The Postal Service is reminding employees of the ethics issues related to contracts.
USPS may enter into a contract with a current employee in three instances:
• To lease an employee’s vehicle in connection with their employment;
• To license a patent invention that is the sole property of the employee; and
• To lease real property, under certain conditions.
Postal Service employees cannot hold or bid on a highway contract route or delivery service contract.
However, an employee may work for a highway contract holder if they get prior approval by completing the appropriate form on Blue and emailing it to the USPS Ethics Office.
The Postal Service also does not enter into contractual relationships with an employee’s family members or individuals residing in an employee’s household, but an exception may be granted.
Section 7-12.1.2 of the Postal Service’s Purchasing Manual and Handbook AS-709 Section 1-7.3 and Section 1-15 have more information regarding when an exception may be appropriate.
Employees with questions should email the USPS Ethics Office or call 202-268-6346. The Ethics Blue page also has more information.
