Upcoming Audit Work

The Origin-Destination Information System – Revenue, Pieces, and Weight (ODIS-RPW) is the probability sampling system used to assist in estimating Postal Service revenue, volume flow, and weight. The Postal Service uses this information to develop proposals for new Postal Service rates, assist in budget preparation, conduct management studies, and support management decisions concerning mail flow and service performance in transportation and operations. Our objective is to determine whether the Postal Service conducted ODIS-RPW statistical tests in accordance with established policies and procedures. The scope of our audit is fiscal year 2023 Q1 through 2026 Q2.

In March 2021, the U.S. Postal Service released its 10-year strategic Delivering for America (DFA) plan, to address continuing annual financial losses, unmet service performance goals, and evolving public and consumer demands. Over the past five years, the Postal Service has undertaken major initiatives to build a best-in-class mail and package processing network. These efforts include establishing Regional Processing and Distribution Centers, creating Regional Transfer Hubs, and implementing the Regional Transportation Optimization program. Our objective is to determine the impacts that network change initiatives have had on the Postal Service and its stakeholders.

The U.S. Postal Service is responsible for processing, transporting, and delivering the nation’s Election and Political Mail. Election Mail is any mailpiece that an authorized election official creates for voters participating in the election process and includes ballots and voter registration materials. Political Mail is any mailpiece created by a registered political candidate, a campaign committee, or a committee of a political party for political campaign purposes. The U.S. Postal Service has specific policies and procedures on the proper acceptance, processing, delivery, and recording of Election and Political Mail. Our objective is to evaluate the U.S. Postal Service’s readiness for timely processing and delivery of Election and Political Mail for the 2026 mid-term election. 

In September 2024, the Postal Service published an update to its strategic Delivering for America (DFA) plan. The updated DFA plan provides a roadmap for continued transformation of the Postal Service into a financially sustainable, high-performing organization. The plan identifies several contracted operations, including Terminal Handling Service (THS), Highway Contract Routes (HCR), and Surface Transfer Centers (STC), that were in the process of being insourced as a cost-reduction and efficiency strategy. This audit’s objective is to assess the effectiveness and impact of insourcing operations under the DFA plan.
 

Contract Delivery Services (CDS) are a contractual agreement between the Postal Service and an individual or company for the delivery and collection of mail to and from homes and businesses. CDS offers a cost-effective way for the Postal Service to extend its reach while maintaining control over business expenses. In many cases, CDS routes provide an efficient method for delivering mail to communities, especially in rural or underserved areas.

Our audit will evaluate the management, efficiency and safety of CDS operations. Specifically, we will evaluate supplier costs, vehicle requirements, driver safety, and security measures for CDS routes.