[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 240 (Wednesday, December 15, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78213-78214]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-31385]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Census Bureau


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; 2012 Economic 
Census Classification Report for the Construction, Manufacturing, and 
Mining Sectors and Selected Wholesale Industries

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 February 14, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental 
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 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

[[Page 78214]]

be directed to Scott P. Handmaker, Chief, Economic Classifications 
Operations Branch, U.S. Census Bureau, 8K149, Washington, DC 20233, 
Telephone: 301-763-7107 or e-mail at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The Census Bureau is the preeminent collector of timely, relevant 
and quality data describing the people and economy of the United 
States. Economic data are the Census Bureau's primary program 
commitment during non-decennial census years. The economic census, 
conducted under authority of Title 13 U.S.C., is the primary source of 
facts about the structure and functioning of the Nation's economy and 
features unique industry and geographic detail. Economic census 
statistics serve as part of the framework for the national accounts and 
provide essential information for government, business, and the general 
public.
    The Economic Census Classification Report (NC-99026) collects data 
on manufacturing, mining, construction, and selected wholesale 
businesses for the purpose of assigning an accurate 8-digit North 
American Industry Classification System (NAICS) based code for use in 
the 2012 Economic Census. This report, conducted separately in fiscal 
years 2012 and 2013, samples approximately 75,000 businesses each year.
    The Census Bureau will select establishments to receive this survey 
from the Census Bureau's Business Register. The Census Bureau will mail 
the NC-99026 to establishments that have been assigned a partial 
manufacturing, mining, or construction NAICS code by administrative 
records and from other categories of administrative codes that may be 
identified. Additionally, wholesale establishments currently classified 
in select industries will be sampled in order to verify correct 
classification due to changes in NAICS for 2012.
    Collecting this classification information will ensure the Economic 
Census mailing list for the targeted sectors are complete and accurate 
prior to the mailing of the 2012 Economic Census. This information is 
also used to determine whether an establishment will be mailed a form 
in the Economic Census, and if so, what form type. Many businesses are 
small and will not receive additional Economic Census forms, making 
this report the only medium by which to obtain an accurate 8-digit 
NAICS-based code. In other cases, the Census Bureau produces sample 
estimates. The results of this collection will be used to select a 
statistically reliable and efficient sample, minimizing the reporting 
burden on sampled sectors. Proper NAICS classification data ensures 
high quality economic statistics while reducing respondent burden and 
overall processing costs. Failure to collect this data will have an 
adverse effect on the quality and usefulness of economic information 
provided by the Census Bureau.
    There are few changes since the last request was submitted to OMB 
in 2006. Selected wholesale industries will be added to verify proper 
NAICS classification. Also, changes will be made to the wording and 
organization of existing economic activity descriptions. Additionally, 
respondents will have the option to respond electronically via the 
Internet, which can reduce respondent burden and costs.

II. Method of Collection

    Information is collected by mail, Internet, fax, and telephone 
follow-up.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0607-0925.
    Form Number: NC-99026.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Businesses and organizations (both profit and non-
profit); State and local governments; small businesses.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 75,000.
    Estimated Time per Response: 5 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 6,250.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost: $181,313.
    Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.
    Legal Authority: Title 13 U.S.C. 131, 193 and 224.

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: December 9, 2010.
Glenna Mickelson,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2010-31385 Filed 12-14-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P