
137.25 Authorizations

137.251 General

a.
Agencies listed in Exhibit 137.251a are authorized to use penalty
mail.  Agencies not listed may request authorization to use penalty mail by
writing to the general manager, Official Mail and International Mail
Accounting Division (for address, see Address List in Appendices).

b.
The college officer or other person connected with the extension department
of the college and designated by the Secretary of Agriculture to use penalty
mail in accordance with 137.242a(1) must obtain an authorization to
deposit penalty mailings at a specific post office from the general manager,
rates and classification center (see 132).

c.
The officer in charge of an agricultural experiment station that claims the
privilege of using penalty mail must submit an application for use of penalty
mail to the post office where the station is located, in accordance with
137.242a(3).  The postmaster must forward the application to the
general manager, rates and classification center (see 132).

d.
Agencies authorized to use penalty mail may use penalty postage meters,
penalty permit imprints, penalty mail stamps, penalty business reply mail,
penalty fourth-class reply mail, special services reply mail, and second-class
mail privileges only pursuant to specific authorization under the procedures
set forth in 137.273 through 137.277a.

e.
Agencies which desire to make nonpresorted ZIP+4 mailings using standard
penalty indicia as provided in 137.263c must obtain an authorization
for use of permit imprints at each post office of mailing, as described in
137.274a.

f.
The right of an officer to use the penalty mail privilege ceases
immediately when the officer leaves office.

g.
Except as provided in 137.276 and 137.28, an agency must
not loan or furnish penalty envelopes, cards, cartons, labels, meter stamps,
or penalty mail stamps to any private person, concern, or organization or
permit the use of such penalty envelopes, cards, cartons, labels, meter
stamps, or penalty mail stamps for matter not relating exclusively to the
business of the Government of the United States.

137.252 Agency Authorization Codes, Permit Imprint Numbers, BRM Permit
Numbers, and Sampling (RPW) Numbers.
Procedures on how to use the numbers in Exhibit 137.251a appear
below.  The list of the codes and numbers assigned to each agency is contained
in Exhibit 137.251a.

a.
The column titled "Agency Code" lists the 3-digit code that identifies each
agency of the Federal Government.  Component agencies share the same 3-digit
number with their parent agency.

b.
The column titled "Permit Imprint Number" lists the authorized penalty
permit imprint numbers assigned to Government agencies.

c.
The column titled "BRM Permit Number" lists business reply mail (BRM)
permit numbers assigned to each agency, whether or not they currently use BRM.
 Any agency wishing to use BRM (see 917) must use the number
provided in the following chart.  Agencies needing additional BRM numbers for
particular units of their organizations must submit a written request to the
general manager, Official and International Mail Accounting Division, U.S.
Postal Service (for address, see Address List in Appendices).

d.
If agencies are authorized to use standard penalty indicia mail (see
137.272), a 3-digit sampling code appears in the column titled
"Sampling (RPW) Number."  Each agency must use its code on each piece of
standard indicia mail, but may not use the code for any other purpose.

e.
If agencies are not eligible to use standard penalty indicia, an "M"
appears in the column titled "Sampling (RPW) Number."  These agencies must use
penalty postage meters, penalty mail stamps, or other directly accountable
method of penalty indicia.  Also, they must include their penalty permit
imprint number in the permit imprint indicia of each piece of their permit
imprint mail (see 137.274).  Agencies that need additional penalty
permit imprint numbers for particular units of their organization must submit
a written request to the general manager, Official and International Mail
Accounting Division.

f.
Several agencies have elected to use commercial accounts for their mail.
These agencies are not eligible to use agency codes, permit imprint numbers,
government BRM numbers, sampling (RPW) numbers, penalty mail meter stamps, or
penalty mail meters.  Agencies mailing on a commercial basis are identified by
the letters "NA" (not available) and "C" (commercial) in the detailed columns
in 137.253.

137.253 Agency Cost Codes.
Agencies may develop and assign an optional, 5-digit numeric cost code to
each penalty mail postage meter license.  The cost code is associated in the
Official Mail Accounting System (OMAS) with each revenue transaction for
meters installed under the license, allowing agencies to track postal expenses
by cost center.  A quarterly expense report is sent to each agency,
summarizing expenses according to the first two digits of the cost code.  If
requested, the Postal Service also generates a quarterly magnetic tape for
each agency containing all official mail meter transactions processed during
the quarter.  Agencies desiring to establish cost codes and receive the
quarterly tape should write to the general manager, Official and International
Mail Accounting Division, U.S. Postal Service (for address, see Address List
in Appendices).






Exhibit 137.251a, Agency Authorization Codes

Permit Sampling
Agency Imprint BRM (RPW)
Agency Name Code Number
Permit Number
Number


Permit Sampling
Agency Imprint BRM (RPW)
Agency Name Code Number
Permit Number
Number]






                                    Permit                          Sampling
                             Agency Imprint           BRM           (RPW)
   Agency Name                Code  Number       Permit Number      Number

ACTION001G-2112909602
Administrative Conference
of the United States002G-26013922603

Administrative Office of the
United States Courts009G-1812615, 12957426

Administration for Children and Families
273G-71799028M

Advisory Commission on
Inter-Governmental Relations003G-3416814M

Advisory Committee on
Federal Pay010G-14699000567

Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation007G-8199001M

African Development
Foundation019G-27599002M

Agriculture, Department of (see components)

Agricultural Cooperative
Service--Agriculture005G-71304391, 12558,
 12585, 12639, 12730, 12744, 12766,
 12770, 12801, 13016, 13199, 13509,
 13613, 14689, 14690, 16527, 99076, 99086,
 99089, 99095101

Agricultural Experiment
Stations--AgricultureNANANAC

Agricultural Research Service--Agriculture
005G-9504391, 12558,
12585, 12639,
12730, 12744, 12766, 12770,
12801, 13016, 13199, 13509,
13613, 14689, 14690, 16527,
99076, 99086,
99089, 99095101

Agricultural Workers,
Commission on--GSA066G-70899003M

Agricultural Stabilization &
Conservation Service--
Agriculture013G-9612597M

Air Force, Department of the--Defense (To be used by GPO contractors
only.)
298G-825
NA
C

Alcohol, Drug Abuse and
Mental Health
Administration--PHS/HHS275G-28300945, 00946,
00947, 00948,
01007, 01187,
12626, 13669,
99078, 99088, 99094,
99097 396


Alcohol, Tobacco and
Firearms Bureau--Treasury226G-8612843564

American Battle Monuments
Commission006G-14916876
M

American Forces Information
Service--DefenseNANANAC

American States--Pan
American Union, Organization
of--State191G-8599006M

Animal & Plant Health Inspection
Service--Agriculture025G-41,
G-29804377,
04388102
Appalachian Regional
Commission008G-9999007606

Architect of the Capitol012G-15199008370

Architectural and
Transportation Barriers
Compliance Board017G-15213969M

Arctic Research
Commission, United States164G-72199004M

Army, Department of the--Defense (To be used by GPO contractors only.)
297G-850
NA
C

Assistant Secretary for
Health, Office of--PHS/HHS
275G-28000945, 00946, 00947, 00948,
01007, 01187, 12626, 13669,
99078, 99088, 99094, 99097
396

Assistant Secretary for
Administration & Management,
Office of the--Labor
143G-74602520, 12330, 12707, 12975,
12985, 13010, 13126, 15058,
15792, 15793, 15794, 15796,
99079, 99080
441

Barry Goldwater Scholarship
and Excellence in Education
Foundation065G-71199010M

Bicentennial of the
Constitution, Commission
  on the 060G-26116353M

Biomedical Ethics
Advisory CommitteeNANANAC

Blind and Other Severely
Handicapped, Commission for
Purchase from the024G-15399012570

Board for (see other part of title)

Bonneville Power
Administration--Energy110G-13501322354

Botanic Garden, United
States021G-15499013371

Bureau of Consular Affairs
(Passport Office--State) 189G-225,
G-22612260502

Census, Bureau of the--
Commerce250G-5816081, 16734, 17162, 99108,
99109
202
Centers for Disease
Control
277G-284
99110M

Central Intelligence
AgencyNANANAC

Christopher Columbus
Quincentenary Jubilee
Commission028G-33199015M

Civil Rights,
Commission on 029G-7312907609

Civilian Health & Medical
Program of the Uniformed
Services (OCHAMPUS), Office
of--Defense050G-14300275M

Civilian Radioactive Waste Management,
Office of--Energy014G-29500253, 02020,
11301,350
Coast Guard, United
States--Transportation209G-15713057514

Commerce, Department of (see components)

Commerce - Office of the
Secretary of 263G-4699017, 99101201

Commodity Futures Trading
  Commission037G-5799018610

Comptroller of the Currency,
Office of the--Treasury220G-873330556

Congressional Budget
Office299G-7099019372

Consumer Product Safety
Commission023G-7212064
M

Cooperative Extension
Service--Agriculture018G-26800001, 00009,
00012, 00016,
00017, 00020,
00022, 00029,
00038, 00052,
00100, 00140,
00164, 00216,
00227, 00340,
00345, 00454,
00482, 00554,
00603, 00621, 00928,
01001, 01268,
 01307, 01922,
02854, 02983,
03210, 04402,
06734, 14688M

Copyright Royalty Tribunal
Council 036G-15999020M

Court of Appeals for the Federal
Circuit, United States234G-24416453430

Court of Military Appeals,
United States235G-25199021M

Court of International
Trade, United States233G-25299022565

Customs Service, United
States--Treasury216G-9712994552

Defense, Department of (see components)

Defense Communications
Agency--DefenseNANANAC

Defense Contract Audit
Agency--Defense045G-16104114M

Defense - Office of the Secretary--Defense
048G-7912257M

Defense Intelligence
Agency--Defense046G-16212964M

Defense Investigative
Service--Defense053G-13112858M

Defense Logistics
Agency--Defense049G-5304966
M

Defense Mapping
Agency--Defense051G-212859M

Defense Nuclear
Agency--Defense047G-16399024M

Defense Nuclear
Facilities Safety Board202G-73799090M

Depository Institutions
Deregulatory Committee--
Federal Reserve System076G-12512708622

Drug Enforcement
Administration--Justice136G-3399025437

Economic Advisors,
Council of031G-16499026476

Economic Analysis, Bureau
of--Commerce251G-5612787209

Economic Development
Administration--Commerce253G-16599027M

Economic Research
Service--Agriculture005G-14504391, 12558, 12585, 12639,
12730, 12744, 12766, 12770,
12801, 13016, 13199, 13509,
13613, 14689, 14690, 16527,
99076, 99086, 99089, 99095
101
Economics Management
Staff--Agriculture005G-27704391, 12558, 12585, 12639,
12730, 12744, 12766, 12770,
12801, 13016, 13199, 13509,
13613, 14689, 14690, 16527,
99076, 99086, 99089, 99095
101

Education, Department
of274G-1712935395
 Employment Security--Labor
(Note: Includes all
State Employment Security
Agencies - SESAs.)144G-1212634449



Employment Standards
Administration--Labor
143G-74402520, 12330, 12707, 12975,
12985, 13010, 13126, 15058,
15792, 15793, 15794, 15796,
99079, 99080
441

Employment & Training Administration--Labor (Washington, DC Headquarters
only)
143G-75502520, 12330, 12707, 12975,
12985, 13010, 13126, 15058,
15792, 15793, 15794, 15796,
99079, 99080
441

Energy, Department of
(if components are not
listed)014G-20, G-765 thru G-770
00253, 02020, 11301, 17091,
17127, 17128, 17129, 99091, 99092
350

Engraving and Printing,
Bureau of--Treasury223G-16612737559

Environmental Protection
Agency062G-3511663335

Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission 063G-1412857613

Executive Office of the
President--Office of
Administration 064G-14113335M

Export Administration,
Bureau of-Commerce255G-72099048M

Farm Credit
Administration069G-16705989614

Farmers Home
Administration--Agriculture015G-26612688M

Federal Aviation
Administration--Transportation070G-4412438
515

Federal Bureau of
Investigation--Justice131G-16812083432

Federal Communications
Commission071G-11112941615

Federal Crop Insurance
Corporation--Agriculture005G-11204391, 12558,
12585, 12639,
12730,
12744, 12766,
12770, 12801,
13016, 13199,
13509, 13613, 14689,
14690, 16527,
99076, 99086,
99089, 99095
101
Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation 072G-3612782616

Federal Election
Commission073G-3112976617

Federal Emergency Management
Agency074G-11411989625

Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission--Energy080G-14212683351

Federal Financial
Institutions Examination
Council085G-16999029571

Federal Highway
Administration--Transportation206G-6612946
512

Federal Labor Relations
Authority075G-13999030619

Federal Law Enforcement
Training Center--Treasury034G-9399031M

Federal Maritime
Commission078G-172None620
Federal Mediation and
Conciliation Service079G-17399033621

Federal Mine Safety &
Health Review Commission083G-17499034573

Federal Prison
Industries--Justice132G-17599035435

Federal Railroad
Administration--Transportation211G-12814560
516

Federal Reserve System,
Board of Governors of the076G-12412708622

Federal Retirement Thrift
Investment Board088G-70416717M

Federal Supply
Service--GSA091G-17699036361

Federal Trade Commission081G-6200173, 12498M

Financial Management
Service--Treasury217G-412724553

Financial Management, Office
of, National Financial
Center--Agriculture005G-70304391, 12558, 12585, 12639,
12730, 12744, 12766, 12770,
12801, 13016, 13199, 13509,
13613, 14689, 14690, 16527,
99076, 99086, 99089, 99095
101

Fish and Wildlife
Service--Interior121G-7712874423

Food and Drug
Administration--PHS/HHS275G-28500945, 00946, 00947, 00948,
01007, 01187, 12626, 13669,
99078, 99088, 99094, 99097
396

Food and Nutrition
Service--Agriculture026G-3912725104

Food Safety & Inspection
Service--Agriculture035G-4212177106

Foreign Agricultural
Service--Agriculture005G-26204391, 12558, 12585, 12639,
12730, 12744, 12766, 12770,
12801, 13016, 13199, 13509,
13613, 14689, 14690, 16527,
99076, 99086, 99089, 99095
101
Forest Service--
Agriculture016G-4010040M

Former President's
Services--GSA092See GSA

General Accounting Office090G-10012937374

General Services Administration
(also has temporary activity
for the following services:093G-3012710361
Former President's
Services092
Presidential
Transition Mail094

Geological Survey--Interior
111G-2304883
M

Government Ethics,
U.S. Office of178G-72699052M

Government Printing
Office  096G-2612949375, 376,
377

Governmental Public Affairs,
Office of--Agriculture005G-71404391, 12558, 12585, 12639,
12730, 12744, 12766, 12770,
12801, 13016, 13199, 13509,
13613, 14689, 14690, 16527,
99076, 99086, 99089, 99095
101
Harry S. Truman Scholarship
Foundation201G-1614168583

Health and Human Services,
Department of--HHS (see components)

Health and Human
Services--Office of the
Secretary 270G-4512821391

Health Care Financing
Administration--HHS271G-2818463392

Health Resources and
Services Administration--PHS/HHS
275G-28600945, 00946, 00947, 00948,
01007, 01187, 12626, 13669,
99078, 99088, 99094, 99097
396

House of Representatives,
U.S. Congress300G-300NONE

Housing and Urban Development,
Department of101G-5112272401

Holocaust Memorial Council,
United States103G-28799037M

Immigration and Naturalization
Service--Justice133G-7813147433

Indian Affairs, Bureau
of--Interior112G-7400003, 02107,
12948 M

Indian Health Service
--PHS/HHS
275G-29000945, 00946, 00947, 00948,
01007, 01187, 12626, 13669,
99078, 99088, 99094, 99097
396

Information Agency, United
States107G-18612792628

Inspector General, Office of
the--Defense040G-16099038M

Inspector General,
Office of the--Labor
143G-74702520, 12330, 12707, 12975,
12985, 13010, 13126, 15058,
15792, 15793, 15794, 15796,
99079, 99080
441

Interagency Council on
the Homeless106G-71699039M

Inter-American Foundation105G-18305139M

Interior, Department of the
(use for Management Services, Office of the Secretary, or
if components are not listed)116G-6515852,
16232,
16998
M

Internal Revenue
Service--Treasury218G-4812686554

International Boundary and
Water Commission108G-18400098686

International Broadcasting,
Board for020G-18599040627

International Cooperation
and Development, Office
of--Agriculture005G-29404391, 12558, 12585, 12639,
12730, 12744, 12766, 12770,
12801, 13016, 13199, 13509,
13613, 14689, 14690, 16527,
99076, 99086, 99089, 99095
101
International Cultural and
Trade Center Commission,
United States109G-17999041M

International Development,
Agency for004G-10712887
M

International Joint
Commission -  U.S. and Canada104G-12299042
M

International Labor Affairs, Bureau of--Labor
143G-75702520, 12330,
12707, 12975,
12985, 13010,
13126, 15058,
15792, 15793,
15794, 15796,
99079, 99080
M
International Trade
Administration--Commerce252G-5412827,
12954, 13027,
13145, 13369, 14419,
15005M

Interstate Child Support, Commission on
056G-739
99098M

International Trade
Commission, United States231G-25312840653

Interstate Commerce
Commission123G-6412815630

James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation
140G-740
99093M

Japan - U.S. Friendship
Commission129G-18799043575

Joint Staff, The--Defense
(formerly known as the Joint
Chiefs of Staff)055G-18899044M

Justice, Department of (see components)

Justice Programs, Office
of--Justice134G-9199045436

Justice Management
Division, Assistant Secretary
for Administration--Justice135G-7100425, 01806431

Labor,
Department of143G-5902520, 12330,
12707, 12975,
12985, 13010,
13126, 15058,
15792, 15793,
15794, 15796,
99079, 99080
441

Labor Statistics,
Bureau of--Labor
143G-73802520, 12330, 12707, 12975,
12985, 13010, 13126, 15058,
15792, 15793, 15794, 15796,
99079, 99080
441

Land Management, Bureau
  of--Interior113G-7614153415

Library of Congress146G-10312793, 12794,
12795, 12796,
12797, 15017,
16140, 16153,
16373378

Mail and Reproduction
Management Division, Office of
the Secretary--Agriculture
005G-27204391, 12558,
12585, 12639,
12730,
12744, 12766,
12770, 12801,
13016, 13199,
13509, 13613, 14689,
14690, 16527,
99076, 99086,
99089, 99095
101
Management and Budget,
Office of--part of the
Executive Office of the
President064G-14113335M

Management and Finance
Information Systems, Office
of--Justice135G-7101806, 16280431

Management Standards,
Office of--Labor
143G-74802520, 12330, 12707, 12975,
12985, 13010, 13126, 15058,
15792, 15793, 15794, 15796,
99079, 99080
441

Management and Cooperative Programs, Bureau of--Labor
143G-74302520, 12330, 12707, 12975,
12985, 13010, 13126, 15058,
15792, 15793, 15794, 15796,
99079, 99080
441

Marine Corps, United
States--Defense     038G-6312495M

Marine Mammal Commission148G-18999046576

Maritime
Administration--Transportation256G-11712706
520

Marketing
Service--Agriculture005G-29704391, 12558, 12585, 12639,
12730, 12744, 12766, 12770,
12801, 13016, 13199, 13509,
13613, 14689, 14690, 16527,
99076, 99086, 99089, 99095
101
Merit Systems Protection
Board147G-11312966M

Mine Safety and Health--Labor
143G-74502520, 12330, 12707, 12975,
12985, 13010, 13126, 15058,
15792, 15793, 15794, 15796,
99079, 99080
441

Minerals Management
Services--Interior127G-27007111, 08330M

Mines, Bureau of--Interior114G-19112666
416

Minority Business
Development Agency--Commerce257G-19214548M

Minority Business
Development, Commission on150G-73599082M

Mint, United
States--Treasury219G-714111, 14460555

Museum Services,
Institute of102G-27416387M

National Aeronautics and
Space Administration154G-2712028451

National Agricultural
Statistics
Service--Agriculture005G-3804391, 12558, 12585, 12639,
12730, 12744, 12766, 12770,
12801, 13016, 13199, 13509,
13613, 14689, 14690, 16527,
99076, 99086, 99089, 99095
101

National Archives and
Records Administration--GSA166G-29315415362

National Capitol Planning
Commission156G-19613362633

National Center for Health
Services Research
--PHS/HHS275G-28200945, 00946, 00947, 00948,
01007, 01187, 12626, 13669,
99078, 99088, 99094, 99097
396

National Center for Health
Statistics--PHS/HHS275G-28100945, 00946, 00947, 00948,
01007, 01187, 12626, 13669,
99078, 99088, 99094, 99097
396



National Commission
 on Acquired Immune
 Deficiency Syndrome151G-73499081M

National Commission on American Indian, Alaska Native & Native Hawaiian
Housing126G-76099105M

National Commission
  on Children152G-72399011M

National Commission for Employment Policy--Labor
143G-75602520, 12330,
12707, 12975,
12985, 13010,
13126, 15058,
15792, 15793,
15794, 15796,
99079, 99080
M

National Commission on
Libraries and Information
Science  170G-11699049M

National Commission to
Prevent Infant Mortality089G-71599050M

National Commission on Responsibilities for Financing Postsecondary
Education
139G-75999104M

National Commission on Severely Distressed Public Housing
138G-75899103M
National Council
on Disability 158G-27999051M

National Credit Union
  Administration168G-8812394634

National Endowment for
the Arts165G-5012952635

National Endowment for the
Humanities167G-4312885
M

National Gallery of Art159G-4715424, 16001,
16088, 16155
M

National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration--
Transportation212G-9073173517


National Institute
 of Standards and Technology--Commerce
264G-19512856
215

National Institutes of
Health278G-291
00953, 00954, 13155, 13156,
13157, 13165, 13166, 13167,
13180, 13181, 13182, 99087,
99102, 99106, 99107
M
National Labor Relations
Board160G-13212636638

National Mediation
Board161G-19714491M

National Oceanic &
Atmospheric Administration--
Commerce259G-1901100 210

National Park Service--Interior
115G-8312651, 12886M

National Science
Foundation162G-6912806M

National Security
Agency--Defense044G-27800011M
includes the following:
National Computer
Security Center044G-330,00011M
G-712

National Security
Council--part of the Executive Office of the President
064G-14113335M

National Technical Information Service--Commerce
260G-15, G-292
07362211

National Telecommunications &
Information Administration--
Commerce265G-19999054216

National Transportation Safety Board
207G-20099055641


National Women's Business Council
124G-76499120M

Navajo Hopi Indian
Relocation Commission 155G-13800353M

Navy, Department of
the--Defense043G-912503M

Nuclear Regulatory
Commission169G-6712904M

Nuclear Waste Negotiator, Office of the U.S.
222G-742
99099M

Nuclear Waste Technical
  Review Board 171G-72599032M

Occupational Safety and Health, Office of--Labor
143G-74902520, 12330, 12707, 12975,
12985, 13010, 13126, 15058,
15792, 15793, 15794, 15796,
99079, 99080
441

Occupational Safety and
Health Review Commission175G-22299056M

Office of (see other part of title)

Organization of (see other part of title)

Overseas Private Investment
Corporation183G-22314418M

Oversight Board for the
 Resolution Trust
 Corporation022G-73099085M

Pan American Health
Organization--State192G-6114324M

Panama Canal Commission186G-22499057645

Passport Office--State (see Bureau of Consular Affairs)

Patent Office--Commerce261G-8413721212

Peace Corps184G-26413741611

Pennsylvania Avenue
Development Corporation181G-22799058646

Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation142G-9212868M

Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration--Labor
143G-75102520, 12330, 12707, 12975,
12985, 13010, 13126, 15058,
15792, 15793, 15794, 15796,
99079, 99080
441

Personnel Management,
Office of 030G-2401123, 12458,
12459, 12460,
12461, 12462245

Physician Payment Review
Commission177G-70799059M

Postal Rate Commission185G-22899060M

Postal Service, U.S.
(Control Number only, no charges to be applied)
400G-1073026

Presidential Transition
Mail094See GSA

President's Commission
on Privatization--part of the
Executive Office of the
President064G-14113335M

President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities--Labor
143G-75002520, 12330, 12707, 12975,
12985, 13010, 13126, 15058,
15792, 15793, 15794, 15796,
99079, 99080
441

Prisons, Bureau
of--Justice137G-23114045434

Prospective Payment Assessment
Commission173G-28899061M

Public Debt, Bureau of
the--Treasury 224G-23212943560


Public Debt, Bureau of
the--Treasury (Savings
Bond Agents) 224G-70112943560

Public Health Service--HHS (see components)

Railroad Retirement Board188G-12012086648

Reclamation, Bureau
of--Interior118G-11012849M

Research and Special
Programs Administration--Transportation
248G-12614561510

Resolution Trust Corporation
182G-741
99096M

St. Lawrence Seaway
Development Corporation--
Transportation195G-23499062M

Savings Bond Division, United
States--Treasury227G-5512933562

Science and Technology Policy,
Office of 157G-23599063M

Secret Service, United
States--Treasury229G-25812931563

Securities and Exchange
Commission 196G-12312820649

Selective Service System197G-11912542650

Senate - U.S. Congress301G-301NONE

Small Business
Administration198G-8212303M

Smithsonian Institution203G-9412915, 14210651

Social Security
Administration--HHS276G-1118452397

Soil Conservation
Service--Agriculture011G-26713066M

Soldiers' & Airmen's Home,
United States230G-25499064
M

Southeastern Power
Administration--Energy119G-23699065355

Southwestern Power
Administration--Energy120G-23707448 356

Special Counsel, Office of the U.S.
141G-754
99100M

State, Department of 199G-13014369501

Supreme Court of the
United States204G-23899067428

Surface Mining Reclamation
and Enforcement--Interior 125G-23912971M

Tax Court, United States232G-25699068439

Trade Representative, Office
of the United States179G-25799069482

Technology Assessment,
Office of 174G-24099070379

Tennessee Valley
Authority208G-24100138
M

Thrift Supervision,
Office of077G-17012884M

Transportation, Department of (see components)

Transportation, Office of
the Secretary of213G-12713506518

Transportation Systems
Center--Transportation214G-24299071518

Treasury, Department of the (see components)

Treasury (Office of the
Secretary and all other
components not listed)215G-5299072M

Uniformed Services
University of the Health
Sciences--Defense042G-25973106M

U.S. Court of Veterans
 Appeals236G-73699083M

U.S. Travel and Tourism
Administration--Commerce 266G-8915977M

Urban Mass Transportation
Administration--
Transportation205G-12913563511

Veterans Affairs, Department of 238G-7512577
601

Veterans Employment and Training Services--Labor
143G-75202520, 12330, 12707, 12975,
12985, 13010, 13126, 15058,
15792, 15793, 15794, 15796,
99079, 99080
441

White House Conference on a
Drug Free America--part of
the Executive Office of the
President064G-14113335M

White House Conference
on Libraries and Information
Services (Advisory Committee
of the) 172G-73199084M

Womens Bureau--Labor
143G-75302520, 12330, 12707, 12975,
12985, 13010, 13126, 15058,
15792, 15793, 15794, 15796,
99079, 99080
441

World Outlook Agricultural
Board--Agriculture005G-28904391, 12558, 12585, 12639,
12730, 12744, 12766, 12770,
12801, 13016, 13199, 13509,
13613, 14689, 14690, 16527,
99076, 99086, 99089, 99095
101





137.26 Services, Classes, Rates, and Preparation Requirements

137.261 Policy.
The Postal Service provides penalty mail customers the same services
accorded to other mailers, unless otherwise provided by law or regulation.
Agencies are not entitled to send penalty mail at nonprofit or subsidized
rates: special bulk third-class rates; fourth-class library rates; and the
following second-class rates: in-county, special nonprofit, classroom, and
science of agriculture.

137.262 Forwarding, Return, and Address-Correction Services.
Penalty mail on which forwarding, return, or address-correction service has
been requested must be given the service requested without being rated for
collection of postage due.

137.263 Mail Preparation

a. General

(1) Penalty Indicia Formats.
Mailings must be prepared using an appropriate penalty indicia format in
accordance with 137.27.

(2) Weight and Size Limits.
Penalty mail must conform to the weight, size, and shape requirements for
the class of mail being used (see individual classes of mail).

(3) ZIP Codes.
The address on all penalty mail must include either the ZIP+4 or the
5-digit ZIP Code.  The return address on all penalty mailpieces must also
include either the ZIP+4 or the 5-digit ZIP Code.

(4) Eligibility for Rates.
Penalty mail must meet the general requirements for the class or rate at
which it is sent and, unless specifically provided elsewhere in
137.2, must meet the preparation requirements specified for that
class and rate.

(5) Endorsements.
The requirements for class of mail endorsements for standard penalty
indicia pieces are in 137.272d.  Except for single-piece rate
First-Class Mail not exceeding 11 ounces and single-piece rate fourth-class
parcel post, all penalty metered mail must bear the proper endorsement of the
class or rate at which it is mailed (see the requirements for the individual
classes of mail).  Each piece of penalty permit imprint mail must bear the
appropriate class or rate endorsement within, below, or to the left of the
permit imprint indicia.  For certain rate categories, it is also permissible
for the rate endorsement to appear directly above the top line of the address
on pieces prepared with penalty permit imprints.  (See 137.274b and
the requirements for the individual classes of mail.)  Except for First-Class
Mail weighing 11 ounces or less, all mail bearing penalty mail stamps must be
marked to indicate the class at which it is mailed.  For special service
endorsements, see 137.264 and Chapter 9.

(6)  Separation by Class and Service.
Penalty mail must be separated according to the class of mail and special
service requested before it is presented to the post office (see
137.42).

b. Bulk Rate Mailings

(1) Penalty Indicia Formats.
Bulk-rate mailings must be prepared using either penalty postage meters or
penalty permit imprints (see 137.273 and 137.274) or, for
second-class mail, the penalty second-class imprint (see 137.277a).
Exception: Nonpresorted ZIP+4 mail may be prepared with standard penalty
indicia as provided in 137.263c.

(2) Mailing Fees.
The mailing fees for First-Class presort rates, bulk third-class rates, and
presorted special fourth-class rates are billed and charged centrally from
Postal Service Headquarters based on records of mailing activity. Agencies
listed in Exhibit 137.251a do not require special authorization to
mail at these rates.

(3) Rate Eligibility and Presort.
Mailings at any presort, bulk, or discounted First-, second-, third-, or
fourth-class rate must meet the same eligibility and preparation requirements
as mailings of other mailers. See 320, 360, 420,
440, 560, 620, 640, 720, and
760.  The postmaster furnishes appropriate sack or tray labels with
which to identify the various types of mail.  Penalty mail must be presented
for acceptance and verification at the entry post office in accordance with
the same instructions and requirements as for other mailers (see
137.42).

(4) Mailing Statements.
The appropriate Postal Service mailing statement must be submitted with
every mailing.  A duplicate is required if a receipt is desired for a permit
imprint mailing.  Form 3606 is required if a receipt is desired for an
identical-weight postage-affixed mailing.  Mailings must be refused if they
are not submitted with the necessary completed Postal Service mailing
statements.

Note:  GPO Form 712 (available from the Government Printing Office) is
not a Postal Service mailing statement.

(5) Rate Documentation.
Agencies or their contractors, just as other mailers, must provide any
documentation required by regulation for the rate claimed for a mailing. See
320, 360, 420, 440, 560,
620, 640, 720, and 760.

(6) Acceptance.
Acceptance-unit employees must employ the same verification and
notification procedures for penalty mail as those required for other mail.
Therefore, penalty bulk-rate mailings submitted at post offices under the
National Bulk Rate Mail Verification Program which have makeup errors of 5% or
more must be rejected and returned for correction, unless the agency elects to
reimburse the Postal Service at the single-piece rate for the percentage of
the mailing estimated to be in error.

Exception:  Presorted First-Class mail must not be detained.  If the
agency cannot be contacted concerning disposition of a mailing which is not
acceptable at the presort rate, the single-piece rate is computed for the
mailing or appropriate portion of the mailing, and the mailing is entered into
the mailstream.  The agency must be notified in writing of the equivalent
amount of postage due.

c. Special Procedures for Nonpresorted ZIP+4 Mail.
In addition to use of penalty postage meters and penalty permit imprints in
accordance with the same procedures used by other mailers, the standard
penalty indicia may be used by agencies to mail nonpresorted ZIP+4 mailings,
provided all the following conditions are met:

(1)
All pieces must meet the requirements in 324, 368.1,
and 368.2.

(2)
The agency must obtain a penalty permit imprint authorization at each post
office where the mailings are to be submitted.

(3)
The mailing must be presented to the bulk acceptance unit of the post
office, accompanied by a copy of Form 3600-R showing the permit imprint number
of the agency, the total number of pieces, and the total weight of the mailing
in pounds.  If the mailing consists of nonidentical weight pieces, the words
"nonidentical weight" must be written in the "weight of a single piece" block,
and postage is computed based on the average weight of the pieces.

(4)
The endorsement "ZIP+4" must appear approximately 1/4 of an inch below the
agency sampling number in the standard penalty indicium.

137.264 Special Services.
Penalty mail may be endorsed to indicate a special service and is given the
indicated service without prepayment of fees and postage, with the following
exceptions:

a.
Registered mail for which insurance is also requested cannot be sent as
penalty mail and must have postage and fees prepaid.

b.
Mail insured for over $100 cannot be sent as penalty mail and must have
postage and fees prepaid.

c.
Return receipts requested after mailing cannot be accounted for under
penalty mail procedures and must be prepaid.

d.
Money orders cannot be accounted for under penalty mail procedures and must
be prepaid.

e.
COD mail cannot be accounted for under penalty mail procedures and must be
prepaid.

f.
Post office box service fees cannot be accounted for under penalty mail
procedures and must be prepaid.

g.
Certificates of mailing for less than three pieces must have prepaid
postage affixed or have penalty metered postage or penalty mail stamps affixed
(see 931.5).

h.
Use of special services is not authorized for penalty mail of agricultural
experiment stations (see 137.242a(3)).

Note:  Reimbursement for special mail services is obtained under
instructions issued by the general manager, Official and International Mail
Accounting Division, Office of Accounting, Department of the Controller,
Finance Group, Washington, DC 20260-5230.  For a description of the available
services, see Chapter 9.

137.265 Shortpaid and Unpaid Mail.
The procedures in 146 for handling shortpaid and unpaid mail apply
to penalty mail, with the following exceptions:

a.
When 137.5 is activated, military units engaged in hostile
operations may send mail postage-due, using a special postage-due format.
Postage is collected from the addressee.

b.
Agencies are authorized to use penalty meter strips and penalty mail stamps
in addition to payment methods available to other mailers to pay for shortpaid
mail, as well as for unpaid mail sent in accordance with 137.5.  The
penalty meter strip must be in the exact amount of the postage due and bear
the current date.  When penalty mail stamps are used for payment of shortpaid
mail, sufficient stamps to cover the amount of postage due must be submitted.
If stamps are submitted in excess of the amount due, credit is not given.

137.266 International Mail Services.
Penalty mail of agencies may be sent to other countries.  Such mail is
subject to the weight and size limits and other conditions prescribed in the
International Mail Manual.  Reimbursement for the services received is
covered by 137.22.  However, agencies may elect to prepay the
postages and fees in accordance with 137.23.

137.27 Penalty Mail Indicia Formats

137.271 General

a. Formats and Methods.
There are six separate formats and methods of mailing penalty mail:  (1)
standard penalty indicium mail, (2) penalty metered mail, (3) penalty permit
imprint mail, (4) penalty mail stamps, (5) penalty second-class imprint mail,
and (6) penalty reply mail.  In addition, there are special procedures for
penalty Express Mail and use of INTELPOST services.

b. Items Carried Outside the U.S. Mail.
All penalty mail matter must conform to the requirements in
137.272 through 137.277.  Envelopes and labels prepared
according to these requirements may be used only to transmit penalty mail, and
must not be used on items carried outside the U.S. Mail, except

(1)
when official items are carried by employees of the originating agency,

(2)
when official items are carried by contractors for subsequent entry into
the U.S. Mail under 137.28, or

(3)
when agencies reach written agreement with the general manager, Official
and International Mail Accounting Division, to account for and pay postage on
official items carried outside the U.S. Mail to avoid violation of the Private
Express Statutes (18 USC 1693-1699 and 39 USC 601-606).

c. Postage Prepaid.
Agency mail which is not sent by use of penalty envelopes or labels as
provided in 137.272 through 137.277 must have postage
prepaid.

137.272 Standard Penalty Indicia

a. Standard Penalty Indicia Requirements.
Except as provided in 137.272b and 137.272c, all penalty
mail using the standard penalty indicia must comply with the following
specifications:

(1) Format.
The indicium must be printed and must consist of the postal emblem (see
Exhibit 137.272a(1) *viewer dmm140.pcx* and Exhibit 137.272a(2)),
*viewer dmm141.pcx* located 3/8 inch from the top edge of the
mailpiece.  In addition, immediately below the postal emblem, the words
"Postage and Fees Paid," the name of the agency, and the agency sampling
number listed in Exhibit 137.251a must appear.  The complete return
address (agency name and mailing address) and the preprinted words "Official
Business, Penalty for Private Use $300," must appear in the upper left corner
of the mailpiece (see Exhibit 137.272a(1)). *viewer dmm140.pcx* The
penalty statement must not be handwritten or typewritten.

(2) FIM.
The facing identification mark (FIM), a vertical barcode pattern which
functions as an orientation mark for automatic facing and canceling equipment,
is required on single-piece rate letter-size mail, as follows:

(a)
An area of 3 by 1-3/4 inches in the upper right corner of the address side
of each mailpiece must be reserved for the indicium and the FIM.  The entire
indicium, including the postal emblem, must be within 1-3/4 inches from the
right edge and within 1-3/4 inches from the top edge of the mailpiece.  A FIM
must be printed on all letter-size mail, including cards, envelopes, and
self-mailers (see 128), but is not required on labels or envelopes
larger than letter size.

(b)
The FIM must be positioned so that the distance from the right edge of the
mailpiece to the nearest FIM bar is 2 inches, 1/8 inch, and the top of
the FIM is within 1/8 inch of the top edge of the piece.  It is permissible
for the FIM to touch the top edge of the piece.  The bars must be 5/8 inch
long, 1/8 inch.  A clear area free of any other printing must be
maintained around the FIM, beginning 1-3/4 inches from the right edge of the
piece and extending 1-1/4 inches to the left.  The clear area must extend 5/8
inch down from the top edge (see Exhibit 137.272a(2)*viewer dmm141.pcx*
).  Additional specifications for printing the FIM are contained in
Publication 25, A Guide to Business Mail Preparation.

(c)
Because the spacing between the vertical bars must be precise, the Postal
Service provides negatives which must be used for printing the FIM.  In all
cases, Postal Service specifications and negatives must be used.  A FIM must
appear on all letter-size mail.  The specifications and negatives for FIMs are
available from local post offices or from the general manager, Official and
International Mail Accounting Division, U.S. Postal Service (for address, see
Address List in Appendices).

b.  Requirements for Special Users of Standard Penalty Indicia

(1) Mail of a Designated State Extension Director.
Penalty mail of a designated state extension director as described in
137.242a(1) must bear in the upper left corner the name of the
agricultural college and the name of the post office at which the mail is to
be accepted without prepayment of postage.  This must be followed by the name
and title of the designated officer and the words "Cooperative Agriculture
Extension Work Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914."  The preprinted words
"Official Business, Penalty for Private Use $300," must appear below this
statement.  The penalty statement must not be handwritten or typewritten.  The
words "Postage and Fees Paid, U.S. Department of Agriculture" and the agency
sampling number (see Exhibit 137.251a) must appear in the upper
right corner of the address side immediately below the postal emblem.  The
postal emblem must be prepared in accordance with 137.272a(1).  The
FIM must be used as described in 137.272a(2).

(2) Mail of Agricultural Experiment Stations.
Penalty mailings by agricultural experiment stations as described in
137.242a(3) must bear in the upper left corner of the address side:
the name of the station, the name of the post office at which the matter is to
be accepted, and the name and title of the officer in charge of the station,
followed by the word "Publication."  The title of the bulletin or report may
be used.  The preprinted words "Official Business, Penalty for Private Use
$300," must appear below this statement.  The penalty statement must not be
handwritten or typewritten.  The words "Postage Paid, U.S. Department of
Agriculture," and the agency sampling number must appear in the upper right
corner of the address side immediately below the postal emblem.  The postal
emblem must be prepared in accordance with 137.272a(1).  The FIM
must be used as described in 137.272a(2).

(3) Mail of Cooperative Extension Agents.
Penalty mailings of cooperative extension agents described in
137.242a(2) must be prepared in accordance with the provisions of
137.272a.

(4) Mail of State Employment Security Agencies.
Penalty mailings of state employment security agencies cooperating with the
Department of Labor must bear in the upper left corner the name and complete
return address (mailing address) of the state agency and the preprinted words
"Official Business, Penalty for Private Use $300."  The penalty statement must
not be handwritten or typewritten.  The words "Postage and Fees Paid,
Employment Security Mail, Lab 449," must appear in the upper right corner of
the address side immediately below the postal emblem.  The postal emblem must
be prepared in accordance with 137.272a(1).  The FIM must be used as
described in 137.272a(2).


]
DMM140Exhibit 137.272a(1), Standard Penalty
Indicia Format
Note:  qqSee Exhibit 137.272a(3) through Exhibit
137.272a(5) for Postal Service penalty indicia formats.]


]
DMM141Exhibit 137.272a(2), Placement of
Standard Penalty Indicia Format Elements
Note:  qqSee Exhibit 137.272a(3) through Exhibit
137.272a(5) for Postal Service penalty indicia formats.]


]
DMM142Exhibit 137.272a(3), Standard Penalty
Indicia Format for U.S. Postal Service Penalty Mail]


]
DMM143Exhibit 137.272a(4), Standard Penalty
Indicia Format for U.S. Postal Service Penalty Mail Preaddressed for Reply
Purposes]


]
DMM144Exhibit 137.272a(5), Barcoded Standard
Penalty Indicia Format for U.S. Postal Service Penalty Mail Preaddressed
for Reply Purposes]



(5) Postal Service Mail.
Standard Postal Service penalty mail must have preprinted in the upper left
corner: (a) the name and complete return address (mailing address, including
ZIP+4) of the postal facility, (b) the words "OFFICIAL BUSINESS," and (c) the
Postal Service symbol immediately to the left of the return address.  In the
lower left corner, the Olympic rings must appear outside the OCR read area,
centered below the horizontal bar of the postal symbol in the upper left
corner.  In the upper right corner, the postal indicia must appear with the
penalty statement to its left.  A facing identification mark (FIM) pattern B
must appear on all letter-size mail, except prebarcoded ZIP+4 letter-size
mail, which must carry a FIM pattern C.  See 137.272a(2).  See
Exhibit 137.272a(3), *viewer dmm142.pcx*  Exhibit  137.272a(4),
*viewer dmm143.pcx*  and Exhibit 137.272a(5). *viewer
dmm144.pcx* The Postal Service may distribute standard penalty
envelopes, cards, cartons, and labels preaddressed to the Postal Service for
use by persons or organizations from whom or through whom official mail is
desired.

c. Exceptions to Format Requirements.
The following exceptions apply to standard penalty indicia format
requirements:  (1) the FIM and use of the postal emblem as part of the
indicium is optional on larger than letter-size mail; (2) the postal emblem
and FIM may be omitted on self-mailers completely printed by computer with no
provisions for printing designs other than letters and numbers, provided the
items are faced, sorted, and tied in bundles by ZIP Code; and (3) the FIM is
not required on second-class mail, and must not appear on penalty permit
imprints, or penalty metered mail, or mail bearing penalty mail stamps.

d. Endorsements.
Standard penalty indicium mail may only be endorsed for mailing at
single-piece rates.  All standard penalty indicium mail which is not endorsed
for another class receives First-Class service and is charged at First-Class
rates, except unendorsed mail weighing 16 ounces or over is treated and
charged as fourth-class parcel post.  To ensure consistency of treatment and
handling appropriate to the level of service desired, all agencies should
endorse their flats and small parcels as "First-Class," "Third-Class," "Parcel
Post," or "Priority," as appropriate.  Pieces mailed at the nonpresorted ZIP+4
rates must bear the endorsement "ZIP+4" (see 137.263c).  Any
endorsement for a special service or class of mail must appear approximately
1/4 inch below the agency number in the indicium.

137.273  Penalty Meters

a. Description.
Agencies may use postage meters with a special penalty design, following
the procedures described in 144, as modified in 137.273b
through 137.273k.  The provisions of 144.344 and
144.355 are not available to penalty mail postage meter users.

b. License.
Agencies must obtain licenses to use penalty postage meters by submitting
Form 3601-A to each post office where their meters are set.  Agencies must
include their three-digit agency code on each license application and may
assign one cost code, described in 137.253, to each license.  See
Exhibit 137.273b *viewer dmm145.pcx*  for an example of a completed
license application.  Any number of meters may be set under a single meter
license at the post office which issues the license.

Exhibit 137.273b Completed Form 3601-A
(NOT SHOWN)


]
DMM145Exhibit 137.273b, Completed Form 3601-A]



c. Meter Indicium Format.
Special penalty mail meter stamp designs prescribed for metered penalty
mail in 144.41b must be placed in the upper right corner of the
mailpieces. Envelopes used with a penalty postage meter must not contain FIMs
or standard penalty indicia, and must not contain printing other than the
meter indicium in the area where the meter stamp is applied.  However,
postmasters at post offices where penalty meters are licensed may grant an
exception to this requirement by allowing agencies a reasonable time to use
existing supplies of standard penalty indicium envelopes by printing penalty
meter impressions over the indicia.  This should be permitted only when the
surplus standard penalty indicium envelopes cannot reasonably be used at
another nonmetered location.  If this exception is granted, post offices must
check to ensure that no standard penalty indicium envelopes are mailed without
metered postage printed over the indicia.  The complete return address (agency
name and mailing address) must appear in the upper left corner of each
mailpiece.  The preprinted words "Official Business" must appear immediately
below the return address.  (The return address for mail of state agriculture
extension directors, agricultural experiment stations, and state employment
security offices must consist of the information required for the upper left
corner of standard penalty mail of these users as required in
137.272b(1), 137.272b(2), and 137.272b(4).

d. Meter Settings and Payment.
Agencies may set one or more meters under a single license.  They are
charged by the Postal Service for the total amount of postage set during each
quarter, based on records of settings prepared by the post office setting
location.

Note:  Since post office setting locations must inspect penalty mail
postage meters at least once every 6 months (see 144.224), agencies
should plan to reset their meters that frequently to eliminate additional
trips to the post office for meter inspections.

e. Spoiled or Unused Penalty Meter Postage.
Agencies must present spoiled or unused penalty mail postage strips to
their post office setting location to obtain credit.  Post offices must follow
the procedures in 147.2 and complete Form 3533.  No refunds may be
made in cash or applied to a meter.  The credit is reflected in the quarterly
statement provided to the agency.

f. Changing a Penalty Mail Postage Meter Location.
In accordance with 137.273b, agencies must obtain a license
authorizing them to have their meter set without prepayment when they transfer
a meter from one post office to another.  Agencies may, however, transfer a
meter between stations and branches of the same post office with the
permission of the postmaster, without obtaining a new license.

g. On-Site Penalty Meter Settings.
Agencies which desire on-site penalty meter settings must pay the setting
fee prescribed in 144.35 when the meter is set.

Note:  Payment for the actual amount of postage set under the on-site
program is handled through the procedures in 137.273d.

h. Replacement Penalty Meters.
If a meter is replaced, the remaining postage is transferred from the
original meter to the replacement meter.  It must not be transferred to a
penalty meter operating under a different license number.  For penalty meters
checked out of service without replacement, see 137.273i.

i. Checking Penalty Mail Postage Meters Out of Service.
Agencies do not receive a cash refund when they check a penalty mail
postage meter out of service without replacing it and postage remains on the
meter.  Credits due are reported on documents prepared by the post office and
reflected on the agency's quarterly billing statement.

j. Mailings.
Penalty meter imprints should indicate the correct postage, including any
applicable special service or surcharge for the class and weight of the
mailpiece.  Penalty metered mail with insufficient postage imprinted must be
handled in accordance with 146.13.  If envelopes and labels designed
for penalty meter use are found in the mail without a penalty meter stamp,
they must be handled in accordance with 146.12.  Agency units or
locations using penalty postage meters are prohibited use of standard penalty
indicia.

k. Computerized Remote Postage Meter Resetting (CMRS).
Agencies may use a penalty mail postage meter version of the CMRS service
described in 144.38 when it is offered by a meter manufacturer and
approved by the Postal Service.  Agencies must follow the procedures in
144.38, except they are not required to prepay for metered postage
or to establish a trustee bank to process payments.  Agencies are billed for
these meter settings directly by Postal Service Headquarters, based on data
provided by the meter manufacturer.

137.274 Penalty Permit Imprint Mail

a. Application

(1)
Agencies may apply to use penalty permit imprint procedures by completing
two copies of Form 3601 and submitting both copies to the post office where
the mailings are to be deposited.  It is suggested that the agency show the
permit imprint number in the "Permit Number" section of the application
portion (top half) of Form 3601, normally completed by the postmaster.  The
agency should also show the complete name of the agency and subunit of the
agency, if applicable, in the "Name of Applicant" section of the form to
assist the post office in verifying correctness of the permit number.  This is
especially important for agencies assigned use of more than one permit imprint
number.  When the agency has obtained authorization in accordance with
137.251a or 137.252 to use a penalty permit imprint number
as described in 137.252b and shown in Exhibit 137.251a, a
copy of the letter from the general manager, Official and International Mail
Accounting Division, authorizing the use of that permit number, must be
submitted to the post office where mailings are to be made, along with the
Form 3601.  The appropriate permit imprint fee is billed and charged
centrally, based on application forms forwarded to USPS Headquarters by the
post office.

(2)
When a contractor mails penalty permit imprint matter, the agency must
follow the procedures described in 137.274a(1) or provide both copies
of the completed Form 3601 to the contractor for submission to the entry post
office.

b. Indicium Requirements.
The penalty permit imprint indicium must appear in a rectangular box in the
upper right corner of the mailpiece.  The penalty permit imprint indicium must
include the words "Postage and Fees Paid," the agency name, and the agency's
assigned penalty permit imprint number in 137.252b, or other penalty
permit imprint number authorized by the general manager, Official and
International Mail Accounting Division.  The letter "G" must precede the
number.  In addition, the class of mail or appropriate rate endorsement must
appear either as the first item within the permit imprint (the preferred
position) or immediately below or to the left of the permit imprint.  (Rate
endorsements for certain rate categories may also appear directly above the
top line of the address; see the requirements for the individual classes of
mail.)  The city of mailing, amount of postage, and weight of the piece may be
included within the permit imprint but are not required.  First-Class penalty
permit imprints may also show the date. Examples of the penalty permit imprint
indicium are provided in 145.42b, 145.42c, and
145.42d.  The complete return address (agency name and mailing
address) must appear in the upper left corner.  The return address for mail of
state agriculture extension directors, agricultural experiment stations, and
state employment security offices must consist of the information required for
the upper left corner of standard penalty mail of these users, as set forth in
137.272b(1), 137.272b(2), and 137.272b(4)).  The
preprinted words "Official Business, Penalty for Private Use $300," must
appear directly below the return address.  The penalty statement must not be
handwritten or typewritten.  The FIM described in 137.272a(2) must
not be used on penalty permit imprint mail.

c.  Mailings

(1) General.
Mail sent under penalty permit imprint procedures, including international
mail, must meet the provisions of 145, except for 145.3 and
145.56.  The appropriate Postal Service mailing statement must be
submitted with every mailing.  (A duplicate is required if a receipt is
desired.)  Mailings must be refused if they are not submitted with the
necessary completed Postal Service mailing statements.  When mailing
statements are submitted by Government Printing Office (GPO) contractors, the
serial number of the GPO Form 712 submitted with the mailing must be shown on
the accompanying mailing statement.

Note:  GPO Form 712 (available from the Government Printing Office) is
not a Postal Service mailing statement.

(2) Exception for GPO Contractor Mailings.
Agency mailings submitted by GPO contractors may contain nonidentical
weight pieces and contain more than one class of mail, provided all the
following conditions are met:

(a)
The pieces are for mailing at single-piece rates.

(b)
All other requirements for use of permit imprints are met, including the
minimum quantity requirements in 145.51 and the requirement in
137.274a(1) that the pieces contain the proper class of mail
endorsements either within or immediately adjacent to the permit imprint.

Example:  For a mailing containing both First-Class and fourth-class,
pieces mailed at First-Class rates must show the marking "First-Class" or
"Priority" within or adjacent to the permit imprint, and the pieces mailed at
the fourth-class rate must show the marking "Fourth-Class" within or adjacent
to the permit imprint.

(c)
A properly completed Form 3602-G must be submitted to the entry post office
for each mailing.  A duplicate copy must be submitted if the contractor wishes
to retain a copy.

(d)
The mailings are physically separated according to the class and weight
categories on Form 3602-G upon presentation to the post office.

(e)
A GPO Form 712 is submitted with the mailing as evidence that the mailing
is made by a GPO contractor.  GPO Form 712 is not a Postal Service mailing
statement and must be obtained from the Government Printing Office.


Postage is computed based on the average weight of a piece for each
category of mailing reported on Form 3602-G.  Mailings made using Form 3602-G
are not eligible for the fourth-class intra-BMC parcel post rates.


Note:  In addition to GPO Form 712, GPO contractors must also submit
the applicable Postal Service mailing statement.
137.275 Penalty Mail Stamps

a. Use and Authorization.
Penalty mail stamps may be used by Government agencies to facilitate
postage accountability.  Penalty mail may be sent under penalty mail stamp
procedures when an agency has obtained authorization in accordance with
137.275c.

b. Availability.
Penalty mail adhesive stamps are available in several denominations.
Penalty mail stamped stationery (plain stamped envelopes, personalized
envelopes, and postal cards) is also available.

c. Application.
Federal Government agencies may apply to use penalty mail stamps by
submitting a letter of application.  The letter of application must state the
degree to which the agency had adopted other accountable systems and the
manner and extent to which it plans to use penalty mail stamps.  The general
manager, Official and International Mail Accounting Division, approves or
denies applications for use of penalty mail stamps.  The letter of application
must be sent to the general manager, Official and International Mail
Accounting Division, U.S. Postal Service (for address, see Address List in
Appendices).

d. Format

(1) Adhesive Stamps.
Penalty mail adhesive stamps must be firmly affixed in the upper right
corner of the address side of the mailpiece.  The complete return address of
the Government agency (agency name and mailing address) must appear in the
upper left corner of the address side of the mailpiece.  The preprinted words
"Official Business" must appear immediately below the return address (see
Exhibit 137.275d(1)). *viewer dmm146.pcx*

Exhibit 137.275d(1) Penalty Mail Stamp Format (NOT SHOWN)


]
DMM146Exhibit 137.275d(1), Penalty Mail Stamp
Format]



(2) Stamped Stationery.
The complete return address of the Government agency (agency name and
mailing address) must appear in the upper left corner of the address side of
the mailpiece.  The preprinted words "Official Business" and "Penalty for
Private Use $300" must appear immediately below the return address (see
Exhibit 137.275d(2)). *viewer dmm147.pcx*

Note:  The return address of mail of state agriculture extension
directors, agricultural experiment stations, and state employment security
agencies must consist of the information required for the upper left corner of
standard penalty indicia mail of these users, as described in
137.272b(1), 137.272b(2), and 137.272b(4).

Exhibit 137.275d(2) Penalty Mail Stamped Stationery Format (NOT SHOWN)

e. Use on Standard Penalty Indicia Mail.
The penalty mail stamp normally must not be used on mail bearing the
standard penalty indicia (FIM, postal emblem, agency sampling number, and the
words "Postage and Fees Paid").  However, postmasters may grant an exception
to this requirement by allowing agencies a reasonable amount of time to use
existing supplies of standard penalty indicia envelopes with the penalty mail
adhesive stamps placed over the postal emblem and the agency sampling code
obliterated.  When this exception is granted, post offices must check to
ensure that no standard penalty indicia envelopes are mailed without penalty
mail adhesive stamps placed over the postal emblem.


]
DMM147Exhibit 137.275d(2), Penalty Mail Stamped
Stationery Format]



f. Ordering Procedures.
Departments and agencies authorized by 137.251 to use penalty mail
stamps must order penalty mail stock as follows:

(1)
Orders for penalty mail stamp stock other than personalized envelopes must
be submitted to the stamp distribution office (SDO) serving the ZIP Code area
to which the stamp stock is to be shipped on a properly completed Form 17-G.
Orders for personalized envelopes must be submitted on Form 17-J to the
Stamped Envelope Unit, U.S. Postal Service (for address, see Address List in
Appendices ).

(2)
Each component unit of an agency is requested to submit no more than one
order for penalty mail stamp stock each quarter.

(3)
Each order must total at least $50.  Orders received for stamp stock
totaling less than this minimum dollar amount are increased to meet or exceed
the minimum by adding full stamp coils (100 stamps) at the current First-Class
single-piece rate for pieces weighing 1 ounce or less.

(4)
Each denomination of stamps can be ordered only in multiples of 100 (i.e.,
full sheets or coils), except that $5 stamps can be ordered only in multiples
of 20.

(5)
Penalty postal cards may be ordered only in units of 250 cards (full packs).

(6)
Penalty stamped envelopes (plain stamped envelopes and personalized
envelopes) may be ordered only in units of 500 envelopes (full boxes).

g. Reporting Procedures.
Government agencies receive a quarterly statement reflecting all penalty
mail stamp stock shipped during that quarter.  The statement lists all orders
filled in that quarter and include a summary dollar total and number of
requisitions.

h. Mailings.
Sufficient penalty mail stamps to cover the correct single-piece rate
postage, including any applicable surcharges or special services, must be
affixed to each mailpiece.  Except for First-Class Mail weighing 11 ounces or
less, all mail bearing penalty mail stamps must be marked to indicate the
class at which it is mailed.  Pieces with insufficient penalty mail stamps
affixed must be handled as shortpaid mail in accordance with 146.13
or 146.4, as appropriate.  If envelopes and labels designed for use
with penalty mail stamps are found in the mail without a penalty mail stamp,
they must be handled as unpaid mail in accordance with 146.12 or
146.4, as appropriate.

i. Exchanges.
Mistakes made by an SDO in shipping the wrong items or shipping damaged,
defective, or otherwise unserviceable stamps may be corrected by the SDO by
exchanging the items at full value.

137.276 Penalty Reply Mail

a. Restriction to Approved Formats.
Agencies may distribute penalty envelopes, cards, cartons, or labels to any
person, concern, or organization from whom or through whom official matter is
desired by

(1)
using the penalty business reply format provided by 137.276g,

(2)
using the penalty metered reply format provided by 137.276d,

(3)
affixing penalty mail adhesive stamps or using penalty mail stamped
stationery as provided in 137.276e,

(4)
using the penalty merchandise return label as provided in
137.276h, or

(5)
following the penalty fourth-class and special services reply procedures in
137.276f.

Note:  Standard penalty indicium envelopes, cards, cartons, and labels
described in 137.272 may not be distributed for reply purposes,
except by the U.S. Postal Service, as provided in 137.276f, or when
used to return matter to the Bureau of the Census, as provided in
137.276b.

b. Bureau of the Census.
Standard penalty indicium envelopes and labels prepared in accordance with
137.272a and containing the preprinted address of the Department of
Commerce or one of its bureaus or agencies may be used to transmit mail
relating to a collection of statistics, survey, or census authorized by Title
13, United States Code.

c. Prepayment of Reply Mail.
Adhesive postage stamps may be affixed to cards and envelopes distributed
for reply purposes under the provisions of 137.23.

d. Penalty Metered Reply Mail.
An agency which holds a penalty postage meter license may distribute
penalty metered reply cards and envelopes for return to the meter license
holder, as provided in 144.112.  Instructions in 144.112a
through 144.112f governing the preparation of the address side of
metered reply cards and envelopes also apply to penalty metered reply mail.

e. Penalty Mail Stamp Reply Mail.
A department or agency authorized to use the penalty mail privilege may
furnish to a person, concern, or organization from or through whom official
matter is desired, for reply purposes, printed penalty mail stamped stationery
or envelopes or cards bearing penalty mail stamps which contain the preprinted
address of a Federal Government office or officer.

f. Penalty Special Services Reply Mail.
Agencies may distribute penalty envelopes, cards, cartons, or labels for
return with a special service by using the standard penalty indicium format in
137.272a.  Prior written approval is required from the general
manager, Official and International Mail Accounting Division, U.S. Postal
Service (for address, see Address List in Appendices).  An authorized
merchandise return permit holder may have merchandise return matter insured in
accordance with 137.276h(4).  Requests to use this procedure must be
submitted in writing to the general manager, Official and International Mail
Accounting Division.  Such requests must include

(1)
the service desired,

(2)
the post offices to which the mail is to be returned, and

(3)
the proposed procedures to determine actual volume and postage due. Return
envelopes, cards, cartons, or labels distributed under this provision must
have the desired special service preprinted on them.

g. Penalty Business Reply

(1)  General.
An agency may pay for penalty business reply mail (BRM) by setting up a BRM
account to be billed through the Official Mail Accounting System (OMAS), or by
paying for BRM upon delivery of the mail.  Under a BRM account, the agency is
billed an annual permit and accounting fee by each post office ZIP Code where
its mail is returned, the appropriate postage, and a per-piece charge.  Under
the "payment upon delivery" option, the agency pays the appropriate postage
and a per-piece charge.  Under this option, the agency is billed an annual BRM
permit and renewal fee for each assigned permit number.  The postage, fees,
and charges are the same as in 917.3.

(2)  Applying for a BRM Permit.
An agency must apply for an authorization to use a business reply permit at
each post office where its business reply mail is to be returned.  An
agency must complete and submit to each post office a copy of Form 3614 (see
Exhibit 137.276g(2)), *viewer DMF137.pcx*  which must include:


]
DMF137Exhibit 137.276g(2), Form 3614]



(a)
BRM permit number (use BRM permit numbers from the list in Exhibit
137.251a).

(b)
Agency code.

(c)
Agency subcode (if desired).

(d)
Whether the agency desires to set up a BRM account.


If an agency uses the "payment upon delivery" option at any post office
where its mail is to be returned, it is assessed an annual BRM permit and
renewal fee for each permit number.  This fee is assessed each year by the
Official and International Mail Accounting Division at Postal Service
Headquarters.  At each post office where an agency wishes to use the BRM
account option, the post office handling the account assesses an annual BRM
permit and accounting fee by completing Form 3636-G and returning the original
copy to the agency.  (An agency cannot pay in cash for any official mail
transaction.)  A contractor may submit an application in behalf of the agency
if it is signed by an authorized agency representative.

(3)  Formatting BRM.
Penalty business reply mail envelopes must bear the address of one of the
authorized agencies listed in Exhibit 137.251a, or one of their
component units.  Envelopes must be printed according to 917.5, with
the following exceptions:

(a)
The address may be printed, typewritten, or hand-stamped directly on the
mailpiece, or a printed gummed label may be affixed in the address area.  The
address must not be handwritten.  All other preparation requirements for the
address side in 917.5 must be met.

(b)
The legend required by 917.524 must read "Postage Will Be Paid By
(name of authorized agency)."

Exception:  The legend must not appear on Postal Service business
reply mail.

(c)
The space for the permit holder's use described in 917.525e must
include the statement, "Official Business, Penalty for Private Use $300."
Space above this statement may be used for return address, logos, distribution
codes, etc.

(d)
Exhibit 137.276g(3)(d) *viewer dmm148.pcx*  illustrates the
penalty business reply mail format.

(e)
See Exhibit 137.276g(3)(e) *viewer dmm150.pcx*  for samples of
penalty business reply formats for use by the U.S. Postal Service.

(4)  Renewing a BRM Permit and BRM Permit and Accounting Fees

(a)
If an agency uses the "payment upon delivery" option at any post office
where its mail is to be returned, the agency is automatically billed by Postal
Service Headquarters an annual fee for each authorized BRM permit.  Under this
option, no action is necessary for renewal (see 917.22).

(b)
If an agency elects the BRM account option at a post office, it receives a
Form 3636-G from that office every 12 months to assess its annual BRM permit
and accounting fee.  If an agency wishes to cancel a BRM account, the agency
must notify the post office that handles the account.  In this case, the
account is closed and postage for the BRM mail is collected under the "payment
upon delivery" option.

(5)  Paying BRM Postage and Fees


]
DMM148Exhibit 137.276g(3)(d), Penalty Business
Reply Mail Format]



(a)  BRM Account Option.
Each post office must record all BRM returned to it each day.  Post offices
must prepare for each agency a Form 3582-A as a daily record of mail charged
to the agency's BRM account, and submit the form to the agency with its mail.
Each accounting period, post offices with BRM accounts must report summary BRM
activity through OMAS.  Postal Service Headquarters distributes this
information to agencies in a quarterly OMAS report.

(b)  Payment Upon Delivery Option.
Under this option, an agency must use penalty mail postage meter strips or
penalty mail stamps to pay for BRM when the mail is delivered.  The meter
strip must be in the exact amount of the postage due, and bear the current
date.  Postage collected under this option is included in a quarterly OMAS
report under meter or stamp postage, but does not appear under BRM postage.

Exhibit 137.276g(3)(d)  Penalty Business Reply Mail Format (NOT SHOWN)


]
DMM150Exhibit 137.276g(3)(e), Penalty Business
Reply Mail Formats for USPS Use]



h. Penalty Merchandise Return

(1) Description.
Merchandise return service allows a merchandise return permit holder to
authorize individuals and organizations to send single-piece First-Class
(including Priority Mail), single-piece third-class, and single-piece
fourth-class (parcel post, special fourth-class, and bound printed matter) to
the permit holder.  The permit holder pays the return postage and fees (see
919).

(2) Application

(a)
An agency must apply by letter to the general manager, Official and
International Mail Accounting Division, for authorization to use merchandise
return labels.  A single permit number is assigned to each agency unless the
agency requests multiple numbers.

(b)
An agency authorized to use merchandise return service must submit Form
3625 with a copy of the authorization letter from the general manager,
Official and International Mail Accounting Division, to each post office where
parcels are to be returned.  In addition, the agency must furnish the local
post office the name, address, and telephone number of a contact person for
the agency.

(c)
The agency must review the license by the expiration date of the permit by
providing the post office with a renewal request letter that contains
up-to-date local contact information for the agency and the annual fee payment
in accordance with 137.276h(8)(c).

(3) Label Format.
The one-part merchandise return labels available for use by Federal
Government agencies must bear the address of one of the authorized agencies
listed in Exhibit 137.251a or one of their components.  See Exhibit
137.276h(3)(a) *viewer dmm151.pcx*  for the format required when no
special services are requested or when insurance and/or special handling are
requested and Exhibit 137.276h(3)(b) *viewer dmm152.pcx*  when
registered service without postal insurance is requested.  The label must be
printed in the format required by 919.4, with the following
exceptions:

(a)
The phrases "Official Business" and "Penalty for Private Use $300" must be
printed directly below the return address and above the class of service
requested in the upper left corner of the label.

(b)
The name of the post office required to appear in the "Merchandise Return
Label" legend must be the same as the post office to which the matter has been
authorized to be returned.


]
DMM151Exhibit 137.276h(3)(a), Merchandise
Return Label With No Special Services or With Insurance and/or Special
Handling]



(4) Special Services--Insurance

(a)
Only the permit holder may request that the mailpiece be insured.

(b)
Indemnity under penalty mail merchandise return is limited to $100.  Items
requiring insurance greater than $100 may not be mailed under the penalty mail
merchandise return procedures.

(c)
The format in Exhibit 137.276h(3)(a) *viewer dmm151.pcx*  must be
used for the merchandise return label.  To request insurance, permit holders
must preprint the following endorsement to the left of and above the
"Merchandise Return Label" legend and below the "Total Postage and Fees Due"
statement.
Insurance Desired by Permit Holder for $
(value)

The value portion of the endorsement may be handwritten by the permit
holder.  The permit holder must indicate the specific dollar amount of
insurance applicable to the article in the value portion of the endorsement.

Exhibit 137.276h(3)(a), (NOT SHOWN)
Exhibit 137.276h(3)(b), (NOT SHOWN)

(5)  Special Services--Registered Mail

(a)
Only the permit holder may request that the piece receive registered mail
service by preprinting the endorsement required in 137.276h(5)(c).
Registered mail service may be obtained only on articles returned at
First-Class or Priority Mail rates.

(b)
Only registered mail service without postal insurance is available under
penalty mail merchandise return procedures.  Agencies desiring to register
merchandise return articles with postal insurance must follow the procedures
in 919.

(c)
When registered mail service is requested for single-piece First-Class or
Priority Mail, no other special service may be obtained.  The format in
Exhibit 137.276h(3)(b) *viewer dmm152.pcx*  must be used for the
merchandise return label.  The following endorsement must be preprinted to the
left of and above the "Merchandise Return Label" legend and below the "Total
Postage and Fees Due" statement.
Registered Mail Service Without Postal Insurance Desired by Permit
Holder


(6)  Special Services--Special Handling.
Only the permit holder may request that the mailpiece receive special
handling.  The format in Exhibit 137.276h(3)(a) *viewer dmm151.pcx*
must be used for the merchandise return label.  Thirdor fourth-class  items
requiring special handling must have the following endorsement preprinted (see
919.41) or rubber-stamped to the left of and above the "Merchandise
Return Label" legend and below the "Total Postage and Fees Due" statement.

Special Handling Desired by Permit Holder

(7)  Combining Special Services.
Thirdand fourth-class parcels may be insured and receive special handling
if the mailer so desires and preprints or rubber-stamps the appropriate
endorsements and markings for both special services as required in
137.276h(4) and 137.276h(6).

(8) Payment of Postage and Fees

(a)
Agencies are charged a merchandise return permit fee of $75 once each
12-month period for each post office to which merchandise return matter is
returned.

(b)
The amount to be paid for penalty mail merchandise return matter is the
appropriate postage for the class of service requested, plus a fee of $0.25
per parcel.  The registered fee, special handling fee, or insurance fee is
additional, where applicable.

(c)
Postage and fees, including the annual permit fee, may be paid by postage
meter strip, penalty mail stamps, or cash to the post offices authorized to
process merchandise return matter.

(9)  Cancellation of Permit.
A permit may be canceled by the general manager, Official and International
Mail Accounting Division, for any violation of postal regulations, including:

(a)
Refusal to accept and pay the required charges for merchandise return
offered for delivery.

(b)
Distributing merchandise return labels which do not conform to Postal
Service specifications.

(c)
Failure to renew permit in accordance with 137.276h(2)(c).

(10) Receipt of Parcels After Cancellation of Permit.
When a permit is canceled, parcels received after the cancellation are
treated in accordance with 919.24a and 919.24b.


]
DMM152Exhibit 137.276h(3)(b), Merchandise
Return Label for Registered Mail Service Without Insurance]



137.277 Procedures for Certain Classes of Penalty Mail

a. Penalty Second-Class Mail

(1) Application.
Agencies may apply for penalty second-class mail privileges for periodical
publications that meet the basic qualifying conditions in 422 and the
requirements in 423.1 or 423.4 by completing Form 3501 or
Form 3511 as appropriate.  The application and the appropriate number of
copies of the publication for which the privileges are desired should be filed
at the post office where the known office of publication is located in
accordance with 423.143 and either 423.14 or
423.431.

(2) Mailing Format.
Penalty mail sent at second-class rates must meet the provisions of Chapter
4, except for 426.23 and 462.1.  A penalty mail
second-class imprint must be printed on the front or back cover of each copy,
preferably in the upper right corner of the address area, or must be printed
in the upper right corner of the address side of its envelope or wrapper.  The
imprint for copies mailed while an application is pending must read
"Application to Mail at Second-Class Rates Pending."  The imprint for
authorized publications must contain:  (a) the words "Second-Class Mail" or
"Second-Class Newspaper" (as appropriate); (b) the words "Postage and Fees
Paid;" (c) the agency name; and (d) the International Standard Serial Number
(ISSN) assigned by the Library of Congress, if the publication has one, or the
publication number assigned by the Postal Service at the time of
authorization.  For both authorized publications and publications with
applications pending, the front or back cover of each copy or the address side
of its envelope or wrapper must also contain the agency name and a complete
return address, preferably in the upper left corner of the address area.  The
preprinted words "Official Business, Penalty for Private Use $300" must appear
directly below the return address (see Exhibit 137.277a(1) *viewer
dmm153.pcx*  and Exhibit 137.272a(2)). *viewer dmm154.pcx*
The penalty statement must not be handwritten or typewritten.

Exhibit 137.277a(1) Penalty Second-Class Format for Publications Mailed
                        While an Application is Pending (NOT SHOWN)
Exhibit 137.277a(2) Penalty Second-Class Format For Authorized
                        Second-Class Publications (NOT SHOWN)


]
DMM153Exhibit 137.277a(1), Penalty Second-Class
Format for Publications Mailed While an Application is Pending]



(3) Payment of Postage and Fees.
Post offices must not collect money from agencies in connection with
applications for original entry, additional entry, reentry, or for postage on
second-class mailings.  However, agencies must submit a Form 3541-R, in
duplicate, for each mailing at the entry post office.  Postage and fees are
paid in accordance with the reimbursement procedures in 137.22.

b. Penalty Express Mail.
Agencies have the same service and contract options as other mailers when
making arrangements for penalty Express Mail service.  A description of the
available services is contained in Chapter 2.  The procedures for preparing
penalty Express Mail service are explained in Handbook DM-201, Express
Mail Service, 620.  Postmasters should be consulted before the start of
service.  Penalty postage meters or penalty mail stamps may also be used for
Express Mail.  If penalty meters or penalty mail stamps are used, an agency
number must not appear in the customer number block of Express Mail labels.

Note:  Agencies may also prepay postage for Express Mail (i.e., not
use penalty mail procedures; see 137.23).  When Express Mail is
prepaid, an agency number must not appear in the customer number block of
Express Mail labels.

c. INTELPOST.
Agencies desiring use of INTELPOST may make arrangements for accounting for
such mail by writing to the general manager, Official and International Mail
Accounting Division, U.S. Postal Service (for address, see Address List in
Appendices).


]
DMM154Exhibit 137.277a(2), Penalty Second-Class
Format for Authorized Second-Class Publications]



137.28  Contractors

137.281 Reimbursement.
Agencies authorized to use the penalty mail privilege must reimburse the
Postal Service for contractor use of penalty mail services.  Agencies must
promptly furnish, in the manner and form requested, all information concerning
contractor use of penalty mail services which the General Manager, Official
and International Mail Accounting Division, considers necessary to ensure
accurate reimbursement to the Postal Service.  Except for standard penalty
indicia Express Mail, contractors are prohibited the use of standard penalty
indicium envelopes or labels described in 137.272.

137.282 Use of Penalty Indicia Formats.
Contractors must prepare penalty mailings in accordance with the following:

a.
First-, third-, and fourth-class penalty mailings must be prepared using
either penalty permit imprints as described in 137.274 or penalty
meters as described in 137.273.  Single-piece rate mailings may also
be prepared with penalty mail stamps as described in 137.275.

Note:  First-, third-, and fourth-class mailings made by contractors
which do not meet the requirements in 137.274 and 145 for
use of permit imprints must be mailed using penalty meters or penalty mail
stamps. If penalty meters or penalty mail stamps are not available, the
contract must require the contractor to prepay the postage on such mailings
and be reimbursed for the postage under the contract terms.  Pieces prepaid by
the contractor in this manner must not bear a penalty indicium format.  See
137.274c for exceptions to permit imprint identical weight and
identical class of mail requirements for Government Printing Office (GPO)
contractors using Form 3602-G.

b.
Second-class mail must be prepared using a penalty second-class imprint
described in 137.277a(2).

c.
Reply mail must be prepared in accordance with 137.276.

d.
Express Mail must be prepared with standard penalty indicia, penalty
postage meters, or penalty mail stamps as described in 137.277b.

137.283  Mailing Statements.
The appropriate Postal Service mailing statement must be submitted with
every mailing.  A duplicate is required if a receipt is desired for a permit
imprint mailing.  Form 3606 is required if a receipt is desired for an
identical-weight postage-affixed mailing.  Mailings are refused if they are
submitted without the necessary completed Postal Service mailing statements.
(A mailing statement must accompany all permit imprint mailings, all
First-Class mailings other than at the single-piece rates, all second-class
mailings, all third-class mailings at other than the single-piece rates, and
all bulk or presorted fourth-class mailings.)

137.284 Contractor Progress Reports.
When agencies require contractors to provide progress reports or to return
Government materials to the agency by mail, they may require the contractor to
prepay postage on such items or, as an alternative, they may provide
contractors with business-reply envelopes and labels for these purposes (see
137.276g).

137.285 Return Addresses.
Penalty envelopes and labels used by any contractor must bear the printed
return address of one of the authorized agencies listed in Exhibit
137.251a.  The name and address of a private person, concern,
organization, or contractor must not be shown in the return address.

137.3 Absentee Balloting Materials

137.31 Purpose

137.311
Balloting materials, consisting of postcard applications, ballots, voting
instructions, and envelopes, may be sent through the mail without prepayment
of postage to enable every person in any of the following categories to apply
for registration and to vote by absentee ballot when absent from the place of
voting residence, and when otherwise eligible to vote as an absentee:

a.
Members of the Armed Forces while in the active service and their spouses
and dependents.

b.
Members of the Merchant Marine of the United States and their spouses and
dependents.

c.
Citizens of the United States residing for a definite or indefinite time
outside the territorial limits of the United States and the District of
Columbia and their spouses and dependents when residing with or accompanying
them.

137.312
To be mailable without prepayment of postage, the balloting materials must
be deposited at a United States post office or an overseas United States
military post office, or presented to an American Embassy or American
Consulate.

137.32 Mailings Between Officials.
Balloting materials may be mailed between state and local election
officials, individually or in bulk, without prepayment of postage.  Packages
of materials mailed in bulk must bear an address label complying with
137.341.

137.33 Elections Affected.
Materials may be sent for any general election of electors for President
and Vice President, or of senators and representatives in Congress, and for
other general, primary, and special elections.


]
DMM155Exhibit 137.341, Balloting Material
Envelope Format]



137.34 Required Markings

137.341 Envelopes.
Envelopes used to send balloting material and envelopes supplied for return
of the ballots must have printed across the face the words "Official Absentee
Balloting Material--First-Class Mail" (or similar language prescribed by state
law) in a rectangular box.  Immediately below, there must be printed the words
"No Postage Necessary in the U.S. Mail--DMM 137.3."  In the upper
right corner of the envelope, in a rectangular box, the words "U.S. Postage
Paid, 39 USC 3406" must be printed.  An appropriate inscription or blank
spaces for the return address of the sender must be shown in the upper left
corner (see Exhibit 137.341. *viewer dmm155.pcx*

Exhibit 137.341 Balloting Materials Envelope Format (NOT SHOWN)

137.342 Postcards.
The Federal voting registration postcard application must be approximately
5 by 8 inches in size.  The design shown in Exhibit 137.342 *viewer
dmm156.pcx*  must be printed on the address side of the card.

Exhibit 137.342 Federal Voting Registration Postcard
                    Application Format (NOT SHOWN)

137.343 Facing Identification Marks.
Facing identification marks (FIM) must be printed on the address side of
envelopes and cards in accordance with specifications in Publication 25, A
Guide to Business Mail Preparation.

137.4 General Instructions.
These instructions apply to all official mail.

137.41 Official Mail Not to be Detained.
Except as provided in 115 and 137.263b(6), official mail
must not be detained, even though there are indications of abuse of official
mailing privileges.  It must be promptly dispatched and delivered to the
addressee. Reports of indicated abuses are submitted to the rates and
classification center.  The rates and classification center must refer
instances of abuse to the appropriate agency for investigation and appropriate
action.

137.42 Separation of Official Mail by Mailer.
Official mail must be separated according to the class of mail and special
service requested before it is deposited at the post office.  Presorted
First-Class, ZIP+4, second-class, bulk third-class, presorted special
fourth-class mail, and bulk bound printed matter must be prepared under
360, 440, 640, or 760, as appropriate.
 The postmaster furnishes appropriate sack or tray labels with which to
identify the various types of bulk-rate mail.

137.43 Addressing and Postage Payment.
All official mail deposited in letterboxes must bear the specific address
of the addressee or the simplified address, as appropriate.  In addition, all
official mail must bear a "frank," standard penalty indicium, penalty meter
stamp, penalty permit imprint, penalty mail stamp, penalty second-class
imprint, or penalty business-reply mail endorsement, as appropriate.

137.5 Postage-Due Mail for Military Units Engaged in Hostile Operations

137.51 Definition.
Military units engaged in hostile operations may be authorized to use a
special form of postage-due penalty mail.  When used, such mail must be in the
format illustrated in Exhibit 137.51. *viewer dmm157.pcx*   Print or
hand-stamp the special postage-due endorsement above the delivery address in
the area where postage normally would be affixed.  Place endorsements for
class and desired special services below the special postage-due indicia.  The
return address must be a military post office (APO/FPO) address.

Exhibit 137.51 (NOT SHOWN)

137.52 Authorization.
The Military Postal Service Agency must notify the general manager,
Official and International Mail Accounting Division of the Postal Service,
within 3 business days after placing the provisions of 137.5 in
effect for eligible military units.  The general manager must immediately
notify post offices.  Authorization to use the provisions of 137.5 is
limited to 120 days from date of authorization unless post offices are
otherwise notified.  Special tests of this procedure may be conducted during
designated military training exercises upon prior agreement between the
Military Postal Service Agency and the Postal Service.

137.53 Collection of Postage.
During periods authorized in accordance with 137.52, post offices
must collect postage from the addressee for all mail bearing the special
postage-due endorsement in Exhibit 137.51. *viewer dmm157.pcx*
Compute postage due based on the class endorsement on each piece or, if no
class endorsement is provided, use the guidelines in 137.272d.
Government agencies may pay this postage due by penalty mail meter strip,
penalty mail stamps, cash or postage-due advance deposit accounts.  Other
addressees must pay in cash or postage-due advance deposit accounts in
accordance with 146.



]
DMM156Exhibit 137.342, Federal Voting
Registration Postcard Application Format]


]
DMM157Exhibit 137.51, Postage-Due Mail for
Military Units Engaged in Hostile Operations]






