[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 234 (Friday, December 5, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68026-68027]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-30240]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Census Bureau


Construction Progress Reporting Surveys (CPRS)

ACTION: Proposed collection; 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 February 3, 
2004.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental 
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th 
and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet 
at [email protected]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions 
should be directed to Michael Davis, U.S. Census Bureau, Room 2125, FOB 
4, Washington, DC 20233-6900, (301) 763-1605 (or via the Internet at 
[email protected]).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The Census Bureau plans to request a revision of a currently 
approved collection for forms C-700, Private Construction Projects; C-
700(R), Multifamily Residential Projects; and C-700(SL), State and 
Local Government Projects. These forms are used to conduct the 
Construction Progress Reporting Surveys (CPRS) to collect information 
on the dollar value of construction put in place by private

[[Page 68027]]

companies, individuals, private multifamily residential buildings, and 
state and local governments. Due to the significant growth in 
construction activity during the past few years and in order to 
facilitate the publication of construction spending data in more detail 
by new types of construction, we plan to increase the number of 
respondents/projects.
    The Census Bureau is the preeminent collector and provider of 
timely, relevant and quality data about the people and economy of the 
United States. Economic data are the Census Bureau's primary program 
commitment during nondecennial census years. The Form C-700, Private 
Construction Projects collects construction put in place data for 
nonresidential projects owned by private companies or individuals. The 
Form C-700(R), Multifamily Residential Projects collects construction 
put in place data for private multifamily residential buildings. Form 
C-700(SL), State and Local Government Projects, collects construction 
put in place data for state and local government projects.
    The Census Bureau uses the information from these surveys to 
publish the value of construction put in place series. Published 
estimates are used by a variety of private business and trade 
associations to estimate the demand for building materials and to 
schedule production, distribution, and sales efforts. They also provide 
various governmental agencies with a tool to evaluate economic policy 
and to measure progress towards established goals. For example, Bureau 
of Economic Analysis staff use data to develop the construction 
components of gross private domestic investment in the gross domestic 
product. The Federal Reserve Board and the Department of Treasury use 
the value in place data to predict the gross domestic product, which is 
presented to the Board of Governors and has an impact on monetary 
policy.

II. Method of Collection

    An independent systematic sample of projects is selected each month 
according to predetermined sampling rates. Once a project is selected 
it remains in the sample until completion of the project. Preprinted 
forms are mailed monthly to respondents to fill in current month data 
and any revisions to previous months. Some respondents are later called 
by a Census interviewer and report the data over the phone. Having the 
information available from a database at the time of the interview 
greatly helps reduce the time respondents spend on the phone. 
Interviews are scheduled at the convenience of the respondent, further 
reducing their burden.

III. Data

    OMB Number: 0607-0153.
    Form Number: C-700, C-700(R), C-700(SL).
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Individuals, businesses or other for profit, non 
profit institutions, small businesses or organizations, and State or 
local governments.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: C-700 = 8,500, C-700(R) = 2,500, 
C-700(SL) = 8,500, Total = 19,500.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 15 minutes per month.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: C-700 = 25,500, C-700(R) = 
7,500, C-700(SL) = 25,500, Total = 58,500.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost: 3.5 million.
    Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.
    Legal Authority: Title 13, United States Code, Section 182.

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: December 1, 2003.
Madeleine Clayton,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 03-30240 Filed 12-4-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P