95-29019. Manifest Analysis and Certification (MAC)

[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 228 (Tuesday, November 28, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58692-58693]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-29019]



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POSTAL SERVICE


Manifest Analysis and Certification (MAC)

AGENCY: Postal Service.

ACTION: Notice of establishment of program.

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SUMMARY: This notice adopts the proposed standards for the Manifest 
Analysis and Certification (MAC) program as published in the Federal 
Register on September 14, 1995 (60 FR 47765-47768). This new, voluntary 
program allows software developers to receive testing and certification 
by the Postal Service for mail manifesting software sold to mailers.

EFFECTIVE DATE: November 28, 1995.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheryl Beller, [phone], or Tom 
Amonette, [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 14, 1995, the Postal Service 
published in the Federal Register proposed standards for the Manifest 
Analysis and Certification (MAC) program (60 FR 47765-47768). MAC was 
proposed as a voluntary program in which the Postal Service would, upon 
request, provide testing for certain categories of mail manifesting 
software developed by vendors for sale to mailers to support single-
piece rated domestic and international mailings.
    The program tests the ability of software to calculate accurately 
the payment of postage and fees for mailpieces listed on documentation 
(the manifest) generated by the software. This program will assure 
mailers using a MAC-certified manifesting software product, if used 
properly, that the product will have the capability of performing its 
intended function according to the current mailing standards of the 
Postal Service.

Evaluation of Comments Received

    The deadline for submitting comments on the proposed program was 

[[Page 58693]]
    October 16, 1995. All comments received or mailed by that date were 
considered.
    No comments were received suggesting changes in the program. All 
comments received were favorable. This positive response may be 
attributed to the fact that, from the inception of the proposed 
program, the Postal Service worked closely with vendors and mailers to 
ensure that the program met their needs as well as current mailing 
standards of the Postal Service. Because of this initial work, issues 
and concerns were resolved prior to the public presentation of the 
program.
    On the basis of the comments received, the Postal Service has 
decided to adopt the MAC program as proposed. The Postal Service has 
determined that for 1995, the initial MAC cycle will begin immediately 
and close on January 31, 1996, with all testing and retesting to be 
concluded by that closing date.
    The MAC program will be implemented as described in the Federal 
Register notice published on September 14, 1995 (60 FR 47765-47768). To 
obtain detailed information about participation in MAC, manifesting 
software developers may request the MAC Technical Guide from the Postal 
Service National Customer Support Center by calling 1-800-331-5746, 
extension 4651. Participants may use the MAC order form included in 
that guide to order the appropriate MAC tests.
Stanley F. Mires,
Chief Counsel, Legislative.
[FR Doc. 95-29019 Filed 11-27-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P