Planning and Strategic Studies

USPS OIG

The Planning and Strategic Studies (PSS) directorate reports to the Assistant Inspector General for Audit. We provide assessments of Decision Analysis Reports (DARs) and conduct audits and reviews.

Our DAR assessments concern the business case for the investment and the adequacy of the supporting information for Postal Service capital investments of $7.5 million or greater. These major capital investments can include such things as mail processing equipment, vehicles, information technology, and facilities.

For capital investments less than $25 million, we provide an assessment of the business case for the investment and the adequacy of the supporting information in the DAR. When capital investments are $25 million or greater, we provide an assessment of whether the project is in the best business interest of the Postal Service, determine the adequacy and the depth of the supporting information in the DAR, and the overall contribution of the capital investment to the Postal Service. We share our assessments and conclusions with the DAR sponsor, Postal Service Headquarters, the Capital Investments Committee, and, as appropriate, the Board of Governors.

We conduct audits and reviews related to previous DAR assessments and strategic issues such as innovation, strategic planning, and project management. This work can be internally determined or requested by Postal Service stakeholders or the Postal Service. Our goal in this work is to support Postal Service efforts to:

• Generate revenue and cut costs;
• Leverage innovative and cutting edge technologies including data mining and risk assessment;
• Increase operational efficiency and effectiveness;
and
• Evaluate the Postal Service’s strategic business model, including such areas as service requirements, financial obligations and the pricing of products.