Bloomington Engraving and Stamp Center

Philately (continued)

STAMP ANNOUNCEMENT 01-52

United We Stand Definitive Stamp

The Postal Service will issue a 34-cent United We Stand definitive stamp on October 24, 2001, in Washington, DC. The stamp may be purchased via telephone at 1 800 STAMPS-24, through mail order from Stamp Fulfillment Services, and via the Postal Store Web site at www.usps.gov. It will also be on sale on October 24, 2001, in Post Offices only in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area and statewide in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, by order of Postmaster General John E. Potter. Designed by Terrence W. McCaffrey, U.S. Postal Service, the stamp will go on sale nationwide November 5, 2001. The stamp will be issued in a self-adhesive convertible booklet of 20 (Item Number 661200) and a self-adhesive coil of 100 (Item Number 779100).

Anticipating unprecedented demand, the Postal Service is intentionally holding off the nationwide sale date of this stamp until November 5 to allow sufficient time for initial shipments to reach most Post Offices. Production and distribution of the stamp will be ongoing to ensure replenished stock and continued sales throughout the next year. Consequently, postmasters should not become alarmed if their initial shipments become depleted due to heavy customer demand, because new shipments will be arriving and reorders will be replenished. This stamp is expected to stay on sale until a new rate is implemented.

The United States flag is one of the most recognized symbols of freedom in the world. The United We Stand stamp features a stirring image of "Old Glory" with the words "United We Stand" across the bottom. The stamp is a fitting tribute to the invigorated patriotic spirit of our nation to unite together in purpose, pride, and determination following the tragic events on September 11, 2001.

How to Order the First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 60 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps by telephone at 1 800 STAMP-24, via the Postal Store Web site at www.usps.gov, and via mail order through the Kansas City, Missouri, Stamp Fulfillment Center. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

UNITED WE STAND
POSTMASTER
900 BRENTWOOD RD NE
WASHINGTON DC 20066-9991

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by December 23, 2001.

Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) also offers first day covers for the United We Stand stamp. Customers may obtain the covers by telephoning 1 800 STAMP-24 or writing to:

INFORMATION FULFILLMENT
DEPT 6270
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 219014
KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014

First day covers remain on sale for at least 1 year after the stamp's issuance.

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products for this stamp issue.

Distribution: Item Number 661200, 34-Cent United We Stand Definitive Stamp, Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) Convertible Booklet of 20

Stamp distribution offices (SDOs) will receive three waves of distribution for this PSA definitive booklet. Each wave of distribution consists of approximately one-half the standard automatic distribution quantity for a PSA booklet. The first wave began distribution October 10, and will complete shipment by October 25, 2001. SDOs in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area and statewide in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania will be given priority in distribution order. The second wave will complete shipment by November 15, 2001. The third wave will complete shipment by December 6, 2001. Distributions are rounded up to the nearest master carton size (4,000 booklets).

Initial Supply for Post Offices

From the first wave of distribution, SDOs will make a subsequent automatic distribution to Post Offices for one- fourth their standard automatic distribution quantity using PS Form 3309, Advice of Shipment/Stamp Invoice, and PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition. SDOs must not distribute booklets to Post Offices before October 29, 2001.

Additional Supply

Post Offices requiring additional Item Number 661200, United We Stand, PSA convertible booklet of 20 must requisition them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17. SDOs requiring additional stamps must order them from the appropriate accountable paper depository (APD) using PS Form 17.

No back-up quantities to the APDs are included in the first wave of shipments. Waves 2 and 3 will include back-up quantities to each APD for filling supplemental orders from SDOs.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs with authorized philatelic centers must provide subsequent distribution of these booklets to each philatelic center from the first wave of automatic distribution.

Philatelic Products

There are no philatelic products for this stamp issue.

Issue:	United We Stand
Item Number:	661200
Denomination & Type of Issue:	34-cent definitive
Format:	Convertible booklet of 20 (1 design)
Series:	N/A
Issue Date & City:	October 24, 2001, Washington, DC 20066; statewide in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Nationwide Sale Date:	November 5, 2001
Photographer:	Corbis
Designer:	Terry McCaffrey, USPS
Engraver:	N/A
Art Director:	Terry McCaffrey, USPS
Typographer:	Terry McCaffrey, USPS
Modeler:	Banknote Corporation of America, Inc. (BCA)
Manufacturing Process:	Offset/Microprinting "USPS"
Printer:	Banknote Corporation of America, Inc. (BCA)
Printed at:	BCA, Browns Summit, NC
Press Type:	Goebel, 670
Stamps per Booklet:	20
Print Quantity:	2.25 billion stamps
Paper Type:	Pre-phosphored, Type I
Gum Type:	Self-adhesive
Processed at:	BCA, Browns Summit, NC
Colors:	Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, Black
Stamp Orientation:	Vertical
Image Area (w x h):	0.72 x 0.83 in./18.29 x 21.08 mm
Overall Size (w x h):	0.87 x 0.98 in./22.10 x 24.89 mm
Booklet Size (w x h) :	4.35 x 4.13 in./110.49 x 104.90 mm
Plate Size:	500 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers:	"B" followed by four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings:	"� USPS 2001" • Plate Numbers • Price • "Peel here to fold self- adhesive stamps" • "DO NOT WET"
Catalog Item Number(s):	661240 Convertible Booklet of 20 - $6.80

Distribution: Item Number 779100, 34-Cent United We Stand, Definitive Stamp, Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) Coil of 100

SDOs will receive one wave of distribution for this definitive stamp PSA coil of 100. Master carton size is 800 coils. This initial distribution will begin shipment October 19, and will complete shipment by November 16, 2001. SDOs in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area and statewide in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania will be given priority in distribution order.

Initial Supply for Post Offices

SDOs will not make a subsequent automatic distribution to Post Offices. All Post Offices requiring quantities of Item Number 779100 must order them from their designated SDO using a separate PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition. SDOs must not distribute coils to Post Offices before October 29, 2001.

Additional Supply

SDOs must order, as needed, Item Number 779100 from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) using PS Form 3356, Stamp Requisition - Bulk Quantities. All other Post Offices requiring additional quantities of Item Number 779100 must order them from their designated SDO using PS Form 17.

Philatelic Requirement

SDOs with authorized philatelic centers must provide subsequent distribution of these coils to each philatelic center from the initial wave of automatic distribution.

Issue:	United We Stand
Item Number:	779100
Denomination & Type of Issue:	34-cent definitive
Format:	Self-adhesive coil of 100 (1 design)
Series:	N/A
Issue Date & City:	October 24, 2001, Washington, DC 20066; statewide in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Nationwide Sale Date:	November 5, 2001
Photographer:	Corbis
Designer:	Terry McCaffrey, USPS
Engraver:	N/A
Art Director:	Terry McCaffrey, USPS
Typographer:	Terry McCaffrey, USPS
Modeler:	Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP)
Manufacturing Process:	Gravure
Printer:	Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP)
Printed at:	BEP, Washington, DC
Press Type:	Andreotti, 601
Stamps per Coil:	100
Print Quantity:	4.7 billion stamps
Paper Type:	Pre-phosphored, Type II
Gum Type:	Self-adhesive
Processed at:	BEP, Washington, DC
Colors:	Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, Black
Stamp Orientation:	Vertical
Image Area (w x h):	0.71 x 0.82 in./18.03 x 20.82 mm
Overall Size (w x h):	0.84 x 0.99 in./21.33 x 25.1 mm
Full Pane Size (w x h):	N/A
Plate Size:	480 stamps per revolution
Plate Numbers:	Four (4) single digits
Marginal Markings:	N/A
Catalog Item Number(s):	779140 Full Coil of 100 - $34.00
blank	779161 First Day Cancellation - $0.55

- Stamp Services,Government Relations and Public Policy, 10-18-01

UPDATED ANNOUNCEMENT 01-F

2001 Stamps and Postal Stationery

"2001 Stamps and Postal Stationery" (Announcement 01-F, October 2001), which appears on page 5, is intended to replace the quarterly announcement of the same name, previously printed and sent to customers on request through Stamp Fulfillment Services in Kansas City. The announcement is a listing of stamps and postal stationery items scheduled for issuance during calendar year 2001. Post Offices may wish to post this schedule on their bulletin boards.

Customers may also be directed to access the Postal Bulletin through the Postal Service Web site at www.usps.com, then by clicking on Info, and then Postal Periodicals and Publications.

This announcement will be updated every 2 to 3 months, as changes warrant.

How to Order First Day of Issue Cancellations and Covers

Customers may purchase new stamps or postal stationery items at their Post Office, from the USA Philatelic catalog, by calling 1 800 STAMP-24, or online at www.usps.com by clicking on Buy Stamps & More. Then they should prepare their own covers by affixing new stamps to the upper right corner of envelopes or postcards of their choice, and address those envelopes, postcards, or postal stationery items to themselves or others. (Postage must equal the current First-Class Mail rate.) For sturdiness, include a card of postcard thickness in each cover (envelopes only) submitted, and tuck in the flap. Place the cover in a larger envelope addressed to: NAME OF ISSUE, POSTMASTER, CITY, STATE, and ZIP CODE (followed by -9991). Covers submitted for first day of issue cancellations may include additional uncancelled stamps only if the uncancelled stamps were issued before the first day of issue of the new stamps or postal stationery items. All orders must be postmarked on or before the deadline indicated below.

The U.S. Postal Service offers uncacheted first day covers for new stamp issues and postal stationery items post-marked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has its own catalog number in USA Philatelic, issued quarterly. Customers may request a free catalog by phoning 1 800 STAMP-24, by sending an email to sfs@email.usps.gov, or by writing to: INFORMATION FULFILLMENT, DEPT 6270, US POSTAL SERVICE, PO BOX 219014, KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014.

- Stamp Services,Government Relations and Public Policy, 10-18-01

2001 STAMPS AND POSTAL STATIONERY
This schedule is subject to change. Announcement 01-F (October 2001)

This is a periodic announcement of new stamps and postal stationery items being issued during the calendar year. For additional information on stamps and stamp products visit our Postal Store Web site at www.usps.com.

NOTE	ISSUE	FIRST DAY OF ISSUE	FIRST DAY CITY/STATE	FORMAT	DEADLINE
blank	34� Federal Graphic Eagle Stamped Envelope	Jan 7 (no ceremony)	Washington, DC 20066	Envelope regular format: #6, #9, #10; and window format: #6, #9, #10	Feb 6
blank	34� Statue of Liberty			PSA coil of 3,000 and 10,000
blank	Love Letters (34� non- denominated, 1-oz. rate)	Jan 19	Tucson, AZ 85726	PSA convertible booklet of 20 (special size)	Feb 18
blank	34� Lunar New Year (Snake)	Jan 20	Oakland, CA 94612	Gummed pane of 20	Feb 19
blank	34� Roy Wilkins (Black Heritage)	Jan 24	Minneapolis, MN 55401	PSA pane of 20	Feb 23
blank	$3.50 US Capitol (Priority Mail)	Jan 29 (no ceremony)	Washington, DC 20066	PSA pane of 20 (semi-jumbo)	Feb 28
blank	$12.25 Washington Monument (Express Mail)			PSA pane of 20 (semi-jumbo)
blank	34� American Illustrators (Classic Collection)	Feb 1	New York, NY 10199	PSA pane of 20 (20 designs, semi-jumbo)	Mar 3
blank	34� Statue of Liberty (self-adhesive booklets)	Feb 7 (no ceremony)	New York, NY 10199	Convertible books of 20 & 10; vending book of 20	Mar 9
blank	34� Statue of Liberty (coil stamps)			Gummed coil of 3,000 & 10,000; PSA coil of 100
blank	34� Farm Flag			Gummed pane of 100
blank	34� Flowers (4 designs) (booklets and coils)			PSA two-sided booklet of 20; vending booklet of 20; PSA coil of 100
blank	34� Love Letters (1 oz.) (self-adhesive booklets)	Feb 14	Lovejoy, GA 30250	Special size; convertible & vending books of 20	Mar 16
blank	55� Love Letters (2 oz.)			PSA pane of 20 (special size)
blank	34� Lovebirds Stamped Envelope			Envelope, sizes #6 & #10
blank	34� Community Colleges Stamped Envelope	Feb 20	Joliet, IL 60436	Envelope, sizes #6 & #10	Mar 22
blank	76� Hattie Caraway (3 oz.)	Feb 21	Little Rock, AR 72202	PSA pane of 20	Mar 23
blank	70� Badlands Stamped Card (international rate)	Feb 22 (no ceremony)	Wall, SD 57790	Stamped card	Mar 24
blank	55� Art Deco Eagle			PSA pane of 20
+	20� George Washington (postcard rate)			PSA convertible booklet of 10; vending booklet of 10
+	21� Bison (additional-ounce rate)			PSA coil of 100; PSA pane of 20
blank	34� Official Mail (coil & stamped envelope)	Feb 27 (no ceremony)	Washington, DC 20066	Gummed coil of 100; envelope size #10	Mar 29
blank	70� Nine-Mile Prairie (international rate)	Mar 6 (no ceremony)	Lincoln, NE 68501	PSA pane of 20	Apr 5
blank	34� Apple and Orange			PSA convertible book of 20, 2 designs
blank	34� Farm Flag			PSA pane of 20
blank	34� Diabetes Awareness	Mar 16 (nationwide)	Boston, MA 02205	PSA pane of 20	Apr 15
P	34� The Nobel Prize (Joint issuance with Sweden)	Mar 22	Washington, DC 20066	Gummed pane of 20	Apr 21
blank	The Pan-American Inverts ($3.27 souvenir sheet)	Mar 29 (nationwide)	New York, NY 10199 (Stamp Mega Show)	Gummed pane of 7, 4 designs	Apr 28
blank	20� Yale University Stamped Card	Mar 30	New Haven, CT 06511	Stamped card	Apr 30
blank	80� Mt. McKinley	Apr 17	Fairbanks, AK 99709	PSA pane of 20	May 17
P	34� Great Plains Prairie (Nature of America)	Apr 19	Lincoln, NE 68501	PSA souvenir sheet of 10, 10 designs	May 19
NOTE	ISSUE	FIRST DAY OF ISSUE	FIRST DAY CITY/STATE	FORMAT	DEADLINE
blank	20� University of South Carolina Stamped Card	Apr 26	Columbia, SC 29201	Stamped card	May 26
blank	20� Northwestern University Stamped Card	Apr 28	Evanston, IL 60201	Stamped card	May 29
blank	20� University of Portland Stamped Card	May 1	Portland, OR 97208	Stamped card	May 31
P	34� Peanuts	May 17	Santa Rosa, CA 95402	PSA pane of 20 with header	Jun 16
blank	34� Honoring Veterans	May 23 (nationwide)	Washington, DC 20066	PSA pane of 20	Jun 22
blank	60� Acadia National Park (international rate)	May 30 (no ceremony)	Bar Harbor, ME 04609	PSA pane of 20	June 29
blank	34� Frida Kahlo	June 21	Phoenix, AZ 85026	Gummed pane of 20 with side selvage art	July 21
blank	34� Baseball's Legendary Playing Fields (10 designs) and 21� Stamped Cards (10 designs)	June 27	New York, NY 10199 Boston, MA 02205 Chicago, IL 60607 Detroit, MI 48233	PSA pane of 20 with header; set of 10 picture stamped cards	July 27
+	(10�) Atlas Statue (nondenominated)	June 29 (no ceremony)	New York, NY 10199	PSA coil of 10,000 (presorted standard)	July 30
blank	34� Leonard Bernstein	Jul 10	New York, NY 10199	Gummed pane of 20	Aug 9
+	(15�) Woody Wagon (nondenominated)	Aug 3	Denver, CO 80202	PSA coil of 10,000 (Presorted First-Class card rate)	Sep 4
blank	34� Lucille Ball (Legends of Hollywood)	Aug 6	Los Angeles, CA 90001	PSA pane of 20 with side selvage art	Sep 5
P	34� Amish Quilts (4 designs)	Aug 9	Nappanee, IN 46550	PSA pane of 20 with header	Sep 8
blank	34� Carnivorous Plants (4 designs)	Aug 23	Des Plaines, IL 60018 (Stampshow: APS Annual Convention)	PSA pane of 20 with header	Sep 22
P	34� Eid	Sep 1 (nationwide)	Des Plaines, IL 60018	PSA pane of 20	Oct 1
blank	21� White Barn Stamped Card	Sept 20 (no ceremony)	Washington, DC 20066	Stamped card	Oct 20
blank	21� Bison (postcard rate)	Sept 20 (no ceremony)	Washington, DC 20066	PSA convertible booklet of 10; PSA vending book of 10; gummed pane of 100	Oct 20
blank	57� Art Deco Eagle (2 oz.) (re-issue, new rate)	Sept 20 (no ceremony)	Washington, DC 20066	PSA pane of 20	Oct 20
blank	23� George Washington (additional-ounce rate)	Sept 20 (no ceremony)	Washington, DC 20066	PSA pane of 20; PSA coil of 100	Oct 20
blank	34� Enrico Fermi	Sep 29	Chicago, IL 60607	Gummed pane of 20	Oct 29
P	34� "That's all Folks!" (Porky Pig, Looney Tunes series) and 21� Stamped Cards (1 design)	Oct 1 (Nat'l Stamp Collecting Month) (no ceremony)	Beverly Hills, CA 90210	PSA pane of 10 (souvenir sheet); set of 10 picture stamped cards	Oct 31
blank	34� Christmas: Lorenzo Costa Virgin and Child	Oct 10	Philadelphia, PA 19104	PSA convertible booklet of 20	Nov 9
blank	34� Holiday Santas (4 designs) and 21� Stamped Cards (4 designs)	Oct 10	Santa Claus, IN 47579	PSA two-sided booklet of 20; PSA pane of 20; PSA vending book of 20; set of 10 picture stamped cards	Nov 9
blank	34� James Madison	Oct 18	New York, NY 10199 (Stamp Mega Show)	Gummed pane of 20	Nov 17
blank	34� Thanksgiving	Oct 19	Dallas, TX 75260	PSA pane of 20	Nov 19
blank	34� Kwanzaa (re-issue, new rate)	Oct 21 (no ceremony)	New York, NY 10199 (Stamp Mega Show)	PSA pane of 20	Nov 20
blank	34� Hanukkah (re-issue, new rate)			PSA pane of 20
N	57� Love Letters (2 oz.) (re-issue, new rate)	Nove 19 (no ceremony)	Washington, DC 20066	PSA pane of 20	Dec 19
N	34� Farm Flag	Dec 17 (no ceremony)	Washington, DC 20066	PSA ATM sheetlet of 18	Jan 16
N	34� United We Stand	Oct 24	Washington, DC 20066	PSA convertible booklet of 20; PSA coil of 100	Nov 23

C: Change in previously announced date and/or site
N: New issue
P: Pictorial first day postmark
+ Customers must affix additional postage to bring total postage to at least the minimum First-Class Mail rate for an envelope (34 cents) or stamped
card (21 cents), depending on which is used. Also, the cost for a stamped envelope is the value of the postage plus 8 cents, and the cost for a
stamped card is the value of the postage plus 2 cents.

Celebrate The Century Decade Panes - Withdrawn From Regular Sale and From Sale at Philatelic Centers, but Remain on Sale at Stamp Fulfillment Services

Effective close-of-business December 31, 2001, all Post Offices, stations, branches, postal stores, and authorized philatelic centers must (a) withdraw the Celebrate The Century decade panes listed below and their related products and store-prepared stamp items from sale and (2) prepare them for destruction. The panes and products should be submitted to destruction sites according to local established procedures, under the guidelines in Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures, Part 45, Destroying Stamp Stock.

Absolutely no sales of the Celebrate The Century decade panes listed below and their related products and store-prepared stamp items are permitted at retail counters and outlets after December 31, 2001. However, they remain on sale at Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) through the USA Philatelic Catalog.

Item Number	Description
Celebrate The Century (CTC) Decade Panes :
553700	$4.80 CTC 1900 Decade Pane
553800	$4.80 CTC 1910 Decade Pane
554100	$4.80 CTC 1920 Decade Pane
554200	$4.80 CTC 1930 Decade Pane
554300	$4.95 CTC 1940 Decade Pane
554500	$4.95 CTC 1950 Decade Pane
554600	$4.95 CTC 1960 Decade Pane
554700	$4.95 CTC 1970 Decade Pane
554800	$4.95 CTC 1980 Decade Pane
554900	$4.95 CTC 1990 Decade Pane
Celebrate The Century (CTC) Products:
553772-961001	$34.95 CTC 1900 Heirloom Book/Stamps
553872-961101	$34.95 CTC 1910 Heirloom Book/Stamps
554172-961201	$34.95 CTC 1920 Heirloom Book/Stamps
554272-961301	$34.95 CTC 1930 Heirloom Book/Stamps
554276	$7.95 CTC Comic Book
554372-961401	$34.95 CTC 1940 Heirloom Book/Stamps
554378	$8.75 CTC STAMPERS Cards
554572-961501	$34.95 CTC 1950 Heirloom Book/Stamps
554578	$8.75 CTC STAMPERS Cards
554672-961601	$34.95 CTC 1960 Heirloom Book/Stamps
554678	$8.75 CTC STAMPERS Cards
554772-961701	$34.95 CTC 1970 Heirloom Book/Stamps
554778	$8.75 CTC STAMPERS Cards
554872-961801	$34.95 CTC 1980 Heirloom Book/Stamps
554972-961901	$34.95 CTC 1990 Heirloom Book/Stamps
955095	$42.95 CTC Collection Set
960000	$29 CTC 1900 Mint Set
960100	$29 CTC 1910 Mint Set
960200	$29 CTC 1920 Mint Set
960300	$29 CTC 1930 Mint Set

- Stamp Services,Government Relations and Public Policy, 10-18-01

The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps, 28th Edition

The new 28th edition of The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps, Item Number 890100, is available for sale at all Post Offices, philatelic centers, and by mail, telephone, and internet order from Stamp Fulfillment Services.

To obtain the initial supply for your Post Office, immediately order Item Number 890100 from your designated stamp distribution office (SDO) using a separate PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition.

All locations may place the new edition of the guide on sale as soon as initial quantities are received. You should promote the new edition of the guide during National Stamp Collecting Month in October.

The new 28th edition features over 30 additional pages, more than 100 new illustrations, hundreds of new listings and prices, plus new features and stamp-related facts. Priced at $17.95, the 612-page guide includes lists of market-based values for all U.S. used and unused stamps and for many valuable stamp errors. In addition, the guide contains more than 2,000 full-color stamp illustrations; extensive lists of philatelic organizations, publications, and resources; and a wealth of basic stamp collecting information. These features make it a valuable tool for beginning, intermediate, and advanced collectors, and it is still one of the best bargains in the hobby.

The printing contractor for the guide will ship the books (which are accountable items) in cartons of 20 to SDOs and Stamp Service Centers (SSCs). You must verify that you received the quantities of the guide recorded on the Advice of Shipment. Installations should report any discrepancies between the quantities shown on the Advice of Shipment and those actually received by using the procedure outlined in Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures, sections 436 or 446, Handling Discrepancies in Stock Received.

Promotional copies of the guide will not be distributed. You can now display the guide in your Post Office by simply removing a copy from your inventory for promotional use. Follow the procedures outlined in Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures, section 428.8, Obtaining Stock for Promotions or Presentations.

Offices must report all sales of Item Number 890100, 28th Edition, The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps, in AIC 092, Philatelic Product Sales.

For the second year, in partnership with HarperCollins Publishers, this book as well as the 2001 Commemorative Stamp Yearbook will be available in bookstores and other retail outlets where books are purchased.

The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps, 27th Edition

As the 28th edition of The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps becomes available, you must withhold all remaining copies of the 27th edition (Item Number 890000) from sale and take the following actions:

1. Retail Outlets. Collect any copies of the 27th edition of the guide from stamp credits. Immediately return them to main stock using PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition. Post Offices. Consolidate all remaining copies of the 27th edition of the guide, if any, into the unit reserve stock. Prepare all 27th editions of the guide in accordance with procedures established for disposing of obsolete and redeemed stock, and submit according to local district quarterly stamp destruction or return schedules.

2. Local Office Philatelic Programs. Submit PS Form 17 or PS Form 17-S, Stamp Distribution Network Stamp Requisition, to the local SDO and SSC for the number of 27th editions of the guide (Item Number 890000) needed for philatelic/promotional programs. You may give one or more copies to local schools, libraries, student groups, stamp clubs, retirement homes, and so on.

3. Stamp Distribution Offices. Stamp all copies of the guide used in promoting philatelic programs "NOT FOR RESALE." The SDO custodian of accountable paper must attest that each item is so stamped and prepare PS Form 3238, Stamps and Stamped Paper Destruction Certificate, endorsed "PHILATELIC PRODUCTS GIVEN TO PHILATELIC PROGRAMS." Program coordinators must acknowledge having received Item Number 890000 and be responsible for its control.

Note: The instructions for providing obsolete editions of the guide for philatelic and promotional purposes are an exception to general guidelines for destroying accountable items, especially regarding obsolete (withdrawn from sale) items. In this instance, it is Postal Service policy not to destroy copies of the previous year's edition of the guide when they can be used for valid promotional and/or educational purposes.

Disposing of Excess Guides

Dispose of all remaining copies of the 27th edition of The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps (Item Number 890000) in accordance with Handbook F-1, section 450, Destroying Stamp Stock. Because disposition instructions are issued annually for past issues of the guide, your Post Office should have only the 28th edition in inventory after you complete the above procedures. If previous editions are on hand, dispose of them immediately, in accordance with Handbook F-1, section 450.

- Stamp Services,Government Relations and Public Policy, 10-18-01

2001 Commemorative Stamp Yearbook

The 2001 Commemorative Stamp Yearbook, Item Number 990100, will soon be available for sale at all Post Offices, philatelic centers, and by mail, telephone, and internet order from Stamp Fulfillment Services.

The yearbook is a 64-page hardbound book that includes 76 commemorative stamps, with mounts, and sells for $49.95. The beautifully illustrated book contains colorful pictures and text featuring celebrated subjects on stamps such as Honoring Veterans, Diabetes, Baseballs Legendary Playing Fields, Lucille Ball, Peanuts, American Illustrators, Roy Wilkins, and 17 other 2001 commemorative stamps. The 76 commemorative stamps have a combined postage value of $31.25.

The yearbooks and stamp packets are being shipped to stamp distribution offices (SDOs) separately from different suppliers.

The printing contractor for the yearbook has already completed its shipments to SDOs. Shipments are in master cartons of 15 books.

The stamp packets will be banded in bundles of 15 and shipped to SDOs in master cartons of 150 packets. Partial cartons will be used for shipments not in multiples of 150.

Minnesota Diversified Industries (MDI) will ship the stamp packets to SDOs in two waves. Wave 1, consisting of one-half the SDO's designated quantity, is scheduled to begin shipment on October 17, and complete shipment on November 1, 2001. The remaining stamp packets will ship in Wave 2 beginning on November 2, and completing on November 16, 2001. All SDOs must verify receipt of the quantities of stamp packets, as recorded on their PS Form 3309, Advice of Shipment/Stamp Invoice, and verify the number actually received. SDOs should also verify that they have received equal quantities of books and stamp packets.

To obtain an initial supply of the 2001 Commemorative Stamp Yearbook, all Post Offices must submit a separate PS Form 17, Stamp Requisition, to their designated SDO. SDOs must not distribute the yearbook to Post Offices before October 18, 2001. All locations may place the yearbook on sale as soon as initial quantities are received.

Offices must report all sales of Item Number 990100, 2001 Commemorative Stamp Yearbook, in AIC 092, Philatelic Product Sales.

For the second year, in partnership with HarperCollins Publishers, the yearbook as well as the 28th edition of The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps will be available in bookstores and other retail outlets where books are purchased.

- Stamp Services,Government Relations and Public Policy, 10-18-01

Pictorial Cancellations Announcement

As a community service, the Postal Service offers pictorial cancellations to commemorate local events celebrated in communities throughout the nation. A list of events for which pictorial cancellations are authorized appears below. If available, the sponsor of the pictorial cancellation appears in italics under the date. Also provided, as space permits, are illustrations of those cancellations that were reproducible and available at press time.

People attending these local events may obtain the cancellation in person at the temporary post office station established there. Those who cannot attend the event, but who wish to obtain the cancellation, may submit a mail order request. Pictorial cancellations are available only for the dates indicated, and requests must be postmarked no later than 30 days following the requested pictorial cancellation date.

All requests must include a stamped envelope or postcard bearing at least the minimum First-Class Mail postage. Items submitted for cancellation may not include postage issued after the date of the requested cancellation. Such items will be returned unserviced.

Customers wishing to obtain a cancellation should affix stamps to any envelope or postcard of their choice, address the envelope or postcard to themselves or others,insert a card of postcard thickness in envelopes for sturdiness, and tuck in the flap. Place the envelope or postcard in a larger envelope and address it to: PICTORIAL CANCELLATIONS, followed by the NAME OF THE STATION,ADDRESS, CITY, STATE, ZIP + 4 CODE, exactly as listed below (using all capitals and no punctuation, except thehyphen in the ZIP + 4 code).

Customers can also send stamped envelopes and postcards without addresses for cancellation, as long as they supply a larger envelope with adequate postage and their return address. After applying the pictorial cancellation, the Postal Service returns the items (with or without addresses) under addressed protective cover.

The date of the following pictorial cancellation has been changed from October 12, 2001, to October 16, 2001:

October 16, 2001

Vanderbilt Planetarium

THAT'S ALL FOLKS! PORKY PIG STATION

POSTMASTER

CENTERPORT POST OFFICE

PO BOX 9998

CENTERPORT NY 11721-9998

The following pictorial cancellation was previously submitted with a different design. It is being resubmitted here with a changed design:

October 5, 2001

MOVING WALL STATION

POSTMASTER

10000 SLOAN FIELD BLVD

MIDLAND TX 79711-9998

October 26, 2001

Pony Express Committee

FINAL DAY STATION

POSTMASTER

1302 INDUSTRIAL RD

NORTH PLATTE NE 69101-9998

Ralph F. Davis, MD

FINAL DAY STATION

POSTMASTER

750 4TH ST

SPARKS NV 89431-9998

FINAL DAY STATION

POSTMASTER

100 HARRISON DR

EVANSTON WY 82930-9998

	September 22, 2001 RELAY FOR LIFE STATION POSTMASTER 340 EAST TULARE AVE TULARE CA 93274-9998
	September 22, 2001 USPS WALK TO CURE DIABETES STATION POSTMASTER 3680 PACIFIC AVE OGDEN UT 84401-9998
	September 27, 2001 American Cancer Society Breast Center Fox Valley EVENING FOR WOMEN BREAST CANCER RESEARCH STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 PRINCETON WI 54968-9998
	September 29, 2001 USPS WALK TO CURE DIABETES STATION POSTMASTER 95 WEST 100 ST PROVO UT 84601-9998
	September 29, 2001 WAUSAPEX STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 WAUSAU WI 54403-9998
	September 30, 2001 The Tulare County and the Tulare City Historical Societies SEQUOIA/RANKIN STATION POSTMASTER 2345 WEST BEECH AVE VISALIA CA 93277-9998
	October 1, 2001 Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory FERMI LAB STATION POSTMASTER 500 NORTH RANDALL RD BATAVIA IL 60510-9998
	October 1, 2001 USPS WALDEN VT FALL FOLIAGE STATION POSTMASTER 2748 RT 2 WEST WEST DANVILLE VT 05873-9998
	October 2, 2001 USPS CABOT VT FALL FOLIAGE STATION POSTMASTER 3123 MAIN ST CABOT VT 05647-9998
	October 2, 2001 USPS THAT'S ALL FOLKS! PORKY PIG STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 TYNDALL SD 57066-9998
	October 2-3, 2001 THAT'S ALL FOLKS! PORKY PIG STATION POSTMASTER 351 24TH ST NORTH BIRMINGHAM AL 35203-9998
	October 3, 2001 USPS PLAINFIELD VT FALL FOLIAGE STATION POSTMASTER 189 TOWN AVE PLAINFIELD VT 05667-9998
	October 3, 2001 USPS THAT'S ALL FOLKS! PORKY PIG STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 EDMORE ND 58330-9998
	October 4, 2001 USPS PEACHAM VT FALL FOLIAGE STATION POSTMASTER 79 CHURCH ST PEACHAM VT 05862-9998
	October 4-7, 2001 Long Beach Coin & Collectible LOBEX 3 2001 STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 140 LONG BEACH CA 90801-9998
	October 5, 2001 USPS BARNET VT FALL FOLIAGE STATION POSTMASTER 30 MONUMENT CIRCLE BARNET VT 05821-9998
	October 5, 2001 USPS THAT'S ALL FOLKS! PORKY PIG STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 BILLINGS MT 59101-9998
	October 5, 2001 Basketball Hall of Fame ENSHRINEMENT STATION POSTMASTER 1883 MAIN ST SPRINGFIELD MA 01101-9998
	October 6, 2001 USPS GROTON VT FALL FOLIAGE STATION POSTMASTER 262 SCOTT HWY GROTON VT 05046-9998
	October 6, 2001 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International KANSAS SPEEDWAY WALK STATION MANAGER 1310 NORTH 78TH TERRACE KANSAS CITY KS 66112-9998
	October 6, 2001 Bethel Business Association LOUIE GAIKO STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 BETHEL VT 05032-9998
	October 6-7, 2001 CALCOPEX STATION SUPERVISOR CUSTOMER SERVICES 90 PLAZA LANE OXFORD AL 36203-9998
	October 7, 2001 Chickasaw Nation CHICKASAW NATION STATION POSTMASTER 131 EAST 12TH ST ADA OK 74820-9998
	October 7, 2001 USPS ST JOHNSBURY VT FALL FOLIAGE STATION POSTMASTER 1153 MAIN ST ST JOHNSBURY VT 05819-9998
	October 7, 2001 Chickasaw Nation CHICKASAW NATION STATION POSTMASTER 131 EAST 12TH ST ADA OK 74820-9998
	October 7, 2001 North Platte Stamp Club NORPLEX 2001 STATION POSTMASTER 1302 INDUSTRIAL RD NORTH PLATTE NE 69101-9998
	October 7, 2001 Batsto Citizens Committee ANTIQUE GLASS & BOTTLE SHOW STATION POSTMASTER 114 SOUTH THIRD ST HAMMONTON NJ 08037-9998
	October 8, 2001 PONY EXPRESS STATION POSTMASTER 1080 HOMER RD NW HOMER OH 43027-9998
	October 10, 2001 THAT'S ALL FOLKS! STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 KIAMESHA LAKE NY 12751-9998
	October 10-13, 2001 USPS NORSK HOSTFEST STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 MINOT ND 58701-9998
	October 11, 2001 USPS THAT'S ALL FOLKS! PORKY PIG STATION POSTMASTER 4325 FIRST AVE TUCKER GA 30084-9998
	October 12, 2001 USPS 25TH ANNIVERSARY STATION POSTMASTER 2121 MERIDIAN PARK BLVD CONCORD CA 94520-9998
	October 12-14, 2001 MIDAPHIL MIDAPHIL 2001 STATION MANAGER 8820 MONROVIA SHAWNEE MISSION KS 66215-9998
	October 13, 2001 Turner Days Committee TURNER DAYS STATION MANAGER 3400 STRONG AVE KANSAS CITY KS 66106-9998
	October 13, 2001 Olympic Philatelic Society OLYMPIC PHILATELIC SOCIETY STATION POSTMASTER 10855 SILVERDALE WAY NW SILVERDALE WA 98383-9998
	October 13, 2001 LIGHTHOUSE FESTIVAL STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 ALPENA MI 49707-9998
	October 13-14, 2001 OYSTER FEST STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 OYSTER BAY NY 11771-9998
	October 13-14, 2001 Marion County Chamber of Commerce BELLEVIEW/SOUTH MARION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STATION POSTMASTER 4800 SOUTHEAST 110TH ST BELLEVIEW FL 34420-9998
	October 13-14, 2001 The Maine Mall FALL FOR THE ARTS FESTIVAL STATION POSTMASTER 125 FOREST AVE PORTLAND ME 04101-9998
	October 14, 2001 GRAND OPENING STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 MOUNT PLEASANT MI 48858-9998
	October 14, 2001 Levitz Memorial Park LEVITZ PARK STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 GRANTVILLE PA 17028-9998
	October 16, 2001 THAT'S ALL FOLKS! PORKY PIG STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 HOPEWELL JUNCTION NY 12533-9998
	October 18, 2001 AMERICAN LEGION POST 86 STATION POSTMASTER 25 DORCHESTER AVE RM 4009 BOSTON MA 02205-9998
	October 19, 2001 Borough of Bridgeport BRIDGEPORT STATION POSTMASTER 28 EAST AIRY ST NORRISTOWN PA 19401-9998
	October 19-20, 2001 Burnt Cabins Civics Association FALL FOLK FESTIVAL STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 BURNT CABINS PA 17215-9998
	October 20, 2001 THE LEGACY CENTER STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 RACINE WE 53404-9998
	October 20, 2001 X6325 STATION POSTMASTER 850 TWIN RIVERS DR COLUMBUS OH 43216-9998
	October 20, 2001 Haskell Homecoming Committee REUNION STATION POSTMASTER 201 SOUTH 1ST ST HASKELL TX 79521-9998
	October 20, 2001 MARATHON STATION MANAGER MOWS 900 EAST FAYETTE ST BALTIMORE MD 21233-9715
	October 21, 2001 Batsto Citizens Committee COUNTRY LIVING FAIR STATION POSTMASTER 114 SOUTH THIRD ST HAMMONTON NJ 08037-9998
	October 24, 2001 THAT'S ALL FOLKS! PORKY PIG STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 THOMPSON NY 12784-9998
	October 27, 2001 Lueders Homecoming Committee HOMECOMING STATION POSTMASTER 125 EAST MAIN ST LUEDERS TX 79533-9998
	October 27, 2001 Glacier Stamp Club GLAPEX XVIII STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 KALISPELL MT 59901-9998
	October 29, 2001 SHIPS REUNION STATION POSTMASTER 135 MAIN ST BILOXI MS 39530-9998
	November 1, 2001 The Peabody Orlando PEABODY ORLANDO DUCK STATION POSTMASTER 10401 POST OFFICE BLVD ORLANDO FL 32862-9998
	November 2, 2001 Heartland Latino Leadership LATINO LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE STATION PHILATELIC WINDOW MO 1124 PACIFIC ST OMAHA NE 68108-9998
	November 2-11 WURSTFEST STATION POSTMASTER 686 SOUTH SEGUIN NEW BRAUNFELS TX 78130-9998
	November 3, 2001 Cumberland Valley Philatelic Society EXPO STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 CHAMBERSBURG PA 17201-9998
	November 4, 2001 Cumberland Valley Philatelic Society EXPO STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 CHAMBERSBURG PA 17201-9998
	November 8, 2001 Hicksville Chamber of Commerce HICKSVILLE DAY STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 HICKSVILLE NY 11801-9998
	November 8, 2001 Cedar Rapids Stamp Club SIGNAL STATION POSTMASTER 615 6TH AVE SOUTHEAST CEDAR RAPIDS IA 52401-9806
	November 9, 2001 USPS VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS STATION POSTMASTER 14-24 ABBOTT RD FAIR LAWN NJ 07410-9998
	November 10, 2001 Painted Post Post Office VETERANS DAY STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 PAINTED POST NY 14870-9998
	November 10-11, 2001 Corn Belt Philatelic Society CORNPEX STATION POSTMASTER BLOOMINGTON IL 61701-9998
	November 10-11, 2001 Mid-Cities Stamp Club MID CITIES EXPO STATION POSTMASTER 1251 WILLIAM D TATE AVE GRAPEVINE TX 76051-9998
	November 10-11, 2001 Rubber City Stamp Club RCSC EXHIBITION STATION POSTMASTER 675 WOLF LEDGES PKWY AKRON OH 44309-9998
	November 12, 2001 American Legion VETERANS DAY STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 BUCKLIN KS 67834-9998
	November 14, 2001 Berkshire Historical Society ARROWHEAD STATION POSTMASTER 212 FENN ST PITTSFIELD MA 01201-9998
	November 16, 2001 DUNDEE ELEMENTARY STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 DUNDEE FL 33838-9998
	November 17-18, 2001 JINGLE BELL PARADE STATION POSTMASTER 125 EAST 2ND ST WAVERLY OH 45690-9998
	November 17-18, 2001 BLACK RIVER STAMP CLUB STATION POSTMASTER 345 EAST BRIDGE ST ELYRIA OH 44035-9998
	November 18, 2001 McKee Botanical Gradens THE RENAISSANCE OF MCKEE STATION POSTMASTER 600 6TH AVE SUITE 1 VERO BEACH FL 32962-9998
	November 27, 2001 International Fellows CARLISLE BARRACKS STATION POSTMASTER PO BOX 9998 CARLISLE PA 17013-9998

- Stamp Services,Government Relations and Public Policy, 10-18-01

Special Cancellation Die Hubs

Postmasters and plant managers who have any of the special cancellation die hubs listed below may use them for the periods designated. At the end of the period, these die hubs must be withdrawn and stored. Postmasters and plant managers who do not have these special die hubs may not request them from the sponsors.

Cancellation	Period of Use
Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires	April 1-Oct. 31
Conquer Cystic Fibrosis	Sept. -Sept. 30
Peace Corps Anniversary, Making a Difference	Sept. 1-Oct. 31
Employ People With Disabilities	Sept. 1-Nov. 30
Give to the United Way	Sept. 15-Nov. 15
Learn About Lupus, October Is Lupus Awareness Month	Oct. 1-Oct. 31
Radon Action Week, Protect Your Family, Test Your Home	Oct. 1-Oct. 31
Support Infection Control Week	Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Help Retarded Children	Nov. 1-Nov. 30
Military Families Recognition Day	Nov. 1-Nov. 30
National Adoption Month	Nov. 1-Nov. 30
National Philanthropy Day, Love of Humankind	Nov. 1-Nov. 30
Use Christmas Seals, Support Your Lung Association	Nov. 8-Dec. 31
Support American Education Week	Nov. 10-Nov. 30
Autistic Children, Hope Through Research and Education	Dec. 1-Dec. 31
- Mail Preparation and Standards, Pricing and Classification, 10-18-01

Post Offices

Post Office Changes
Old/ New	Finance No.	ZIP Code	State	P.O. Name	County/ Parish	Station/Branch/Unit	Unit Type	Effective Date
Old	05-2528	92024	CA	Encinitas	San Diego	Second St Station	Classified Station	10/10/2001	Classified Station discontinued. Continue to use Encinitas CA 92024 as last line of address.
New	05-2528	92024	CA	Encinitas	San Diego	Main Office	Post Office	10/10/2001
Old	26-6750	56246	MN	New London	Kandiyohi	Hawick	Community Post Office	09/18/1999	Community Post Office and ZIP Code discontinued. Establish a place name. Hawick MN becomes an acceptable last line for use with ZIP Code 56273.
New	26-6750	56273	MN	New London	Kandiyohi	Hawick	Place Name	09/18/1999
Old	36-3296	27838	NC	Gumberry	Northampton	Main Office	Post Office	01/28/2000	Post Office and ZIP Code discontinued. Establish a place name. Gumberry NC becomes an acceptable last line for use with ZIP Code 27831.
New	36-2896	27831	NC	Garysburg	Northampton	Gumberry	Place Name	01/16/2000
Old	33-9015	07676	NJ	Westwood	Bergen	Township of Washington	Classified Branch	09/28/2001	This announcement changes the administrative office for this ZIP Code from Westwood NJ to Hillsdale NJ. Continue to use Township of Washington NJ 07676 as last line for addresses.
New	33-3660	07676	NJ	Hillsdale	Bergen	Township of Washington	Classified Branch	09/28/2001
Old	35-0915	11717	NY	Brentwood	Suffolk	West Brentwood	Classified Branch	05/01/1999	Classified Branch discontinued. Continue to use Brentwood NY 11717 as last line of address.
New	35-0915	11717	NY	Brentwood	Suffolk	Main Office	Post Office	05/01/1999
Old	41-5676	16751	PA	Mount Jewett	McKean	Westline	Community Post Office	12/08/1996	Community Post Office and ZIP Code discontinued. Establish a place name. Westline PA becomes an acceptable last line for use with ZIP Code 16740.
New	41-5676	16740	PA	Mount Jewett	McKean	Westline	Place Name	12/08/1996
- Office of Address Management, Chief Technology Officer, 10-18-01

[D-Link]

NOTICE TO ALL EMPLOYEES

THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN FACT SHEET

Percentage returns released October 3, 2001, by the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board

ANNUAL RETURNS	G Fund	F Fund	LBA Bond Index	C Fund	S&P 500 Stock Index	S * Fund	Wilshire 4500 Stock Index	I * Fund	EAFE Stock Index
1989	8.81	13.89	14.53	31.03	31.69	-	23.94	-	10.36
1990	8.90	8.00	8.96	-3.15	-3.10	-	-13.56	-	-23.59
1991	8.15	15.75	16.00	30.77	30.47	-	43.45	-	12.19
1992	7.23	7.20	7.40	7.70	7.62	-	11.87	-	-12.22
1993	6.14	9.52	9.75	10.13	10.08	-	14.57	-	32.68
1994	7.22	-2.96	-2.92	1.33	1.32	-	-2.66	-	7.75
1995	7.03	18.31	18.47	37.41	37.58	-	33.48	-	11.27
1996	6.76	3.66	3.63	22.85	22.96	18.52	17.18	6.27	6.14
1997	6.77	9.60	9.65	33.17	33.36	26.61	25.69	1.46	1.55
1998	5.74	8.70	8.69	28.44	28.58	7.51	8.63	20.46	20.09
1999	5.99	-0.85	-0.82	20.95	21.04	32.70	35.49	26.81	26.72
2000	6.42	11.67	11.63	-9.14	-9.10	-8.76	-15.77	-14.11	-14.17
2000 MONTHLY RETURNS	G Fund	F Fund	LBA Bond Index	C Fund	S&P 500 Stock Index	S Fund	Wilshire 4500 Stock Index	I Fund	EAFE Stock Index
Oct.	0.51	0.66	0.66	-0.40	-0.42	-7.22	-8.17	-2.40	-2.36
Nov.	0.48	1.65	1.64	-7.87	-7.88	-15.17	-17.03	-3.80	-3.75
Dec.	0.48	1.86	1.86	0.50	0.49	7.57	6.33	3.46	3.55
2001 MONTHLY RETURNS	G Fund	F Fund	LBA Bond Index	C Fund	S&P 500 Stock Index	S Fund	Wilshire 4500 Stock Index	I Fund	EAFE Stock Index
Jan.	0.46	1.65	1.63	3.55	3.55	-	5.44	-	-0.05
Feb.	0.42	0.87	0.87	-9.12	-9.12	-	-12.15	-	-7.50
March	0.45	0.51	0.50	-6.33	-6.34	-	9.18	-	-6.67
April	0.43	-0.42	-0.42	7.78	7.77	-	10.58	-	6.95
May	0.47	0.61	0.60	0.65	0.67	1.42	2.37	-4.13	-3.53
June	0.47	0.39	0.38	-2.42	-2.43	0.66	0.81	-3.99	-4.09
July	0.48	2.22	2.24	-0.98	-0.98	-4.13	-4.56	-1.79	-1.82
Aug.	0.45	1.20	1.15	-6.27	-6.26	-4.32	-4.77	-2.58	-2.53
Sept.	0.43	1.15	1.16	-8.05	-8.08	-12.50	-12.86	-9.95	-10.13
LAST 12 MONTHS	5.67	13.07	12.95	-26.57	-26.62	-34.25	-38.53	-28.84	-28.53

Fund	Invested In	Index Tracked
G-Government Securities Investment Fund	Special issues of U.S. Treasury securities	N/A
F-Fixed Income Index Investment Fund	Barclays U.S. Debt Index Fund	Lehman Brothers U.S. Aggregate bond index
C-Common Stock Index Investment Fund	Barclays Equity Index Fund	S&P 500 stock index
S-Small Capitalization Stock Index Investment Fund	Barclays Extended Market Index Fund	Wilshire 4500 stock index
I-International Stock Index Investment Fund	Barclays EAFE Index Fund	Europe, Australasia, and Far East stock index

Future performance of the funds will vary and may be significantly different from the returns shown above. See the Summary of the Thrift Savings Plan for detailed information about the funds and their investment risks. The monthly returns of the TSP Funds represent net earnings for the month after deduction of accrued administrative expenses and, except for the G Fund, after deduction of trading costs and accrued investment management fees as well. The returns for the four indexes shown do not include any of these deductions.

* Implemented May 2001.

Please post on bulletin boards. Recycle all previous notices.

Purchasing and Materials

PM, ASM, AND AS-709 REVISIONS

Purchasing Manual, Administrative Support Manual, and Handbook AS-709, Credit Card Policies and Procedures for Local Buying

Effective October 18, 2001, the Postal Service Purchasing Manual (PM), Administrative Support Manual (ASM), and Handbook AS-709, Credit Card Policies and Procedures for Local Buying, are revised to provide new or revised policies regarding contracts with former employees and the use of personal services contracts. A new solicitation provision and a new contract clause accompany these revisions.

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed version of the ASM, as well as into the online versions of the PM, ASM, and AS-709 on the Policies and Procedures page on the Postal Service Intranet at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim and the Postal Service Internet at www.usps.com.

PM Revisions

In PM chapter 1:

• Retitled and revised section 1.7.13 to address contracts with former employees and to create a review and approval procedure for those contracts.

• Added Provision 1-7, Proposed Use of Former Employees, to Appendix A.

• Added Clause 1-14, Use of Former Postal Service Employees, to Appendix B.

In PM subchapter 4.6:

• Retitled and revised section 4.6.3 to discuss when contracting for professional/technical and consulting services is appropriate and to provide new definitions for these services.

• Retitled and revised section 4.6.4 to define and to discuss the uses for personal services contracts.

ASM Revisions

Revised subparagraph 722.31 to add professional/technical, consultant, personal services, and the services of former Postal Service employees to the list of purchases that may not be made using local buying procedures.

Handbook AS-709 Revisions

Revised paragraph 332.21 and Exhibit 3-4 in accordance with these policy changes.

Purchasing Manual (PM)

1 Authority, Responsibility and Policy

* * * * *

1.7 General Policies

* * * * *

[Revise the heading of 1.7.13 to read as follows:]

1.7.13 Contracts with Former Postal Service Officers, Executives, and Employees

[Revise 1.7.13 items a and b, and add item c to read as follows:]

1.7.13.a General. The Postal Service contracts with former officers, executives, and employees when their expertise is deemed important to furthering the business and competitive interests of the Postal Service. Whether these individuals are the subject of personal services contracts, or are key personnel, experts, or consultants employed by a supplier, the following restrictions apply and these procedures must be followed.

1.7.13.b Contracts with Former Officers and Executives

1. Policy. It is Postal Service policy not to contract with former officers or Postal Career Executive Service (PCES) executives or entities with which such individuals have a substantial interest for five years after the date of their separation from the Postal Service (whether by retirement or otherwise) if the contract calls for substantially the same duties as they performed during their career with the Postal Service as determined by the vice president of Human Resources. Purchase teams must enforce this policy when purchasing professional/technical or consulting services (see 4.6.3 for definitions of these types of services), and include Provision 1-6, Prohibition Against Contracting with Former Postal Service Executives or Officers, in relevant solicitations, and Clause 1-11, Prohibition Against Contracting with Former Postal Service Officers or Executives, in resulting contracts.

2. Exceptions. The vice president of Human Resources may grant exceptions to this policy when he or she determines that doing so is in the best interest of the Postal Service. All such exceptions must be documented and included in the contract file.

1.7.13.c Contracts with Other Former Employees

1. Policy. The Postal Service may contract with former employees (other than former officers or executives) or with suppliers proposing the use of former employees during contract performance when the former employee's expertise will further the success of the purchase and the business and competitive interests of the Postal Service. Contracts with former employees or with suppliers offering the services of former employees should not be confused with the employment of annuitants (see 1.7.13.c.2).

2. Reviews and Approvals

(a) All requests for contracts with former employees (non-officer or executive) must be forwarded by the purchasing organization to the manager of Corporate Personnel Management (CPM), for review and approval. The manager of CPM will decide whether the former employee should be hired as a retired annuitant (see Employee and Labor Relations Manual 323.33) or should be contracted with by the purchasing organization. When appropriate, the purchasing organization may award a personal services contract to the former employee (see 4.6.4).

(b) When a supplier proposes using a former employee, the manager of CPM will review the former employee's employment history and advise the purchase team as to whether the substitution of another individual is in the best interest of the Postal Service. If such substitution is the case, the contracting officer must advise the supplier to propose another individual to perform the duties called for. If following contract award, the supplier proposes the use of a former employee, the same review and approval process is required before the former employee may begin work.

3. Provision and Clause. Purchase teams must consider this policy in light of the particular purchase, and the potential need for reviews and approvals, and as necessary, include Provision 1-7, Proposed Use of Former Postal Service Employees, in relevant solicitations, and Clause 1-14, Use of Former Postal Service Employees, in resulting contracts.

* * * * *

4 Purchasing

4.6 Special Categories of Purchases

* * * * *

[Revise the headings and text of 4.6.3 and 4.6.4 to read as follows:]

4.6.3 Professional/Technical and Consultant Services

4.6.3.a Policy. It is the policy of the Postal Service to contract for professional/technical and consultant services when doing so makes good business sense in light of available personnel resources. For example, short-term expertise may be necessary to assist in the development of new customer service programs or to manage spikes in operational workload. In other cases, long-term contracts for these services may prove more fiscally and technically beneficial than the use of career employees. When contemplating contracting for these services, and for personal services (see 4.6.4), purchase teams must consider the financial commitment and potential return on investment. For certain requirements, such as those affecting craft positions and duties, additional reviews and approvals are required; these include meeting legal and labor agreement obligations set forth in Federal regulations and labor union agreements. In these cases, purchase teams must consult with Strategic Initiatives at Headquarters. In addition, reviews and approvals are required for contracts with former Postal Service officers, executives, and employees, regardless of whether these individuals are contracted with directly or are employed or proposed to be employed by a supplier (see 1.7.13).

4.6.3.b Conflicts of Interest. When purchasing professional/technical or consultant services, purchase teams must pay particular attention to the potential for organizational conflicts of interest and consider using Clause 1-8, Organizational Conflicts of Interest, or a similar clause in the contract (see 1.7.7).

4.6.3.c Professional and Technical Services

1. Definitions. Generally, professional services are those performed by individuals or firms of recognized status, in fields such as accounting, engineering, law, and the sciences. Technical services are provided by individuals or firms who are expert in a given field, such as information technology, training, writing and editing, purchasing, marketing and demographics, and other such areas. These services may be used to: (1) provide needed expertise on an individual or group basis; (2) to supplement the career workforce as required by workload; and (3) to provide turn-key services in support of postal operations.

2. Licenses. When prequalifying or purchasing professional services for which individuals are normally required to be licensed (such as medical, legal, accounting, and architecture), licenses must be required as a prerequisite to prequalification or contract award. Acceptable licenses may be limited to those issued by a particular state or entity, but only when local expertise is necessary to successful performance.

3. Required Clauses. All contracts for professional/technical services must include the following clauses:

(a) Clause 4-4, Nondisclosure (Professional Services). This clause may be modified with the approval of the policy-originating official designated in Exhibit 4.6.2 and assigned counsel.

(b) Clause 4-5, Inspection of Professional Services. This clause provides for inspection of the supplier's work product and acceptance of only those products that meet reasonable professional standards. The clause is to be used in lieu of, and not in addition to, the standard inspection and acceptance clauses prescribed in 2.2.

(c) Clause 4-7, Records Ownership. This clause gives the Postal Service ownership of contract files, including copies of all supplier work papers. While this clause is mandatory for professional service contracts, purchase teams have to decide whether to include it or not in technical service contracts, depending on the nature of the service.

4. Other Clauses. Depending on the particular purchase, the following clauses should be included in contracts for professional/technical services:

(a) Clause 4-6, Invoices (Professional Services). This clause is included in all non-fixed price contracts for professional/technical services. The clause requires presentation of invoices showing who performed the services, the hours and partial hours of service provided each day, and the services provided each hour or partial hour. Suppliers may be allowed to set minimum charges for partial hours or days.

(b) Clause 4-8, Key Personnel. This clause requires use of the key personnel identified in the supplier's proposal, unless the purchase team approves substitution, and provides for contract termination for failure to comply.

4.6.3.d Consultant Services

1. Definition. Consultant services are services provided by expert individuals or firms possessing exceptional qualifications in a particular technical or professional field. They are used to enhance the understanding of complex issues and to provide new insights into alternate solutions to, or recommendations on, business or decision-making functions of a postal organization. Consultants neither involve themselves in the day-to-day operations of Postal Service organizations except for study purposes, nor work under the immediate direction and control of Postal Service employees. Usually, consultant service suppliers provide reports or analyses as the deliverable upon completion of their contractual duties.

2. Use. Consultant services are used to enhance the understanding of complex issues and to provide new insights into alternate solutions to, or recommendations on, business or decision-making functions of a postal organization.

4.6.4 Personal Services Contracts

4.6.4.a Definition. A personal services contract is a contract with an individual under the terms of which the individual will: (1) work under the direct supervision of postal personnel; (2) work on postal premises and use postal equipment; and (3) perform duties similar in nature to those of postal employees. A personal services contract may create the appearance of an employee-employer relationship, and may result in additional costs, such as tax withholding. For this reason, purchase teams should strive to use contracting vehicles other than personal services contracts, but, when deemed appropriate and effective, they may be used, subject to the reviews and approvals described in 1.7.13.

4.6.4.b Use. Personal services contracts may be awarded for professional/technical services but may not be awarded for consultant services.

4.6.4.c Contracts. All personal services contracts should be written to ensure that the Postal Service does not incur unnecessary costs or liabilities. Purchase teams should work with assigned counsel to ensure that the interests of the Postal Service are protected in areas such as taxes, unemployment liability, etc.

* * * * *

Appendix A - Solicitations

* * * * *

A.3 Solicitation Provisions

* * * * *

[Add Provision 1-7 to read as follows:]

Provision 1-7 Proposed Use of Former Postal Service Employees (October 2001)

In its proposal, the supplier must identify any former Postal Service employee it proposes to engage in the performance, directly or indirectly, of the contract. The Postal Service reserves the right to require the supplier to replace the proposed individual with an equally qualified individual.

* * * * *

Appendix B - Contract Clauses

* * * * *

B.3 Clauses

* * * * *

[Add Clause 1-14 to read as follows:]

* * * * *

Clause 1-14 Use of Former Postal Service Employees (October 2001)

During the term of this contract, the supplier must identify any former Postal Service employee it proposes to be engaged, directly or indirectly, in contract performance. Such individuals may not commence performance without the contracting officer's prior approval. If the contracting officer does not provide such approval, the supplier must replace the proposed individual with another individual equally qualified to provide the services called for in the contract.

* * * * *

Administrative Support Manual (ASM)

* * * * *

7 Purchasing and Materials

* * * * *

72 Purchasing

* * * * *

722 Local Buying Authority

* * * * *

722.3 Prohibited and Restricted Purchases

722.31 Prohibited Purchases

* * * * *

[Add items h and i as follows:]

h. Professional/technical, consultant, or personal services (see PM 4.6.3 and 4.6.4).

i. The services of former Postal Service employees. Contact the Area Human Resources office or the servicing P&MSC.

* * * * *

Handbook AS-709, Credit Card Policies and Procedures for Local Buying

* * * * *

3 Cardholder's Local Buying Procedures

* * * * *

33 The Six Steps of Local Buying

* * * * *

332 Review Your Purchase Request

* * * * *

332.2 Prohibited Purchases

332.21 Items Subject to Statutory and Legislative Requirements

* * * * *

[Add items g and h as follows:]

g. Professional/technical, consultant, or personal services.

h. The services of former Postal Service employees.

* * * * *

Exhibit 3-4, Prohibited Purchases With the I.M.P.A.C. Credit Card

* * * * *

[Add items g and h to page 1 of Exhibit 3-4 as follows:]

g. Professional/technical, consultant, or personal services (contact your servicing P&MSC and see Purchasing Manual 4.6.3 and 4.6.4).

h. The services of former Postal Service employees (contact your Area Human Resources office or your servicing P&MSC).

* * * * *

- Purchasing Policies and Programs,Purchasing and Materials, 10-18-01

Postal Products Unlimited, Inc., Catalog Now on eBuy

On August 31, 2001, Postal Products Unlimited, Inc.'s full-line supply and equipment catalog was converted to eBuy (see Postal Bulletin 22057, 8-23-01, page 102, for the introductory eBuy article). Postal Products Unlimited has supplied its Postal Service-specific products for over 15 years, and those products can now all be purchased using the Postal Service Intranet.

National Ordering Agreement

All of the supplies and equipment offered on eBuy are included in National Ordering Agreement (NOA) 412735-97-H-1512. When using eBuy, remember that Administrative Support Manual (ASM) 722, Local Buying Authority, does not apply to orders placed under contracts or ordering agreements that are listed on eBuy (http://ebuy.usps.gov).

Credit Card Payments

Effective November 1, Postal Products Unlimited will no longer accept credit cards as a form of payment for items in its eBuy catalog. eBuy will certify Postal Products Unlimited electronic invoices and send them to San Mateo accounts payable for processing. Typically, San Mateo accounts payable holds payment of invoices for approximately 28 days before sending the electronic funds transfer to Postal Products Unlimited as payment. Postal Products Unlimited charges will appear on the eBuy accounting period (AP) summary invoice report that is mailed to the "ship to" Federal Standard Requisitioning and Issue Procedures (FEDSTRIP) address for reconciliation.

Postal Service to Receive Rebate

The Postal Service will save money on the purchase price of every line item ordered from Postal Products Unlimited. For example, the Postal Service will receive deep discounts on all eBuy orders, regardless of quantity, with savings up to 70 percent off the catalog unit price. Additionally, the Postal Service receives a periodic rebate from Postal Products Unlimited based on the total nationwide value of Postal Products Unlimited orders placed through eBuy.

eBuy Required

Employees having access to the Postal Service Intranet must use eBuy whenever the supply or service is listed on eBuy. The only exception to this requirement is for users who do not have access to the Postal Service Intranet. Those individuals without this access may continue to place telephone orders with suppliers using their FEDSTRIP number. When placing telephone orders with Postal Products Unlimited, users must have both product number(s) and their FEDSTRIP number ready. The finance number associated with each user's FEDSTRIP number will be charged for items ordered via telephone.

Shipping

All items will be shipped by Standard Mail from Postal Products Unlimited. For items too large to ship via the mailstream, a Government Bill of Lading (GBL) will be issued. Postal Products Unlimited has been authorized to use the Postal Service Web-based Freight Traffic Management System (FTMS) to prepare all GBLs.

Orders for in-stock, high-usage items will ship within 24 to 48 hours, and orders shipping directly from off-site distribution centers will ship within 5 to 7 business days. The lead time for custom and/or made-to-order items will vary. Please refer to the catalog or call Postal Products Unlimited Customer Service Department at 1-800-229-4500 for more specific product lead times.

Returns

To return an item, please contact the Postal Products Unlimited Customer Service Department and request a Return Authorization (RA) Number and specific return instructions. Postal Products Unlimited will submit an electronic credit request to eBuy, and the original order will be credited.

Javits-Wagner-O'Day

Postal Products Unlimited has been an approved Javits- Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) Act distributor since 1999 and has included JWOD manufactured items (excluding office supplies) in its eBuy catalog.

Questions

For questions, the contacts are as follows:

• Postal Products Unlimited, call Tom Ronco, national sales manager, 800-229-4500, extension 1003.

• eBuy program, call James Leonard, eBuy program manager, 202-268-6230.

• Postal Products Unlimited NOA, call Peggy Garrity, contracting officer, 215-931-5167.

• Purchasing policy questions regarding the use of eBuy, call Mike Harris, 202-268-5653, or Bob Glasner, 202-268-2895.

- Purchasing Policies and Programs,Purchasing and Materials, 10-18-01

Retail

ALL IRT AND DEBIT/CREDIT CARD OFFICES

Setting Clocks for Standard Time

Managers must ensure that before opening for business on Monday, October 29, 2001, the clocks in all integrated retail terminals (IRTs) and debit/credit card terminals under their control are set back (in most locations) 1 hour to reflect the change to Standard Time. Facilities with Saturday night operations should reset the time as soon as possible after the 2 a.m. start time, Sunday, October 28, 2001.

The correct system time in integrated retail terminals (IRTs) is critical since their internal clocks are used to verify Express Mail� and Global Express GuaranteedTM acceptance times and service commitments. The IRT system time is also printed on customer receipts and employee reports. It is very important that the debit/credit card terminal clocks be set to the correct day, date, and time as this will help reduce the possibility of accepting an expired card.

Integrated Retail Terminals (IRTs)

On the UNISYS III Supervisor Disk, select item 11, Set System Date and Time, from the Control Menu, and perform the following steps:

1. Observe that the date appears.

2. Press ENTER key to accept the current date. The time appears.

3. Press CE key to clear the time.

4. Enter correct Standard Time in military format (examples: 8 AM = 0800, 1:30 PM = 1330).

5. Press ENTER key to save the corrected time. The Control Menu appears.

6. Observe that the corrected time is displayed in the upper right hand corner of the screen.

On the MOS IRT Control Disk, select item 5, Change Fees and Tables, from the Main Menu; then select item 5, Set Unit Date and Time, from the Change Fees and Tables Menu.

Debit and Credit Card Terminals

For Debit and Credit Card Terminals, follow these steps:

Display	Action
U.S. Postal Service	Press the * key and the 3 key at the same time. (If you are having trouble, simply hold the * key and tap the 3 key.)
Diagnostics	Press ALPHA key.
Year	Key in the current year (4 digits). Press ENTER key.
Display	Action
Month	Key in a number (1-12) for current month. Press ENTER key.
Date	Key in a number (1-31) for current date. Press ENTER key.
Hour	Key in a number (1-24) for current hour. Press ENTER key.
Minutes	Key in number of minutes (0-59). Press ENTER key.
Seconds	Key in number of seconds or press ENTER key to bypass.

You must make an entry for each selection, even if the display is correct.

To verify the existing date and time of the clock in the terminal, follow these steps:

Displaying the Clock and Calendar

Display	Action
U.S. Postal Service	Press ENTER key.
Function	Press the 4 key.
Day, Date, Time	blank
Exit	Press CLEAR key.
<US Postal Service>	blank

Retail Consolidation Unit (RCU)

The time for the RCU/VAX will be updated automatically by the Raleigh Information Systems FSCS VAX Support Group. However, all RCU operators should validate the correct time and date when they log on to the RCU on Monday, October 29, 2001, and notify Raleigh if the time and date are incorrect.

Mobile Data Collection Devices (MDCDs)

The Delivery Confirmation handheld scanners will automatically change to Standard Time. No manual changes are necessary.

IBM and NCR POS ONE Terminals

The IBM and NCR POS ONE terminals will automatically change to Standard Time. No manual changes are necessary.

- Point of Service,
Retail, Consumers and Small Business, 10-18-01

Items Authorized for Sale in Self Service Vending Machines

Listed below are items authorized for the Self Service Stamp Vending Program for calendar year 2002. Products not on this list (except FIRSTCLASS PHONECARDS� and coils of 500 and 3,000) must not be placed in vending machines. Also, products ending in "11" are to be placed only in booklet machines and the booklet/stamp combination machines (PBSM-624). No "11" products may be placed in commodity machines. All stamp item numbers will now have six digits, and all products previously ending in "X" will now end in "11."

Check with your stamp distribution office (SDO) for availability of stamp vending products. In FY 2002, Self Service will not reproduce Love Letters and Apples/Oranges books.

For all items marked with an asterisk in the tables below, the first day of issue will be announced in a future Postal Bulletin.

Quarter I
Products Used in Multi-Commodity Vending Machines

Item Number	Price ($)	Product
215000	2.10	42c #10 EAGLE BANDED ENVELOPES
268000	2.10	42c #6 3/4 EAGLE BANDED ENVELOPES
217000	2.10	42c #10 LOVEBIRDS BANDED ENVELOPES
267000	2.10	42c #6 3/4 LOVEBIRDS BANDED ENVELOPES
221000	1.15	5-23c BANDED STAMPED CARD/WHITE BARN
315100	3.50	1-$3.50 PRIORITY MAIL PACKET/US CAPITOL
315600	1.15	5-23c GEORGE WASHINGTON 2ND OZ. RATE
314100	0.50	50-1c KESTREL STAMP PACKETS
315200	1.05	5-21c BISON POSTCARD RATE PACKETS
315300	4.00	5-80c INTERNATIONAL LETTER RATE/MT. MCKINLEY
315400	3.50	5-70c INTERNATIONAL POSTCARD RATE/9-MILE PRAIRIE
315500	6.80	20-34c HONORING VETERANS/20 STAMP PACKET
367200	4.00	10-40c BREAST CANCER SEMI POSTAL PACKET
*	*	[Pending proposal of new semi postal stamp]
771301	34.00	100-34c STATUE OF LIBERTY PSA COIL

Products Used Only in Multi-Commodity Vending Machines - Not For Sale Over the Counter

Item Number	Price ($)	Product
662900	2.10	10-21c BISON POSTCARD RATE
*661300	6.80	20-34c UNITED WE STAND - FLAG DESIGN
669900	6.80	20-34c NON DENOM STATUE OF LIBERTY
669300	6.80	20-34c NON DENOM FLOWERS
669000	6.80	20-34c STATUE OF LIBERTY
669400	6.80	20-34c FLOWERS
666100	6.80	20-34c LOVE LETTERS
669700	6.80	20-34c APPLES & ORANGES
670300	6.80	20-34c HOLIDAY SNOWMEN

Criss-Cross Products Used in Booklet Vending Machines

Item Number	Price ($)	Product
662911	2.10	10-21c BISON POSTCARD RATE
*661311	6.80	20-34c UNITED WE STAND - FLAG DESIGN
669911	6.80	20-34c NON DENOM STATUE OF LIBERTY
669311	6.80	20-34c NON DENOM FLOWERS
669011	6.80	20-34c STATUE OF LIBERTY
669411	6.80	20-34c FLOWERS
666111	6.80	20-34c LOVE LETTERS
669711	6.80	20-34c APPLES & ORANGES
670311	6.80	20-34c HOLIDAY SNOWMEN
314111	0.50	50-1c KESTREL VENDING PACKETS

Self Service will not repackage the products listed in the table below after SDO inventories are exhausted. Vending personnel should check with their SDO for availability of the following products.

Products That Self Service Will Not Repackage

Item Number	Price ($)	Product
313000	3.00	60c RICKENBACKER
314100	0.50	50-1c KESTREL VENDING PACKETS
314111	0.50	50-1c KESTREL VENDNG X-CROSS PACKETS
663411	2.00	10-20c BLUE JAY PSA BOOK

The National Stamp Vending Inventory and Vending Products Information are both posted on our intranet Web site at http://retail.usps.gov.

- Self Service,Retail, Consumers and Small Business, 10-18-01

Bloomington Engraving and Stamp Center

Source: https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2001/html/pb22061/p-r.html

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