[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6971-6972]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4164]



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[[Page 6972]]


DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Bureau of the Census


Current Retail Sales and Inventory Survey

ACTION: Proposed agency information collection activity; comment 
request.

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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: Written comments must be submitted on or before April 23, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Linda Engelmeier, Acting 
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 
5327, 14th and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions 
should be directed to Nancy Piesto, Bureau of the Census, Room 2632-FOB 
3, Washington, DC 20233-6500, (301) 457-2708.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The Current Retail Sales and Inventory Survey provides estimates of 
monthly sales and end-of-month merchandise inventories of retail stores 
in the United States by selected kinds of business. The survey also 
provides sales estimates for selected states, metropolitan areas and 
cities. The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) uses this information to 
prepare the National Income and Products Accounts, and to benchmark the 
annual input-output tables. Statistics provided from the Retail Sales 
and Inventory Survey are used to calculate the gross domestic product 
(GDP).
    The survey currently uses a sample design that includes both fixed 
and rotating panels. Larger firms are requested to report sales and 
inventories each month, putting them in the fixed panel category. 
Smaller firms belong to one of three rotating panels that are contacted 
every third month and report data from the two most recent months. In 
this way, we obtain eight months of data through four contacts per year 
for the smaller firms. Under the current system, we release a 
preliminary estimate one month, and then revise it with a final 
estimate one month later. Revisions can be relatively large due to 
imbalances in the rotating panels and differential response bias 
between current and previous month reports.
    We plan to implement a totally fixed panel design for the next 
sample revision starting in early 1997. Under this new design, all 
reporting units will report each month. By going to a totally fixed 
panel design, we will greatly minimize preliminary-to-final revisions 
caused by the rotating panels.
    The fixed panel design will allow for better analysis of data since 
we will be able to more easily pinpoint unusual responses by reviewing 
each reporting unit's data each month. By using a simplified estimation 
scheme, the new design will also allow easier computation of an 
individual firm's effect on the total estimates.
    The fixed panel design will also give us better estimates when 
reconciling differences with other surveys. When we reconcile smaller 
firms with the Annual Retail Trade Survey, (OMB Approval #0607-0013), 
we will have twelve months of data rather than eight. Also, firms in 
the Advance Monthly Retail Sales Survey (OMB Approval #0607-0104)--a 
subsample of the Current Retail Sales and Inventory Survey--are 
requested to report one month of data every month. Under the fixed 
panel design, all firms in the Advance Monthly Retail Sales Survey will 
now be included in the Current Retail Sales and Inventory Survey each 
month.
    This fixed panel design will allow for better comparisons between 
these closely related surveys.

II. Method of Collection

    We collect this information by mail, fax, and telephone follow up.

III. Data

    OMB Number: 0607-0717.
    Form Number: B-101(97),B-102(97),B-103(97), B-111(97), B-111(97)L, 
B-112(97), B-113(97), B-114(97).
    Type of Review: Regular Submission.
    Affected Public: Retail firms in the United States.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 11,464 per month.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 12.2 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 27,972 hours.
    Estimated Total Cost: The total cost in fiscal year 1996 for the 
Current Retail Sales and Inventory Survey is $5,035,999 all borne by 
the Bureau of the Census. The cost to the respondents is estimated to 
be $430,768 based on the median hourly salary of $15.40 for accountants 
and auditors. (January 1995 Bureau of Labor Statistics publication 
``Employment and Earnings,'' $15.40 represents the median hourly wage 
of the full-time wage and salary earnings of accountants and auditors).

IV. 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: February 20, 1996.
Linda Engelmeier,
Acting Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of Management and 
Organization.
[FR Doc. 96-4164 Filed 2-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P