diff --git a/app/controllers/concerns/verify_profile_concern.rb b/app/controllers/concerns/verify_profile_concern.rb
index d49791c025f..6345dd54f04 100644
--- a/app/controllers/concerns/verify_profile_concern.rb
+++ b/app/controllers/concerns/verify_profile_concern.rb
@@ -10,6 +10,8 @@ def account_or_verify_profile_url
 
   def profile_needs_verification?
     return false if current_user.blank?
+    return false if sp_session[:ial2_strict] &&
+                    !IdentityConfig.store.gpo_allowed_for_strict_ial2
     current_user.decorate.pending_profile_requires_verification? ||
       user_needs_to_reactivate_account?
   end
diff --git a/app/controllers/idv/doc_auth_controller.rb b/app/controllers/idv/doc_auth_controller.rb
index d22e70162d1..45a937fc904 100644
--- a/app/controllers/idv/doc_auth_controller.rb
+++ b/app/controllers/idv/doc_auth_controller.rb
@@ -31,6 +31,8 @@ def redirect_if_mail_bounced
     end
 
     def redirect_if_pending_profile
+      return if sp_session[:ial2_strict] &&
+                !IdentityConfig.store.gpo_allowed_for_strict_ial2
       redirect_to idv_gpo_verify_url if current_user.decorate.pending_profile_requires_verification?
     end
 
diff --git a/app/controllers/idv/gpo_controller.rb b/app/controllers/idv/gpo_controller.rb
index eb20b2b5079..c7df8e8ae70 100644
--- a/app/controllers/idv/gpo_controller.rb
+++ b/app/controllers/idv/gpo_controller.rb
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ class GpoController < ApplicationController
     before_action :confirm_idv_needed
     before_action :confirm_user_completed_idv_profile_step
     before_action :confirm_mail_not_spammed
+    before_action :confirm_gpo_allowed_if_strict_ial2
     before_action :max_attempts_reached, only: [:update]
 
     def index
@@ -65,6 +66,12 @@ def failure
       redirect_to idv_gpo_url unless performed?
     end
 
+    def confirm_gpo_allowed_if_strict_ial2
+      return unless sp_session[:ial2_strict]
+      return if IdentityConfig.store.gpo_allowed_for_strict_ial2
+      redirect_to idv_phone_url
+    end
+
     def pii(address_pii)
       address_pii.dup.merge(non_address_pii)
     end
diff --git a/app/controllers/idv/otp_delivery_method_controller.rb b/app/controllers/idv/otp_delivery_method_controller.rb
index d55123e566a..108d87d1416 100644
--- a/app/controllers/idv/otp_delivery_method_controller.rb
+++ b/app/controllers/idv/otp_delivery_method_controller.rb
@@ -79,8 +79,11 @@ def otp_delivery_selection_form
     end
 
     def gpo_letter_available
+      return @gpo_letter_available if defined?(@gpo_letter_available)
       @gpo_letter_available ||= FeatureManagement.enable_gpo_verification? &&
-                                !Idv::GpoMail.new(current_user).mail_spammed?
+                                !Idv::GpoMail.new(current_user).mail_spammed? &&
+                                !(sp_session[:ial2_strict] &&
+                                  !IdentityConfig.store.gpo_allowed_for_strict_ial2)
     end
   end
 end
diff --git a/app/controllers/idv/phone_controller.rb b/app/controllers/idv/phone_controller.rb
index fdb6d6d5d83..af0e5131b00 100644
--- a/app/controllers/idv/phone_controller.rb
+++ b/app/controllers/idv/phone_controller.rb
@@ -140,8 +140,11 @@ def new_phone_added?
     end
 
     def gpo_letter_available
+      return @gpo_letter_available if defined?(@gpo_letter_available)
       @gpo_letter_available ||= FeatureManagement.enable_gpo_verification? &&
-                                !Idv::GpoMail.new(current_user).mail_spammed?
+                                !Idv::GpoMail.new(current_user).mail_spammed? &&
+                                !(sp_session[:ial2_strict] &&
+                                  !IdentityConfig.store.gpo_allowed_for_strict_ial2)
     end
   end
 end
diff --git a/app/controllers/idv/phone_errors_controller.rb b/app/controllers/idv/phone_errors_controller.rb
index cb2d87d0a73..636c5598ae0 100644
--- a/app/controllers/idv/phone_errors_controller.rb
+++ b/app/controllers/idv/phone_errors_controller.rb
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ class PhoneErrorsController < ApplicationController
 
     before_action :confirm_two_factor_authenticated
     before_action :confirm_idv_phone_step_needed
+    before_action :set_gpo_letter_available
 
     def warning
       @remaining_attempts = throttle.remaining_count
@@ -45,5 +46,15 @@ def track_event(type:)
 
       analytics.idv_phone_error_visited(**attributes)
     end
+
+    # rubocop:disable Naming/MemoizedInstanceVariableName
+    def set_gpo_letter_available
+      return @gpo_letter_available if defined?(@gpo_letter_available)
+      @gpo_letter_available ||= FeatureManagement.enable_gpo_verification? &&
+                                !Idv::GpoMail.new(current_user).mail_spammed? &&
+                                !(sp_session[:ial2_strict] &&
+                                  !IdentityConfig.store.gpo_allowed_for_strict_ial2)
+    end
+    # rubocop:enable Naming/MemoizedInstanceVariableName
   end
 end
diff --git a/app/models/profile.rb b/app/models/profile.rb
index 111e6b262ef..8eddfeeed34 100644
--- a/app/models/profile.rb
+++ b/app/models/profile.rb
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ def includes_phone_check?
   def strict_ial2_proofed?
     return false unless active
     return false unless includes_liveness_check?
-    return true if IdentityConfig.store.usps_upload_allowed_for_strict_ial2
+    return true if IdentityConfig.store.gpo_allowed_for_strict_ial2
     includes_phone_check?
   end
 
diff --git a/app/views/idv/phone_errors/_warning.html.erb b/app/views/idv/phone_errors/_warning.html.erb
index ccb0822efc8..9a722d0ecef 100644
--- a/app/views/idv/phone_errors/_warning.html.erb
+++ b/app/views/idv/phone_errors/_warning.html.erb
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ locals:
           text: t('idv.troubleshooting.options.contact_support', app_name: APP_NAME),
           new_tab: true,
         },
-        FeatureManagement.enable_gpo_verification? && {
+        @gpo_letter_available && {
           text: t('idv.troubleshooting.options.verify_by_mail'),
           url: idv_gpo_path,
         },
diff --git a/app/views/idv/phone_errors/failure.html.erb b/app/views/idv/phone_errors/failure.html.erb
index bd75ad9db9c..adde1cf968d 100644
--- a/app/views/idv/phone_errors/failure.html.erb
+++ b/app/views/idv/phone_errors/failure.html.erb
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
       title: t('titles.failure.phone_verification'),
       heading: t('idv.failure.phone.heading'),
       options: [
-        FeatureManagement.enable_gpo_verification? && {
+        @gpo_letter_available && {
           text: t('idv.troubleshooting.options.verify_by_mail'),
           url: idv_gpo_path,
         },
diff --git a/config/application.yml.default b/config/application.yml.default
index 7a9d3309f7c..910d50efc5b 100644
--- a/config/application.yml.default
+++ b/config/application.yml.default
@@ -245,7 +245,7 @@ usps_ipp_root_url: ''
 usps_ipp_request_timeout: 10
 usps_ipp_sponsor_id: ''
 usps_ipp_username: ''
-usps_upload_allowed_for_strict_ial2: true
+gpo_allowed_for_strict_ial2: true
 voice_otp_pause_time: '0.5s'
 voice_otp_speech_rate: 'slow'
 voip_check: true
diff --git a/lib/identity_config.rb b/lib/identity_config.rb
index 9d2a086c74b..9a410d4695b 100644
--- a/lib/identity_config.rb
+++ b/lib/identity_config.rb
@@ -327,7 +327,7 @@ def self.build_store(config_map)
     config.add(:usps_ipp_username, type: :string)
     config.add(:usps_ipp_request_timeout, type: :integer)
     config.add(:usps_upload_enabled, type: :boolean)
-    config.add(:usps_upload_allowed_for_strict_ial2, type: :boolean)
+    config.add(:gpo_allowed_for_strict_ial2, type: :boolean)
     config.add(:usps_upload_sftp_directory, type: :string)
     config.add(:usps_upload_sftp_host, type: :string)
     config.add(:usps_upload_sftp_password, type: :string)
diff --git a/spec/features/idv/strict_ial2/upgrade_spec.rb b/spec/features/idv/strict_ial2/upgrade_spec.rb
index fff19b5612d..3848eb056a7 100644
--- a/spec/features/idv/strict_ial2/upgrade_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/features/idv/strict_ial2/upgrade_spec.rb
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
   context 'strict IAL2 does not allow a phone check' do
     before do
       allow(IdentityConfig.store).to receive(
-        :usps_upload_allowed_for_strict_ial2,
+        :gpo_allowed_for_strict_ial2,
       ).and_return(false)
     end
 
diff --git a/spec/features/idv/strict_ial2/usps_upload_disallowed_spec.rb b/spec/features/idv/strict_ial2/usps_upload_disallowed_spec.rb
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..ec9a5c7e1fb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/spec/features/idv/strict_ial2/usps_upload_disallowed_spec.rb
@@ -0,0 +1,76 @@
+require 'rails_helper'
+
+feature 'Strict IAL2 with usps upload disallowed' do
+  include IdvHelper
+  include OidcAuthHelper
+  include IdvHelper
+  include IdvStepHelper
+
+  before do
+    allow(IdentityConfig.store).to receive(:liveness_checking_enabled).and_return(true)
+    allow(IdentityConfig.store).to receive(
+      :gpo_allowed_for_strict_ial2,
+    ).and_return(false)
+  end
+
+  it 'does not allow the user to select the letter flow during proofing' do
+    user = create(:user, :signed_up)
+    visit_idp_from_oidc_sp_with_ial2_strict
+    sign_in_user(user)
+    fill_in_code_with_last_phone_otp
+    click_submit_default
+    complete_idv_steps_before_phone_step
+
+    # Link is not present on the phone page
+    expect(page).to_not have_content(t('idv.troubleshooting.options.verify_by_mail'))
+
+    # Link is not present on the OTP delivery selection page
+    fill_out_phone_form_ok('7032231234')
+    click_idv_continue
+    expect(page).to_not have_content(t('idv.troubleshooting.options.verify_by_mail'))
+
+    # Link is not visible on the OTP entry page
+    choose_idv_otp_delivery_method_sms
+    expect(page).to_not have_content(t('idv.troubleshooting.options.verify_by_mail'))
+
+    # Link is not visible on error or warning page
+    visit idv_phone_errors_warning_path
+    expect(page).to_not have_content(t('idv.troubleshooting.options.verify_by_mail'))
+    visit idv_phone_errors_jobfail_path
+    expect(page).to_not have_content(t('idv.troubleshooting.options.verify_by_mail'))
+    visit idv_phone_errors_timeout_path
+    expect(page).to_not have_content(t('idv.troubleshooting.options.verify_by_mail'))
+    visit idv_phone_errors_failure_path
+    expect(page).to_not have_content(t('idv.troubleshooting.options.verify_by_mail'))
+
+    # Visiting the GPO page redirects
+    visit idv_gpo_path
+    expect(current_path).to eq(idv_phone_path)
+  end
+
+  it 'does not prompt a pending user for a mailed code' do
+    user = create(
+      :profile,
+      deactivation_reason: :verification_pending,
+      pii: { first_name: 'John', ssn: '111223333' },
+    ).user
+
+    visit_idp_from_oidc_sp_with_ial2_strict
+    sign_in_user(user)
+    fill_in_code_with_last_phone_otp
+    click_submit_default
+
+    # Directed to the start of the proofing flow instead of GPO code verification
+    expect(current_path).to eq(idv_doc_auth_step_path(step: :welcome))
+
+    complete_all_doc_auth_steps
+    click_continue
+    fill_in 'Password', with: user.password
+    click_continue
+    click_acknowledge_personal_key
+    click_agree_and_continue
+
+    expect(current_url).to start_with('http://localhost:7654/auth/result')
+    expect(user.active_profile.strict_ial2_proofed?).to be_truthy
+  end
+end
diff --git a/spec/models/profile_spec.rb b/spec/models/profile_spec.rb
index edf6d5b5731..d6c3b6f82cd 100644
--- a/spec/models/profile_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/models/profile_spec.rb
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@
     context 'the letter flow is allowed for strict IAL2' do
       before do
         allow(IdentityConfig.store).to receive(
-          :usps_upload_allowed_for_strict_ial2,
+          :gpo_allowed_for_strict_ial2,
         ).and_return(true)
       end
 
@@ -124,7 +124,7 @@
     context 'the letter flow is not allowed for strict IAL2' do
       before do
         allow(IdentityConfig.store).to receive(
-          :usps_upload_allowed_for_strict_ial2,
+          :gpo_allowed_for_strict_ial2,
         ).and_return(false)
       end
 
diff --git a/spec/views/idv/phone_errors/failure.html.erb_spec.rb b/spec/views/idv/phone_errors/failure.html.erb_spec.rb
index e87091921dd..02ac43246e8 100644
--- a/spec/views/idv/phone_errors/failure.html.erb_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/views/idv/phone_errors/failure.html.erb_spec.rb
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@
   before do
     decorated_session = instance_double(ServiceProviderSessionDecorator, sp_name: sp_name)
     allow(view).to receive(:decorated_session).and_return(decorated_session)
+    assign(:gpo_letter_available, true)
     allow(IdentityConfig.store).to receive(:idv_attempt_window_in_hours).and_return(timeout_hours)
 
     @expires_at = Time.zone.now + timeout_hours.hours
diff --git a/spec/views/idv/phone_errors/jobfail.html.erb_spec.rb b/spec/views/idv/phone_errors/jobfail.html.erb_spec.rb
index 5a71334b921..92f1d5a77e9 100644
--- a/spec/views/idv/phone_errors/jobfail.html.erb_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/views/idv/phone_errors/jobfail.html.erb_spec.rb
@@ -2,14 +2,12 @@
 
 describe 'idv/phone_errors/jobfail.html.erb' do
   let(:sp_name) { 'Example SP' }
-  let(:enable_gpo_verification) { false }
+  let(:gpo_letter_available) { false }
 
   before do
-    allow(FeatureManagement).to receive(:enable_gpo_verification?).
-      and_return(enable_gpo_verification)
-
     decorated_session = instance_double(ServiceProviderSessionDecorator, sp_name: sp_name)
     allow(view).to receive(:decorated_session).and_return(decorated_session)
+    assign(:gpo_letter_available, gpo_letter_available)
 
     render
   end
@@ -43,7 +41,7 @@
   end
 
   context 'gpo verification enabled' do
-    let(:enable_gpo_verification) { true }
+    let(:gpo_letter_available) { true }
 
     it 'renders a list of troubleshooting options' do
       expect(rendered).to have_link(
diff --git a/spec/views/idv/phone_errors/timeout.html.erb_spec.rb b/spec/views/idv/phone_errors/timeout.html.erb_spec.rb
index 2f9f3135b9d..0c481b89724 100644
--- a/spec/views/idv/phone_errors/timeout.html.erb_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/views/idv/phone_errors/timeout.html.erb_spec.rb
@@ -2,14 +2,12 @@
 
 describe 'idv/phone_errors/timeout.html.erb' do
   let(:sp_name) { 'Example SP' }
-  let(:enable_gpo_verification) { false }
+  let(:gpo_letter_available) { false }
 
   before do
-    allow(FeatureManagement).to receive(:enable_gpo_verification?).
-      and_return(enable_gpo_verification)
-
     decorated_session = instance_double(ServiceProviderSessionDecorator, sp_name: sp_name)
     allow(view).to receive(:decorated_session).and_return(decorated_session)
+    assign(:gpo_letter_available, gpo_letter_available)
 
     render
   end
@@ -43,7 +41,7 @@
   end
 
   context 'gpo verification enabled' do
-    let(:enable_gpo_verification) { true }
+    let(:gpo_letter_available) { true }
 
     it 'renders a list of troubleshooting options' do
       expect(rendered).to have_link(
diff --git a/spec/views/idv/phone_errors/warning.html.erb_spec.rb b/spec/views/idv/phone_errors/warning.html.erb_spec.rb
index 10a83fefed9..71e20bc0a2e 100644
--- a/spec/views/idv/phone_errors/warning.html.erb_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/views/idv/phone_errors/warning.html.erb_spec.rb
@@ -3,14 +3,12 @@
 describe 'idv/phone_errors/warning.html.erb' do
   let(:sp_name) { 'Example SP' }
   let(:remaining_attempts) { 5 }
-  let(:enable_gpo_verification) { false }
+  let(:gpo_letter_available) { false }
 
   before do
-    allow(FeatureManagement).to receive(:enable_gpo_verification?).
-      and_return(enable_gpo_verification)
-
     decorated_session = instance_double(ServiceProviderSessionDecorator, sp_name: sp_name)
     allow(view).to receive(:decorated_session).and_return(decorated_session)
+    assign(:gpo_letter_available, gpo_letter_available)
 
     assign(:remaining_attempts, remaining_attempts)
 
@@ -43,7 +41,7 @@
   end
 
   context 'gpo verification enabled' do
-    let(:enable_gpo_verification) { true }
+    let(:gpo_letter_available) { true }
 
     it 'renders a list of troubleshooting options' do
       expect(rendered).to have_link(