[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 205 (Tuesday, October 22, 1996)] [Notices] [Pages 54763-54764] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-26991] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of the Census 1997 Economic Censuses General Schedule ACTION: Proposed agency information collection activity; comment request. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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)). [[Page 54764]] DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before December 23, 1996. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Linda Engelmeier, Acting Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 5327, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington D.C. 20230. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information of copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions should be directed to William Bostic, Bureau of the Census, Room 2641, Building 3, Washington, DC 20233-6100 and 301-457-2672 or E-mail at [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract The Census Bureau is the preeminent collector of timely, relevant and quality data about the people and the economy of the United States. Economic data are the Census Bureau's primary program commitment during non-decennial census years. The economic census, conducted under authority of Title 13 U.S.C., 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 1997 Economic Census will cover virtually every sector of the U.S. economy. The Census Bureau will implement the new North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) in the 1997 Economic Census. The implementation of the NAICS as a replacement for the 1987 Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system will require contacting businesses to collect classification information to update the 1997 Economic Census mailing lists. Accurate and reliable industry and geographic codes are critical to the Bureau of Census statistical programs. New businesses are assigned industry classification by the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, approximately 22 percent of these businesses cannot be assigned industry codes because insufficient information is provided on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form SS-4. Since the 1992 Economic Censuses, the number of unclassified businesses has grown to over 500,000. In order to provide detailed industry data reflecting NAICS for the 1997 Economic Censuses and the Standard Statistical Establishment List (SSEL), these unclassified businesses must be assigned industry codes. The Census Bureau has contracted with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to receive classification information for unclassified businesses. However, differences in NAICS implementation schedules, coverage, and updating procedures between the two agencies and our further attempts to assign industry codes to these businesses based on their name will still leave some 300,000 unclassified businesses on the 1997 Economic Censuses mail list. This data collection, Form NC-9923, is designed to obtain classification information for different types of industries including reflecting changes from the SIC to NAICS and provide current information on physical locations. The failure to collect this classification information will have an adverse effect on the quality and usefulness of economic statistics and severely hamper the Census Bureau's ability to implement NAICS in the 1997 Economic Censuses. II. Method of Collection The Census Bureau will select establishments to receive this survey from the Census Bureau's SSEL. The Census Bureau will mail the NC-9923 to establishments in order to collect classification information. The NC-9923 will contain a list of 6-digit codes and descriptions. Respondents are to select the activity which best describes their business by checking the box next to the activity listed or describe their principal business activity if no box can be checked. III. Data OMB Number: Not Available. Form Number: NC-9923. Type of Review: Regular Review. Affected Public: Businesses or other for profit organizations, Non- for-profit institutions, Small businesses or organizations, and State, local or tribal governments. Estimated Number of Respondents: 300,000. Estimated Total Per Response: 5 minutes. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 25,000 hours. Estimated Total Annual Cost: The cost to government for this survey is included in the total cost of the 1997 Economic Census, estimated to be $218 million. Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory. Legal Authority: Title 13 USC, Sections 131 and 224. IV. Request for Comments Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the function of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's 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 will also become a matter of pubic record. Dated: October 16, 1996. Linda Engelmeier, Acting Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of Management and Organization. [FR Doc. 96-26991 Filed 10-21-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-07-P