USPS Switching Out Software for Bids, Contract Management

The Postal Service plans to buy commercial software to better manage bid solicitations and contracts. 

USPS outlined its plans in a July 25 Federal Register listing, saying the move would improve usability and increase accuracy, while reducing redundancies.  

The shift to a new system — which necessitates tweaks to the General Privacy Act System of Records — was spearheaded by the Transportation Strategy group.  

It is unknown whether this is tied to the CLEAR transition slated to begin in August. 

Specifically, the Postal Service is looking to implement a “Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) Bid Solicitation and Contract Management System (CMS) that will align tactical buying decisions with overall sourcing strategies.” 

“The implementation of the COTS solution comprehensively creates, generates and releases solicitations, produces and manages contract requests, and provides approval and tracking capabilities for all transportation organizational stakeholders' groups,” read the listing. 

These groups include CDS, PNT and LDT contractors. 

The new software would house both historical and current contracts, which would be searchable, and facilitate contract approvals. 

The system would align with the “network modernization objective within the USPS Delivering for America 10-year plan,” according to the listing.