Summary: The United States Postal Service (USPS) has defined e-commerce initiatives to include products and services that: (1) require the use of the Internet; and (2) generate revenues for USPS from user charges or license fees. It has identified seven e-commerce initiatives intended to facilitate the movement of messages, merchandise, and money. For example, USPS has introduced PosteCS, an Internet-based global document delivery system. The Stamps Online initiative allows purchase of stamps and other philatelic products. USPS introduced its eBillPay initiative, an electronic bill presentment and payment service, in April 2000. In the development stage, USPS is working on an electronic mailbox, which could link electronic and physical addresses. GAO found, however, that USPS provided inconsistent information on the status of its initiatives, did not always adhere to its process requirements, and its financial data were inaccurate and incomplete. USPS believes that it has broad statutory authority to offer e-commerce products and service. The Postal Inspection Service, which is responsible for enforcing postal laws, has authority and responsibility to investigate violations of law that involve USPS e-commerce products and services. GAO summarized this report in testimony before Congress; see: U.S. Postal Service: Electronic Commerce and Legal Matters by Bernard L. Ungar, Director of Government Business Operations Issues, before the Subcommittee on International Security, Proliferation, and Federal Services, Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs. GAO/T-GGD-00-195, Sept. 7 (13 pages).
