---
kind: "section"
citation: "39 U.S.C. § 2803"
title: "39"
title_heading: "Postal Service"
number: "2803"
heading: "Performance plans"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/39/2803"
units:
  - "Part III — Modernization and Fiscal Administration"
  - "Chapter 28 — Strategic Planning and Performance Management"
---

# §2803. Performance plans

- (a) The [Postal Service](/usc/39/102.md?p=1) shall prepare an annual performance plan covering each [program activity](/usc/39/2801.md?p=5) set forth in the [Postal Service](/usc/39/102.md?p=1) budget, which shall be included in the comprehensive statement presented under [section 2401(e) of this title](/usc/39/2401.md?p=e). Such plan shall—
  - (1) establish [performance goals](/usc/39/2801.md?p=3) to define the level of performance to be achieved by a [program activity](/usc/39/2801.md?p=5);
  - (2) express such goals in an objective, quantifiable, and measurable form unless an alternative form is used under [subsection (b)](#b);
  - (3) briefly describe the operational processes, skills and technology, and the human, capital, information, or other resources required to meet the [performance goals](/usc/39/2801.md?p=3);
  - (4) establish performance indicators to be used in measuring or assessing the relevant outputs, service levels, and outcomes of each [program activity](/usc/39/2801.md?p=5);
  - (5) provide a basis for comparing actual program results with the established [performance goals](/usc/39/2801.md?p=3); and
  - (6) describe the means to be used to verify and validate measured values.
- (b) If the [Postal Service](/usc/39/102.md?p=1) determines that it is not feasible to express the [performance goals](/usc/39/2801.md?p=3) for a particular [program activity](/usc/39/2801.md?p=5) in an objective, quantifiable, and measurable form, the [Postal Service](/usc/39/102.md?p=1) may use an alternative form. Such alternative form shall—
  - (1) include separate descriptive statements of—
    - (A) a minimally effective program, and
    - (B) a successful program,

    with sufficient precision and in such terms that would allow for an accurate, independent determination of whether the [program activity](/usc/39/2801.md?p=5)’s performance meets the criteria of either description; or

  - (2) state why it is infeasible or impractical to express a [performance goal](/usc/39/2801.md?p=3) in any form for the [program activity](/usc/39/2801.md?p=5).
- (c) In preparing a comprehensive and informative plan under this section, the [Postal Service](/usc/39/102.md?p=1) may aggregate, disaggregate, or consolidate [program activities](/usc/39/2801.md?p=5), except that any aggregation or consolidation may not omit or minimize the significance of any [program activity](/usc/39/2801.md?p=5) constituting a major function or operation.
- (d) The [Postal Service](/usc/39/102.md?p=1) may prepare a non-public annex to its plan covering [program activities](/usc/39/2801.md?p=5) or parts of [program activities](/usc/39/2801.md?p=5) relating to—
  - (1) the avoidance of interference with criminal prosecution; or
  - (2) matters otherwise exempt from public disclosure under [section 410(c) of this title](/usc/39/410.md?p=c).

## Source credit

(Added Pub. L. 103–62, § 7, Aug. 3, 1993, 107 Stat. 293; amended Pub. L. 109–435, title X, § 1010(d)(2), Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 3261.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Amendments

2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–435 substituted “section 2401(e)” for “section 2401(g)” in introductory provisions.