Submitted and Accepted January 26, 2018

On behalf of the Postal Regulatory Commission, I am pleased to submit the Commission’s Fiscal Year 2017 Annual Report to the President and Congress. This report summarizes the Commission’s key accomplishments and activities over the past year. It also provides information required under the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006 (PAEA) on the operations of the Commission, including the extent to which regulations are achieving the law’s objectives.

The Commission worked hard to complete one of its critical responsibilities mandated by the PAEA – a 10-year review of the system for regulating rates and classes for Market Dominant products. At a Commission public meeting on September 1, 2016, plans were outlined for a review that would allow full and open opportunities for public participation, while balancing the aim of completing the Commission findings and beginning any necessary rulemaking in an efficient and effective manner. We delivered on those plans. On December 20, 2016, exactly 10 years from the 2006 law’s date of enactment, the Commission began its review. Following a 90-day comment period, which ended in the Spring of 2017, the Commission issued its findings and proposed rules in late Fall 2017.

In addition, the Commission continued its work on other matters with an ambitious schedule that included rulemakings, reviewing and approving postal rates, adjudicating formal and informal complaints, examining proposals for new products and services, and ensuring Postal Service compliance with the law. Also, by implementing the Commission’s 5-year Strategic Plan for 2017-2022, the Commission moved forward with continual improvement in operational quality and efficiency.

The Commission is efficient and effective in carrying out its mission as measured by budget savings and timeliness of work. The Commission employees’ satisfaction and engagement is strong, as evidenced by the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey results. The Commission remains a frequently sought resource for postal expertise. I want to thank the entire staff of the Commission, and my fellow colleagues, for a highly productive year. It is a privilege to lead the work of this talented team of professionals, so dedicated to fulfilling our mission of ensuring transparency and accountability of the Postal Service, and fostering a vital and efficient universal mail system.

With best wishes, I am

Sincerely yours,

Robert G. Taub
CHAIRMAN

Source: Postal Regulatory Commission