To: All Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS) and Multiline Accuracy
Support Systems (MASS) Customers

Subject: "Partnership in Tomorrow", 01 - 02 Meeting Minutes

CASS Cycle -- F, August 22, 2000

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  *Issue:* *Page Number*                                            

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+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| ######### General Discussion Items                              | 2  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| Past Cycle Post-Op                                              |    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| Policy Clarifications                                           | 3  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| Stage File Accuracy                                             | 4  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| CASS Message Board                                              |    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| Analysis Tools Via The Web                                      |    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| Web Automated Ordering System                                   |    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| Recent PMB Policy Changes Regarding Use of the "#" Sign         | 5  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| Early Warning System Update                                     | 6  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| DMM A950 Database Use Policy Review                             |    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| Mandatory Line-Of-Travel Certification Proposal                 | 7  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| CASS/MASS 01 - 02 Cycle Timeline                                |    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| Major Mailer's Association Feedback                             | 8  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| Fee-Based Certification                                         | 9  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| Pass/Fail CASS                                                  |    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| Double Jeopardy Implementation                                  | 10 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| Progressive Error Inclusion (PEI)                               |    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| Qualitative Statistical Summary (QSS)                           |    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| Revised PS Form 3553                                            | 12 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| Database and Electronic Header Information                      |    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| Platform Testing Rules Revised                                  | 13 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
|                                                                 |    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| ######### Grading Issues                                        | 13 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| Percentage Score Needed to Certify                              |    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| Optional Categories Changing To Required Status                 |    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| Misspelling Categories                                          | 14 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| Changes To Multiple Response Rules                              |    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
|                                                                 |    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| ######### MASS Issues                                           | 15 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| Machine Identification Proposal                                 |    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| Over-labeling MASS Test Pieces                                  |    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| No General Delivery Coding For Encoders                         | 16 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| MASS Grading Percentage and Test Deck Fonts                     |    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| Penalty For Misreads Miscodes                                   |    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| Penalty For Default Matches In Keying Environments              | 17 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+
| DPC Assignment Accuracy Adjustment                              |    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+----+

Alice VanGorder opened the meeting by welcoming all attendees. Bruce
Kinser and Steve Thomas of the Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS)
Department led the general discussion. These minutes constitute a
written record of the discussions held during this meeting. In addition,
they may be considered as requirements for the upcoming CASS/MASS cycle
regarding address matching guidance and any other policy issues
discussed during the meeting. These minutes are subject to change. Any
changes would be published in writing prior to November 15, 2000 for the
01-02 CASS/MASS cycle. Unless otherwise modified, the Postal Service
(USPS) will automatically consider the concurrence of the
hardware/software industry. Developers and manufacturers may submit
written comments to the Certification Department for receipt by close of
business November 1, 2000.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ######### General Discussion Items                                    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

We have had several people query as to how to obtain an invitation to
our annual Partnership-In-Tomorrow meetings. All current Coding Accuracy
Support System (CASS) and Multiline Accuracy Support System (MASS)
manufacturers are sent invitations by letter. These invitations are sent
directly to our contacts, as supplied by the customer. Although we
encourage attendance, at the same time, we are constrained by limited
accommodations for everyone. If you have not attended in the past, be
sure to contact your company's CASS/MASS person and make them aware of
your desire to attend future meetings.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Past Cycle Post-Op

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Highlights of the 1999 - 2000 cycle were reviewed. Again, the
certification department was compelled to extend the MASS cycle in order
to support end users. Although CASS Stage I & II files were essentially
delivered on schedule, significant enough changes in address matching
requirements apparently contributed to delaying many software
manufacturers from getting certified early prior to the 2000 - 2001
cycle. We continue to take the position that the "long pole in the tent"
is the software developers obtaining certification. If they fail to
certify early, end users\--particularly MASS end users\--will not have
adequate time to obtain certification. We strongly encourage software
developers, especially those that support the MLOCR industry, to get in
early and secure certification. **MASS certification for manufacturers
is required to be completed by April 15, 2001.** We have no plans to
adjust the F cycle start date beyond August 1, 2001.

Past cycle events:

-   Annual Meeting Held 08/24/00

-   Stage 1 File Released 10/22/99

-   Stage 2 File Available 01/15/00

-   First CASS-Certified Product 03/08/00

-   MASS Test Decks Available 05/10/00

-   First MASS Manufacturer Certified 06/05/00

-   MASS Extension Granted 07/28/00

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Policy Clarifications

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Line-of-Travel:

Regarding use of the Line-of-Travel (LOT) product, when overlapping
ranges exist on the LOT product, consisting of both a ranged record and
a single range record, software must assign the LOT sequence number and
ascending and descending code based on the exact range in LOT.

It has also been brought to our attention that not all ranged ZIP+4
codes on the ZIP+4 File necessarily have a corresponding low/high range
in the LOT product. This has created some confusion in LOT assignments,
when the input ZIP+4 code falls into one of these ambiguous situations.
This occurs primarily in building the address directories in the
development of your software. For consistency in assignment, if the LOT
range is less than the ZIP+4 range, then software must assign the LOT
sequence number and ascending/descending code for any given ZIP+4
falling within the valid range based on the LOT product. For the range
in LOT that is not corresponding to the ZIP+4 file, software assigns the
default code of 0000/D.

An example is provided for clarity:

ZIP+4 File contains:

  --------- -------- ------ --------- --------- -------- ----------- ----------
  ZIPCode   Rec Type CRID   Str Name  Prim Low  Prim     Addon Low   Addon High
                                                High                 

  06151     P        B001   PO BOX    40000     40000    0001        9999

  06151     P        B001   PO BOX    40737     40737    0737        0737
  --------- -------- ------ --------- --------- -------- ----------- ----------

LOT Product contains:

  --------- --------- -------- ------ ---------- ------------ -------------
  ZIPCode   CRID      Seq No   A/D    Rec Type   ZIP+4 Low    ZIP+4 High

  06151     B001      0001     A      P          0001         0737
  --------- --------- -------- ------ ---------- ------------ -------------

Input: PO Box 40000 Output ZIP+4: 06151-0001

Hartford CT 06151 **LOT Output: 0001/A**

Input: PO Box 40000 Output ZIP+4: 06151-0738

Hartford CT 06151-0738 **LOT Output: 0000/D**

ZIPMove:

This simply modifies our guidance issued last cycle regarding when a
match to a ZIPMove record is not appropriate. Given there are two
candidate records available, one being a ZIPMove record and the other
being a record in the current ZIP+4 File, an exact match against the
current ZIP+4 file is preferable over a match to a ZIPMove record.

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  Stage File Accuracy

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CASS will continue to improve the process to identify changes occurring
on the City-State, Alias, and ZIPMove Products. This process identifies
the changed records and deletes them from the pool of addresses used for
building Stage questions. This action should significantly improve the
quality of the Stage files released in cycle F.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  CASS Message Board

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The CASS Department will begin using a Web message board as a means of
communicating on such items as release of monthly Stage I files, address
matching issues, and other related subjects. Developers may use this
venue to ask address-matching questions or discuss CASS requirements or
policy issues. Customers can use their current customer number and
password to access the message board. Be sure to click on the "More"
button and click the option to receive automatic email notifications
when messages are posted to the web board. The URL is:
<http://ribbs.usps.gov:8080/~Cass/login>.

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  Analysis Tools Via The Web

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The developer analysis version of the USPS address-matching system will
be distributed monthly, at no charge, to all CASS Certified vendors,
effective October 1, 2000, unless otherwise requested. This lookup is
the same software that supports our address-matching engine on the
*[www.usps.com]{.underline}* web page. This lookup provides details on
each matched ZIP+4 record and is used by the CASS Department in
evaluating error reports.

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  Web Automated Ordering System

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Steve Thomas presented a live demonstration of our new electronic Web
ordering system. This Web page is currently under construction and will
be ready by January 15, 2001.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Recent PMB Policy Changes Regarding Use of the "#" Sign

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

The Postal Inspection Service recently issued policy regarding the use
of the Private Mailbox (PMB) designator. It was published August 16,
Volume 65, Number 159, entitled "Delivery of Mail to a Commercial Mail
Receiving Agency". You may locate this notice through RIBBS. Customers
of Commercial Mail Receiving Activities (CMRA) may now use the "#" sign,
in lieu of PMB, as an additional option for mail addressed to CMRA box
holders. According to the Federal Register Notice, use of a three-line
address format is acceptable with one exception: where the "#" sign is
used for the physical address (in lieu of APT, for example) of the CMRA
the "#" sign is not permitted. If a secondary unit designator is
present, customers must use the four-line address format. The effective
date is August 1, 2001.

Address matching software must not convert "#" sign to PMB. The "#" sign
does not necessarily equate to PMB; vendors should be cautious about
changing extraneous address information on customer's files.

+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Permissible                       | Not Permissible                  |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Name                              | Name                             |
|                                   |                                  |
| PMB 234                           | RR 1 BOX 45 \# 234               |
|                                   |                                  |
| RR 1 BOX 45                       | MEMPHIS TN 38101                 |
|                                   |                                  |
| MEMPHIS TN 38101-2564             |                                  |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Name                              | Name                             |
|                                   |                                  |
| PMB 234                           | 123 MAIN ST STE 45 \# 234        |
|                                   |                                  |
| 123 MAIN ST STE 45                | MEMPHIS TN 38101                 |
|                                   |                                  |
| MEMPHIS TN 38101-6588             |                                  |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+
| Name                              | Name                             |
|                                   |                                  |
| 123 MAIN ST STE 45 PMB 234        | 123 MAIN ST STE 45-234           |
|                                   |                                  |
| MEMPHIS TN 38101                  | MEMPHIS TN 38101                 |
+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------+

CASS considers the "#" sign extraneous address information and will
offer address questions containing the "#" sign in stage files and MASS
test decks.

CASS software must not interpret the "#" sign as a secondary unit
designator when two or more are on the same address line

CASS will require software to retain the "#" sign and address
information following the "#" sign when it does not match to a valid
secondary address range.

Converting the "#" sign to PMB is not appropriate under any
circumstances when ZIP+4 coding an address list.

# 

Addresses containing two or more "#" signs, where one or both, may be a
valid or invalid secondary address, software must default to the base
record or high-rise default record. CASS will continue to include
address questions containing the "#" sign where the unit number is
out-of-range. Software must not drop this address information.

Use of the "#" in Puerto Rico already has certain meaning. CASS does not
intend to change this meaning given the broader use of the "#"; current
rules apply when finding the "#" on an address line in Puerto Rico.

In the following cases software must code to hi-rise default record:

+-------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| Name                          | NAME                                 |
|                               |                                      |
| 100 N MAIN ST #1              | 100 N MAIN ST \# 123 #3404           |
|                               |                                      |
| MEMPHIS TN 38103              | MEMPHIS TN 38103                     |
|                               |                                      |
| #                             |                                      |
+-------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| Name                          | Name                                 |
|                               |                                      |
| #3404                         | 100 N MAIN ST STE 123 #3404          |
|                               |                                      |
| 100 N MAIN ST STE 3           | MEMPHIS TN 38101                     |
|                               |                                      |
| MEMPHIS TN 38101              |                                      |
+-------------------------------+--------------------------------------+

(Note: Valid secondary range is 3404 -- 3404)

As a reminder, CASS software must parse the PMB information into the
output PMB fields whether the input address is a match or no-match.

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  Early Warning System Update

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The early warning system refers to a project conducted by the CASS
Department to identify errors that may result due to the currency of the
ZIP+4 database. Analysis demonstrated that new addresses added to the
Address Management System (AMS) database experience miscoding when
matched against ZIP+4 databases in use per DMM policy. The monthly ZIP+4
database product is extracted from AMS approximately 30 days prior to
the official "release date." ZIP+4 databases can be used for 105 days
per DMM A950. Addresses that are activated after the extract of monthly
ZIP+4 product release may not be accessible to address matching products
for 135 days. The potential for miscoding of valid addresses increases
with the age of ZIP+4 database in use. Once a valid address is updated
with erroneous match results, the effect is permanent without manual
intervention. The CASS Department is evaluating posting of "miscoded"
addresses for use by address matching products in identifying potential
errors. CASS would post a listing of ZIP+4 codes only. This project will
continue to be pursued, and we hope to have a beta file release prior to
the end of the year.

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  DMM A950 Database Use Policy Review

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We presented this same issue last meeting and wanted to readdress it
again this year. It appears that a consensus exists within the developer
community that transitioning to a required monthly update (AIS Products)
for end users of address matching software is not a viable direction in
which to proceed, at least at this time. We will continue to review the
DMM A950 database use policy, however, we do not foresee implementing
any change until we can improve the way in which all AIS products are
distributed to our customers and their end users.

Our proposal to modify DMM language regarding use dates is also under
review. This proposal calls for calculating all dates on the PS Form
3553 solely based upon the product release date of each product\--the
15^th^ of each month. This would reduce the maximum age for carrier
route mail from 225 to 135 days. Additionally, the maximum age for ZIP+4
coded mail would be reduced from 315 to 225 days. Although we believe
this proposal to have its merits, most of the developers present at the
meeting voiced that end users are already complaining about bi-monthly
updates and would strongly oppose such a severe reduction in database
use.

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  Mandatory Line-Of-Travel Certification Proposal

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Last meeting we introduced our proposal to make Line-of-Travel
certification mandatory for use for rate eligibility. The current policy
is confusing since mailers may use LOT software that has not been
certified by the CASS Department. We amended the PS Form 3553 and added
a LOT section, which is populated when an address list has been
processed by CASS certified software. However, in our effort to simplify
the form, non-certified LOT software continued in use and problems often
occur in mail acceptance. Some mailings were being challenged or even
rejected by local personnel where the LOT sections was not properly
completed. Although field reports have decreased for the number of LOT
based mailings being received out-of-sequence per DMM specifications; we
are going forward with this proposal. Delivery personnel are still
confusing LOT with walk-sequence. Proposal to change DMM language to
require lot certification to qualify for rate will continue to be
pursued.

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  CASS/MASS 01 - 02 Cycle Timeline

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

The CASS Cycle 01 - 02 timeline was reviewed. No major changes were
recommended in the schedule, other than a request to extend the MASS
certification deadline, to avoid another situation where a "last-minute"
extension would be necessary to support service bureaus. As discussed
during the meeting, the schedule of events allows the software
developers who support MLOCRs; sufficient time to obtain certification
and ensure software is made available to MLOCR manufacturers and their
end-users without causing an interruption in service. As long as the
CASS Department fulfills its obligations noted in the schedule, with
quality and timely Stage files, our partners will reciprocate and commit
to meet the timeline below.

Pre-meeting with CASS Developers 06/17/2000

Full CASS/MASS Meeting 08/22/2000

Meeting Minutes Released 10/01/2000

Stage I File Released 10/15/2000

Stage II File Available 12/15/2000

MASS Test Decks Available for Manufacturers 03/15/2001

MASS Manufacturer Mandatory Compliance Date 04/15/2001

MASS Manufacturer Release Software To End Users 04/30/2001

2000-2001 Testing Terminated 04/15/2001

Mandatory Compliance Date 08/01/2001

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Major Mailer's Association (MMA) Feedback

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

The Major Mailer's Association shared their perspective with attendees
on several issues. The first being the annual software update and
changes required of mailers using CASS software, the timing of the CASS
cycle and, finally, recommendations to improve communication channels
between end users of address matching software and the Certification
Department.

In summary, the MMA expressed concern that mailers were not clear of
changes in requirements from cycle to cycle in address matching
software, and what to expect as far as encode rates with newly released
software. They were concerned that they only had a limited amount of
time to communicate any impacts to mailer's address files. Unknown
consequences of changes made with address matching rules were of special
concern for large mailers. As a result, mailers take extra effort and
require thorough testing to ensure a quality implementation of new cycle
software, particularly in a mainframe environment.

The MMA recommends that USPS publish a requirements document, currently
provided to CASS/MASS vendors, to all mailers. USPS should specifically
identify to the mailing community expected results of rule changes
regarding address-matching initiatives. They also recommended CASS/MASS
vendors to confirm and communicate expected changes and impacts to
mailer address lists.

Mailer's also are concerned that they are not provided timely annual
updates. More frequent update cycles (daily / monthly) by mailers
possible if annual update changes were managed. USPS exceptions and
vendor time bombs of software are not clear to mailers. They recommended
USPS publish an implementation timeline and provide mailers with at
least [90 days]{.underline} to implement annual updates.

We sincerely appreciated the views expressed by the mailers group and
welcome their suggestions and recommendations. The Certification
Department, together working with the software industry, will make every
effort to better inform and give them every opportunity to improve
current processes.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Fee-Based Certification

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Due to escalating costs at all levels, CASS and MASS certification will
be fee-based, beginning with CASS Cycle 01 -02. The new pricing scheme
is listed below.

+-----------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| Fee-Based       | Dec  | Feb  | Mar  | Apr  | May  | Jun  | Jul  |
| Certification   | -Jan |      |      |      |      |      |      |
+-----------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| ######## CASS   | \    | \    | \    | \    | \    | \    | \    |
|                 | $200 | $200 | $200 | $500 | $500 | $500 | $500 |
+-----------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| MASS (3500)     |      |      | \    | \    | \$   | \$   | \$   |
| Manufacturers   |      |      | $300 | $500 | 1000 | 1000 | 1500 |
+-----------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| MASS End-users  |      |      | \$0  | \$0  | \    | \    | \    |
| (3500)          |      |      |      |      | $300 | $400 | $500 |
+-----------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| MASS (350       |      |      | \$50 | \$50 | \    | \    | \    |
| piece)          |      |      |      |      | $100 | $100 | $250 |
| Manufacturers   |      |      |      |      |      |      |      |
+-----------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| MASS End-users  |      |      | \$0  | \$0  | \$50 | \    | \    |
| (350 piece)     |      |      |      |      |      | $100 | $150 |
+-----------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+

For CASS certification, customers will be billed based on the number of
separate software configurations certified not on the number of Stage II
files ordered. In contrast, MASS customers will be billed for each test
deck ordered, regardless of the number of decks needed to achieve
certification. Note: The cost of a MASS test deck will be based on the
return date of the test deck to the NCSC and not on the date the test
deck was ordered. Billing procedures are being coordinated with our
Accounts Receivable Department. Essentially, customers will be billed as
certification is awarded.

This sliding-scale fee structure offers a financial incentive for CASS
and MASS customers to obtain certification at the earliest opportunity.
We understand that end users are at the mercy of their software/hardware
vendors, however, we remain confident that manufacturers are committed
to attempt manufacturer certification earlier than later, with the new
fee-based structure in place. Test decks generated for either a
relocation of a certified machine or any test deck generated during a
cycle for a machine that is already certified, and is retained by the
same entity, are provided at no cost.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Pass/Fail CASS

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Percentage scores will no longer be provided on Stage II files or test
decks when software/hardware achieves the required scores for
certification. Both CASS and MASS customers are affected by this new
policy. CASS/MASS has always been organized as a pass/fail scoring
system, since any software/hardware system achieving in excess of 98
percent is awarded the same level certification as a any CASS or MASS
system achieving the minimum score for successful certification. This
policy was based on the philosophy that CASS/MASS scores were not, in
any fashion, intended to be a component of any marketing strategy in an
attempt to bolster a company's product\--based on scores achieved\--over
a competitor's.

Scores will continue to be made available upon each failed attempt to
certify. This allows each vendor to perform the necessary self-analysis
to successfully obtain certification. If a customer achieves the
required percentage scores for certification, they will only receive a
certificate and an error report.

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  Double Jeopardy Implementation

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Double jeopardy refers to the doubling of the error count when the same
questions answered by a user are different than those of the
manufacturer. Double jeopardy, although planned to go into effect last
cycle, was held in abeyance until more data was collected. It will be in
effect for 01-02 cycle. Double jeopardy will also apply to MASS
customers.

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  Progressive Error Inclusion (PEI)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

PEI refers to a new grading policy that was to be implemented in the
2000-2001 CASS cycle, but will be in the 01 -- 02 cycle. Where an
address matching error is identified on the last passing CASS
certification test, that error condition will be included in subsequent
CASS tests in the next cycle's Stage II files. PEI will only be
applicable to software manufacturers. Errors replicated into subsequent
Stage II files will replace questions from the applicable category on a
one-to-one basis. PEI questions will continue to be included in the CASS
test until the error is corrected. This applies only from a
cycle-to-cycle basis.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Qualitative Statistical Summary (QSS)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

The QSS refers to a summary of default match counts and matches to
records on any processed list that has been converted through the
Locatable Address Conversion System (LACS) program. This summary
information will be reflected as part of an amended PS Form 3553, CASS
Summary Report.

CASS certified software, beginning cycle 01 -- 02, must identify matches
to hi-rise default and rural route default addresses by populating a
default flag in a designated output answer field. Software, in addition,
will be required to recognize when a hi-rise default record is not
present, and, as a result, matches to the base street record, and sets
the default flag accordingly. The default indicator/flag is set (review
the revised Stage I file layout for position of this default answer
flag) when the output answer field is populated with the character "Y".

+----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Field Name           | Length                | Position              |
|                      |                       |                       |
|                      |                       | From/Through          |
+----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| DEFAULT-FLAG         | 01                    | 552 -- 552            |
+----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+

An example of when software must set the default match indicator field
to "Y":

Condition: No hi-rise default record exists on the ZIP+4 File.

**Input:** 1350 Doral Cv

Germantown TN 38138

The August ZIP+4 File contains:

  --------- ------------ -------- -------- ----------- ------------ ------------
  Rec Type  High/Low     Street   Suffix   Sec Rnge    ZIP+4        Set Default?

  S         1300 -- 1399 Doral    Cv                   38138-2014   Yes

  H         1350         Doral    Cv       101-304     38138-2029   
  --------- ------------ -------- -------- ----------- ------------ ------------

The match is made to the "S" record and the default flag is set.

Condition: Hi-rise default exists on the ZIP+4 File.

**Input:** 9155 Poplar Ave (blank secondary or outside valid range
secondary)

Germantown TN 38138

The August ZIP+4 File contains:

  --------- ----------- -------- -------- --------- ------------- -----------
  Rec Type  High/Low    Street   Suffix   Sec Rnge  ZIP+4         Set
                                                                  Default?

  S         9101 --     Poplar   Ave                38138-7903    
            9291                                                  

  HD        9155 --     Poplar   Ave                38138-7914    Yes
            9155                                                  

  H         9155 --     Poplar   Ave      1 -- 16   38138-7909    
            9155                                                  

  H         9155 --     Poplar   Ave      17 -- 24  38138-7910    
            9155                                                  
  --------- ----------- -------- -------- --------- ------------- -----------

The match is made to the hi-rise default record and the default flag is
set.

Examples of when software *does not* set the default match indicator
field to "Y":

**Input:** South American Apt Co

6854 Poplar Ave Ste 340

Germantown TN 38138

Condition: Hi-rise match is made; no default flag is set.

The August ZIP+4 File contains:

  -------- ------- ------------- -------- ------ ---------- ------------ ----------
  Rec Type Prim    Firm          Street   Suff   Sec Hi/Lo  ZIP+4        Set
           Hi/Lo                                                         Default?

  H        6854                  Poplar   Ave    340-340    38138-0637   No

  F        6854    Mid-America   Poplar   Ave    340-340    38138-0615   
                   Apartment Co                                          
  -------- ------- ------------- -------- ------ ---------- ------------ ----------

Default flag is not set in this case. Note: If the input contained no
secondary address, then a match to the base street record or to the
hi-rise default record would occur with the default flag set for that
address.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Revised PS Form 3553

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

The revised PS Form 3553 will contain a new section referred to as the
Quality Statistical Summary (QSS) report. This section incorporates the
total counts on any list processed by CASS certified software. These
totals will consist of the exact number of records matched to:

-   Hi-rise default

-   Hi-rise exact

-   Rural route default

-   Rural route exact

```{=html}
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```
-   Addresses Converted Under the Locatable Address Conversion System
    (LACS) program

The format for the revised PS Form 3553 hardcopy should be available to
developers not later that October 31, 2000. CASS software must adopt
these changes to the form for implementation August 1, 2001. Commercial
multilines (MLOCRS) are not required to adopt this change, since it is
the intent of the Postal Service to eliminate the PS Form 3553 for
MLOCRs only and replacing it with a unique machine ID.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Database and Electronic Header Information

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Beginning CASS cycle "F", software must populate the electronic Stage II
file returned for official grading, with the PS Form 3553 summary
information in the header record, as defined in the CASS technical
guide. If no header record is present, no grading will occur. QSS counts
will be incorporated into the revised electronic header record. See
below for the new header record format and the revised Stage file record
layout.

+------------------------+--------------------+-----------------------+
| Field Name             | Length             | Position              |
|                        |                    |                       |
|                        |                    | From/Through          |
+------------------------+--------------------+-----------------------+
| HDR-TOT-HIRISE-EXACT   | 06                 | 495 -- 500            |
+------------------------+--------------------+-----------------------+
| HDR-TOT-HIRISE-DEF     | 06                 | 501 -- 506            |
+------------------------+--------------------+-----------------------+
| HDR-TOT-RURAL-EXACT    | 06                 | 507 -- 512            |
+------------------------+--------------------+-----------------------+
| HDR-TOT-RURAL-DEF      | 06                 | 513 -- 518            |
+------------------------+--------------------+-----------------------+
| HDR-TOT-LACS           | 06                 | 519 -- 524            |
+------------------------+--------------------+-----------------------+

CASS is modifying its policy on the processing of customer's files. CASS
will evaluate and process a customer's files using the database date as
identified in the electronic header record. This information is already
in the current PS Form PS Form 3553. Also, to reflect a more real
world-processing environment, current databases will be considered for
grading only (e.g., Current minus 3 months will be maintained).

The impact on customers attempting CASS certification will be the
following: CASS will no longer bypass incorrect answers due to Z4Change
activity occurring ahead of the customer's database date. For example,
customer returns a processed Stage II file in August, indicating in the
electronic header record that the June ZIP+4 File was used. The CASS
Department has already run August Z4Change against the pool of address
questions. An error will be bypassed only if it was affected by June
Z4Change transactions, not if the question is affected by a July or
August monthly transaction. CASS previously would have bypassed these
incorrect answers, to the benefit of the customer, regardless of what
database the customer used to process the Stage II file.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Platform Testing Discussion Items

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Beginning CASS cycle F, CASS will no longer waive separate platform
testing.

All platforms must be individually certified for each configuration.
This reverses our position regarding separate platform testing from
previous cycles. This policy will be reviewed again, following this
cycle and the performance of separate platforms in CASS testing.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ######### Grading Issues                                              |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

# 

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Percentage Score Needed to Certify

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Accuracy requirements for CASS and MASS certification will remain at
98%.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Optional Categories Changing To Required Status

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Category L will remain optional, while category N & Q will be required
for ZIP+4 coding, but not graded for standardization.

The following subcategories will be required:

-   AD - Swap Firm Name and Address Field

-   AE/BE - Normalized Street Name

-   O0/O1 - Extra Information; Optional to Return Extra Information on
    Address Line 2

-   W6 Will Change from Match to No Match

Puerto Rico questions to change from optional to required status:
(Category 5)

-   5F - Begin/End Address Space Alphanumeric

-   59 - Missing URB Noise End Address

-   7A -- Multiple Address Lines

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Misspelling Categories

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Optional subcategories containing misspelled street and city names will
remain optional but CASS will offer more challenging and realistic
questions. Refer to the Business Word Table in Publication 28 for more
examples of the type of misspellings CASS/MASS will offer in the next
cycle testing.

Examples of new types of misspellings to be introduced:

-   Knoxvl - Knoxville

-   Orchrd Prk - Orchard Park

-   Junctn Cty - Junction City

-   Missn Viejo - Mission Viejo

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-   Crnston - Crescenton

-   Blue Bayoo - Blue Bayou

-   No Little Rock - North Little Rock

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Changes To Multiple Response Rules

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

CASS will allow software to make matches where overlapping primary
street ranges exist on the ZIP+4 File. The following changes to multiple
response rules will be in effect Cycle 01 - 02:

Software may match where it was previously considered multiple response
scenarios (no-match) in the following manner:

Everything else being equal (Street Indicia, Carrier Route, etc.)

-   Overlapping primary/secondary number ranges - assign lowest ZIP+4.

-   Single range within a ranged number range - assign single ranged
    record ZIP+4.

```{=html}
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```
-   For hi-rise - input secondary unit designator breaks the tie (i.e.,
    Apt 101 is the input and ZIP+4 contains both Apt 101 and Ste 101).

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ######### MASS Issues                                                 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Machine Identification (ID) Proposal

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

A review of the machine identification proposal was discussed. This
proposal requires every certified MASS hardware item to spray a unique
identifier on each mail piece that receives a ZIP+4 code. We have
received feedback from only two vendors concerning whether their
multilines are capable of spraying a seven-character identifier in place
of the current rate markings (the rate markings will be incorporated
into the new machine ID). The ASCII character set was initially
requested, while a minimum of alphas and numbers must be used in order
for the Certification Department to have adequate identifiers to cover
present and future certified equipment needs. The identifier proposal is
strongly supported by the industry that is intended to assist in the
rapid identification of machines that may be miscoding mail.

Refer to the sample ID below. The identifier will include the date of
the ZIP+4 File used (first character), the cycle indicator (second
character), the machine ID (next two characters), and a character
allocated to the machine manufacturer (last character) that identifies a
subsystem(s) where final assignment of the ZIP+4 was achieved. The UM
will be the newly abbreviated rate markings.

A suggestion was also submitted to identify mail pieces "exposed" to
*Fastforward* systems, however, were not forwarded by using the database
character (first character) in a lower case format. This proposal is
still under review by USPS and a decision is considered imminent. The
industry is in agreement with the benefits of the program and we expect
to announce an implementation date soon.

Sample Machine ID: [A]{.underline} [F]{.underline} [OL]{.underline}
[UM]{.underline} [+]{.underline}

[a]{.underline} [F]{.underline} [OL]{.underline} [UM]{.underline}
[+]{.underline} (*FF*)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Over-labeling MASS Test Pieces

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

MASS has allowed customers to overlabel in test environments in
situations where the machine has malfunctioned and as a result, the
barcodes are clearly unreadable. This is considered prudent; rather than
having the customer request another test deck. However, it's been
brought to our attention that encoding station operators are using their
discretion in over-labeling when a poor assignment by the machine was
made. This is not the intended application of this allowance.

We review this policy to ensure manufacturers do not alter the intent of
this allowance in their instructions to their customers. A maximum of
100 pieces for the 3500 piece test deck and 50 pieces for the encoder
test deck is considered to be an acceptable number of pieces that may be
over-labeled without seeking the prior approval of the MASS Department.
When a system sprays a barcode, then that is the final answer unless,
again, the barcode is unreadable.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  No General Delivery Coding For Encoders

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Several field personnel have reported that General Delivery barcodes are
being sprayed by MASS systems where the address on the mail piece may or
may not be eligible for a valid ZIP+4 code. It is suspected that keying
operators attempt to use this as a means of obtaining a ZIP+4 code when
an assignment cannot otherwise be made.

As a result, the MASS Department will deny the opportunity for encoding
stations/remote video encoding systems to assign General Delivery ZIP+4
codes under any circumstance beginning next cycle. MASS will offer
General Delivery addresses in test decks, expecting them not to be
coded. This policy does not apply to MLOCRs.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  MASS Grading Percentage and Test Deck Fonts

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

As previously noted, no increase in the percentage required for
certification is planned for next cycle---the passing percentage will
remain at 98 percent. Also, we will not increase the number of fonts or
introduce new fonts into MASS test decks.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Penalty For Misreads Miscodes

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

In attempt to reduce the number of miscodes caused by poor character
recognition, MASS is increasing the penalty for misreads/miscodes to 1.5
percent, while at the same time, increasing the allowance for rejects to
7.5 percent. Character recognition is becoming a critical factor in
successfully obtaining MASS certification.

As the percentage for certification is raised in future cycles,
character recognition systems are challenged to improve their
capabilities to accurately discern characters, and to similarly not
spray barcodes when clearly ambiguous conditions are present. By
increasing the allowance for reject pieces in the MASS test, MASS is
relaxing the number of pieces required to be coded to facilitate this
approach.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Penalty For Default Matches In Keying Environments

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

MASS will assess penalties for default matches in keying environments
only. Depth of coding is an issue when an operator fails to key the
entire address, particularly when the secondary-address information is
excluded. The penalty will be doubled for each depth of coding error.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  DPC Assignment Accuracy Adjustment

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

The Address Quality Department has released a trailing alpha file
specifically designed to increase the accuracy of delivery point coding
within the commercial multiline industry. This list will be incorporated
into their data files to improve delivery point coding when the
secondary address contains a trailing alpha. This listing identifies
those addresses in the ZIP+4 File that have trailing alphas within all
numeric ranges. This file will be maintained on a monthly basis and
access is currently restricted to MASS manufacturers only. The DPC
assignment accuracy rate, as a result, will be adjusted from .75 to .5
percent. MASS developers may obtain this listing by calling the MASS
Department at (800) 642-2914.