[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 56 (Thursday, March 22, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12561-12563]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-05871]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

U.S. Census Bureau


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Service Annual 
Survey

AGENCY: U.S. Census Bureau, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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

[[Page 12562]]

collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

DATES: To ensure consideration, written comments must be submitted on 
or before May 21, 2018.

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 Andrew Baer, U.S. Census Bureau, 8K057, 
Washington, DC 20233-6500, 301-763-3183, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The 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); Accommodation and Food Services (NAICS 72); and 
Other Services (NAICS 81).
    For most industries, SAS produces estimates of revenue for selected 
detailed products. The program also collects and publishes information 
about sales generated from electronic sources (e-commerce). Inventory 
estimates are produced for selected industries in the Transportation 
and Information sectors. For industries with a significant non-profit 
component, separate estimates are developed for taxable firms and 
organizations exempt from federal income tax.
    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 
SAS is one of multiple Census Bureau surveys that fulfill this role.
    Data from the Service Annual Survey are needed to provide a sound 
statistical basis for the formation of policy by various governmental 
agencies, private businesses, and trade associations, among other 
users. The media and the public also rely on these data to understand 
the health of the U.S. service sector. 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 Index 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 (FCC) uses 
the data as a means for assessing FCC policy. 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.
    Among the many private sector entities that rely on SAS data, trade 
and professional organizations, like the Coalition of Service 
Industries, use the data to analyze industry trends and benchmark their 
own statistical programs, develop forecasts, and evaluate regulatory 
requirements. Private businesses use the data to measure market share, 
analyze business potential, and plan investment decisions. Private 
industry also uses the data as a tool for marketing analysis. The media 
uses the data for news reports and background information.
    Through the SAS, the Census Bureau collects data from all of the 
largest firms in the services sector and from a sample of small- and 
medium-sized businesses selected using a stratified sampling procedure. 
The Census Bureau reselects the samples periodically, generally at 5-
year intervals. The largest firms in a given industry are always in the 
sample, while nearly all of the small- and medium-sized firms from the 
prior sample are replaced following the reselection process. The Census 
Bureau uses a secure online reporting instrument (Centurion) for all 
SAS data collection. This electronic system of reporting allows 
respondents easier access, and more convenience and flexibility than 
paper survey forms. In rare cases where the company has no access to 
the internet, the Census Bureau can arrange for the company to provide 
data to an analyst via telephone.
    In an effort to continue to provide quality data, reduce respondent 
burden, and increase clarity of the surveys, forms have been examined 
and will be revised where needed. Current research is being conducted 
to evaluate the possibility of removing expense questions from some or 
all forms. In addition, a new question about the incidence of 
telemedicine will be tested as a possible addition to the form for 
ambulatory health care service providers.

II. Method of Collection

    The Census Bureau collects this information via the internet, but 
in rare cases when respondents have no access to the internet, the 
Census Bureau will collect the information by telephone.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0607-0422.
    Form Number(s): The Service Annual Survey program consists of more 
than 170 unique forms for respondents in different industries, which 
are too extensive to list here. All SAS forms can be viewed at https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/sas/technical-documentation/questionnaire-app.html.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profit organizations, not-
for-profit institutions and Government hospitals located in the United 
States.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 90,590.
    Estimated Time per Response: 3 to 6 hours depending on form.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 337,958.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0. (This is not the cost of 
respondents' time, but the indirect costs respondents may incur for 
such things as purchases of specialized software or hardware needed to 
report, or expenditures for accounting or records maintenance services 
required specifically by the collection.)
    Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.
    Legal Authority: Title 13 U.S.C., Sections 131 and 182.

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

[[Page 12563]]

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.

Sheleen Dumas,
Departmental Lead PRA Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2018-05871 Filed 3-21-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P