[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 195 (Wednesday, October 10, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57519-57520]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-19858]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

U.S. Census Bureau


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Manufacturers' 
Shipments, Inventories and Orders (M3) Supplement: 2006-2007 Unfilled 
Orders Benchmark Survey

AGENCY: U.S. Census Bureau.

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 
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 December 10, 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 Chris Savage, U. S. Census Bureau, Room 7K071, 
Washington, DC 20233-6900, (301) 763-4832, or (via the Internet at 
[email protected]).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Abstract

    The ``Manufacturers'' Shipments, Inventories, and Orders (M3) 
Survey collects monthly data on shipments, inventories, and new and 
unfilled orders from manufacturing companies. The orders, as well as 
the shipments and inventory data, are valuable tools for those who 
analyze business cycle conditions, including members of the Council of 
Economic Advisers, the Treasury Department, and the business community.
    The monthly M3 Survey estimates are based on a relatively small 
sample and reflect primarily the month-to-month changes of large 
companies. There is a clear need for periodic benchmarking of the M3 
estimates to reflect the manufacturing universe. The Annual Survey of 
Manufactures (ASM) provides annual benchmarks for the shipments and 
inventory data in this monthly survey. There is no benchmark for 
unfilled orders.
    The U.S. Census Bureau plans to reinstate the Manufacturers' 
Shipments, Inventories and Orders (M3) Supplement: Unfilled Orders 
Benchmark Survey. Over the life of the M3 Survey, there have been three 
surveys specifically designed to collect unfilled orders. These surveys 
were conducted in 1976, 1986, and 2000. A periodic unfilled orders 
benchmark survey is necessary to determine the levels of unfilled 
orders for each industry covered in the M3 survey and whether to add or 
discontinue the collection of unfilled orders data for each industry.
    The information will be used to develop universe estimates of 
unfilled orders as of the end of 2006 and 2007. We will adjust the 
monthly M3 data on unfilled orders to these levels on the North 
American Industry Classification System (NAICS) basis. The benchmarked 
unfilled orders levels will be used to derive estimates of new orders 
received by manufacturers.

II. Method of Collection

    The Census Bureau will use mail out/mail back survey forms to 
collect the data. Companies will be asked to respond to the survey 
within 45 days of receipt. Letters encouraging participation will be 
mailed to companies that have not responded by the designated time.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0607-0561.
    Form Number: MA-3000.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 6,000.
    Estimated Time per Response: 30 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 3,000.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost: $78,780.
    Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.
    Legal Authority: Title 13, U.S.C., 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

[[Page 57520]]

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: October 3, 2007.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
 [FR Doc. E7-19858 Filed 10-9-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P