[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 37 (Monday, February 25, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9988-9989]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-3504]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

U.S. Census Bureau


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Current 
Population Survey (CPS) Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS)

AGENCY: U.S. Census Bureau, Commerce.

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 April 25, 2008.

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 Jim Back, U.S. Census Bureau, 7H003M, Washington, 
DC 20233-8400, (301) 763-3806 (or via the Internet at 
[email protected]).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The Census Bureau is requesting clearance for the collection of 
data concerning the HVS. The current clearance expires October 31, 
2008. The HVS has been conducted in conjunction with the CPS since 1956 
and serves a broad array of data users as described below.
    Census conducts the HVS interviews with landlords or other 
knowledgeable people concerning vacant housing units identified in the 
monthly CPS sample and meeting certain criteria. The HVS provides the 
only quarterly and annual statistics on rental vacancy rates and 
homeownership rates for the United States, the four census regions, the 
50 states and the District of Columbia, and the 75 largest metropolitan 
areas (MAs). The private and public sector organizations use these 
rates extensively to gauge and analyze the housing market with regard 
to supply, cost, and affordability at various points in time. In 
addition, the rental vacancy rate is a component of the index of 
leading economic indicators published by the Department of Commerce.
    Policy analysts, program managers, budget analysts, and 
congressional staff use these data to advise the executive and 
legislative branches of government with respect to the number and 
characteristics of units available for occupancy and the suitability of 
housing initiatives. Several other government agencies use these data 
on a continuing basis in calculating consumer expenditures for housing 
as a component of the gross national product; to project mortgage 
demands; and to measure the adequacy of the supply of rental and 
homeowner units. In addition, investment firms use the HVS data to 
analyze market trends and for economic forecasting.

II. Method of Collection

    Field representatives collect this HVS information by personal-
visit interviews in conjunction with the regular monthly CPS 
interviewing. Census collect HVS data concerning units that are vacant 
and intended for year-round occupancy

[[Page 9989]]

as determined during the CPS interview. Approximately 6,518 units in 
the CPS sample meet these criteria each month. All interviews are 
conducted using computer-assisted interviewing.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0607-0179.
    Form Number: HVS-600 (Fact Sheet for the Housing Vacancy Survey); 
CPS-263 (MIS-1) (L) (Introductory letter explaining the need for the 
survey and answering frequently asked questions); and BC-1428RV 
(Brochure--The U.S. Census Bureau Respects Your Privacy and Keeps Your 
Personal Information Confidential).
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households (knowledgeable of the 
vacant sample unit, e.g., landlord, rental agents, neighbors).
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 78,216 (6,518 per month).
    Estimated Time per Response: 3 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 3,910.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost: $0.
    Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.
    Legal Authority: Title 13, U.S.C., Section 182, and Title 29, 
U.S.C., Sections 1-9.

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: February 20, 2008.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. E8-3504 Filed 2-22-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P