[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 47 (Friday, March 10, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12341-12342]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-3411]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Census Bureau


Service Annual 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 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 May 9, 2006.

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 Ron Farrar, U.S. Census Bureau, Room 2761-FOB 3, 
Washington, DC 20233-6500, (301) 763-6782 or Jeff Barnett, U.S. Census 
Bureau, Room 2775-FOB 3, Washington, DC 20233-6500, (301) 763-2787.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. 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 
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 Information, Professional, Scientific 
and Technical Services, and Administrative Support and Waste Management 
and Remediation Services, SAS produces estimates of revenue by detailed 
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 (BEA), 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 (GDP) by 
industry. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) use 
the data for policy development and program management and evaluation. 
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) uses the data as inputs to its 
Producer Price Indexes and in developing productivity measurements. The 
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) use the data in the 
development of the National Health Expenditure Accounts. The Federal 
Communications Commission (FCC) 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 survey questionnaire.

II. Method of Collection

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

III. Data

    OMB Number: 0607-0422.
    Form Number: The SAS program consists of 276 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: 57,652.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 3 hours and 38 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 209,453.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost: The cost to the respondents for fiscal 
year 2006 is estimated to be $5,167,206 based on the median hourly 
salary of $24.67 for accountants and auditors. (Occupational Employment 
Statistics-Bureau of Labor Statistics ``2004 National Occupational 
Employment and Wage Estimates'') http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132011.htm.
    Respondent's 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

[[Page 12342]]

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: March 6, 2006.
Madeleine Clayton,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. E6-3411 Filed 3-9-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P