Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals

Federal Register: April 14, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 70)

Notices

Page 17147-17148

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

DOCID:fr14ap09-37

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Census Bureau

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Service Annual

Survey

AGENCY: U.S. Census Bureau, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES: To ensure consideration, written comments must be submitted on or before June 15, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental

Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 7845, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at dHynek@doc.gov).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions should be directed to Ron Farrar, U.S. Census Bureau, 8K145,

Washington, DC 20233-6500, (301) 763-6782 or Jeff Barnett, U.S. Census

Bureau, 8K045, Washington, DC 20233-6500, (301) 763-2787.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. Abstract

   The Service Annual Survey (SAS) produces annual nationwide estimates of revenue and expenses for selected service industries.

   Selected service industries include all or portions of the following

   North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) sectors:

   Transportation and Warehousing (NAICS 48 and 49); Information, Finance and Insurance (NAICS 51 and 52); Real Estate and Rental and Leasing

   (NAICS 53); Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (NAICS 54);

   Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation

   Services (NAICS 56); Health Care and Social Assistance (NAICS 62);

   Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (NAICS 71); and Other Services

   (NAICS 81).

   For selected industries in Finance, Information, Professional,

   Scientific and Technical Services, and Administrative Support and Waste

   Management and

   Page 17148

   Remediation Services, SAS produces estimates of revenue by detailed

   North American Product Classification System (NAPCS) products.

   Inventory estimates for selected industries in the Information sector are produced, as well as estimates of expanded revenues for selected industries across multiple sectors. For industries with a significant non-profit component, separate estimates are developed for taxable firms and organizations exempt from Federal income tax.

   These data are needed to provide a sound statistical basis for the formation of policy by various governmental agencies. The Census Bureau is authorized by Title 13, United States Code, to conduct surveys necessary to furnish current data on subjects covered by the major censuses. These surveys provide continuing and timely national statistical data for the period between economic censuses.

   The Bureau of Economic Analysis, the primary Federal user of these annual program statistics, uses the information in developing the national income and product accounts, compiling benchmark and annual input-output tables, and computing Gross Domestic Product by industry.

   The Bureau of Labor Statistics uses the data as inputs to its Producer

   Price Indexes and in developing productivity measurements. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services use the data in the development of the National Health Expenditure Accounts. The Federal Communications

   Commission uses the data as a means for assessing FCC policy. The

   Census Bureau uses the data to provide new insight into changing structural and cost conditions that will impact the planning and design of future economic census questionnaires. Private industry also uses the data as a tool for marketing analysis.

   Data are collected from all of the largest firms and from a sample of small- and medium-sized businesses selected using a stratified sampling procedure. The samples are reselected periodically, generally at 5-year intervals. The largest firms continue to be canvassed when the sample is re-drawn, while nearly all of the small- and medium-sized firms from the prior sample are replaced. We collect these data by using a mail-out/mail-back and online survey questionnaire.

   The Census Bureau is expanding the industry coverage of the SAS to include Utilities (NAICS 22) and Educational Services (NAICS 61); and the rest of Transportation (NAICS 48); Finance and Insurance (NAICS 52); and Real Estate and Rental and Leasing (NAICS 53) not currently covered by SAS. For expanded industries, the survey will produce estimates of total operating revenue and both total and detailed operating expenses. This expansion will increase the size of the survey sample by about 30 percent.

2. Method of Collection

   The Census Bureau collects this information by mail, Internet, fax, and telephone follow-up.

3. Data

   OMB Control Number: 0607-0422.

   Form Numbers: The SAS program consists of 81 unique forms, which are too extensive to list here.

   Type of Review: Regular submission.

   Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profit organizations, not- for-profit institutions, Government hospitals and Federal Government.

   Estimated Number of Respondents: 78,730.

   Estimated Time per Response: 3 hours and 27 minutes.

   Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 271,619.

   Estimated Total Annual Cost: $7,450,509.

   Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.

   Legal Authority: Title 13 U.S.C., Sections 182, 224 and 225.

4. Request for Comments

   Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden

   (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information;

   (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

   Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

   Dated: April 9, 2009.

   Glenna Mickelson,

   Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.

   FR Doc. E9-8463 Filed 4-13-09; 8:45 am

   BILLING CODE 3510-07-P