The U.S. Census Bureau, with support
from the National Science Foundation (NSF), plans to conduct the
Annual Business Survey (ABS) for five years (2018-2022). 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 2019 ABS will sample 300,000
businesses.
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.