Summary

In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the U.S. Postal Service's (USPS) decision to construct a new training center, specifically: (1) its treatment of a firm's proposal to meet the training space requirements; and (2) a firm's allegations that a conflict of interest and other irregularities existed when USPS purchased a site for the center.

GAO found that: (1) USPS acted reasonably in rejecting the firm's proposal for a training center because of site and facility limitations; (2) the agent representing the land owner in the land acquisition negotiations with USPS did not represent USPS as well; (3) USPS paid less than the appraised value for the site; and (4) owners of the land adjacent to the USPS land would receive limited benefits from USPS site improvements.