[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 130 (Monday, July 9, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37185-37186]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-13219]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Census Bureau


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Information and 
Communication Technology Survey

ACTION: Notice.

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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

[[Page 37186]]

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 September 7, 2007.

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 Valerie Strang, U.S. Census Bureau, HQ-6K171, 
Washington, DC 20233-6400; (301) 763-3317.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The U.S. Census Bureau plans to conduct the 2007 through 2009 
Information and Communication Technology Survey (ICTS). The annual 
survey collects data on two categories of non-capitalized expenses 
(purchases; and operating leases and rental payments) for four types of 
information and communication technology 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). The survey also collects capital expenditures data on the 
four types of ICT equipment and software cited above. Only non-farm, 
non-governmental companies, organizations, and associations operating 
in the United States are included in this survey.
    The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), Federal Reserve Board, 
Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry analysts use these data to 
evaluate productivity and economic growth prospects. In addition, the 
ICTS provides improved source data significant to BEA's estimate of the 
investment component of Gross Domestic Product, capital stock 
estimates, and capital flow tables.
    The only change from the previous ICTS is the incorporation of the 
2007 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) into the 
2009 ICTS. Through the 2008 ICTS, data will be collected based on the 
2002 NAICS. Beginning with the 2009 ICTS, we will collect and publish 
data based on the 2007 NAICS. Industries will comprise 3-digit and 
selected 4-digit 2007 NAICS codes.

II. Method of Collection

    The Census Bureau will primarily use mail out/mail back survey 
forms to collect data. Companies will be asked to respond to the survey 
within 30 days of the initial mailing. They can respond via a secure 
facsimile machine by using our toll-free number. Letters and/or 
telephone calls encouraging participation will be directed to companies 
that have not responded by the designated time.
    Beginning with the 2006 ICTS, we introduced an encrypted Internet 
Data Collection System (Census Taker) for optional use as a substitute 
for the paper form mailed to all companies. Census Taker is an 
electronic version of the paper data collection instrument. It provides 
improved quality with automatic data checks and is context-sensitive to 
assist the data provider in identifying potential reporting problems 
before submission, thus reducing the need for follow-up. Census Taker 
is completed via the Internet eliminating the need for downloading 
software and increasing the integrity and confidentiality of these 
data.
    Employer companies will be mailed one of three forms based on their 
diversity of operations and number of industries with payroll. 
Companies operating in only one industry will receive an ICT-1(S) form. 
Companies operating 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) form.

III. Data

    OMB Number: 0607-0909.
    Form Numbers: ICT-1 (S), ICT-1 (M), ICT-1 (L).
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations, not 
for-profit institutions.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 46,000.
    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.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost: $2 million.
    Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.
    Legal Authority: Title 13 United States Code, Section 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) 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: July 3, 2007.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. E7-13219 Filed 7-6-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P