National Postal Forum
Nonprofit Sponsor of Postal Service Meetings With Suppliers and Customers Gao ID: GGD-87-113 September 9, 1987In response to a congressional request, GAO examined the: (1) relationship between the United States Postal Service (USPS) and the National Postal Forum (NPF); (2) authority for and amount of financial support provided to NPF by USPS; and (3) adequacy of public disclosure and accountability for this financial support.
GAO found that: (1) NPF promotes cooperation between USPS and its customers, educates postal customers, and provides for display of postal-related equipment, supplies, and services; (2) NPF serves as an independent sponsor of postal forums that USPS personnel plan, organize, and manage; and (3) the Postal Reorganization Act authorizes USPS to provide these management and administrative services. GAO also found that NPF: (1) is subject to and complies with disclosure and accountability requirements the Internal Revenue Service and the District of Columbia place on tax-exempt organizations; (2) maintains internal accountability by having an independent accounting firm examine its annual financial statements and related records; and (3) should include in its public disclosures the information that it finances forums through registration fees, exhibit booth rentals, and substantial contributions from USPS.