[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 160 (Monday, August 19, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50374-50375]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-20039]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Census Bureau


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Information and 
Communication Technology Survey

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 October 18, 2013.

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 
copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions 
should be directed to Valerie Mastalski, U.S. Census Bureau, Room HQ-
6K171, Washington, DC 20233; (301) 763-3317

[[Page 50375]]

(or via the Internet at [email protected]).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The U.S. Census Bureau plans to conduct the 2013 through 2015 
Information and Communication Technology Survey (ICTS). The annual 
survey collects data on two categories of non-capitalized expenses 
(purchases; and operating leases and rental payments) for four types of 
information and communication technology equipment and software 
(computers and peripheral equipment; ICT equipment, excluding computers 
and peripherals; electromedical and electrotherapeutic apparatus; and 
computer software, including payroll associated with software 
development). The survey also collects capital expenditures data on the 
four types of ICT equipment and software cited above. Only non-farm, 
non-governmental companies, organizations, and associations operating 
in the United States are included in this survey.
    The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), Federal Reserve Board, 
Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry analysts use these data to 
evaluate productivity and economic growth prospects. In addition, the 
ICTS provides improved source data significant to BEA's estimate of the 
investment component of Gross Domestic Product, capital stock 
estimates, and capital flow tables.

II. Method of Collection

    For the 2012 and prior ICT data collection, the Census Bureau used 
mail out/mail back survey forms to collect data. Companies were able to 
respond via Centurion (The Bureau's online reporting system), by mail, 
or by using our toll-free number to reply via secure facsimile machine. 
Companies were asked to respond to the survey within 30 days of the 
initial mailing. Letters and/or telephone calls encouraging 
participation were directed to companies that had not responded by the 
designated time.
    Employer companies were mailed one of three forms based on their 
diversity of operations and number of industries with payroll. 
Companies that operated in only one industry received an ICT-1(S) form. 
Companies that operated in more than one, but less than nine industries 
received an ICT-1(M) form. And, companies that operated in nine or more 
industries received an ICT-1(L).
    The Census Bureau is considering collecting the 2013 ICT data 
primarily through electronic reporting. Companies would receive a 
notification letter containing their User ID and password, and would be 
directed to report online through the Census Bureau's Business Help 
Site. The online reporting instrument would be an electronic version of 
the paper data collection instrument and would be based on their 
diversity of operations and number of industries with payroll. 
Companies operating in only one industry will access an ICT-1(S) form 
or electronic instrument. Companies operating in more than one, but 
less than nine industries will access an ICT-1(M) form or electronic 
instrument. And, companies that operate in nine or more industries 
would access an ICT-1(L) form or electronic instrument. Companies would 
be able to print the form through online services or request a paper 
form be mailed.
    The Census Bureau would continue to ask companies to respond to the 
survey within 30 days. Reminder letters and/or telephone calls 
encouraging participation would continue to be directed to all 
companies that have not responded by the designated time.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0607-0909.
    Form Number: ICT-1(S), ICT-1(M), and ICT-1(L).
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profit organizations, non-
profit institutions, small businesses or organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: Approximately 45,000 employer 
companies.
    Estimated Time per Response: The average for all respondents is 
1.80 hours with the range from less than 1 hour to 21 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 79,610.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost: The total cost to all respondents is 
estimated to be $2.4 million.
    Respondents' Obligation: Mandatory.
    Legal Authority: Title 13 U.S.C. Sections 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: August13, 2013.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2013-20039 Filed 8-16-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P