1028-0070_Part_B. 1_25_2011doc

Supporting Statement B for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions

OMB Control Number 1028-0070

Consolidated Consumers’ Report (1 form: 9-4117-MA)

Terms of Clearance: None

B. Collection of Information Employing Statistical Methods

1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any sampling or other respondent selection method to be used. Data on the number of entities (e.g., establishments, State and local government units, households, or persons) in the universe covered by the collection and in the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular form for the universe as a whole and for each of the strata in the proposed sample. Indicate expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection had been conducted previously, include the actual response rate achieved during the last collection.

The Consolidated Consumers’ Report canvass (USGS Form 9-4117-MA) is conducted as a complete census. The total frame for this canvass is approximately 343 establishments. The sources of the frame are publications such as industry directories (for example, the annual Skillings North American Mining Directory) and trade periodicals (e.g., American Metal Market and Platt’s Metal Week), as well as commodity specialists’ direct contacts with industry specialists. Once a year, mineral commodity specialists update the frame. No sampling is performed.

The data collected on this form are used to publish information on the mineral consumption for each State, including State rankings. Each State typically has only a limited number of establishments for each mineral commodity. In order to have accurate State rankings, it is necessary to canvass all of the establishments. On average, 83% of establishments respond.

Data are imputed for all non-responses. For the large majority of the published statistics, the high response rate and good imputation methodology used justify a maximum expected error of no more than plus or minus 5%. Industry acceptance of this canvass and response to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) publication of the data continue to be extremely positive.

2. Describe the procedures for the collection of information including:

* Statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection,

* Estimation procedure,

* Degree of accuracy needed for the purpose described in the justification,

* Unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures, and

* Any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce burden.

This canvass does not employ sampling techniques. Data are imputed for all non-responses. The majority of published statistics are rounded to three significant digits. Estimation procedures for non-respondents are described in (3) below.

3. Describe methods to maximize response rates and to deal with issues of non-response. The accuracy and reliability of information collected must be shown to be adequate for intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be provided for any collection that will not yield "reliable" data that can be generalized to the universe studied.

Paper forms:

Two weeks after the initial request, establishments not responding receive another copy of the paper form in a second request for information. For larger establishments that still do not respond, statistical assistants may phone an alternative company contact.

On-line electronic forms:

Two weeks after the initial request, statistical assistants phone establishments that do not respond. For larger establishments that still do not respond, mineral commodity specialists may phone an alternative company contact.

Non-response:

Data are imputed for all non-responses using a variety of techniques. For example, imputation of non-response data may use industry trend figures, measures of establishment size such as Mine Safety and Health Administration employee-hours data, or company annual reports.

4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Testing is encouraged as an effective means of refining collections of information to minimize burden and improve utility. Tests must be approved if they call for answers to identical questions from 10 or more respondents. A proposed test or set of tests may be submitted for approval separately or in combination with the main collection of information.

Many of the USGS’ information customers are also businesses that supply USGS data. The USGS is in frequent contact with companies by way of industry associations and conferences (for example, the International Tungsten Association, the Cobalt Development Institute, the International Chromium Development Association, the Tantalum-Niobium International Study Center, the International Molybdenum Association, and the International Titanium Association). The information exchanged with these industry associations and at conferences includes trade, consumption, and production statistics, as well as information on technology developments within the particular industry.

Informal communications during periodic contacts with our customers allow us to determine if the published canvass data are meeting their needs. Any feedback concerning this information collection discussed during these communications or non-response follow-up telephone contacts are used as suggestions that might facilitate clarification or ease respondent burden. Respondents are also encouraged to submit comments via a feedback link on the Web site. An annual letter is sent to our voluntary canvass respondents thanking them for their support and encouraging them to view our data products. At present, no formal tests are in progress that would require clearance.

5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on statistical aspects of the design and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), grantee(s), or other person(s) who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.

For further information concerning this information collection, please contact:

Jeffrey P. Busse, Statistician, 703-648-4914, [email protected], Scott F. Sibley, Chief, Mineral Commodities Section, 703-648-4976, [email protected], or Carleen Kostick, Chief, Data Collection and Coordination Section, 703-648-7940, [email protected].

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