[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 37 (Thursday, February 25, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9424-9425]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-03958]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

U.S. Census Bureau


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; 2017 Economic 
Census, Industry Classification 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 April 25, 2016.

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 Scott Handmaker, Chief, Classifications 
Processing Branch, U.S. Census Bureau, 8K149, Washington, DC 20233, 
Telephone: 301-763-7107; Email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    It is important to have a complete North American Industry 
Classification System (NAICS) based code for each establishment in the 
Census Bureau's business register prior to the economic census. The 
economic census, conducted under authority of Title 13 U.S.C., Section 
131 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 Industry Classification Report collects data from 
establishments in all NAICS sectors that are covered by the economic 
census with the purpose of assigning an accurate 8-digit NAICS based 
code for use in the 2017 Economic Census. The Industry Classification 
Report collects data about businesses in such areas as: Primary 
business activity, class of customer (if the establishment is a 
wholesaler or retailer), and primary goods sold or services provided. 
This survey, conducted in fiscal years 2016 and 2017, samples 
approximately 120,000 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 
a letter to establishments that have been assigned a partial NAICS code 
by administrative records or are unclassified in the business register. 
Additionally, other categories of administrative records may be 
identified.
    Collecting this classification information will ensure the mailing 
list for the targeted sectors is complete and accurate prior to the 
mailing of the 2017 Economic Census. The information gathered will also 
be used to determine whether an establishment will be included in the 
data collection for the 2017 Economic Census, and if so, what are the 
appropriate North American Product Classification System (NAPCS) 
product lines to be displayed for that establishment on their 2017 
Economic Census questionnaire. Many businesses are small and will not 
be asked to participate in the 2017 Economic Census. This survey is the 
only way to obtain an accurate 8-digit NAICS-based code for these small 
businesses, represented in the census through the use of administrative 
data only. 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.

[[Page 9425]]

    There are no new questions on this survey since it was last 
conducted in preparation for the 2012 Economic Census. However, there 
will no longer be a paper form on which to report. Respondents can 
report over the Internet or by telephone. We will work with individual 
respondents if reporting on the Internet or by telephone presents 
difficulties.
    Minimal changes will be made to the wording and organization of 
existing questions and instructions.

II. Method of Collection

    We will collect this information over the Internet and by 
telephone. Respondents will receive a letter directing them to the 
Internet to report their information. Follow up letters will be mailed 
for establishments that have not responded by a certain date. 
Throughout the survey, telephone assistance will be available for 
respondents with questions and for those that cannot report over the 
Internet.

III. Data

    OMB Number: None.
    Form Number: None. The information will be gathered electronically.
    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: 125,000 business firms annually.
    Estimated Time per Response: 7 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 14,583 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0.
    Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.
    Legal Authority: Title 13 U.S.C. Sections 131 and 193.

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: February 19, 2016.
Glenna Mickelson,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2016-03958 Filed 2-24-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-07-P