
Our New Oversight Role Over the Postal Regulatory Commission
You may have seen we recently published our first audit report on the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). It’s a first because we only gained responsibility for oversight of the PRC on October 3, 2022. Why the recent change and what does it mean in terms of our work?
The PRC had its own Office of Inspector General (OIG) from 2007 through October 2, 2022. While much smaller than our office, its mission was similar — to provide oversight aimed at promoting efficiency and detecting fraud, waste, and abuse. But Congress transferred oversight of the PRC to our office in the Postal Reform Act of 2022.
The PRC, which was initially created as the Postal Rate Commission by the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970, exercises regulatory authority over the Postal Service, including ensuring USPS complies with the legal requirements for rates and service performance (click here to learn more about the PRC).
The PRC consists of five commissioners and a workforce of about 80 individuals, whereas the Postal Service employs more than 635,000 people. Given the difference in size and organizational complexity, our reports on the PRC are likely to be less frequent than those on USPS.
Our new role means we’ll help ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the PRC as well as the Postal Service through our audits, inspections, and evaluations. Our first audit looked at the PRC’s management of its smartphones with an eye to improving their inventory, security, and utilization. Next, we’ll examine acquisition planning and internal controls over the contracting practices for the procurement of goods and services under PRC-issued contracts. You can learn more about this and other upcoming audit work here.
Did you know?
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There are 74 IGs that oversee their respective federal agency. It’s rare for an OIG to oversee two government organizations, like us! The Federal Reserve Board OIG, which also oversees the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, is another example.
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Our work adheres to quality standards. Periodically, another OIG reviews our work to ensure we follow these standards.
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PCSW
1. Observation 1: Given small size of the PRC, it would seem most efficient (possibly far different from most effective) that it leverage other orgs for non-core functions. Should they use either GSA, DOI Business Center, NITAAC, etc for acq services for instance. They might already do so - I just don't know.
2. Observation 2: if not already done, pls add links to the Publ Law/Statute/US Code/ECFR for establishment, modifications, etc. (in my view, this should be done across all Federal Agencies, similar to the link for the applicable OIG. Obviously, that isn't your issue.).
3. Observation 3/Substantive: The USPS/PRC have a somewhat unique partnership when compared to other Federal Corporate entities. Others include TVA, AMTRAK. It would be useful to understand the various models of regulatory oversight, which might offer insights into possible improvement opportunities.
Also, did you know that some of your links to, "About Us" meaning the PRC, instead, go to the former USPS OIG?