    [United States Government Manual]
    [June 01, 2001]
    [Pages 508-509]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    POSTAL RATE COMMISSION

    1333 H Street NW., Washington, DC 20268-0001

    Phone, 202-789-6800. Fax, 202-789-6886. Internet, www.prc.gov.
    Chairman                                          (vacancy)
    Vice Chairman                                     George A. Omas
    Commissioners                                     Dana B. Covington,
                                                              Ruth Y.
                                                              Goldway,
                                                              William H.
                                                              LeBlanc III
    Special Assistant to the Commission               Robert W. Mitchell
    Chief Administrative Officer and Secretary        Steven W. Williams,
                                                              Acting
    General Counsel                                   Stephen L. Sharfman
    Director, Office of Rates, Analysis and Planning  Robert Cohen
    Director, Office of the Consumer Advocate         Ted P. Gerarden
    Personnel Officer                                 Garry Sikora, Acting

    [For the Postal Rate Commission statement of organization, see the Code
            of Federal Regulations, Title 39, Part 3002]

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    The major responsibility of the Postal Rate Commission is to submit
    recommended decisions to the United States Postal Service Governors on
    postage rates, fees, and mail classifications.

    The Postal Rate Commission is an independent agency created by the
    Postal Reorganization Act, as amended (39 U.S.C. 3601-3604). It is
    composed of five Commissioners, appointed by the President with the
    advice and consent of the Senate, one of whom is designated as Chairman.
        The Commission promulgates rules and regulations, establishes
    procedures, and takes other actions necessary to carry out its
    obligations. Acting upon requests from the U.S. Postal Service or on its
    own initiative, the Commission recommends and issues advisory opinions
    to the Board of Governors of the U.S. Postal Service on changes in

    [[Page 509]]

    rates or fees in each class of mail or type of service. It studies and
    submits recommended decisions on establishing or changing the mail
    classification schedule and holds on-the-record hearings that are
    lawfully required to attain sound and fair recommendations. It initiates
    studies on postal matters, such as cost theory and operations.
        The Commission also receives, studies, conducts hearings, and issues
    recommended decisions and reports to the Postal Service on complaints
    received from interested persons relating to postage rates, postal
    classifications, and problems of national scope regarding postal
    services. It has appellate jurisdiction to review Postal Service
    determinations to close or consolidate small post offices. The
    Commission also prepares an annual report on international mail.

    Sources of Information

    Employment  The Commission's programs require attorneys, economists,
    statisticians, accountants, industrial engineers, marketing specialists,
    and administrative and clerical personnel. Requests for employment
    information should be directed to the Personnel Officer.
    Electronic Access  Electronic access to current docketed case materials
    is available through the Internet, at www.prc.gov. Electronic mail can
    be sent to the Commission at prc-admin@prc.gov and prc-dockets@prc.gov.
    Reading Room  Facilities for inspection and copying of records, viewing
    automated daily lists of docketed materials, and accessing the
    Commission's Internet site are located at Suite 300, 1333 H Street,
    Washington, DC. The room is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday
    through Friday, except legal holidays.
    Rules of Practice and Procedure  The Postal Rate Commission's Rules of
    Practice and Procedure governing the conduct of proceedings before the
    Commission may be found in part 3001 of title 39 of the Code of Federal
    Regulations.

    For further information, contact the Secretary, Postal Rate Commission,
    1333 H Street NW., Washington, DC 20268-0001. Phone, 202-789-6840.
    Internet, www.prc.gov.

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