[Federal Register: December 5, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 234)]
[Notices]
[Page 68026-68027]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr05de03-47]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Census Bureau
Construction Progress Reporting Surveys (CPRS)
ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request.
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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: Written comments must be submitted on or before February 3,
2004.
ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th
and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at dhynek@doc.gov).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or
copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions
should be directed to Michael Davis, U.S. Census Bureau, Room 2125, FOB
4, Washington, DC 20233-6900, (301) 763-1605 (or via the Internet at michael.davis@census.gov).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Abstract
The Census Bureau plans to request a revision of a currently
approved collection for forms C-700, Private Construction Projects; C-
700(R), Multifamily Residential Projects; and C-700(SL), State and
Local Government Projects. These forms are used to conduct the
Construction Progress Reporting Surveys (CPRS) to collect information
on the dollar value of construction put in place by private
[[Page 68027]]
companies, individuals, private multifamily residential buildings, and
state and local governments. Due to the significant growth in
construction activity during the past few years and in order to
facilitate the publication of construction spending data in more detail
by new types of construction, we plan to increase the number of
respondents/projects.
The Census Bureau is the preeminent collector and provider of
timely, relevant and quality data about the people and economy of the
United States. Economic data are the Census Bureau's primary program
commitment during nondecennial census years. The Form C-700, Private
Construction Projects collects construction put in place data for
nonresidential projects owned by private companies or individuals. The
Form C-700(R), Multifamily Residential Projects collects construction
put in place data for private multifamily residential buildings. Form
C-700(SL), State and Local Government Projects, collects construction
put in place data for state and local government projects.
The Census Bureau uses the information from these surveys to
publish the value of construction put in place series. Published
estimates are used by a variety of private business and trade
associations to estimate the demand for building materials and to
schedule production, distribution, and sales efforts. They also provide
various governmental agencies with a tool to evaluate economic policy
and to measure progress towards established goals. For example, Bureau
of Economic Analysis staff use data to develop the construction
components of gross private domestic investment in the gross domestic
product. The Federal Reserve Board and the Department of Treasury use
the value in place data to predict the gross domestic product, which is
presented to the Board of Governors and has an impact on monetary
policy.
II. Method of Collection
An independent systematic sample of projects is selected each month
according to predetermined sampling rates. Once a project is selected
it remains in the sample until completion of the project. Preprinted
forms are mailed monthly to respondents to fill in current month data
and any revisions to previous months. Some respondents are later called
by a Census interviewer and report the data over the phone. Having the
information available from a database at the time of the interview
greatly helps reduce the time respondents spend on the phone.
Interviews are scheduled at the convenience of the respondent, further
reducing their burden.
III. Data
OMB Number: 0607-0153.
Form Number: C-700, C-700(R), C-700(SL).
Type of Review: Regular submission.
Affected Public: Individuals, businesses or other for profit, non
profit institutions, small businesses or organizations, and State or
local governments.
Estimated Number of Respondents: C-700 = 8,500, C-700(R) = 2,500,
C-700(SL) = 8,500, Total = 19,500.
Estimated Time Per Response: 15 minutes per month.
Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: C-700 = 25,500, C-700(R) =
7,500, C-700(SL) = 25,500, Total = 58,500.
Estimated Total Annual Cost: 3.5 million.
Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.
Legal Authority: Title 13, United States Code, Section 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 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: December 1, 2003.
Madeleine Clayton,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 03-30240 Filed 12-4-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P