Supporting Statement Part B

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SUPPORTING STATEMENT

U.S. Department of Commerce

U.S. Census Bureau

2012 Economic Census General Classification Report

OMB Control Number 0607-0924

PART B – Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods

1. Universe and Respondent Selection

The 2012 Economic Census General Classification Report will be an enumeration of establishments in the 50 states and the District of Columbia that are unclassified or partially classified. The mailing list for the NC-99023 is derived from the Business Register. As part of the 2012 Economic Census, this form will be used to obtain physical location and classification information needed to assign detailed NAICS codes.

	FY 2012	FY 2013
Total universe of active establishments	100,000	100,000
Number of establishments to be mailed	100,000	100,000
Expected response rate (85 percent)	85,000	85,000

2. Procedures for Collecting Information

1. Statistical Methodology for Stratification and Sample Selection

The Census Bureau will mail the NC-99023 to obtain classification information. The NC-99023 will contain lists of classification codes and descriptions of business activities. An establishment is to select the activity that best describes its business by checking the box next to the activity listed.

2. Estimation Procedure

There are no data published from this survey. Survey results will be used to update the Business Register so that more reliable data will be collected in the Census.

3. Degree of Accuracy Needed

The accuracy of this information collection is not affected by sampling error. These measures are based on a complete enumeration of the target establishment universe.

4. Unusual Problems Requiring Specialized Sampling Procedures

There are no known problems that will require specialized sampling procedures for this survey.

5. Use of Periodic Data Collection to Reduce Burden

The Census Bureau uses periodic information collection in conjunction with conducting an Economic Census to update its Economic Census mailing lists when revisions of the U.S. classification system occur as required by Title 13, U.S.C., Section 131.

3. Methods to Maximize Response

This information collection will maximize response through the following means:

1. mailing materials that emphasize the mandatory and confidential nature of Census reports, as provided by Title 13, U.S.C.;

2. effective Census questionnaires and instructions that simplify reporting and minimize response burden; and

3. systematic mail follow-up for nonresponse supplemented by telephone follow-up for selected firms.

4. allowing respondents to report electronically via the Internet.

4. Testing of Procedures or Methods

This information collection will use procedures that are based on the 2006 Refile Classification Survey, the 2007 Economic Census General Classification Report, and a considerable body of other experience with the Economic Census and surveys. Previous Economic Censuses also have been the subject of evaluation studies that have examined methodology, conceptual issues, and related statistical questions.

5. Contacts for Statistical Aspects and Data Collection

Statistical methodology is developed under the direction of Scot A. Dahl, Acting Assistant Division Chief for Research and Methodology, Service Sector Statistics Division, Bureau of the Census, Washington, DC 20233 (telephone 301-763-7234).

The 2012 Economic Census Classification Report is conducted under the direction of John B. Murphy, Assistant Division Chief for Classification Activities, Service Sector Statistics Division, Bureau of the Census, Washington, DC 20233 (telephone 301-763-5172), Scott P. Handmaker, Chief, Economic Classification Operations Branch, Service Sector Statistics Division, Bureau of the Census, Washington, DC 20233 (telephone 301-763-7107), and Nancy A. Piesto, Assistant Division Chief for Collection Activities, Economic Planning and Coordination Division, Bureau of the Census, Washington, DC 20233 (telephone 301-763-7138). Data collection is managed by, Stephanie L. Studds, Chief, Mailout and Data Capture Branch, Economic Planning and Coordination Division, Bureau of the Census, Washington, DC 20233 (telephone 301-763-2633).