U.S. Postal Service: Purchasing Changes Seem Promising, But Ombudsman Revisions and Continued Oversight Are Needed

摘要

The three main changes are (1) revoking and superseding its former purchasing regulations, handbooks, circulars, manuals, and guidelines and replacing them with streamlined regulations and interim internal guidance; (2) establishing new provisions for entering into business relationships with suppliers, including the process for declining to accept or consider proposals; and (3) creating a new process for resolving disputes, disagreements, or arguments between USPS and suppliers/potential suppliers, including the establishment of an ombudsman. Some postal stakeholders stated these were positive changes, while others raised concerns about the need or justification for such major changes; potential limitations on suppliers' ability to appeal USPS decisions; and how USPS officials would be held accountable for the fairness of purchasing decisions and its results (i.e., ability to achieve cost savings) given this additional flexibility and discretion. USPS stated these changes would result in a more flexible, efficient, businesslike purchasing system. GAO assessed USPS's new postal purchasing regulations and draft internal guidance against key principles of postal reform-flexibility, efficiency, accountability, and social responsibility-and the purchasing practices of leading organizations. GAO found that USPS's changes are generally consistent with these principles and practices of leading organizations, except for USPS's new ombudsman position. In addition to the ombudsman inconsistencies, concerns remain about how USPS's purchasing changes will be implemented. These concerns relate to the delayed issuance of USPS's final guidance, the potential impact on suppliers and USPS's ability to track and monitor its performance, and USPS's ability to achieve efficiencies under these new flexibilities while ensuring the fair and consistent treatment of suppliers. These inconsistencies and concerns will require continued oversight.