Headquarters Capital Investment Committees for review and approval;

(viii) Providing major assistance in, or executing completely when directed, the development of Functional Design Specifications for major regional projects administered by Postal Service Headquarters, including architectural planning;

(ix) Assisting to develop functional interior layouts, and coordinating architectural planning and functional interior layouts with the Operational Requirements Branch and other interested offices to meet long- and shortrange plans for regional space and mechanization requirements;

(x) Providing technical support in the development of a regional facilities repair and improvement program; and

(xi) Preparing and implementing regional building and fixed mechanization design and construction standards and criteria.

(2) Real Estate Division. The Real Estate Division, headed by the General Manager, Real Estate Division, is generally responsible for managing the regional real estate program, including acquisition by purchase or lease, space management, and disposal of all postal real estate, and the implementation and continual evaluation of related policies and procedures. It is specifically responsible for:

(i) Maintaining liaison with the public, representatives of industry and the business community, local government officials, and Federal agencies regarding the postal real estate program;

(ii) Developing short- and long-range real estate plans for the region;

(iii) Developing the regional real estate budget;

(iv) Providing technical and financial real estate information to support the facilities planning process;

(v) Managing real estate contracting; (vi) Establishing and maintaining real property records, and reporting and control systems;

(vii) Within Headquarters guidelines, developing and administering regional regulations related to Federal requirements for the acquisition, management, and disposal of real estate;

(viii) Training and developing all regional real estate personnel through the Employee and Labor Relations Department;

(ix) Providing functional guidance and technical assistance on all real estate matters to the Field Offices, and monitoring Field Office performance on all real estate matters;

(x) Monitoring and enforcing lessor maintenance responsibilities for leased properties and the appeal of excessive assessments; and

(xi) Establishing and implementing an effective space management and use program for postal facilities.

(3) Field Office. The Field Office, headed by a Manager, Field Office, Real Estate and Buildings Department, is responsible for:

(i) Executing the regional facilities program within the area served by the Field Office, which includes helping develop Functional Design Specifications, providing technical assistance to an average of five District Offices, and investigating and evaluating sites for proposed postal facilities;

(ii) Purchasing, leasing, disposing of, and managing real estate and space within the jurisdiction of the Field Office;

(iii) Negotiating and awarding professional service, construction, acquisition, and lease contracts for projects within the jurisdiction of the Field Office;

(iv) Directing contract functions, including architect/engineer selection and contract administration, design production and review, cost engineering, bid document preparation and distribution, advertising, bid evaluation, construction contract administration, lease contract administration, and final acceptance;

(v) Assisting in occupancy coordination of regional projects within the jurisdiction of the Field Office; and

(vi) Reviewing postal facility plans and specifications provided by lessors under contract to the Postal Service, and coordinating within its area of jurisdiction all Real Estate and Building matters with other interested parties in the Postal Service.

[41 FR 3470, Jan. 23, 1976, as amended at 43 FR 29119, July 6, 1978]

§ 225.8 Regional Public and Employee Communications Division.

The Regional Public and Employee Communications Division is headed by the General Manager, Public and Employee Communications Division, who reports to the Regional Postmaster General. It is generally responsible for preparing and disseminating news and information materials, guiding communications personnel within the Region, and maintaining contact with media representatives and other information outlets. It is specifically responsible for:

(a) Developing and distributing guidelines and directives for the preparation of news and information material;

(b) Organizing and conducting communications training seminars and discussions for regional staff and facility personnel;

(c) Arranging for visual aids and exhibiting information materials;

(d) Preparing and distributing regional news items for media representatives;

(e) Contributing to internal employee newsletters;

(f) Visiting subordinate postal facility organizations to audit the local communications program;

(g) Preparing speeches for regional officials;

(h) Responding to inquiries from media and civic representatives; and

(i) Preparing budgets for personnel, materials, and travel expenses, as well as other communications costs.

§ 225.9 Regional Counsel, Law Division.

(a) The Regional Counsel reports directly to the Regional Postmaster General. Under the professional guidance and supervision of the General Counsel, he directs a staff of attorneys who provide legal advice, opinions, services, and support for regional postal officials and postmasters in all areas except labor relations matters and such other subjects as may be specifically reserved by the General Counsel.

(b) The Regional Counsel:

(1) Furnishes legal advice, opinions, and support to the Regional Postmaster General, regional officials and postmasters, the Inspection Service,

and Postal Data Centers concerning Federal, State, and local statutes which may affect the Postal Service;

(2) Reviews and interprets contracts, deeds, leases, and other legal documents which may affect the Postal Service;

(3) Acts as closing attorney, prepares title opinions, and handles other legal matters relating to real estate transactions;

(4) Serves as a member of a regional contract negotiation team whenever the Contracting Officer believes the size and complexity of a procurement action warrant its use;

(5) Represents postal contracting officers in cases before the Board of Contract Appeals, as may be directed by the General Counsel;

(6) Acts for the General Counsel to review tort claims by and against the Postal Service, and adjudicates such claims within limits set by the Regional Postmaster General and the General Counsel;

(7) Has authority to concur with the head of a procuring activity in his Region to determine appropriate action on protests against the award of a contract under Postal Contracting Manual, sec. 2-407.8(c), as amended from time to time;

(8) As directed by the General Counsel, assists labor attorneys of the Postal Service in connection with labor disputes and related matters;

(9) Conducts administrative hearings pursuant to 39 CFR Part 916 and renders decisions on alleged violations of the pandering statue, 39 U.S.C. 3008;

(10) Acts as counsel for the Postal Service in litigation to garnishee employee wages;

(11) Rules on delivery of disputed mail;

(12) Furnishes legal advice and opinions to the Regional Postmaster General under the Code of Ethical Conduct for Postal Employees, 39 CFR Part 447, and assists in the administration of that Code;

(13) Furnishes legal advice and opinions to regional officials in the application of statutes and regulations pertaining to the admissibility and classification of mail;

(14) Acts as agent on behalf of the Regional Postmaster General and

other regional headquarters officials for the receipt of legal process resulting from the performance of their official functions;

(15) As directed by the General Counsel, provides legal services in connection with denials and revocations of second-class mailing privileges in regional proceedings before administrative law judges and the Judicial Officer; and

(16) Except in labor relations matters, acts as liaison with U.S. Attorneys in suits against the U.S. Postal Service.

(c) The Regional Postmaster General shall not change the duties and responsibilities of the Regional Counsel without the prior approval of the General Counsel.

§ 225.10 District Managers.

(a) Each District Manager reports to the Regional Postmaster General, and is responsible for managing and directing his staff and the managers of management sectional centers in the implementation of Postal Service programs and policies, to assure effective and efficient mail processing and delivery operations within the district.

(b) Each District Manager:

(1) Provides policy and program direction for all support activities and operating facilities;

(2) Evaluates the operations of postal installations and modifies operational procedures if required;

(3) Directs the preparation and administration of his budget;

(4) Guides the preparation of operating plans and approves and implements these plans;

(5) Provides direction and control of retail sales and delivery programs;

(6) Provides direction and control of distribution activities;

(7) Provides policy guidance for capital requirements;

(8) Provides direction and control of bulk mail center operations within the district (except those functions and powers reserved to the region and headquarters).

(9) Implements management development programs established by Headquarters.

[41 FR 3470, Jan. 23, 1976, as amended at 43 FR 29119, July 6, 1978]

§ 225.11 Bulk mail center managers.

(a) Each bulk mail center manager reports to the district manager of the district in which the center is located (except the general manager, New York international and bulk mail center who reports to the regional postmaster general), and is responsible for managing and directing the operation of a bulk mail center in the implementation of Postal Service programs and policies to assure effective and efficient processing and transportation of bulk mail within the bulk mail center service area, and in areas where its operations affect other bulk mail centers in the network. (b) Each manager:

(1) Provides policy and program direction for all support activities and the operations within bulk mail center;

(2) Manages the operations of the bulk mail center, evaluates performance, and modifies operational procedures, if required;

(3) Directs the preparation and administration of his budget;

(4) Prepares operating plans for bulk mail operations within the assigned area, and implements the plans as approved by the Region and Headquarters;

(5) Guides bulk mail distribution activities within the service area; (6) Develops and justifies capital requirements;

(7) Implements management development programs established by Headquarters; and

(8) Implements employee and labor relations policies and programs within the bulk mail centers.

[41 FR 3470, Jan. 23, 1976, as amended at 43 FR 29119, July 6, 1978]

PART 226-POSTAL DATA CENTERS

Sec.

226.1 Postal Data Center Director. 226.2 Disbursing Office.

226.3 Administrative Office.

226.4 Processing and Control Division. 226.5 Systems and Planning Division. 226.6 Data Operations Division.

AUTHORITY: 39 U.S.C. 401.

SOURCE: 38 FR 20414, July 31, 1973, unless otherwise noted.

§ 226.1 Postal Data Center Director.

(a) Administers the execution of policies, regulations, and procedures governing and takes action within his delegated authority on matters relating to management and operation of th epostal data center.

(b) Is responsible for efficient management, use, and control of manpower, allotted funds, facilities, and equipment within the authority delegated to PDC.

(c) Directs activities and exercises overall supervision of employees of the postal data center to insure that effective performance of the activities of the postal data center is established and maintained.

(d) Maintains continuous surveillance over services provided regional offices, postal installations and other customers to insure that effective services are provided and customer relations maintained.

(e) Under technical guidance of the Finance Group and subject to policies and standards established by the General Counsel:

(1) Adjudicates and settles personal or property damage claims less than $250;

(2) Adjusts and settles postmasters claims for losses for such amounts and types as redelegated to him;

(3) Makes determinations on behalf of the Postmaster General pursuant to section 3a of the Government Losses in Shipment Act.

§ 226.2 Disbursing Office.

Responsible for the control, signing, and disbursement of U.S. Treasury checks for all payments made by the data center. Receives and accounts for fund remittances and collections. Verifies deposits and acts as special agent for the Director, PDC for payroll savings bonds. Serves as liaison with regional distributing post offices on matters pertaining to accountable paper. Controls all other negotiable paper.

8226.3 Administrative Office.

Provides staff assistance to the Director, Postal Data Center, relating to administrative and service functions for the postal data center.

§ 226.4 Processing and Control Division. (a) Reviews and certifies all input to the data operations division; processes payrolls and maintains controls over payroll deductions and receivables; prepares and certifies for payment all disbursements for which the postal data center is responsible, including but not limited to transportation claims, contract stations, torts and indemnity claims, uniform allowances, rents and leases, travel, etc. Audits financial accounts of all postmasters served by the postal data center to assure compliance with laws, regulations and Comptroller General decisions. Maintains technical liaison with postal installations being serviced by the postal data center. When technical liaison involves responsibilities of the regional finance division, new policy items of a controversial nature will be cleared through them.

(b) Maintains general ledger for the several geographical areas served and establishes controls for the data operations division, and reviews and approves all reports prior to release to

consumers.

(c) Processes input data from new applications for data processing, such as transportation schemes and routing, inspection service workload data, procurement and supply transaction data, volume and performance data.

(d) Establishes and maintains accounting records for control of international money order services; provides information and reports to meet international money order service requirements (New York, Dallas, San Francisco).

(e) Branches and their functions under this Division are:

(1) Postal Accounts Branch. (i) Maintains general and subsidiary ledgers covering revenue, expenses, assets and liabilities.

(ii) Provides regional finance divisions with current statements of financial, operating, and statistical data.

(iii) Examines postmasters' statements of account to assure conformity with postal laws, policies, and regulations and Comptroller General decisions.

(iv) Establishes and maintains accounting records for property control;

interprets and monitors application of property accounting instructions; provides information and reports to meet property management requirements.

(v) Designates and revokes post offices as U.S. savings bond issuing agents; establishes and discontinues international money order business at post offices, after coordinating with applicable post office and delivery services division.

(vi) Maintains a system of cost accounts and prepares cost and statistical reports on motor vehicle operations.

(vii) Reviews and approves postal accounts branch reports produced by data operations division before they are released to the consumer.

(viii) Reviews the accounts receivable determine program to that instructions are being followed in collection attempts and recommends to the Director, Postal Data Center, that uncollectible debts be declared "uncollectible."

(2) Accounts Payable Branch. (i) Examines and settles claims for payment of items such as indemnity, unpaid compensation for deceased postmasters or other employees and adjudicates physical losses of small tort claims.

(ii) Examines and settles claims for payment to railroads, airlines, contractors of vehicles, star route contractors, mail messengers, and contractors at stations and branches.

(iii) Examines and settles accounts for rents, leases, utilities, communication, supplies and equipment, and travel vouchers for postal employees.

(iv) Serves as authorized certifying officer.

(v) Reviews and approves accounts payable branch reports produced by data operations division before they are released to the consumer.

(3) Personnel and Performance Branch. (i) Maintains personnel pay records.

(ii) Verifies payments for personal services and related expenses.

(iii) Maintains individual and consolidated personnel pay and accounting control records for travel costs, vehicle allowance, retirement, tax, bond deductions, service leave, and performance reports and records.

(iv) Certifies as proper for payment all payrolls for the regions served.

(v) Establishes and maintains retirement accounts for all personnel in the regions served and answers inquiries; processes applications for service credits; and certifies records in separation

cases.

(vi) Processes input data related to work performance applications as well as personnel data applications.

(vii) Reviews and approves personnel and performance branch reports produced by data operations division before they are released to the con

sumer.

§ 226.5 Systems and Planning Division.

Under technical guidance received from the Finance Group directs the development, coordination and implementation of national integrated systems, plans and production schedules for the postal data center and participates in and performs data systems studies; keeps the Director, Postal Data Center informed of production against schedules and system activities of the division. Systems and planning division director acts for the Director, Postal Data Center in his absences. Branches and their functions under this division are:

(a) Systems Branch. (1) Develops and coordinates systems and procedures for internal operations of the postal data center.

(2) Participates in and performs data systems studies.

(3) Develops and provides detail specifications and analysis of problems and system components for preparation and programing data onto the computer.

(4) Prepares machines flow procedures and programs for processing data onto the computer.

(5) Maintains a system and programing surveillance over the effectiveness of the system processes of the PDC and recommends improvements.

(6) Provides consulting services to customers on source collection and preparation of data for movement to the postal data center.

(7) Maintains liaison with industry, educational institutions and other Government agencies to keep the