Monday • April28

Smart Business Moment

HCR Contract with a Relative

If the bid's all in the family, get an ethics ruling.

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HCR Contract with a Relative

If the bid’s all in the family, get an ethics ruling.

This applies when a spouse, relative or individual residing with a Postal Service employee submits a bid on a Highway Contract Route contract for transportation or mail delivery.
You need to get prior approval from the Ethics Office before awarding the contract. That’s postal policy. An employee can’t have any authority or control over an HCR contract owned by a spouse, relative or housemate.

When you obtain ethics clearance before awarding an HCR contract to the relative of an employee, you maintain the integrity and reputation of the Postal Service as being fair and honest.

Contact the Ethics Office (ethics.help@usps.gov) for guidance on CFC.

Alternate business moment

Can I be a contractor?

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Can I be a contractor?

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.

Smart Safety Moment

Lobby safety

Falling for great service?

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Lobby safety

Falling for great service?

Provide safe lobbies for your customers. Make sure display racks, stands and other lobby furniture are anchored or designed to prevent toppling. Safety glass is a must for display racks, stands and cases — plate glass isn’t permitted. Warn customers of the hazards of allowing children sit on counters. Keep wet floor areas roped off with “wet floor” signs or high-visibility safety barricades until the floors are dry.

Maintaining a clean, safe lobby sends a message to customers that safety is a top priority at USPS.

That’s smart safety.

For additional information or guidance, contact your Safety Office.

Alternate safety moment

Stress symptoms

Don’t mess with stress.

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Stress symptoms

Don’t mess with stress.

Can you recognize the symptoms of harmful stress?
Short-term effects include excessive perspiration, cold hands and feet, nervous habits, tension and upset stomach. Long-term effects include allergies, headaches, ulcers, high blood pressure and heart problems. There also are psychological or behavioral effects, such as moodiness, depression, inability to concentrate or work effectively, and use of drugs or alcohol.

The Employee Assistance Program offers counseling, management and union consultation, life coaching and crisis response. EAP professionals are always there for you. Check out www.EAP4YOU.com for more information or call 1-800-EAP-4-YOU (800-327-4968) or TTY: 877-492-7341.

And that’s smart safety!

For additional information or guidance, contact your Safety Office.

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