b77 concerning an identical or substantially identical proposal on which the ,commission has issued an opinion within the preceding #e years4 7#b7 ,if necessary in order to comply with the #ij-;day requirement under paragraph 7#a71 the ,commission may apply expedited procedures which the ,commission shall by regulation prescribe4 4 7#b7 ,regulations ,the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall prescribe any regulations necessary to carry out the amendment made by paragraph 7#a7 within #ij days after the date of enactment of this ,act4 7#c7 ,applicability ,the amendment made by this subsection shall apply with respect to any proposal received by the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission on or after the earlier of-- 7,a7 the #ijth day after the date of enactment of this ,act2 or 7,b7 the effective date of the regulations under paragraph 7#b74 7d7 ,alternate postal access choice ,section #djd7;d7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking paragraph 7#a7 and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,the ,postal ,service1 prior to making a determination under subsection 7a77#c7 as to the necessity for the closing or consolidation of any post office1 shall-- 7,a7 provide adequate notice of its intention to close or consolidate such post office at least #fj days prior to the proposed date of such closing or consolidation to postal patrons served by such post office2 7,b7 conduct a nonbinding survey on the proposed closing or consolidation to allow postal patrons served by such post office an opportunity to indicate their preference between or among-- 7i7 the closing or consolidation2 and 7ii7 one or more alternative options2 and 7,c7 ensure that-- 7i7 should the closure or consolidation of a postal retail facility be deemed necessary1 it shall be the policy of the ,postal ,service to provide alternative access to postal services to those served by the postal retail facility by the option chosen by the highest number of survey respondents under subparagraph 7,b77ii72 and 7ii7 if the ,postal ,service is unable to provide alternative access through the option identified in clause 7i71 or if that option is cost prohibitive1 the ,postal ,service may provide alternative access through a different means4 ,upon selection of an alternative access method other than the one identified by clause 7i71 the ,postal ,service must provide written notice to those patrons served by the postal retail facility identifying and explaining why the option identified by clause 7i7 was not possible or cost prohibitive4 4 7e7 ,applicability of procedures relating to closures and consolidations 7#a7 ,in general ,section #djd7;d7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 7#g7 ,for purposes of this subsection1 the term post office means a post office and any other facility described in section #b7b7 of the ,postal ,service ,reform ,act of #bjag4 4 7#b7 ,effective date ,in the case of any post office 7within the meaning of the amendment made by paragraph 7#a77 which1 but for such amendment1 would not otherwise be subject to section #djd7;d7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 the amendments made by subsections 7a7 and 7d7 shall be effective with respect to any closure or consolidation1 the proposed effective date of which occurs on or after the #fjth day following the date of enactment of this ,act4 7f7 ,enhanced reporting on postal service efficiency ,section #cfeb7;a7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking and at the end2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#b77;,b77ii71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding after paragraph 7#b7 the following3 7#c7 which shall provide the overall change in ,postal ,service productivity and the resulting effect of such change on overall ,postal ,service costs during such year1 using such methodologies as the ,commission shall by regulation prescribe1 if necessary4 4 7g7 ,p,o,s,t,plan study 7#a7 ,in general ,beginning not later than #cj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community shall conduct a #a-year review to study of the impacts of the ,p,o,s,t,plan post office restructuring plan on ,postal ,service expenses1 revenue1 and retail service provision4 7#b7 ,content ,in conducting the review under paragraph 7#a71 the ,inspector ,general shall examine-- 7,a7 changes in the costs for the provision of ,postal ,service operated retail service1 both nationwide and in the aggregate for each of the ,level #b1 ,level #d1 ,level #f1 and ,level #ah post offices for which the hours1 functions1 or responsibilities changed as a result of the ,p,o,s,t,plan initiative before and after the implementation of the ,p,o,s,t,plan initiative2 7,b7 changes in revenue received by ,postal ,service operated retail service1 both nationwide and in the aggregate for each of the ,level #b1 ,level #d1 ,level #f1 and ,level #ah post offices for which the hours1 functions1 or responsibilities changed as a result of the ,p,o,s,t,plan initiative before and after the implementation of the ,p,o,s,t,plan initiative2 7,c7 a determination of the relative cost savings1 taking into account any changes in revenue earned1 realized on an annual basis for ,level #b1 ,level #d1 ,level #f1 and ,level #ah offices each in the aggregate and any trends in such cost savings2 7,d7 the relative impact on retail access to postal services for individuals served by ,level #b1 ,level #d1 ,level #f1 and ,level #ah offices each in the aggregate2 and 7,e7 any other factors the ,inspector ,general determines appropriate4 7#c7 ,report and recommendations ,upon completion of the review required under paragraph 7#a71 the ,inspector ,general shall submit to the ,postal ,service1 the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate1 and the ,committee on ,oversight and ,government ,reform of the ,house of ,representatives a report containing-- 7,a7 the results of the review2 and 7,b7 any recommendations resulting from such review4 7#d7 ,postal ,service review ,prior to any hour changes or consolidation decisions related to ,p,o,s,t,plan initiative impacted post offices1 the ,postal ,service shall-- 7,a7 review the report and any recommendations submitted pursuant to paragraph 7#c72 and 7,b7 revise any planned efforts regarding the ,p,o,s,t,plan initiative1 as appropriate4 #bjf4 ,fair stamp-evidencing competition ,section #djd;a7a7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is further amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking or at the end2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#c7 by striking the period and inserting 2 or2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#d7 offer to the public any postage-evidencing product or service that does not comply with any rule or regulation that would be applicable to such product or service if the product or service were offered by a private company4 4 #bjg4 ,market-dominant rates 7a7 ,establishment of rate baseline ,notwithstanding any order of the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission to the contrary-- 7#a7 no earlier than the first ,sunday after the date of enactment of this ,act1 on a date selected by the ,postmaster ,general in the exercise of the ,postmaster ,general's unreviewable discretion1 the ,postal ,service shall reinstate1 as nearly as is practicable1 #ej percent of the rate surcharge implemented under section #cfbb7;d77#a77;,f7 7as redesignated by this ,act7 that was in effect on ,april #i1 #bjaf2 and 7#b7 the partially reinstated surcharge reinstated pursuant to paragraph 7#a7 shall be considered a part of the rate base for purposes of determining the percentage changes in rates when the ,postal ,service files a notice of rate adjustment4 7b7 ,subsequent rate increases ,the reinstatement described under subsection 7a77#a7 may not affect the calculation of the ,postal ,service's maximum rate adjustment authority under subpart ,c of part #cjaj of title #ci1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 for purposes of any rate increase that occurs following such reinstatement4 7c7 ,postal ,regulatory ,commission authority not affected ,nothing in this section shall be construed as affecting the authority of the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission to1 by regulation1 make such modification or adopt such alternative system for regulating rates and classes for market-dominant products as provided under section #cfbb of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code4 #bjh4 ,completion of initial rate regulation review ,the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall complete the initial review of the system for regulating rates and classes for market-dominant products established under section #cfbb of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 such that a final rule or rules regarding a revised or reapproved system for regulating rates and classes for market-dominant products is issued not later than ,may #a1 #bjah4 #bji4 ,review of ,postal ,service cost attribution guidelines ,not later than ,april #a1 #bjah1 the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall initiate a review of the regulations issued pursuant to sections #cfcc7;a7 and #cfeb7;a77#a7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 to determine whether revisions are appropriate to ensure that all direct and indirect costs attributable to competitive and market-dominant products are properly attributed to those products1 including by considering the underlying methodologies in determining cost attribution and considering options to revise such methodologies4 ,if the ,commission determines1 after notice and opportunity for public comment1 that revisions are appropriate1 the ,commission shall make modifications or adopt alternative methodologies as necessary4 #baj4 ,aviation security for parcels ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community shall transmit to the ,committee on ,oversight and ,government ,reform of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate the results of a review of the security measures in place for parcels carried on air carriers to domestic and international destinations for which audit trails are generated4 ,the review required under this subsection shall assess1 at a minimum-- 7#a7 the effectiveness of the audit trail created by postage evidencing systems that have been validated under the ,federal ,information ,processing ,standards in accurately and consistently identifying the senders of parcels carried on air carriers2 7#b7 the effectiveness of the ,postal ,service's in-person identity verification procedures in accurately and consistently identifying the senders of parcels carried on air carriers2 and 7#c7 the effectiveness of the audit trail generated by customs declarations in accurately and consistently identifying the senders of parcels carried on air carriers to international destinations4 #baa4 ,,zip codes ,not later than #bgj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,postal ,service shall designate a single1 unique ,,zip code for1 as nearly as practicable1 each of the following communities3 7#a7 ,miami ,lakes1 ,florida4 7#b7 ,storey ,county1 ,nevada4 7#c7 ,flanders1 ,northampton1 and ,riverside in the ,town of ,southampton1 ,new ,york4 7#d7 ,ocoee1 ,florida4 7#e7 ,glendale1 ,new ,york4 ,,iii ,postal ,service ,personnel #cja4 ,postal ,service ,chief ,innovation ,officer 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #b of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #bji4 ,chief ,innovation ,officer 7a7 ,in general ,there is established within the ,postal ,service the position of ,chief ,innovation ,officer1 appointed by the ,postmaster ,general1 who shall manage the ,postal ,service's development and implementation of innovative postal and nonpostal products and services4 7b7 ,duties ,the primary duties of the ,chief ,innovation ,officer are as follows3 7#a7 ,leading the development of innovative nonpostal products and services that will maximize revenue to the ,postal ,service4 7#b7 ,developing innovative postal products and services1 specifically those that utilize emerging information technologies1 to maximize revenue to the ,postal ,service4 7#c7 ,implementing the innovation strategy described under subsection 7d74 7#d7 ,monitoring the performance of innovative products and services and revising them as needed to meet changing market trends4 7#e7 ,taking into consideration comments1 if applicable1 issued by the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission prior to the initial sale of innovative postal or nonpostal products and services4 7c7 ,appointment 7#a7 ,deadline ,as soon as practicable after the date of enactment of the ,postal ,service ,reform ,act of #bjag1 but no later than #f months after such date1 the ,postmaster ,general shall appoint a ,chief ,innovation ,officer4 7#b7 ,requirements ,any individual appointed to serve as the ,chief ,innovation ,officer shall have proven expertise and a record of success in at least one of the following3 7,a7 ,postal and shipping industry4 7,b7 ,innovation product research and development4 7,c7 ,marketing brand strategy4 7,d7 ,emerging communications technology4 7,e7 ,business process management4 7#c7 ,current officer or employee eligible ,an officer or employee of the ,postal ,service may be appointed to the position of ,chief ,innovation ,officer under this chapter4 ,upon appointment to such position1 such officer or employee may not concurrently hold any other position in the ,postal ,service4 7d7 ,innovation strategy 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ab months after the date on which the ,chief ,innovation ,officer is appointed under subsection 7c77#a71 the ,postmaster ,general shall submit to the ,committee on ,oversight and ,government ,reform of the ,house of ,representatives1 the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate1 and the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission a comprehensive strategy for maximizing revenues through innovative postal and nonpostal products and services4 7#b7 ,matters to be addressed ,the strategy submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall address-- 7,a7 the specific innovative postal and nonpostal products and services to be developed and offered by the ,postal ,service1 including the nature of the market to be filled by each product and service and the likely date by which each product and service will be introduced2 7,b7 the cost of developing and offering each product or service2 7,c7 the anticipated sales volume of each product and service2 7,d7 the anticipated revenues and profits expected to be generated by each product and service2 7,e7 the likelihood of success of each product and service as well as the risks associated with the development and sale of each product and service2 7,f7 the trends anticipated in market conditions that may affect the success of each product and service over the #e-year period beginning on the date such strategy or update is submitted2 7,g7 the metrics that will be utilized to assess the effectiveness of the innovation strategy2 and 7,h7 the specific methods by which mailpiece design analysis may be improved to speed the approval process and promote the increased use of innovative mailpiece design4 7#c7 ,strategy updates ,for each of the #d years following the submission of the innovation strategy under paragraph 7#a71 the ,postal ,service shall submit an annual update to the innovation strategy to the ,committee on ,oversight and ,government ,reform of the ,house of ,representatives1 the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate1 and the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission4 7e7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,on the date of submission of the ,president's annual budget under section #aaje7;a7 of title #ca1 the ,postmaster ,general shall submit to the ,committee on ,oversight and ,government ,reform of the ,house of ,representatives1 the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate1 and the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission a report that details the ,postal ,service's progress in implementing the innovation strategy described under subsection 7d74 7#b7 ,matters to be addressed ,the report required under paragraph 7#a7 shall address-- 7,a7 the revenue generated by each product and service developed through the innovation strategy and the costs of developing and offering each such product and service for the most recent fiscal year2 7,b7 the total sales volume and revenue generated by each product and service on a monthly basis for the preceding year2 7,c7 trends in the markets filled by each product and service2 7,d7 products and services identified in the innovation strategy that are to be discontinued1 the date on which the discontinuance will occur1 and the reasons for the discontinuance2 7,e7 alterations in products and services identified in the innovation strategy that will be made to meet changing market conditions1 and an explanation of how these alterations will ensure the success of the products and services2 and 7,f7 the performance of the innovation strategy according to the metrics identified in subsection 7d77#b77;,g74 7f7 ,comptroller ,general study 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,comptroller ,general shall conduct a study on the implementation of the innovation strategy described under subsection 7d7 not later than #d years after the date of enactment of the ,postal ,service ,reform ,act of #bjag4 7#b7 ,contents ,the study required under paragraph 7#a7 shall assess the effectiveness of the ,postal ,service in identifying1 developing1 and selling innovative postal and nonpostal products and services4 ,the study shall also include-- 7,a7 an audit of the costs of developing each innovative postal and nonpostal product and service developed or offered by the ,postal ,service during the period beginning on the date of enactment of the ,postal ,service ,reform ,act of #bjag and ending #d years after such date2 7,b7 the sales volume of each such product and service2 7,c7 the revenues and profits generated by each such product and service2 and 7,d7 the likelihood of continued success of each such product and service4 7#c7 ,submission ,the results of the study required under this subsection shall be submitted to the ,committee on ,oversight and ,government ,reform of the ,house of ,representatives1 the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate1 and the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections at the beginning of chapter #b of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #bji4 ,chief ,innovation ,officer4 4 #cjb4 ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community 7a7 ,presidentially ,appointed1 ,senate-,confirmed ,inspector ,general ,the ,inspector ,general ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 is amended-- 7#a7 in section #h;,g-- 7,a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7i7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking the ,united ,states ,international ,trade ,commission1 the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission1 and the ,united ,states ,postal ,service and inserting and the ,united ,states ,international ,trade ,commission2 7ii7 in paragraph 7#c71 by striking subsection 7h77#a7 and inserting subsection 7g77#a72 and 7iii7 in paragraph 7#d7-- 7,i7 by striking subparagraph 7,b72 7,,ii7 by striking subsection 7h77#a7 and inserting subsection 7g77#a72 and 7,,iii7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,c71 7,d71 7,e71 7,f71 7,g71 7,h71 and 7,i7 as 7,b71 7,c71 7,d71 7,e71 7,f71 7,g71 and 7,h71 respectively2 7,b7 in subsection 7c71 by striking ,except as provided under subsection 7f7 of this section1 the and inserting ,the2 7,c7 by striking subsection 7f72 and 7,d7 by redesignating subsections 7g7 and 7h7 as 7f7 and 7g71 respectively2 and 7#b7 in section #ab-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by inserting the ,postmaster ,general of the ,united ,states2 the ,chairman of the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission2 after the ,president of the ,export-,import ,bank22 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#b71 by inserting the ,united ,states ,postal ,service1 the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission1 after the ,export-,import ,bank14 7b7 ,inspector general of the postal community 7#a7 ,establishment ,the ,inspector ,general ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app471 as amended by subsection 7a71 is further amended by inserting after section #h,n the following new section3 #h,o4 ,special provisions concerning the ,united ,states ,postal ,service and ,postal ,regulatory ,commission 7a7 ,office of ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community ,the ,inspector ,general for the ,united ,states ,postal ,service and the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall be referred to as the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community4 7b7 ,responsibilities ,in carrying out the duties and responsibilities specified in this ,act1 the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community shall have equal responsibility over the ,united ,states ,postal ,service and the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission4 7c7 ,applicable head of the establishment ,for purposes of the applicability of this ,act to the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community-- 7#a7 the head of the establishment shall mean the ,postmaster ,general of the ,united ,states for activities by the ,office related to the ,united ,states ,postal ,service2 and 7#b7 the head of the establishment shall mean the ,chairman of the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission for activities by the ,office related to the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission4 7d7 ,applicability of establishment for reports ,in carrying out the duties and responsibilities under section #e-- 7#a7 the term establishment shall include as separate establishments-- 7,a7 the ,united ,states ,postal ,service2 and 7,b7 the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission2 and 7#b7 the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community shall prepare separate semiannual reports for the ,united ,states ,postal ,service and the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission4 7e7 ,office space ,in carrying out the duties and responsibilities under section #f7;d71 the heads of the establishments for the ,united ,states ,postal ,service and the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall work jointly with one another and in consultation with the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community to ensure adequate and appropriate provision to the ,office of the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community under section #f7;d74 7f7 ,budget ,in carrying out the duties and responsibilities under section #f7;g7-- 7#a7 the head of the establishment shall mean the ,postmaster ,general of the ,united ,states2 and 7#b7 designation of the ,postmaster ,general of the ,united ,states as head of the establishment under this subsection shall not be construed as granting any authorities to the ,postmaster ,general of the ,united ,states with regard to the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission4 7g7 ,general duties and responsibilities ,in carrying out the duties and responsibilities specified in this ,act-- 7#a7 the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community shall have oversight responsibility for all activities of the ,postal ,inspection ,service1 including any internal investigation performed by the ,postal ,inspection ,service2 7#b7 the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community shall give particular regard to the activities of the ,postal ,inspection ,service with a view toward avoiding duplication and insuring effective coordination and cooperation2 and 7#c7 the ,chief ,postal ,inspector shall promptly report the significant activities being carried out by the ,postal ,inspection ,service to the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community4 7h7 ,employing authorities 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community is authorized to select1 appoint1 and employ such officers and employees as may be necessary for carrying out the functions1 powers1 and duties of the ,office of ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community and to obtain the temporary or intermittent services of experts or consultants or an organization thereof1 subject to the applicable laws and regulations that govern such selections1 appointments1 and employment1 and the obtaining of such services1 within the ,united ,states ,postal ,service4 7#b7 ,authority not applicable ,paragraphs 7#g7 and 7#h7 of section #f7;a7 do not apply to the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,service ,community4 7i7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated1 out of the ,postal ,service ,fund1 such sums as may be necessary for the ,office of the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community4 4 7#b7 ,conforming amendments ,section #h;,j of the ,inspector ,general ,act of #aigh is amended by striking ,the special provisions under section through of this ,act and inserting ,the special provisions under section #h1 #h;,a1 #h;,b1 #h;,c1 #h;,d1 #h;,e1 #h;,f1 #h;,h1 #h;,i1 #h,n1 or #h,o of this ,act4 7#c7 ,appointment ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,president shall appoint1 by and with the advice and consent of the ,senate1 an ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community4 ,any individual appointed under the previous sentence shall be deemed to be appointed under section #h,o of the ,inspector ,general ,act of #aigh1 as added by paragraph 7#a74 7c7 ,transfer of the ,office of the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission 7#a7 ,in general ,on the date that is the effective date of this section1 the duties1 responsibilities1 functions1 personnel1 assets1 unexpended balances of appropriations1 and obligations held by the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall be transferred to the ,office of the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community4 7#b7 ,existing ,inspector ,general ,the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission transferred pursuant to paragraph 7#a7 shall serve under the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community4 7d7 ,transfer of the ,office of the ,inspector ,general of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service 7#a7 ,in general ,on the date that is the effective date of this section1 the duties1 responsibilities1 functions1 personnel1 assets1 unexpended balances of appropriations1 and obligations held by the ,inspector ,general of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service shall be transferred to the ,office of the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community4 7#b7 ,existing ,inspector ,general ,the ,inspector ,general of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service transferred pursuant to paragraph 7#a7 shall serve under the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community4 7e7 ,delegation and assignment ,except as otherwise expressly prohibited by law or otherwise provided in this ,act1 the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community may delegate any of the functions transferred pursuant to this section to such officers and employees of the ,office of the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community as the ,inspector ,general may designate1 and may authorize successive redelegations of such functions as may be necessary or appropriate4 ,no delegation of functions under this subsection or under any other provision of this ,act shall relieve the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community of responsibility for the administration of the function4 7f7 ,savings provisions 7#a7 ,legal documents ,any order1 determination1 rule1 regulation1 permit1 grant1 loan1 contract1 agreement1 certificate1 license1 or privilege that has been issued1 made1 granted1 or allowed to become effective that is in effect on the effective date of this section shall continue in effect according to their terms until modified1 terminated1 superseded1 set aside1 or revoked in accordance with law4 7#b7 ,proceedings ,this section shall not affect any proceeding pending on the effective date of this section before an office transferred by either such subsection1 but such proceeding shall be continued4 ,nothing in this paragraph shall be considered to prohibit the discontinuance or modification of any such proceeding under the same terms and conditions and to the same extent that such proceeding could have been discontinued or modified if this section had not been enacted4 7#c7 ,suits ,this section shall not affect any suit commenced before the effective date of this section1 and in any such suit1 proceeding shall be had1 appeals taken1 and judgments rendered in the same manner and with the same effect as if this section had not been enacted4 7#d7 ,references ,any reference in any other ,federal law1 ,executive order1 rule1 regulation1 or delegation of authority1 or any document relating to the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission1 the ,inspector ,general of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service1 or the office of either such inspector general shall be deemed to refer to the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community or the ,office of the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community1 as applicable4 7g7 ,availability of existing funds ,existing appropriations and funds available for the performance of functions1 programs1 and activities transferred pursuant to this section shall remain available1 for the duration of their period of availability1 for necessary expenses in connection with the ,office of the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community and the transfer of such functions1 programs1 and activities4 7h7 ,title #ci amendments ,title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended as follows3 7#a7 ,in section #ajb7d71 by striking the ,inspector ,general appointed under section #bjb7;e7 of this title and inserting the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community as described in section #h,o of the ,inspector ,general ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app474 7#b7 ,in section #ejd1 by striking subsection 7h74 7#c7 ,in section #ajjc7;b71 by striking the ,office of ,inspector ,general of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service and inserting the ,office of ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community4 7#d7 ,in section #bjjc7;e77#a71 by striking the ,office of ,inspector ,general1 subject to the availability of amounts appropriated under section #h;,g7f7 of the ,inspector ,general ,act of #aigh4 and inserting the ,office of ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community4 7#e7 ,in section #bjji1 by striking the ,office of ,inspector ,general of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service requests to be appropriated1 out of the ,postal ,service ,fund1 under section #h;,g7f7 of the ,inspector ,general ,act of #aigh1 and and inserting the ,office of ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community requests to be appropriated out of the ,postal ,service ,fund4 7#f7 ,in section #bjaa7;h77,d71 by striking the ,inspector ,general of the ,united ,states ,postal ,service and inserting the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community4 7i7 ,delayed effective date ,this section1 and the amendments made by this section1 shall take effect upon the date that is #cj days after the date on which an individual is confirmed by the ,senate as the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community under subsection 7b77#c74 #cjc4 ,right of appeal to ,merit ,systems ,protection ,board ,section #ajje7;a77#d77;,a77ii77,i7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended to read as follows3 7,i7 is an employee of the ,postal ,service or the ,office of the ,inspector ,general of the ,postal ,community who is not represented by a bargaining representative recognized under section #abjc4 4 ,,iv ,postal ,contracting ,reform #dja4 ,contracting provisions 7a7 ,in general ,part ,i of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #g ,contracting ,provisions ,sec4 #gja4 ,definitions4 #gjb4 ,delegation of contracting authority4 #gjc4 ,posting of noncompetitive purchase requests for noncompetitive contracts4 #gjd4 ,review of ethical issues4 #gje4 ,ethical restrictions on participation in certain contracting activity4 #gja4 ,definitions ,in this chapter-- 7#a7 the term contracting officer means an employee of a covered postal entity who has authority to enter into a postal contract2 7#b7 the term covered postal entity means-- 7,a7 the ,postal ,service2 or 7,b7 the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission2 7#c7 the term head of a covered postal entity means-- 7,a7 in the case of the ,postal ,service1 the ,postmaster ,general2 or 7,b7 in the case of the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission1 the ,chairman of the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission2 7#d7 the term postal contract means-- 7,a7 in the case of the ,postal ,service1 any contract 7including any agreement or memorandum of understanding7 entered into by the ,postal ,service for the procurement of goods or services2 or 7,b7 in the case of the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission1 any contract 7including any agreement or memorandum of understanding7 in an amount exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold 7as defined in section #acd of title #da7 entered into by the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission for the procurement of goods or services2 and 7#e7 the term senior procurement executive means the senior procurement executive of a covered postal entity4 #gjb4 ,delegation of contracting authority 7a7 ,in general 7#a7 ,policy ,not later than #fj days after the date of enactment of this chapter1 the head of each covered postal entity shall issue a policy on contracting officer delegations of authority for postal contracts for the covered postal entity4 7#b7 ,contents ,the policy issued under paragraph 7#a7 shall require that-- 7,a7 notwithstanding any delegation of authority with respect to postal contracts1 the ultimate responsibility and accountability for the award and administration of postal contracts resides with the senior procurement executive2 and 7,b7 a contracting officer shall maintain an awareness of1 and engagement in1 the activities being performed on postal contracts of which that officer has cognizance1 notwithstanding any delegation of authority that may have been executed4 7b7 ,posting of delegations 7#a7 ,in general ,the head of each covered postal entity shall make any delegation of authority for postal contracts outside the functional contracting unit readily available and accessible on the website of the covered postal entity4 7#b7 ,effective date ,this paragraph shall apply to any delegation of authority made on or after the date that is #cj days after the date of enactment of this chapter4 #gjc4 ,posting of noncompetitive purchase requests for noncompetitive contracts 7a7 ,posting required 7#a7 ,postal regulatory commission ,the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall make the noncompetitive purchase request for any noncompetitive award for any contract 7including any agreement or memorandum of understanding7 entered into by the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission for the procurement of goods and services in an amount of #bj1jjj or more1 including the rationale supporting the noncompetitive award1 publicly available on the website of the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission-- 7,a7 not later than #ad days after the date of the award of the noncompetitive contract2 or 7,b7 not later than #cj days after the date of the award of the noncompetitive contract1 if the basis for the award was a compelling business interest4 7#b7 ,postal service ,the ,postal ,service shall make the noncompetitive purchase request for any noncompetitive award of a postal contract in an amount of #bej1jjj or more1 including the rationale supporting the noncompetitive award1 publicly available on the website of the ,postal ,service-- 7,a7 not later than #ad days after the date of the award2 or 7,b7 not later than #cj days after the date of the award1 if the basis for the award was a compelling business interest4 7#c7 ,adjustments to the posting threshold 7,a7 ,review and determination ,not later than ,january #ca of each year1 the ,postal ,service and the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission shall-- 7i7 review the applicable threshold established under paragraph 7#a7 or 7#b72 and 7ii7 based on any change in the ,consumer ,price ,index for ,all ,urban ,consumers of the ,department of ,labor1 determine whether an adjustment to the threshold shall be made4 7,b7 ,amount of adjustments ,an adjustment under subparagraph 7,a7 shall be made in increments of #e1jjj4 ,if the covered postal entity determines that a change in the ,consumer ,price ,index for a year would require an adjustment in an amount that is less than #e1jjj1 the covered postal entity may not make an adjustment to the threshold for the year4 7#d7 ,effective date ,this subsection shall apply to any noncompetitive contract awarded on or after the date that is #ij days after the date of enactment of this chapter4 7b7 ,public availability 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to paragraph 7#b71 the information required to be made publicly available by a covered postal entity under subsection 7a7 shall be readily accessible on the website of the covered postal entity4 7#b7 ,protection of proprietary information ,a covered postal entity shall-- 7,a7 carefully screen any description of the rationale supporting a noncompetitive award required to be made publicly available under subsection 7a7 to determine whether the description includes proprietary data 7including any reference or citation to the proprietary data7 or security-related information2 and 7,b7 remove any proprietary data or security-related information before making publicly available a description of the rationale supporting a noncompetitive award4 7c7 ,waivers 7#a7 ,waiver permitted ,if the ,postal ,service determines that making a noncompetitive purchase request for a postal contract of the ,postal ,service under subsection 7a77#b7 publicly available would risk placing the ,postal ,service at a competitive disadvantage relative to a private sector competitor1 the senior procurement executive1 in consultation with the advocate for competition of the ,postal ,service1 may waive the requirements under subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,form and content of waiver 7,a7 ,form ,a waiver under paragraph 7#a7 shall be in the form of a written determination placed in the file of the contract to which the noncompetitive purchase request relates4 7,b7 ,content ,a waiver under paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7i7 a description of the risk associated with making the noncompetitive purchase request publicly available2 and 7ii7 a statement that redaction of sensitive information in the noncompetitive purchase request would not be sufficient to protect the ,postal ,service from being placed at a competitive disadvantage relative to a private sector competitor4 7#c7 ,delegation of waiver authority ,the ,postal ,service may not delegate the authority to approve a waiver under paragraph 7#a7 to any employee having less authority than the senior procurement executive4 #gjd4 ,review of ethical issues ,if a contracting officer identifies any ethical issues relating to a proposed contract and submits those issues and that proposed contract to the designated ethics official for the covered postal entity before the awarding of that contract1 that ethics official shall-- 7#a7 review the proposed contract2 and 7#b7 advise the contracting officer on the appropriate resolution of ethical issues4 #gje4 ,ethical restrictions on participation in certain contracting activity 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section-- 7#a7 the term covered employee means-- 7,a7 a contracting officer2 or 7,b7 any employee of a covered postal entity whose decisionmaking affects a postal contract as determined by regulations prescribed by the head of a covered postal entity2 7#b7 the term final conviction means a conviction entered by a court1 regardless of whether such conviction was entered on a verdict or pursuant to a plea 7including a plea of nolo contendere71 and with regard to which no further appeal may be taken or is pending2 and 7#c7 the term covered relationship means a covered relationship described in section #bfce4ejb7;b77#a7 of title #e1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 or any successor thereto4 7b7 ,in general 7#a7 ,regulations ,the head of each covered postal entity shall prescribe regulations that-- 7,a7 require a covered employee to include in the file of any noncompetitive purchase request for a noncompetitive postal contract a written certification that-- 7i7 discloses any covered relationship of the covered employee2 and 7ii7 states that the covered employee will not take any action with respect to the noncompetitive purchase request that affects the financial interests of any person with which the covered employee has a covered relationship1 or otherwise gives rise to an appearance of the use of public office for private gain1 as described in section #bfce4gjb of title #e1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 or any successor thereto2 7,b7 require a contracting officer to consult with the ethics counsel for the covered postal entity regarding any disclosure made by a covered employee under subparagraph 7,a77i71 to determine whether participation by the covered employee in the noncompetitive purchase request would give rise to a violation of part #bfce of title #e1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7commonly referred to as the ,standards of ,ethical ,conduct for ,employees of the ,executive ,branch71 or any successor thereto2 7,c7 require the ethics counsel for a covered postal entity to review any disclosure made by a contracting officer under subparagraph 7,a77i7 to determine whether participation by the contracting officer in the noncompetitive purchase request would give rise to a violation of part #bfce of title #e1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7commonly referred to as the ,standards of ,ethical ,conduct for ,employees of the ,executive ,branch71 or any successor thereto2 7,d7 under subsections 7d7 and 7e7 of section #bfce4ejb of title #e1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 or any successor thereto1 require the ethics counsel for a covered postal entity to-- 7i7 authorize a covered employee that makes a disclosure under subparagraph 7,a77i7 to participate in the noncompetitive postal contract2 or 7ii7 disqualify a covered employee that makes a disclosure under subparagraph 7,a77i7 from participating in the noncompetitive postal contract2 7,e7 require a contractor to timely disclose to the contracting officer in a bid1 solicitation1 award1 or performance of a postal contract any conflict of interest with a covered employee2 and 7,f7 include authority for the head of the covered postal entity to grant a waiver or otherwise mitigate any organizational or personal conflict of interest1 if the head of the covered postal entity determines that the waiver or mitigation is in the best interests of the covered postal entity4 7#b7 ,posting of waivers ,not later than #cj days after the head of a covered postal entity grants a waiver described in paragraph 7#a77;,f71 the head of the covered postal entity shall make the waiver publicly available on the website of the covered postal entity4 7c7 ,contract voidance and recovery 7#a7 ,unlawful conduct ,in any case in which there is a final conviction for a violation of any provision of chapter #aa of title #ah relating to a postal contract1 the head of a covered postal entity may-- 7,a7 void that contract2 and 7,b7 recover the amounts expended and property transferred by the covered postal entity under that contract4 7#b7 ,obtaining or disclosing procurement information 7,a7 ,in general ,in any case in which a contractor under a postal contract fails to timely disclose a conflict of interest to the appropriate contracting officer as required under the regulations promulgated under subsection 7b77#a77;,e71 the head of a covered postal entity may-- 7i7 void that contract2 and 7ii7 recover the amounts expended and property transferred by the covered postal entity under that contract4 7,b7 ,conviction or administrative determination ,a case described under subparagraph 7,a7 is any case in which-- 7i7 there is a final conviction for an offense punishable under section #baje of title #da2 or 7ii7 the head of a covered postal entity determines1 based upon a preponderance of the evidence1 that the contractor or someone acting for the contractor has engaged in conduct constituting an offense punishable under section #baje of such title4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of chapters at the beginning of part ,i is amended by adding at the end the following3 #g4;,contracting ,provisions#gja 4 #djb4 ,technical amendment to definition ,section #gaja7h7 of title #da1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of subparagraph 7,c72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of subparagraph 7,d7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,e7 the ,united ,states ,postal ,service and the ,postal ,regulatory ,commission4 4