Within three
months from date of clearance the Census Bureau will provide OMB
with a plan for improving the M-3 survey as discussed with OMB. The
plan will include: (1) consideration of reporting preliminary data
at a more aggregated level, (2) exploration of changing the
sampling procedure so that not all large manufacturers are
included, (3) consideration of asking respondents to report monthly
data on a quarterly basis, (4) institution of procedures to allow
electronic reporting by respondents, (5) examination of the
direction and magnitude of the revisions at the subaggregate level
for signs of consistent under- and over-estimation, and (6)
additional steps to improve the survey's response rates and
increase the accuracy of preliminary estimates.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
05/31/1986
05/31/1986
04/30/1985
49,200
0
64,320
16,400
0
22,040
0
0
0
THIS IS THE ONLY SURVEY THAT PROVIDES
MONTHLY STATISTICAL INFORMATION TO GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY ON THE
ENTIRE MANUFACTURING SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY. THESE STATISTICS ARE AN
ESSENTIAL PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE GROSS NATIONAL PRODUCT
ACCOUNTS AND THE SURVEY IS DESIGNATED AS "PRINCIPAL FEDERAL
ECONOMIC INDICATOR" BY THE OFFICE OF INFORMATION AN REGULATORY
AFFAIRS.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.