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U.S. Postal Service: Deficiencies Continue While Antelope Valley Project Status Remains Uncertain

GGD-99-147 Published: Aug 31, 1999. Publicly Released: Aug 31, 1999.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the project approval process the Postal Service used in proposing to relocate postal operations for the Antelope Valley, California, area from the Main Post Office in Mojave, California, to a new facility in Lancaster, California.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
United States Postal Service To address the long-standing uncertainties related to the proposed Antelope Valley project, the Postmaster General should resolve the internal inconsistencies in the classification of this project, determine whether the site in Lancaster should be retained, and ensure that the project is considered in the appropriate funding and approval process.
Closed – Implemented
In February 2001, USPS froze capital spending for new facilities for the remainder of fiscal year 2001. USPS extended the freeze through fiscal year 2002. In May 2002, the CG testified that the Service should review its infrastructure to maximize the use of facilities and reduce costs. The Service is conducting a review of all its processing facilities to determine where consolidations and closings may be possible.
United States Postal Service To address the long-standing uncertainties related to the proposed Antelope Valley project, the Postmaster General should require the Pacific Area office to determine whether immediate action is needed to address the operational deficiencies identified in the Antelope Valley area and report on planned actions and related timeframes for implementation.
Closed – Implemented
USPS reported that actions had been taken to address some operational deficiencies. For example, changes were made to eliminate the delays in mail deliveries in the Antelope Valley area. Also, improvements were made in retail mail services with the construction of a new facility in Lancaster. Decisions regarding the facilities in that area have not been made because of the Service's continuing freeze on capital projects. In May 2002, the CG testified that the Service should reassess its facility infrastructure to maximize the use of facilities and reduce costs. The Service is currently conducting a system-wide assessment of all its mail processing facilities.

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Topics

Cost effectiveness analysisFederal facility relocationFederal procurement policyGovernment facility constructionMail delivery problemsPostal facilitiesReal estate purchasesPostal serviceCost estimatesCapital investment