U.S. Postal Service: USPS Has Taken Steps to Strengthen Network Realignment Planning and Accountability and Improve Communication

GAO has issued reports on the U.S. Postal Service's (USPS) strategy for realigning its mail processing network and improving delivery performance information. These reports recommended that the Postmaster General (1) strengthen planning and the overall integration of its realignment efforts, and enhance accountability by establishing measurable targets and evaluating results, (2) improve delivery service standards and performance measures, and (3) improve communication with stakeholders by revising its Area Mail Processing (AMP) Communication Plan to improve public notice, engagement, and transparency. The 2006 postal reform act required USPS to develop a network plan by June 2008 that described its vision and strategy for realigning its network; the anticipated costs, cost savings, and other benefits of its realignment initiatives; performance measures for its delivery service standards, and its communication procedures for consolidating AMP operations. This testimony discusses USPS's actions toward addressing GAO recommendations to (1) strengthen network realignment planning and accountability, (2) improve delivery performance information, and (3) improve communication with stakeholders. This testimony is based on prior GAO work, a review of USPS's 2008 Network Plan and revised AMP Communication Plan, and updated information from USPS officials. USPS did not have comments on this testimony.