The Census
Bureau will provide a research plan to OMB within 6 months of
clearance of this package outlining the topics for the 2018 and
2019 reference year collection modules, as well as the Census
Bureau’s plans for developing and publishing data on nonemployer
businesses.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
03/31/2021
36 Months From Approved
850,000
0
0
735,934
0
0
0
0
0
The U.S. Census Bureau, with support
from the National Science Foundation (NSF), plans to conduct the
Annual Business Survey (ABS) for the 2017-2021 survey years. The
ABS combines Census Bureau firm-level collections to reduce
respondent burden, increase data quality, reduce operational costs,
and operate more efficiently. The ABS will provide the only
comprehensive data on business owner demographics and business
characteristics, including financing, research and development (for
microbusinesses), and innovation. The 2017 ABS will sample
approximately 850,000 employer businesses to produce more detailed
statistics. Annually from 2018-2021, the survey sample will be
reduced to approximately 300,000 businesses to reduce respondent
burden.
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.