Can I be a contractor?

Postal regulations and policies prohibit the Postal Service from entering into any contract with a postal employee, except in the following circumstances:

• The lease of an employee’s vehicle in connection with his/her employment;
• The licensing of a patent invention that is the sole property of the employee; or
• Lease agreements for real property under certain conditions.

By understanding when employees may contract with the Postal Service, you can ensure that you and your team do not violate laws, regulations, or policies that apply to Postal Service employees in outside-work activities.

And that’s smart business.

Contact the Ethics Office (ethics.help@usps.gov) with any questions.

FOIA: Communication

• The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) contributes to an informed citizenry by providing the public with a way to access official information that sheds light on government activity. Communicating with the individual who requests information is essential to make sure the Postal Service fully complies with its legal obligations.
• If you’re assigned a FOIA request to respond to, and you’re unsure of what the person is asking for, contact him or her and clarify the request. Also, if you can’t process the request within the applicable time period, contact the person by phone about the delay and followup with an email confirming the discussion.

Maintaining good communication and keeping individuals who make FOIA requests informed about their requests promotes good relationships between the Postal Service and customers, and reduces the likelihood that the customer will seek compliance through an administrative appeal or litigation.

And that’s smart business.