CASSCASS™™ Cycle Changes/Next UpdateCycle Changes/Next Update

Jan CaldwellManager, Address ManagementUnited States Postal Service

MTAC MeetingOct. 31 – Nov. 2, 2006

Washington DC

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CASS AWARENESSWHY IS CASS NEEDED?

In the late 1980’s, USPS implemented a program that provided mailers a postage discount for matching their address records using USPS-provided data and assigning the appropriate postal codes.

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CASS AWARENESSWHY IS CASS NEEDED?

With the implementation of these “worksharing discounts” the USPS learned that the quality of the commercial address-matching software was inconsistent and often software products were assigning postal codes incorrectly.

To resolve this problem, the USPS, in cooperation with the mailing industry, developed the Coding Accuracy Support System program.

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CASS AWARENESS

The new cycle begins August 1st, and runs through July 31st of the next year.

CASS CERTIFICATION

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CASS AWARENESS2007 REQUIREMENTS

Cycle L certification will require that a ZIP + 4 can only be assigned if the primary number DPV validates.

If the primary address cannot be verified, no ZIP + 4 can be returned. The vendor must return only the 5-Digit ZIP Code.

CASS testing includes PostNet and 4-State Customer Barcode calculation for 2007.

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CASS AWARENESS

Returned or wasted mail resulting from incorrect or Returned or wasted mail resulting from incorrect or missing primary numbermissing primary number Over 348 million pieces of returned or wasted mail At an annual cost to USPS of $60 million

CASS CERTIFICATION

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CASS AWARENESS

Personal knowledge required to deliver mail with Personal knowledge required to deliver mail with incorrect or missing primary numberincorrect or missing primary number Over 1.37 billion pieces at a cost of 7¢ per piece Resulting in over $99 million in annual cost to

USPS

CASS CERTIFICATION

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CASS AWARENESS

System PerformanceSystem Performance Varies with computer configuration Vendors reporting from 2% to 30% increase in run time Flat file configuration available Direct DPV configuration will be available Depending on configuration selected, users will see:

Less time Same time More time

Work with your vendors

CASS CERTIFICATION

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CASS AWARENESS

Stop DPV Processing FunctionStop DPV Processing Function Valid addresses from legitimate sources Vendor processes

CASS CERTIFICATION

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CASS AWARENESS

Off-Shore Use of DPVOff-Shore Use of DPV DPV loaded on a computer residing in the U.S. can be

accessed from any country via telecommunications File must reside on U.S. based computer License must be to a U.S. entity

CASS CERTIFICATION

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CASS AWARENESS

Testing of CASS/DPVTesting of CASS/DPV Vendors have been required to offer this product for

2 years Same product Process in July to “buy” 6 months

CASS CERTIFICATION

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CASS AWARENESSSIGNIFICANT MILESTONES

Meetings with developers February

Stage I File Release June

Stage II File Release August

MASS Test Decks Available November

Developers/Manufacturers MarchCertification Completed

Begin Software Release April

Deadline Software Released Mayto End-users

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CASS AWARENESS

More information about CASS/MASS certification, technical requirements, and certified developers and manufactures visit the RIBBS website:

http://ribbs.usps.gov/index.html

(CASS and MASS are topics on the left side of the page under (CASS and MASS are topics on the left side of the page under RIBBS Links)RIBBS Links)

CASS/MASS CERTIFICATION

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CASS AWARENESS

Products, Services, and Publications (PS&P) Videos for PCC and PowerPoint presentation for

customers CASS/MASS CD Speakers Bureau RIBBS: http://ribbs.usps.gov/index.html Customer Care: 800-238-3150

RESOURCES

Thank YouThank You