Approved as amended by memos and conference calls through 12/18. In addition, NSF and Census will (1) conduct methodological investigations to better understand the causes and implications of nonresponse in the SIRD. Specifically, a record-keeping study should be done to find out what information businesses have regarding the voluntary items and reasons for nonresponse to those items. Second, further research should be done to study the effect of imputation on the quality of the data; especially the cumulative effect of high imputation rates year after year. (2) NSF has clearance to collect fringe benefit information as for this clearance period only. Upon resubmission for the next clearance, NSF will discuss the findings from this data with respect to the quality of information being collected. Any reports from data collected during this clearance period should reflect the fact that this is a pilot data collection. Upon resubmission of this package, if NSF believes that the quality of information is sufficient, NSF should provide adequate documentation thereof and request permission to collect this information on a permanent basis. (3) NSF has clearance to require disaggregated R&D expenditures by state for this clearance period only, to be recleared upon resubmission of the pkg. The primary purpose for this prelim. data collection is to assess the quality of information being collected, and any subsequent use or presentation of this data should also reflect the pilot study nature of the data collection at this point. If NSF believes that the quality of information is sufficient, they shall provide adequate documentation and request permission to require this collection of information on a permanent basis. (4) NSF will initiate a web-based version of this survey by the next submission of this clearance request. If NSF is unable to complete a web-based version upon resubmission, NSF must provide justification as to why web-based surveys can not be implemented in this instance, and document the steps being taken to allow full electronic submission of the survey.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
01/31/2005
01/31/2005
01/31/2002
24,200
0
23,400
51,400
0
43,000
0
0
0
This survey measure the amount and indicates the direction of R&D expenditures by U.S. industry. Government agencies, corporations, academic researchers, trade associations, research organizations, and others use the survey statistics to analyze and forecast technological growth, investigate productivity determinants, formulate tax policy, and compare individual company performance with industry averages. Companies with known R&D activity and samples of companies in selected industries that may conduct R&D are included.
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.
Survey of Industrial Research and Development, 2001-2004