[Federal Register: March 10, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 47)]
[Notices]
[Page 12340-12341]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr10mr06-41]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Census Bureau
Quarterly Services Survey
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 May 9, 2006.
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 David Lassman, U.S. Census Bureau, Room 2744-FOB
3, Washington, DC 20233-6500, and (301) 763-7202.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Abstract
The U.S. Census Bureau conducts a quarterly survey of service
industry production--the Quarterly Services Survey (QSS). The QSS is a
principal economic indicator series that produces, for selected service
industries, quarterly estimates of total operating revenue and the
percentage of revenue by class of customer. The survey also produces
estimates of total operating expenses from tax-exempt firms in
industries that have a large not-for-profit component. In addition, for
hospital services, the survey estimates the number of inpatient days
and discharges. Current selected service industries include information
services; professional scientific and technical services; hospitals;
nursing and residential care facilities; and administrative and support
and waste management and remediation services.
Data are collected from all of the largest firms and from a sample
of small- and medium-sized businesses selected using a stratified
sampling procedure. Each quarter the sample is updated to reflect the
addition of new business births and firms and organizations that have
gone out-of-business.
We release estimates from the QSS no later than 75 days after the
end of the quarter.
The Bureau of Economic Analysis uses data gathered in this survey
in developing its quarterly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and GDP by
industry estimates. The data provide the Federal Reserve Board and
Council of Economic advisors with timely information to assess current
economic performance. Other government and private stakeholders also
benefit from a better understanding of important cyclical components of
our economy.
We plan to expand the industry coverage of the QSS to include truck
transportation; couriers and messengers; warehousing and storage;
rental and leasing; ambulatory health care services; social assistance;
arts, entertainment, and recreation services; repair and maintenance
services; personal and laundry services; and, grant-making, civic,
professional and similar organizations. For expanded industries, the
survey will produce estimates of total operating revenue and operating
expenses from tax-exempt firms in industries that have a large not-for-
profit component. The expansion will include two new forms, QSS-4(A)
and QSS-4(E).
II. Method of Collection
We will collect this information by mail, fax, internet, and a
telephone follow-up.
III. Data
OMB Number: 0607-0907.
Form Number: QSS-1(A), QSS-1(E), QSS-2(A), QSS-2(E), QSS-3(A), QSS-
3(E), QSS-4(A), QSS-4(E).
Type of Review: Regular submission.
Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profit organizations, not-
for-profit institutions, and government hospitals.
Estimated Number of Respondents: 6,000 currently; 13,000 with
industry expansion.
Estimated Time Per Response:
Form Number: QSS-1(A), QSS-1(E), QSS-2(A), QSS-2(E), QSS-3 (A),
QSS-3(E): 15 minutes.
Form Number: QSS-4(A), QSS-4(E): 10 minutes.
Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 6,000 hours currently; 11,922
hours after expansion.
Estimated Total Annual Cost: The current cost to the respondents is
estimated to be $148,020. The cost to the respondents for fiscal year
2007, after industry expansion, is estimated to be $294,116. Both
figures are based on the median hourly salary of $24.67 for accountants
and auditors. (Occupational Employment Statistics-Bureau of Labor
Statistics ``2004 National Occupational Employment and Wage
Estimates'') http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_13Bu.htm.
Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.
Legal Authority: Title 13 , United States Code, Section 182.
[[Page 12341]]
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: March 6, 2006.
Madeleine Clayton,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. E6-3410 Filed 3-9-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P