[Federal Register: November 18, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 222)] [Notices] [Page 63062-63063] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr18no99-81] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- POSTAL SERVICE Privacy Act of 1974, System of Records AGENCY: Postal Service. ACTION: Notice of new system of records. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The purposes of this document are to publish notice of a change in the title to grouping of records 030.000 Equal Employment Opportunity to read ``030.000 Equal Employment Opportunity/Alternative Dispute Resolution'' and to publish notice of a new Privacy Act system of records under that grouping, USPS 030.040, Equal Employment Opportunity/Alternative Dispute Resolution-Roster of Alternative Dispute Resolution Providers. The change in title more accurately reflects the types of records covered by this group. The new system contains the names and addresses of alternative dispute resolution providers such as mediators, who express an interest by completing a survey regarding their dispute resolution experience. DATES: Any interested party may submit written comments on the proposed new system of records. This proposal will become effective without further notice on December 28, 1999, unless comments received on or before that date result in a contrary determination. ADDRESSES: Written comments on this proposal should be mailed or delivered to Administration and FOIA, United States Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 8141, Washington, DC 20260-5202. Copies of all written comments will be available at the above address for public inspection and photocopying between 8 a.m. and 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rubenia Carter (202) 268-4872. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Postal Service is proposing to use independent contractors to resolve disputes including, but not limited to, EEO and Merit Systems Protection Board administrative cases. A roster will be maintained by the Postal Service of prequalified providers to select from to handle disputes. To be placed on the roster, an applicant must first complete an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Provider Survey. The survey will be screened to determine if the applicant meets the minimum criteria for mediating Postal Service cases. The survey requires an applicant to provide his or her previous mediator, arbitrator or other dispute resolution experience, education, and other required information. A waiver of the minimum criteria may be given to applicants on a limited basis at the sole discretion of the Postal Service. Applicants who fail to meet the minimum criteria and are not granted a waiver are disqualified for mediating disputes. Maintenance of these records is not expected to have a significant effect on individual privacy rights. Information kept is limited to the name and address and other information requested on the survey questionnaire. The information will be kept in a secured environment, with automated data processing (ADP) physical and administrative security and technical software applied to information on computer media. Computers and hard copy records are maintained in a secured environment. To the extent that the information may be shared with another federal agency, it is shared with the understanding that the information will be maintained and protected in accordance with the Privacy Act. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(11), interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, or arguments on this proposal. A report on the following proposed system has been sent to Congress and to the Office of Management and Budget for their evaluation. USPS 030.040 SYSTEM NAME: Equal Employment Opportunity/Alternative Dispute Resolution-Roster of Alternative Dispute Resolution Providers, 030.040. SYSTEM LOCATION: Law Department, Postal Service Headquarters, and field offices; area and district offices. CATEGORIES OF INDIVIDUALS COVERED BY THE SYSTEM: Individuals and organizations interested in providing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services to all disputes except those arising under Postal Service collective bargaining agreements. CATEGORIES OF RECORDS COVERED BY THE SYSTEM: Name, address, telephone, and fax numbers of alternative dispute resolution providers; education, certification status, special qualifications; types of disputes mediated; partnering agreements; evaluation as a neutral; billing information; and any other correspondence relating to the individual performance or information contained on the survey. AUTHORITY FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM: 39 U.S.C. 401. PURPOSE(S): Used to determine an individual's qualifications to provide ADR services. ROUTINE USES OF RECORDS MAINTAINED IN THE SYSTEM, INCLUDING CATEGORIES OF USERS AND THE PURPOSE OF SUCH USES: General routine use statements a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, j, k, l, and m listed in the prefatory statement at the beginning of the Postal Service's published system notices apply to this system. Another routine use follows: 1. To another federal agency upon request who needs the names and/ or addresses and other information about ADR providers to arrange for or manage ADR proceedings for that agency. POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR STORING, RETRIEVING, ACCESSING, RETAINING, AND DISPOSING OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM: STORAGE: Paper records are maintained in locked file cabinets and computer files on magnetic tape or disk in automated office equipment. RETRIEVABILITY: By ADR provider's name. SAFEGUARDS: Paper records are kept in locked file cabinets; automated data are password-protected. RETENTION AND DISPOSAL: Files of active ADR providers: Cutoff file upon notification of decertification or removal. Destroy one year from date of cutoff. Files of rejected ADR providers: Cutoff file at end of year in which survey was received from prospective ADR provider. Maintain file for one year after cutoff date. SYSTEM MANAGER(S) AND ADDRESS: EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL, LAW DEPARTMENT, UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE, 475 L'ENFANT PLAZA SW, WASHINGTON DC 20260-1100 NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE: Individuals wanting to know whether information about them is maintained in this system of records must address inquiries to the system manager. Inquiries must contain full name and address of the individual and date the survey was completed. [[Page 63063]] RECORD ACCESS PROCEDURES: Requests for access must be made in accordance with notification procedure above and the Postal Service Privacy Act regulations regarding access to records and verification of identity under 39 CFR 266.6. CONTESTING RECORD PROCEDURES: See Notification and Record Access Procedures above. RECORDS SOURCE CATEGORIES: Information is received from ADR provider completing survey. Stanley F. Mires, Chief Counsel, Legislative. [FR Doc. 99-30069 Filed 11-17-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710-12-P