United States Government Publishing Office publisher pbl distributor dst United States Government Accountability Office General Government Division author aut Government Organization text government publication eng GAOREPORTS Legislative Agency Publications gao legislative 2010-08-12 U.S. Government Printing Office 2000-09-07 monographic deposited born digital 20 p. GA 1.13:T-GGD-00-195 https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-T-GGD-00-195 P0b002ee180397408 f:gg00195t DGPO 2010-08-12 2011-03-23 GAOREPORTS-T-GGD-00-195 machine generated eng fdlp REPORT GAOREPORTS-T-GGD-00-195 T-GGD-00-195 Postal service Electronic data interchange Computer networks Strategic planning Performance measures Electronic commerce Internet USPS E-commerce Program Testimony GGD

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. This testimony summarizes the September report, GAO/GGD-00-188. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-T-GGD-00-195/html/GAOREPORTS-T-GGD-00-195.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-T-GGD-00-195/pdf/GAOREPORTS-T-GGD-00-195.pdf GAO/T-GGD-00-195 https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-T-GGD-00-195 Testimony GAO/T-GGD-00-195; U.S. Postal Service: Electronic Commerce Activities and; Postal service Electronic data interchange Computer networks Strategic planning Performance measures Electronic commerce Internet USPS E-commerce Program Title 15 Section 1125(a) 15 U.S.C. 1125(a) Public Law 91-375