Handbook RE-1 - U.S. Postal Service Facilities …

1 Update Notice Handbook RE-1. Postal Service Facilities Guide to Real property Acquisitions and related services Handbook RE-1, Postal Service Facilities Guide to Real property Acquisitions and related services , originally published October 2006, has been updated through October 2015 as follows: This chapter, in Postal subchapter, Bulletin with an part, or issue issue date section Titled Was updated to Chapter 3, acquisition of Real property and Real Estate services 334 Responsibility include a new policy regarding 22426 10-15-15. donations to Postal Service Facilities .

2 Postal Service Facilities transmittal letter Guide to Real property Acquisitions and related services Handbook RE-1 October 2015. transmittal letter 14. A. Explanation. This is a revision of transmittal letter 13 (issued August 1996), which transmitted Handbook RE-1, Realty acquisition and Management. This transmittal notes the replacement of Handbook RE-1 with a new Handbook , RE-1, Postal Service Facilities Guide to Real property Acquisitions and related services . This Handbook reflects changes in and clarifies existing Postal Service policies and procedures on managing real property assets.

3 It also reflects organizational changes resulting from recent restructurings. In fulfillment of the Transformation Plan, this Handbook will guide Facilities employees as they work to reduce costs and improve results. B. Availability. This Handbook is accessible on the Postal Service Intranet and Internet as follows: Intranet: Accessible at Click HBKs, and then RE-1. Internet: Accessible at Click Handbooks, and then scroll to Handbook RE-1. C. Questions and Comments. Send questions and comments about this new Handbook to: Facilities DEPARTMENT.

4 NATIONAL MANAGER, REAL ESTATE. UNITED STATES Postal Service . 4301 WILSON BOULEVARD STE 300. ARLINGTON VA 22203-1861. D. Cancellations. All previous issues of Handbook RE-1 are obsolete. E. Effective Date. This Handbook is effective October 2015. Tom A. Samra Vice President, Facilities Contents 1 Overview .. 1. 11 Purpose and Scope .. 1. 12 Applicability .. 1. 13 References .. 1. 14 Deviations .. 2. 15 Updates .. 2. 2 Authority .. 3. 21 Procurement Authority .. 3. 22 Delegation of Authority .. 3. 23 Contracting Authority .. 3. 24 Funding .. 4.

5 241 Budget Approval .. 4. 242 Approval Authority.. 4. 243 Legislation .. 4. 3 acquisition of Real property and Real Estate services .. 7. 31 General .. 7. 311 Sovereign Immunity.. 7. 312 Obligations .. 7. 313 Insurance.. 7. 314 Indemnification .. 7. 32 Rules .. 7. 321 Standards of Conduct .. 7. 322 Competition.. 8. 323 Anticompetitive Practices .. 8. 324 Conflicts of Interest .. 8. 325 Contingent Fees .. 8. 326 Supplier Clearances .. 8. 327 Debarment, Suspension, and Ineligibility .. 9. 328 Bonds .. 9. 329 Debriefings and Appeals .. 9. October 2015 iii Postal Service Facilities Guide to Real property Acquisitions and related services 33 Methods of acquisition .

6 9. 331 General .. 9. 332 Acquiring property From Postal Service Employees or Personal services Contractors .. 9. Prohibited Actions .. 9. Exceptions .. 10. Leasing Net Interior Space .. 10. Less Than 3,000 Square Feet.. 10. More Than 3,000 Square Feet .. 10. Land Leases .. 10. Less Than $25,000 Per Annum .. 10. More Than $25,000 Per Annum .. 10. Purchasing .. 11. Eminent Domain .. 11. 333 Due Diligence .. 11. Estimate of Value .. 11. Preservation of New Deal Art Collection .. 12. Protection of the Environment .. 12. 334 Offers of Displays, Artwork, and Physical Improvements.

7 13. Displays and Artwork.. 13. Physical Improvements .. 13. 4 Releasing Information to the Public .. 14. 5 Asset Management .. 16. 51 Disposal of Excess Real property .. 16. 52 Relationship With the General services Administration .. 16. iv Handbook RE-1. 1 Overview 11 Purpose and Scope This publication provides information to United States Postal Service . personnel, suppliers, and the general public about the authority and responsibility of the Postal Service with respect to supporting Postal Service needs to acquire, manage, and dispose of real property and related rights and interests.

8 This publication is not intended to, nor does it create, any right, benefit, or trust responsibility, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or equity by any party against the Postal Service . This publication is not a Postal Service regulation. This publication sets forth information regarding internal guidelines that do not affect individual rights and obligations. This publication does not create any right to judicial review involving compliance or noncompliance with the guidelines found in this publication. 12 Applicability The policies in this publication apply to all activities of the Postal Service with respect to real property , and its related rights, interests, and services related thereto.

9 Agreements for developing or redeveloping real estate for joint or non- Postal Service use are not generally covered by this publication and must be coordinated with Realty Asset Management, Headquarters. In addition, intergovernmental agreements with General services Administration (GSA) and other federal entities are not generally governed by this publication. 13 References Postal Service directives and other publications relating to Postal Service real estate activities include but are not limited to: a. Administrative Support Manual (ASM) Issue 13, Chapter 5, Facilities and Equipment.

10 B. Community Relations Regulations (39 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) ). October 2015 1. 14 Postal Service Facilities Guide to Real property Acquisitions and related services c. 1985 Agreement Between General services Administration and the United States Postal Service and subsequent letter of Understanding, effective February 2005. d. Handbook AS-504, Space Requirements. e. Handbook F-66 Series, Investment Policies and Procedures. f. Handbook RE-4, Standards for Facility Accessibility. g. Handbook RE-5, Building and Site Security Requirements.