U.S. Postal Service
Abbreviation: USPS
Postmaster General (as of 2026): David Steiner
2026 Budget: $85B
CGAC Code: 1800
Website: usps.com
The United States Postal Service is an independent agency of the executive branch providing postal service throughout the United States, its territories, and associated states. USPS operates more than 31,000 retail facilities and delivers to 167 million addresses.
USPS receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and is funded primarily through revenue from stamps and postage.
How to Win USPS Contracts
Winning work at the U.S. Postal Servicemeans understanding a procurement culture that blends rigorous compliance, deep mission focus, and a preference for vendors who can speak the agency's language from day one. This guide walks through how USPS buys, the vehicles it uses, and the steps your company should take to go from registered vendor to awarded contractor.
Understanding USPS Procurement
The U.S. Postal Service obligates roughly $20-25B annually in contracts, a massive self-funded federal entity operating under its own procurement authority (the Postal Reorganization Act), not the FAR.
USPS contracts span transportation (mail haul), facilities, IT modernization, vehicle fleet (NGDV), mail processing equipment, and services. The Delivering for America plan is driving a historic modernization wave.
How USPS Buys
USPS uses its own procurement process through the USPS Supplier Portal. SAM.gov registration is not required for most USPS work, though some postings also appear on SAM.
Supply Management organization runs procurement centrally with category-focused portfolios.
Major Contract Vehicles
- NGDV (Next Generation Delivery Vehicle)— USPS’s multi-billion-dollar vehicle fleet replacement contract.
- Surface and Air Transportation Contracts— Highway Contract Routes (HCRs) for mail haul and air transportation network contracts.
- Mail Processing Equipment Contracts— Automated sortation and processing equipment.
- Facilities Construction and Leases— USPS processing centers and post offices.
- IT Modernization Contracts— Enterprise IT, digital services, and cybersecurity.
Step 1: Get Registered and Compliant
Required Registrations
USPS-Specific Requirements
Certification Programs
Step 2: Identify Opportunities
Primary Sources
Key Offices
Top Contract Types
Step 3: Position Your Company
Build Relationships
Relevant NAICS Codes
- 484121–General Freight Trucking, Long-Distance
- 481111–Scheduled Passenger Air Transportation (mail)
- 336112–Light Truck and Utility Vehicle Manufacturing
- 541512–Computer Systems Design
- 561210–Facilities Support Services
Step 4: Develop Winning Proposals
Technical Approach
Past Performance
Pricing Strategy
Winning Strategies
- Specialize in one of transportation, IT modernization, facilities, or equipment.
- Use USPS Supplier Portal as the primary entry path.
- For transportation, pursue Highway Contract Routes (HCRs) regionally.
- Track Delivering for America plan for modernization-driven contract waves.
- Team with major USPS incumbents for subcontract entry on large modernization contracts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming USPS follows the FAR. Its procurement rules differ meaningfully.
- Under-pricing transportation without accounting for fuel and driver labor.
- Missing USPS-specific security and data-handling requirements on IT work.
Small Business Programs
USPS operates its own Supplier Diversity program. Small-business utilization is meaningful, especially in transportation, facilities, and services categories.
Key Contracting Offices
- USPS Supply Management — Washington, DC
- USPS Category Management Centers — multiple U.S. locations
USPS by the Numbers
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