[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 154 (Wednesday, August 11, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 48841-48842]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-18390]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Census Bureau


Information and Communication Technology Survey

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 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 October 12, 
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 Charles Funk, U.S. Census Bureau, Room 1285-3, 
Washington, DC 20233-6400, (301) 763-3331 or via the Internet at 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The U.S. Census Bureau plans the continuing information collection 
for the 2004 through 2006 Information and Communication Technology 
Survey (ICTS). The annual survey collects industry-level data for two 
categories of non-capitalized expenses (purchases; and, operating 
leases and rental payments) for four types of ICT equipment and 
software (computers and peripheral equipment; ICT equipment, excluding 
computers and peripherals; electromedical and electrotherapeutic 
apparatus; and, computer software, including payroll associated with 
software development). Only domestic, private, non-farm employer 
companies are included in the survey.
    The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), Federal Reserve Board, 
Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry analysts need these data to 
evaluate productivity and economic growth prospects. In addition, the 
ICTS provides improved source data significant to the BEA's investment 
component of Gross Domestic Product, capital stock estimates, and 
capital flow tables. Changes from the previous ICTS are the collection 
of capital expenditures data for the four types of ICT equipment and 
software cited above, and the incorporation of the 2002 North American 
Industry Classification System (NAICS) into the ICTS.
    Capital expenditures data will only be collected for computers and 
peripheral equipment; ICT equipment, excluding computers and 
peripherals; electromedical and electrotherapeutic apparatus; and, 
computer software, including payroll associated with software 
development.
    Last year's ICTS data were collected on the 1997 NAICS basis. 
Beginning with the 2004 ICTS, we will collect and publish data based on 
the 2002 NAICS. Industries in the survey will be comprised of 3-digit 
and selected 4-digit 2002 NAICS codes.

II. Method of Collection

    The Census Bureau will use mail out/mail back survey forms to 
collect data. Employer companies will be mailed one of three forms 
based on their diversity of operations and number of industries with 
payroll. Companies that operate in only one industry will receive an 
ICT-1 (S) form. Companies that operate in more than one but less than 
nine industries will receive an ICT-1 (M) form. And, companies that 
operate in nine or more industries will receive an ICT-1 (L). 
Respondent companies are permitted to respond via facsimile machine to 
our toll-free number. Companies will be asked to respond to the survey 
within 30 days of the initial mailing. Letters and/or telephone calls 
encouraging participation will be directed to companies that have not 
responded by the designated time.

III. Data

    OMB Number: 0607-0909.
    Form Number: ICT-1 (S), ICT-1 (M), ICT-1 (L).
    Type of Review: Regular Review.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations, non-
profit institutions, small businesses and organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: Approximately 46,000 employer 
companies.
    Estimated Time Per Response: The average for all respondents is 
1.74 hours with the range from less than 1 hour to 21 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 80,040 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Respondents: $1.7 million.
    Respondents' Obligation: Mandatory.
    Legal Authority: Title 13 United States Code, Sections 182, 224, 
and 225.

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)

[[Page 48842]]

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: August 6, 2004.
Madeleine Clayton,
Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 04-18390 Filed 8-10-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P