[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 176 (Monday, September 13, 1999)] [Notices] [Page 49530] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 99-23851] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- POSTAL RATE COMMISSION [Docket No. C99-4] Technical and Settlement Conference; Meeting AGENCY: Postal Rate Commission. ACTION: Notice of technical and settlement conference. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: An initial technical and settlement conference has been scheduled in docket no. C99-4. The conference will address a cost study, physical operation of Bulk Parcel Return Service (BPRS), potential settlement proposals, and other issues in the docket. The conference will assist in clarifying issues and allowing the settlement coordinator to respond to the Commission's request that a report on the potential for settlement be filed by September 17, 1999. DATES: The technical and settlement conference has been scheduled for Tuesday, September 14, 1999. For time and other dates, see the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section. ADDRESSES: The conference will be held in the Commission's hearing room at 1333 H Street NW., Suite 300, Washington, DC 20268-0001. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ted P. Gerarden, OCA director, at 202- 789-6838. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Commission's OCA hereby gives notice of a technical and settlement conference to discuss resolution of the complaint filed on June 9, 1999, by the Continuity Shippers Association (CSA). On September 3, 1999, the Commission issued a notice of formal proceedings to consider the complaint and provided until September 17, 1999, for the parties to explore settlement.1 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Order No. 1260, Order Denying Motion of United States Postal Service to Dismiss Complaint and Notice of Formal Proceeding. Ordering paragraph 4 designated OCA to represent the interests of the general public and to act as settlement coordinator pursuant to rule 85 of the Commission's rules of practice and procedure [39 CFR Sec. 3001.85]. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The CSA complaint alleges that the rate for BPRS is excessive. The complaint raises issues concerning the BPRS cost study performed by the Postal Service in October 1998, in compliance with the Commission's recommended decision in docket no. MC97-4. The complaint also alleges similarities between BPRS and Special Standard (B) mail. The Commission noted the Postal Service's responses to CSA's allegations, but determined that there was inadequate justification for dismissal of the complaint. Under the circumstances presented, it is imperative that the parties utilize ``appropriate informal inquiry methods to define the issues, further the exchange of information and explanations between the Postal Service and the complainant, and facilitate settlement.'' 39 CFR 3001.85(a). Because the October 1998 study and the physical operation of BPRS in comparison to other mail services are central to addressing the rate for BPRS, an informal technical conference is needed as well as an informal settlement conference. Complainant CSA, the Postal Service, and other interested parties are hereby placed on notice that they are expected to have individuals present at the conference who are thoroughly familiar with the BPRS cost study and with the operational characteristics of BPRS. CSA and the Postal Service are encouraged to discuss the issues raised by the complaint and to share information or proposals in advance of the informal technical and settlement conference. The informal technical and settlement conference will be held September 14, 1999, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the Commission's hearing room at 1333 H Street NW., Washington, DC. All interested persons are welcome to attend the conference, but all such persons are placed on notice that attendance at the conference will not confer party status. Any interested person must file pursuant to rule 20 or 20a of the Commission's rules (39 CFR Secs. 20 or 20a) in order to intervene or to obtain limited participation status in this proceeding. The Secretary of the Commission is requested to arrange for publication of this notice in the Federal Register. Authority: 39 U.S.C. 3662. Dated: September 8, 1999. Margaret P. Crenshaw, Secretary. [FR Doc. 99-23851 Filed 9-10-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710-FW-P