Redaction is Protection

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requires the Postal Service to provide records in response to requests from the public, but some information is exempt from disclosure.

The Postal Service most frequently relies on exemptions to redact information of a commercial nature, deliberative information, and personal information.

Properly applying these common redactions protects exempt information from public disclosure.

And that’s smart business.

More information is at the internal FOIA website on Blue (https://blue.usps.gov/uspslaw/foia-privacy-act.htm) and the external FOIA website (https://about.usps.com/who/legal/foia/).

Contact the Privacy and Records Management Office (FOIA12@usps.gov) for guidance.

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.