Contract Conditions and Specifications Unduly Restricting Competition
GGD-81-39
Published: Feb 12, 1981. Publicly Released: Feb 12, 1981.
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Highlights
GAO addressed the restrictive conditions and specifications in U.S. Postal Service solicitations and contracts and their impact on Postal Service relationships with private industry, competition, and cost. The review discussed the Postal Service's formally advertised fixed-price contract for corrugated mail trays and sleeves to cover them in transit.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| United States Postal Service | The Postmaster General should direct the involved Postal departments to develop a solicitation which should at least resolve current restrictions by allowing multiple awards for different geographical areas. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| United States Postal Service | The Postmaster General should direct the involved Postal departments to develop a solicitation which should at least resolve current restrictions by permitting material which provides the best tradeoff between strength, durability, weight, and cost. In addition to the current test program, industry should be asked to propose other new materials configurations which meet Postal needs. |
Closed – Not Implemented
The testing of alternative tray configurations is dragging on and on. If it results in a change, this will be phased in very slowly with minimal savings potential. Thus, any change will be at least 4 years after the report, with insignificant dollar value and with increasingly less obvious connection to the February 1981 recommendation.
|
| United States Postal Service | The Postmaster General should direct involved Postal departments to develop a solicitation which should at least resolve current restrictions by deleting the requirement for any specific type of cutter. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
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Topics
Bidder eligibilityFixed price contractsPostal service contractsSolicitation specificationsPostal serviceSpecificationsQuality controlBid solicitationsBiddingPrivate sector