2014 SAS Amendment

In an effort to migrate our economic program toward online reporting and reduce paper usage, the 2014 Service Annual Survey (0607-0422) will request respondents to provide their data via the Census Bureau’s online reporting system (Centurion). The system is designed to be secure and flexible for users. It allows respondents to complete and file in one session or to save and return over multiple sessions. This “all electronic” strategy eliminates paper forms in all mailings. Instead, a letter will be sent that provides a user ID and password directing the respondent to the Census Bureau’s Business Help Site at econhelp.census.gov/sas. Once logged in, respondents may begin reporting, or they may print a worksheet (a copy of the SAS form) that will allow them to gather their data prior to reporting electronically.

We will monitor overall response, and if rates fall below a threshold determined from historical trends we will implement contingencies to improve response. One contingency could be including paper forms in the next scheduled mailing. We will also monitor response at an industry level to ensure that if overall response remains acceptable, no individual industry falls behind historical response trends. If any specific industry falls below the established threshold, then we will implement appropriate contingencies to improve response.

If you have any questions about this request, please contact Anne S. Russell, Survey Director, Service Annual Survey, 301-763-5173.