USPS Considers Changes at Bulk Mail Centers

USPS Continues To Consider Changes At Bulk Mail Centers

Issues Draft Request for Proposal Seeking Comments and Feedback

On July 1, 2008, the Postal Service issued a draft request for proposals (draft RFP) concerning a Time-Definite Surface Network, which is another step toward outsourcing some of the work (the processing and transportation of parcels and standard mail) now being performed at the 21 Bulk Mail Centers.  This process began in 2007, when the Postal Service first distributed a request for information on this same subject.

As currently constituted, the draft RFP envisions a single, private contractor that would perform certain types of mail processing and transportation related to the BMCs.  Employees at the BMCs would remain, but some of their current work would be replaced by different work utilizing new automated equipment, including the Flat Sequencing System that presently is being installed in several of the existing BMCs.  In addition, the Postal Service’s is planning to add other work to the existing BMC network, including the possible in-sourcing of work previously performed by private contractors.

The draft RFP is not intended to solicit contractors for responsive proposals, and no private subcontract or outsourcing will directly result from it.  Instead, at least for now, the Postal Service is only seeking comments and questions about the draft RFP, so that it might prepare for a subsequent request for proposals, which would include an actual solicitation for additional outsourcing to a private contractor.

Nonetheless, the NPMHU believes that the draft RFP represents a wholly unacceptable approach to mail processing.  The National Office will be fully implementing all protections under the National Agreement, including Article 32, as well as a range of legislative and administrative responses.
 
Watch your bulletin boards for further information as it becomes available. See USPS Draft for RFP here.