[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 7, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Page 32950]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-13969]



[[Page 32950]]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Census Bureau


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; 2012 Economic 
Census of Island Areas

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 August 8, 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 be directed to Geoffrey Hill (301) 763-6554 (e-mail: 
[email protected]) or Lillyana Najafzadeh (301) 763-6544 
(email: [email protected]).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The economic census, conducted under authority of Title 13, United 
States Code (U.S.C.), is the primary source of facts about the 
structure and functioning of the United States economy, including 
Puerto Rico, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, 
the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. The economic census, is 
the primary source of facts about each of the island areas' economies, 
and features the only recognized source of data at a geographic level 
equivalent to U.S. counties. Economic Census statistics for the island 
areas serve to benchmark estimates of local net income and gross 
domestic product, and provide essential information for government 
(Federal and local), business, and the general public.
    The 2012 Economic Census of Island Areas will cover the following 
sectors (as defined by the North American Industry Classification 
System (NAICS)): Mining, Utilities, Construction, Manufacturing; 
Wholesale and Retail Trades, Transportation and Warehousing, 
Information; Finance and Insurance; Real Estate and Rental and Leasing; 
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services; Management of 
Companies and Enterprises; Administrative and Support, Waste Management 
and Remediation Services; Educational Services; Health Care and Social 
Assistance; Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation; Accommodation and Food 
Services; and Other Services (except Public Administration). This scope 
is roughly equivalent to that of the stateside economic census. The 
information collected will produce basic statistics by kind of business 
on the number of establishments, sales/shipments/receipts/revenue, 
payroll, and employment. The census will also yield a variety of 
industry-specific statistics, including sales/receipts by commodity/
merchandise/receipt lines, sales/shipments by class of customer, and 
number of hotel rooms.
    To improve calculations of gross domestic product for the island 
areas, 2012 Economic Census of Island Areas questionnaires include new 
questions on capital expenditures, depreciation, and selected expenses 
along with a refinement to the fringe benefits question from the 2007 
Economic Census. The collection of data from non-employers in American 
Samoa has been eliminated from the 2012 Economic Census.
    The primary strategy for reducing burden in Census Bureau economic 
data collection including the Economic Census is to increase electronic 
reporting through the broader use of electronic collection methods.

II. Method of Collection

    The 2012 Economic Census of Island Areas will be conducted using 
mailout/mailback procedures with an Internet reporting option. 
Establishments will be selected from the Census Bureau's Business 
Register. An establishment will be included in the 2012 Island Areas 
Economic Census if: (a) Is engaged in any of the sectors within the 
scope of the census listed above; (b) it is an active operating 
establishment with payroll; and (c) it is located in Puerto Rico, Guam, 
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin 
Islands, or American Samoa.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0607-0937.
    Form Number: The forms used to collect information in Puerto Rico 
are tailored to specific industries or groups of industries. Puerto 
Rico forms are available in English as well as Spanish. Only one form, 
covering all economic activity within the scope of the census, is used 
for each of the remaining island areas. The forms are too numerous to 
list individually in this notice. Geoffrey Hill or Lillyana Najafzadeh 
can provide interested parties with complete information on the forms 
to be included in this information collection.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Local Governments, businesses, and other for 
profit or nonprofit institutions or organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 59,100.
    Puerto Rico: 50,000.
    Guam: 4,000.
    Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: 1,500.
    U.S. Virgin Islands: 3,000.
    American Samoa: 600.
    Estimated Time per Response:
    Puerto Rico: 1 hour.
    Guam: 45 minutes.
    Commonwealth of Northern Marianas: 45 minutes.
    U.S. Virgin Islands: 45 minutes.
    American Samoa: 45 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 56,825.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost: $952,000.
    Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.
    Legal Authority: Title 13, U.S.C., Sections 131 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: June 2, 2011.
Glenna Mickelson,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2011-13969 Filed 6-6-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P