Upcoming Audit Work

The Postal Service launched a new package shipping service on July 10, 2023, called USPS Ground Advantage. The new service was established after retiring three services (Retail Ground, Parcel Select Ground, and First-Class Package) and creating one offering with expected delivery in 2-5 business days for packages weighing up to 70 pounds. The new shipping service is intended to streamline package shipping options, increase customer satisfaction, and grow revenue. Our objective is to evaluate the service performance and effectiveness of package shipping services. 
 

In general, a supervisor is responsible for the productivity and actions of a small group of employees. First-line supervisors are an integral part of the Postal Service, and they significantly contribute to the accomplishment of Postal Service goals. Our objective is to evaluate whether corrective actions taken in response to prior recommendations in the OIG’s First Line Supervisors Recruitment and Retention audit report sufficiently addressed the issues identified and further assess initiatives related to supervisor vacancies. We will focus on customer service, distribution, maintenance, and logistics operations supervisors during Fiscal Years 2021 through 2023. 

In Fiscal Year 2022, Hurricane Ian touched down along the Florida Gulf Coast which caused the Everglades City Post Office to completely shut down all operations before mobile trucks were used to temporarily provide postal services to the community. Our objective is to evaluate the U.S. Postal Service's planning and recovery efforts for Hurricane Ian in Everglades City, FL.

The Postal Service operates more than 8,500 pieces of automated equipment that processes and sorts nearly half the world’s mail. The mail processing and handling equipment environment includes networks, computer systems and equipment that manage, monitor, and control mail processing functions. These assets are vital for business operations and must be protected based on the criticality and sensitivity of the asset. Our objective is to determine whether the Postal Service has established and implemented adequate controls at selected Processing and Distribution Centers in the Southern California Division. 

As part of its Delivering for America’s 10-year strategic plan, the U.S. Postal Service is allowing a higher percentage of mail volume to be transported by surface transportation rather than air transportation, which is less reliable and more costly. The Postal Service has a limited surface carrier base due to their contracting requirements and is obligated to maintain the safety of the mail and assets to preserve the public’s trust. Our objective is to assess the effectiveness of highway contract route safety controls and contract compliance and oversight.