[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 4, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Page 6539]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-02222]



[[Page 6539]]

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 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

U.S. Census Bureau


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Current 
Population Surveys (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 7, 2014.

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 Karen Woods, U.S. Census Bureau, 7H110F, 
Washington, DC 20233-8400 at (301) 763-3806 (or via the internet at 
[email protected]).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The Census Bureau plans to request clearance from the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) for the collection of data concerning the 
HVS. The current clearance expires June 30, 2014.
    Collection of the HVS in conjunction with the CPS began in 1956, 
and serves a broad array of data users. We conduct 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 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). 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. We collect HVS data concerning units that are vacant and 
intended for year-round occupancy as determined during the CPS 
interview. Approximately 7,000 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 who have knowledge of the vacant 
sample unit (e.g., landlord, rental agents, neighbors).
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 7,000 per month.
    Estimated Time per Response: 3 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 4,317 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost: There is no cost to the respondents 
other than their time.
    Respondents Obligation: Voluntary.
    Legal Authority: Title 13, U.S.C. 182, and Title 29, U.S.C. 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: January 29, 2014.
Glenna Mickelson,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2014-02222 Filed 2-3-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P