[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 12 (Thursday, January 19, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2697-2698]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-937]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

U.S. Census Bureau


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Annual Services 
Report

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 March 19, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Jennifer Jessup, 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

[[Page 2698]]

copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions 
should be directed to Ron Farrar, U.S. Census Bureau, 8K145, 
Washington, DC 20233-6500, (301) 763-6782 or Bill Samples, U.S. Census 
Bureau, 8K045, Washington, DC 20233-6500, (301) 763-7175.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The Annual Services Report (ASR), previously named Service Annual 
Survey (SAS), produces annual nationwide estimates of revenue and 
expenses for service industries. These service industries include all 
or portions of the following North American Industry Classification 
System (NAICS) sectors: Utilities (NAICS 22); Transportation and 
Warehousing (NAICS 48 and 49); Information (NAICS 51); Finance and 
Insurance (NAICS 52); Real Estate and Rental and Leasing (NAICS 53); 
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (NAICS 54); 
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation 
Services (NAICS 56); Educational Services (NAICS 61); Health Care and 
Social Assistance (NAICS 62); Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 
(NAICS 71); and Other Services (NAICS 81).
    For selected industries in Utilities; Transportation; Finance; 
Information; Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; 
Administrative Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services; 
and Educational Services, ASR produces estimates of revenue by detailed 
North American Product Classification System (NAPCS) products. 
Inventory estimates for selected industries in the Transportation and 
Information sectors are produced, as well as estimates of expanded 
revenues for selected industries across multiple sectors. For 
industries with a significant non-profit component, separate estimates 
are developed for taxable firms and organizations exempt from federal 
income tax.
    These data are needed to provide a sound statistical basis for the 
formation of policy by various governmental agencies. The Census Bureau 
is authorized by Title 13, United States Code, to conduct surveys 
necessary to furnish current data on subjects covered by the major 
censuses. These surveys provide continuing and timely national 
statistical data for the period between economic censuses.
    The Bureau of Economic Analysis, the primary Federal user of these 
annual program statistics, uses the information in developing the 
national income and product accounts, compiling benchmark and annual 
input-output tables, and computing Gross Domestic Product by industry. 
The Bureau of Labor Statistics uses the data as inputs to its Producer 
Price Indexes and in developing productivity measurements. The Centers 
for Medicare and Medicaid Services use the data in the development of 
the National Health Expenditure Accounts. The Federal Communications 
Commission uses the data as a means for assessing FCC policy. The 
Coalition of Service Industries uses the data for general research and 
planning. Trade and professional organizations uses the data to analyze 
industry trends and benchmark their own statistical programs, develop 
forecasts, and evaluate regulatory requirements. The media uses the 
data for news reports and background information. Private businesses 
use the data to measure market share; analyze business potential; and 
plan investment decisions. The Census Bureau uses the data to provide 
new insight into changing structural and cost conditions that will 
impact the planning and design of future economic census 
questionnaires. Private industry also uses the data as a tool for 
marketing analysis.
    Data are collected from all of the largest firms and from a sample 
of small- and medium-sized businesses selected using a stratified 
sampling procedure. The samples are reselected periodically, generally 
at 5-year intervals. The largest firms continue to be canvassed when 
the sample is re-drawn, while nearly all of the small- and medium-sized 
firms from the prior sample are replaced. We collect these data by 
using a mail-out/mail-back and online survey questionnaire.

II. Method of Collection

    We collect this information by mail, Internet, fax, and telephone 
follow-up.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0607-0422.
    Form Numbers: The Annual Services Report program consists of 154 
unique forms, which are too extensive to list here.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profit organizations, not-
for-profit institutions, Government hospitals and Federal Government.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 83,648.
    Estimated Time per Response: 3 to 6 hours depending on form.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 286,186.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost: $8,488,277.
    Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.

    Legal Authority: Title 13 U.S.C. 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: January 13, 2012.
Glenna Mickelson,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2012-937 Filed 1-18-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P