ABS Questionnaire ABS Questionnaire

Annual Business Survey

abs1_24_06042024

OMB: 0607-1004

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
U.S. CENSUS BUREAU

2024 ANNUAL BUSINESS SURVEY

FORM

ABS-1 (06/04/2024) D9

OMB No. 0607-1004: Approval Expires 04/30/2026

DUE DATE:
Need help or have questions?
● Visit https://www.census.gov/
abshelp
● Call 1-888-824-9954, between
8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern
time, Monday through Friday.
¿Necesita ayuda?
Si usted habla español y
necesita ayuda para completar
su cuestionario, Ilame sin
cargo alguno al
1-888-824-9954, entre las
8 a.m. y las 8 p.m., hora del
Este, de lunes a viernes.
(Please correct any errors in this mailing address.)

YOUR RESPONSE IS REQUIRED BY LAW. Title 13, United States Code, Sections 8(b), 131, and 182; Title 42, United
States Code, Section 1861-76 (National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended); and Section 505 within the America
COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, authorize this collection. Sections 224 and 225 of Title 13 require your response.
The U.S. Census Bureau is required by Section 9 of Title 13 to keep your information confidential and use your responses
only to produce statistics. The Census Bureau is not permitted to publicly release your responses in a way that could
identify your business, organization, or institution. Per the Federal Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015, your data are
protected from cybersecurity risks through screening of the systems that transmit data.

COMPLETE THIS SURVEY ONLINE
● Go to: https://portal.census.gov

This survey is jointly conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Center for Science
and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) within the National Science Foundation.

SECTION A: COMPANY INFORMATION
The following section collects information on the operations and structure of this business. All businesses that
receive this survey should answer questions in the upcoming section. The reporting unit for the survey is the
U.S.-located company, including all majority-owned subsidiaries and divisions regardless of location. Report
only for domestic U.S. operations.
A.1 Ceased Operations
Has this business ceased operations?
Yes
No – Skip to ’A.3 Business Ownership – Foreign-Owned Entity’
A.2 Date Ceased Operations
Print the month and year this business ceased operations.
MM

YYYY

Reporting Instructions: If the ceased-operations date is before January 2023, skip to SECTION I:
CONTACT INFORMATION on page 53.
If the ceased-operations date is after January 1, 2023, you are still required to complete this survey
covering any business activity for 2023, even though this business is not currently operating.
A.3 Business Ownership – Foreign-Owned Entity
In 2023, was this business a majority-owned subsidiary of a foreign company?
Yes
No
Reporting Instructions for Foreign-Owned Companies: If this business is owned by a foreign parent,
the reporting unit for the survey is the U.S.-located company, including all majority-owned subsidiaries
and divisions located in the domestic United States (50 states and the District of Columbia). For reporting
purposes, the foreign parent and any foreign affiliates this company does not own should be treated the
same as any business partner, customer, or supplier this business does not own.
A.4 Business Ownership – U.S. Entity
In 2023, did another U.S. company or other entity own more than 50 percent of this business?
Examples of other entities include estates, trusts, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), associations,
membership clubs, and cooperatives.
Yes – Skip to ’A.6 Business – 10% or More Ownership’
No
A.5 Business Ownership – Government or Tribal Entity
In 2023, was this business owned by a government or tribal entity?
Yes
No
A.6 Business – 10% or More Ownership
In 2023, did at least one person own 10% or more of this business? Do not count parent companies,
estates, trusts or other entities.
Yes
No – Select “No” ONLY if no person owned 10% or more of this business.
Form ABS-1

2

A.7 Number of Owners
In 2023, how many people owned this business?
ჀDo not combine two or more owners to create one owner.
ჀCount spouses and partners as separate owners.
ჀCount owners who owned at least 10% of this business.
1 person
2 people
3 people
4 people
5 - 10 people
11 or more people
Business is owned by a parent company, estate, trust or other entity
Do not know
A.8 Number of W-2 Paid Domestic Employees or Employees/Owners
For the pay period including March 12, 2023, how many people worked for this business, including those paid
through grants? Include both full-time and part-time employees as well as yourself. Include only persons in the
United States.
Count each person only once. If none, report zero.

Number of People

a. Number of owners who received a W-2 issued by this business for
salary or wages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
b. Number of employees who received a W-2 issued by this business for
salary or wages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
c. Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A.9 Number of Domestic Workers Who Did Not Receive a W-2
Not including employees or employees/owners included in the previous question, how many other people worked
for this business in 2023, including those paid through grants? Include both full-time and part-time workers as
well as yourself, if applicable. Include only persons in the United States.
Count each person only once. If none, report zero.
a. Individuals whose work was directed by this business and who received
payment in other ways (e.g., contractors, consultants, temporary workers who
receive a 1099 from this business or payment from another business) . . . . . . . . .

Number of People

b. Unpaid individuals who worked for this business (e.g., friends, volunteers,
family members) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A.10 Total Worldwide and Domestic Sales and Operating Revenues
In 2023, what was the amount of this business’s worldwide and domestic sales and operating revenues,
including grants?
Round to the nearest one thousand dollars. If none, report zero.
$Bil.

2023 sales, revenues, and grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

0 0 0

Reporting Instructions: Report amount using U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP)
as recognized by the Financial Accounting Standard Board (FASB). If this business follows International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), we request that you estimate any adjustments that would be required
to conform to U.S. GAAP.

Form ABS-1

3

A.11 Domestic Sales and Revenues
How much of the ’A.10 Total Worldwide and Domestic Sales and Operating Revenues’ in 2023 sales,
revenues, and grants was attributable to or originated from domestic operations? Include sales and operating
revenues to foreign customers, including foreign subsidiaries.
Round to the nearest one thousand dollars.
Dol.
$Bil.
Mil.
Thou.
If none, report zero.
Domestic operating revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .



0 0 0

Reporting Instructions: For example, a U.S. manufacturing corporation sells parts to customers around
the world; however, because all of its operations are located inside the United States, it reports all of its
sales in this question.
A.12 Sources of Domestic Sales and Revenues
Approximately what share of this business’s ‘A.11 Domestic Sales and Revenues’ in 2023
domestic sales and revenues, including grants, came from the following?
If none, report zero.
a. Selling goods to customers, including other businesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
b. Selling services to customers, including other businesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
c. Licensing or royalties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
d. Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .



e. Other, (specify) ᇉ

...



.0

%



.0

%



.0

%



.0

%



.0

%

Total = 100%

A.13 Types of Customers

In 2023, which of the following types of customers accounted for 10% or more of this business’s total sales of
goods and/or services? Select all that apply.



U.S. federal government



State and local government, including school districts, transportation authorities, etc.



Other businesses, including distributors of your product(s)



Other organizations (foreign governments, nonprofits, etc.)



Individuals



Business did not have any sales

A.14 Types of Workers
In 2023, which of the following types of workers were used by this business? Select all that apply.



Full-time paid employees (workers who received a W-2 from this business)



Part-time paid employees (workers who received a W-2 from this business)



Paid day laborers



Temporary staffing obtained from a temporary help service



Leased employees from a leasing service or a professional employer organization



Contractors, subcontractors, independent contractors, or outside consultants (workers who received a
1099 or payment from another company)



None of the above

Form ABS-1

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A.15 Franchise Operation
In 2023, did all or part of this business operate as a franchise?
Yes
No

A.16 New Credit Applications
For the 12 months ending December 31, 2023, did this business submit an application for new credit
(e.g., a credit card, loan, line of credit, trade financing, etc.)?
Yes
No – Skip to ’A.19 Working From Home’
Don’t know – Skip to ’A.19 Working From Home’

A.17 New Credit Sources
For the 12 months ending December 31, 2023, from what lenders did this business apply for new credit?
Select all that apply.
Bank (financial institution that accepts deposits and extends credit, either in person or online)
Credit union (nonprofit financial institution that provides banking services, including loans, to its members)
Fintech/online lender (type of finance company that operates exclusively online and/or by phone to issue
loans or lines of credit, usually with no collateral requirements. Includes payment companies that offer
loans and cash advances to merchants.)
Finance company (company that provides loans or leases but, unlike a bank, does not accept deposits or offer
banking services. Examples include mortgage companies, equipment dealers, and auto finance companies.)
Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) (financial institution certified by the U.S. Department of
the Treasury that provides credit, financial services, and technical assistance to underserved people or places)
Other, (specify) ᇉ

A.18 New Credit Received
For the 12 months ending December 31, 2023, how much of the total amount of credit requested did this business
receive?
None
Some
All
Don’t know

A.19 Working From Home
In 2023, did this business allow any employees to work from home?
Yes
No – Skip to ’A.21 Factors Affecting Working From Home’

Form ABS-1

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A.20 Percent of Employees Working From Home
In 2023, what percent of all employees at this business worked from home at the following frequencies?
If none, report zero. Estimates are acceptable.
a. Never . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.0

%

b. Less than one day per week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.0

%

c. One day per week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.0

%

d. Two to four days per week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.0

%

e. Five or more days per week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.0

%

Total = 100%
A.21 Factors Affecting Working From Home
In 2023, did any of the following factors limit the ability of this business’s employees to work from home?
Select all that apply.
Job or parts of job cannot be performed from home
Management of employees working from home too costly or complicated
Security (IT or other) concerns
Other, (specify) ᇉ
No limiting factors
A.22 Primary Business Activity
Describe this business’s primary business activity during 2023.

If you reported “Yes” to ‘A.6 Business – 10% or More Ownership,’ continue to ‘B.1 Percent Ownership’ on
page 7.
All others skip to ‘C.1 New or Improved Goods’ on page 21.

Form ABS-1

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SECTION B: OWNER CHARACTERISTICS
The following section collects information on the owners of this business. Based on the number of owners you
reported, you may be asked to complete this section for up to four owners of this business. If the business had
no owners, then proceed to the instructions on the bottom of page 20.
Unless otherwise indicated, the reporting period for this section is calendar year 2023.
B.1 Percent Ownership
For the person(s) owning the largest percentage(s) in this business in 2023, list each person’s name and
percentage owned.
• Do not report percentages owned by parent companies, estates, trusts, or other entities.
• If more than 4 people owned this business equally, select any 4 people.
• Round percentages to whole numbers. For example, report 1/3 ownership as 33%.
Percentage Owned

Name of Owner

If
If
If
If

(Estimates are acceptable.)

Name 1:

Owner 1:

.0

%

Name 2:

Owner 2:

.0

%

Name 3:

Owner 3:

.0

%

Name 4:

Owner 4:

.0

%

percent
percent
percent
percent

entered
entered
entered
entered

for
for
for
for

Owner
Owner
Owner
Owner

1
2
3
4

is
is
is
is

more
more
more
more

than
than
than
than

0%,
0%,
0%,
0%,

then
then
then
then

answer
answer
answer
answer

Form ABS-1

7

questions
questions
questions
questions

for
for
for
for

Owner
Owner
Owner
Owner

1
2
3
4

on
on
on
on

pages
pages
pages
pages

8, 9, and 10.
11, 12 and 13.
14, 15 and 16.
17, 18 and 19.

OWNER 1

B.1.4 Race
What is Owner 1’s race? Select all that apply.
(For this survey, Hispanic origins are not races.)

If the business had no owners, then proceed to the
instructions on the bottom of page 20.

White – Print, for example, German, Irish,
English, Italian, Lebanese, Egyptian, etc. C

B.1.1 Sex
What is the sex of Owner 1?
Male

Female
Black or African Am. – Print, for example,
African American, Jamaican, Haitian, Nigerian,
Ethiopian, Somali, etc. C

B.1.2 Gender
What is Owner 1’s gender?
Man
Woman

American Indian or Alaska Native – Print name
of enrolled or principal tribe(s), for example,
Navajo Nation, Blackfeet Tribe, Mayan, Aztec,
Native Village of Barrow Inupiat Traditional
Government, Nome Eskimo Community, etc. C

Transgender
Nonbinary
They use a different term:
(specify) C

Don’t know

Note: Please answer BOTH B.1.3 Ethnicity and
B.1.4 Race questions.

Chinese

Vietnamese

Native
Hawaiian

Filipino

Korean

Samoan

Asian Indian

Japanese

Chamorro

Other Asian – Print, for example, Pakistani,
Cambodian, Hmong, etc. C

B.1.3 Ethnicity
Is Owner 1 of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin?
Other Pacific Islander – Print, for example,
Tongan, Fijian, Marshallese, etc. C

No, not of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin
Yes, Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano
Yes, Puerto Rican

B.1.5 Military Service
Has Owner 1 ever served in any branch of the
U.S. Armed Forces, including the Coast Guard, the
National Guard, or a Reserve component of any
service branch?

Yes, Cuban
Yes, another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin –
Print, for example, Salvadoran, Dominican,
Colombian, Guatemalan, Spaniard,
Ecuadorian, etc. C

Yes

No – Skip to ’B.1.8 Initial
Acquisition Year’ on page 9

B.1.6 Military Service Disability
Is Owner 1 disabled as the result of illness or injury
incurred or aggravated during military service?
Yes

Form ABS-1

8

No

B.1.7 Other Military Service

B.1.11 Education Prior to Owning the Business

Do any of the following characteristics describe
Owner 1’s military service? Select all that apply.

Prior to establishing, purchasing, or acquiring this
business, what was the highest degree or level of
school Owner 1 completed?

Served on active-duty military service, not
including training for the Reserves or
National Guard

Less than high school / secondary school
graduate – Skip to ’B.1.13 Age’ on page 10

Served on active-duty military service after
September 11, 2001

High school / secondary school graduate –
Diploma or GED – Skip to ’B.1.13 Age’
on page 10

Served on active-duty military service in 2023

Technical, trade, or vocational school –
Skip to ’B.1.13 Age’ on page 10

Served in the National Guard or as a reservist
of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces in 2023

Some college, but no degree – Skip to
’B.1.13 Age’ on page 10

None of the above

Associate Degree (for example, AA, AS) – Skip
to ’B.1.13 Age’ on page 10

B.1.8 Initial Acquisition Year
In what year did Owner 1 initially acquire ownership
of this business?

Bachelor’s Degree (for example, BA, BS)
Master’s Degree (for example, MA, MEng, MEd,
MSW, MBA)

Year

Doctorate Degree (for example, PhD, EdD)

Don’t know

Professional Degree, beyond a Bachelor’s Degree
(for example, MD, DDS, DVM, LLB, JD)

B.1.9 Primary Income Source
In 2023, did this business provide Owner 1’s primary
source of personal income?
Yes

No

B.1.10 Prior Business Ownership
Not including this business, what is the status of the
previous business Owner 1 started most recently?
This is the owner’s first business
Business is still operating, and Owner 1
still owns it
Business is no longer in operation
Business was purchased by another company
Business was purchased by another individual
Other, (specify)

C

Form ABS-1

9

B.1.12 Field of Highest Degree Prior to Owning
the Business
Prior to establishing, purchasing, or acquiring this
business, what was the field of the highest degree
completed for Owner 1? Select all that apply.

B.1.14 Place of Birth
Was Owner 1 born in the United States?
Yes

Biological / agricultural sciences and natural
resources

No

B.1.15 U.S. Citizenship
Is Owner 1 a citizen of the United States?

Chemistry, except biochemistry
Yes

No

Computer sciences and mathematics
B.1.16 Owner Disability

Engineering

Does Owner 1 have a physical or mental impairment
that substantially limits one or more of his/her major
life activities? For this survey, major life activities
can include both those in everyday and professional
life.

Geosciences, atmospheric and ocean sciences
Health sciences
Physics and astronomy

Yes

Psychology and social sciences

No

Don’t know

B.1.17 Reasons for Owning the Business
How important to Owner 1 is each of the following
reasons for owning this business?

Science and mathematics teacher education
Other science and engineering related fields,
not listed above C

Select one for each row.

Wanted to be my own boss
Arts and humanities

Flexible hours

Business management and administration fields

Balance work and family

Education, except science and math teacher
education

Opportunity for greater
income
Best avenue for my ideas /
goods / services

Law and legal studies
Public administration and social service and
related fields

Unable to find employment

Sales and marketing fields

Working for someone else
didn’t appeal to me

Other non-science and non-engineering related
fields, not listed above C

Always wanted to start my
own business
An entrepreneurial friend
or family member was a
role model

B.1.13 Age

Wanted to carry on the
family business

What was the age of Owner 1 as of December 31,
2023?
Under 25

45 - 54

Wanted to help and/or
become more involved
in my community

25 - 34

55 - 64

Other, (specify)

35 - 44

65 or over

Form ABS-1

10

C

Very
Important

Somewhat
Important

Not
Important

OWNER 2

B.2.4 Race
What is Owner 2’s race? Select all that apply.
(For this survey, Hispanic origins are not races.)

If applicable, if not Skip to ’B.5 One Family Majority
Ownership’ on page 20.

White – Print, for example, German, Irish,
English, Italian, Lebanese, Egyptian, etc. C

B.2.1 Sex
What is the sex of Owner 2?
Male

Female
Black or African Am. – Print, for example,
African American, Jamaican, Haitian, Nigerian,
Ethiopian, Somali, etc. C

B.2.2 Gender
What is Owner 2’s gender?
Man
Woman

American Indian or Alaska Native – Print name
of enrolled or principal tribe(s), for example,
Navajo Nation, Blackfeet Tribe, Mayan, Aztec,
Native Village of Barrow Inupiat Traditional
Government, Nome Eskimo Community, etc. C

Transgender
Nonbinary
They use a different term:
(specify) C

Don’t know

Note: Please answer BOTH B.2.3 Ethnicity and
B.2.4 Race questions.

Chinese

Vietnamese

Native
Hawaiian

Filipino

Korean

Samoan

Asian Indian

Japanese

Chamorro

Other Asian – Print, for example, Pakistani,
Cambodian, Hmong, etc. C

B.2.3 Ethnicity
Is Owner 2 of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin?
Other Pacific Islander – Print, for example,
Tongan, Fijian, Marshallese, etc. C

No, not of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin
Yes, Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano
Yes, Puerto Rican

B.2.5 Military Service
Has Owner 2 ever served in any branch of the
U.S. Armed Forces, including the Coast Guard, the
National Guard, or a Reserve component of any
service branch?

Yes, Cuban
Yes, another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin –
Print, for example, Salvadoran, Dominican,
Colombian, Guatemalan, Spaniard,
Ecuadorian, etc. C

Yes

No – Skip to ’B.2.8 Initial
Acquisition Year’ on page 12

B.2.6 Military Service Disability
Is Owner 2 disabled as the result of illness or injury
incurred or aggravated during military service?
Yes

Form ABS-1

11

No

B.2.7 Other Military Service

B.2.11 Education Prior to Owning the Business

Do any of the following characteristics describe
Owner 2’s military service? Select all that apply.

Prior to establishing, purchasing, or acquiring this
business, what was the highest degree or level of
school Owner 2 completed?

Served on active-duty military service, not
including training for the Reserves or
National Guard

Less than high school / secondary school
graduate – Skip to ’B.2.12 Age’ on page 13

Served on active-duty military service after
September 11, 2001

High school / secondary school graduate –
Diploma or GED – Skip to ’B.2.12 Age’
on page 13

Served on active-duty military service in 2023

Technical, trade, or vocational school –
Skip to ’B.2.12 Age’ on page 13

Served in the National Guard or as a reservist
of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces in 2023

Some college, but no degree – Skip to
’B.2.12 Age’ on page 13

None of the above

Associate Degree (for example, AA, AS) – Skip
to ’B.2.12 Age’ on page 13

B.2.8 Initial Acquisition Year
In what year did Owner 2 initially acquire ownership
of this business?

Bachelor’s Degree (for example, BA, BS)
Master’s Degree (for example, MA, MEng, MEd,
MSW, MBA)

Year

Doctorate Degree (for example, PhD, EdD)

Don’t know

Professional Degree, beyond a Bachelor’s Degree
(for example, MD, DDS, DVM, LLB, JD)

B.2.9 Primary Income Source
In 2023, did this business provide Owner 2’s primary
source of personal income?
Yes

No

B.2.10 Prior Business Ownership
Not including this business, what is the status of the
previous business Owner 2 started most recently?
This is the owner’s first business
Business is still operating, and Owner 2
still owns it
Business is no longer in operation
Business was purchased by another company
Business was purchased by another individual
Other, (specify)

C

Form ABS-1

12

B.2.12 Field of Highest Degree Prior to Owning
the Business
Prior to establishing, purchasing, or acquiring this
business, what was the field of the highest degree
completed for Owner 2? Select all that apply.

B.2.14 Place of Birth
Was Owner 2 born in the United States?
Yes

Biological / agricultural sciences and natural
resources

No

B.2.15 U.S. Citizenship
Is Owner 2 a citizen of the United States?

Chemistry, except biochemistry
Yes

No

Computer sciences and mathematics
B.2.16 Owner Disability

Engineering

Does Owner 2 have a physical or mental impairment
that substantially limits one or more of his/her major
life activities? For this survey, major life activities
can include both those in everyday and professional
life.

Geosciences, atmospheric and ocean sciences
Health sciences
Physics and astronomy

Yes

Psychology and social sciences

No

Don’t know

B.2.17 Reasons for Owning the Business
How important to Owner 2 is each of the following
reasons for owning this business?

Science and mathematics teacher education
Other science and engineering related fields,
not listed above C

Select one for each row.

Wanted to be my own boss
Arts and humanities

Flexible hours

Business management and administration fields

Balance work and family

Education, except science and math teacher
education

Opportunity for greater
income
Best avenue for my ideas /
goods / services

Law and legal studies
Public administration and social service and
related fields

Unable to find employment

Sales and marketing fields

Working for someone else
didn’t appeal to me

Other non-science and non-engineering related
fields, not listed above C

Always wanted to start my
own business
An entrepreneurial friend
or family member was a
role model

B.2.13 Age

Wanted to carry on the
family business

What was the age of Owner 2 as of December 31,
2023?
Under 25

45 - 54

Wanted to help and/or
become more involved
in my community

25 - 34

55 - 64

Other, (specify)

35 - 44

65 or over

Form ABS-1

13

C

Very
Important

Somewhat
Important

Not
Important

OWNER 3

B.3.4 Race
What is Owner 3’s race? Select all that apply.
(For this survey, Hispanic origins are not races.)

If applicable, if not Skip to ’B.5 One Family Majority
Ownership’ on page 20.

White – Print, for example, German, Irish,
English, Italian, Lebanese, Egyptian, etc. C

B.3.1 Sex
What is the sex of Owner 3?
Male

Female
Black or African Am. – Print, for example,
African American, Jamaican, Haitian, Nigerian,
Ethiopian, Somali, etc. C

B.3.2 Gender
What is Owner 3’s gender?
Man
Woman

American Indian or Alaska Native – Print name
of enrolled or principal tribe(s), for example,
Navajo Nation, Blackfeet Tribe, Mayan, Aztec,
Native Village of Barrow Inupiat Traditional
Government, Nome Eskimo Community, etc. C

Transgender
Nonbinary
They use a different term:
(specify) C

Don’t know

Note: Please answer BOTH B.3.3 Ethnicity and
B.3.4 Race questions.

Chinese

Vietnamese

Native
Hawaiian

Filipino

Korean

Samoan

Asian Indian

Japanese

Chamorro

Other Asian – Print, for example, Pakistani,
Cambodian, Hmong, etc. C

B.3.3 Ethnicity
Is Owner 3 of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin?
Other Pacific Islander – Print, for example,
Tongan, Fijian, Marshallese, etc. C

No, not of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin
Yes, Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano
Yes, Puerto Rican

B.3.5 Military Service
Has Owner 3 ever served in any branch of the
U.S. Armed Forces, including the Coast Guard, the
National Guard, or a Reserve component of any
service branch?

Yes, Cuban
Yes, another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin –
Print, for example, Salvadoran, Dominican,
Colombian, Guatemalan, Spaniard,
Ecuadorian, etc. C

Yes

No – Skip to ’B.3.8 Initial
Acquisition Year’ on page 15

B.3.6 Military Service Disability
Is Owner 3 disabled as the result of illness or injury
incurred or aggravated during military service?
Yes

Form ABS-1

14

No

B.3.7 Other Military Service

B.3.11 Education Prior to Owning the Business

Do any of the following characteristics describe
Owner 3’s military service? Select all that apply.

Prior to establishing, purchasing, or acquiring this
business, what was the highest degree or level of
school Owner 3 completed?

Served on active-duty military service, not
including training for the Reserves or
National Guard

Less than high school / secondary school
graduate – Skip to ’B.3.13 Age’ on page 16

Served on active-duty military service after
September 11, 2001

High school / secondary school graduate –
Diploma or GED – ’B.3.13 Age’
on page 16

Served on active-duty military service in 2023

Technical, trade, or vocational school –
Skip to ’B.3.13 Age’ on page 16

Served in the National Guard or as a reservist
of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces in 2023

Some college, but no degree – Skip to
’B.3.13 Age’ on page 16

None of the above

Associate Degree (for example, AA, AS) – Skip
to ’B.3.13 Age’ on page 16

B.3.8 Initial Acquisition Year
In what year did Owner 3 initially acquire ownership
of this business?

Bachelor’s Degree (for example, BA, BS)
Master’s Degree (for example, MA, MEng, MEd,
MSW, MBA)

Year

Doctorate Degree (for example, PhD, EdD)

Don’t know

Professional Degree, beyond a Bachelor’s Degree
(for example, MD, DDS, DVM, LLB, JD)

B.3.9 Primary Income Source
In 2023, did this business provide Owner 3’s primary
source of personal income?
Yes

No

B.3.10 Prior Business Ownership
Not including this business, what is the status of the
previous business Owner 3 started most recently?
This is the owner’s first business
Business is still operating, and Owner 3
still owns it
Business is no longer in operation
Business was purchased by another company
Business was purchased by another individual
Other, (specify)

C

Form ABS-1

15

B.3.12 Field of Highest Degree Prior to Owning
the Business
Prior to establishing, purchasing, or acquiring this
business, what was the field of the highest degree
completed for Owner 3? Select all that apply.

B.3.14 Place of Birth
Was Owner 3 born in the United States?
Yes

Biological / agricultural sciences and natural
resources

No

B.3.15 U.S. Citizenship
Is Owner 3 a citizen of the United States?

Chemistry, except biochemistry
Yes

No

Computer sciences and mathematics
B.3.16 Owner Disability

Engineering

Does Owner 3 have a physical or mental impairment
that substantially limits one or more of his/her major
life activities? For this survey, major life activities
can include both those in everyday and professional
life.

Geosciences, atmospheric and ocean sciences
Health sciences
Physics and astronomy

Yes

Psychology and social sciences

No

Don’t know

B.3.17 Reasons for Owning the Business
How important to Owner 3 is each of the following
reasons for owning this business?

Science and mathematics teacher education
Other science and engineering related fields,
not listed above C

Select one for each row.

Wanted to be my own boss
Arts and humanities

Flexible hours

Business management and administration fields

Balance work and family

Education, except science and math teacher
education

Opportunity for greater
income
Best avenue for my ideas /
goods / services

Law and legal studies
Public administration and social service and
related fields

Unable to find employment

Sales and marketing fields

Working for someone else
didn’t appeal to me

Other non-science and non-engineering related
fields, not listed above C

Always wanted to start my
own business
An entrepreneurial friend
or family member was a
role model

B.3.13 Age

Wanted to carry on the
family business

What was the age of Owner 3 as of December 31,
2023?
Under 25

45 - 54

Wanted to help and/or
become more involved
in my community

25 - 34

55 - 64

Other, (specify)

35 - 44

65 or over

Form ABS-1

16

C

Very
Important

Somewhat
Important

Not
Important

OWNER 4

B.4.4 Race
What is Owner 4’s race? Select all that apply.
(For this survey, Hispanic origins are not races.)

If applicable, if not Skip to ’B.5 One Family Majority
Ownership’ on page 20.

White – Print, for example, German, Irish,
English, Italian, Lebanese, Egyptian, etc. C

B.4.1 Sex
What is the sex of Owner 4?
Male

Female
Black or African Am. – Print, for example,
African American, Jamaican, Haitian, Nigerian,
Ethiopian, Somali, etc. C

B.4.2 Gender
What is Owner 4’s gender?
Man
Woman

American Indian or Alaska Native – Print name
of enrolled or principal tribe(s), for example,
Navajo Nation, Blackfeet Tribe, Mayan, Aztec,
Native Village of Barrow Inupiat Traditional
Government, Nome Eskimo Community, etc. C

Transgender
Nonbinary
They use a different term:
(specify) C

Don’t know

Note: Please answer BOTH B.4.3 Ethnicity and
B.4.4 Race questions.

Chinese

Vietnamese

Native
Hawaiian

Filipino

Korean

Samoan

Asian Indian

Japanese

Chamorro

Other Asian – Print, for example, Pakistani,
Cambodian, Hmong, etc. C

B.4.3 Ethnicity
Is Owner 4 of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin?
Other Pacific Islander – Print, for example,
Tongan, Fijian, Marshallese, etc. C

No, not of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin
Yes, Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano
Yes, Puerto Rican

B.4.5 Military Service
Has Owner 4 ever served in any branch of the
U.S. Armed Forces, including the Coast Guard, the
National Guard, or a Reserve component of any
service branch?

Yes, Cuban
Yes, another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin –
Print, for example, Salvadoran, Dominican,
Colombian, Guatemalan, Spaniard,
Ecuadorian, etc. C

Yes

No – Skip to ’B.4.8 Initial
Acquisition Year’ on page 18

B.4.6 Military Service Disability
Is Owner 4 disabled as the result of illness or injury
incurred or aggravated during military service?
Yes

Form ABS-1

17

No

B.4.7 Other Military Service

B.4.11 Education Prior to Owning the Business

Do any of the following characteristics describe
Owner 4’s military service? Select all that apply.

Prior to establishing, purchasing, or acquiring this
business, what was the highest degree or level of
school Owner 4 completed?

Served on active-duty military service, not
including training for the Reserves or
National Guard

Less than high school / secondary school
graduate – Skip to ’B.4.13 Age’ on page 19

Served on active-duty military service after
September 11, 2001

High school / secondary school graduate –
Diploma or GED – Skip to ’B.4.13 Age’
on page 19

Served on active-duty military service in 2023

Technical, trade, or vocational school –
Skip to ’B.4.13 Age’ on page 19

Served in the National Guard or as a reservist
of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces in 2023

Some college, but no degree – Skip to
’B.4.13 Age’ on page 19

None of the above

Associate Degree (for example, AA, AS) – Skip
to ’B.4.13 Age’ on page 19

B.4.8 Initial Acquisition Year
In what year did Owner 4 initially acquire ownership
of this business?

Bachelor’s Degree (for example, BA, BS)
Master’s Degree (for example, MA, MEng, MEd,
MSW, MBA)

Year

Doctorate Degree (for example, PhD, EdD)

Don’t know

Professional Degree, beyond a Bachelor’s Degree
(for example, MD, DDS, DVM, LLB, JD)

B.4.9 Primary Income Source
In 2023, did this business provide Owner 4’s primary
source of personal income?
Yes

No

B.4.10 Prior Business Ownership
Not including this business, what is the status of the
previous business Owner 4 started most recently?
This is the owner’s first business
Business is still operating, and Owner 4
still owns it
Business is no longer in operation
Business was purchased by another company
Business was purchased by another individual
Other, (specify)

C

Form ABS-1

18

B.4.12 Field of Highest Degree Prior to Owning
the Business
Prior to establishing, purchasing, or acquiring this
business, what was the field of the highest degree
completed for Owner 4? Select all that apply.

B.4.14 Place of Birth
Was Owner 4 born in the United States?
Yes

Biological / agricultural sciences and natural
resources

No

B.4.15 U.S. Citizenship
Is Owner 4 a citizen of the United States?

Chemistry, except biochemistry
Yes

No

Computer sciences and mathematics
B.4.16 Owner Disability

Engineering

Does Owner 4 have a physical or mental impairment
that substantially limits one or more of his/her major
life activities? For this survey, major life activities
can include both those in everyday and professional
life.

Geosciences, atmospheric and ocean sciences
Health sciences
Physics and astronomy

Yes

Psychology and social sciences

No

Don’t know

B.4.17 Reasons for Owning the Business
How important to Owner 4 is each of the following
reasons for owning this business?

Science and mathematics teacher education
Other science and engineering related fields,
not listed above C

Select one for each row.

Wanted to be my own boss
Arts and humanities

Flexible hours

Business management and administration fields

Balance work and family

Education, except science and math teacher
education

Opportunity for greater
income
Best avenue for my ideas /
goods / services

Law and legal studies
Public administration and social service and
related fields

Unable to find employment

Sales and marketing fields

Working for someone else
didn’t appeal to me

Other non-science and non-engineering related
fields, not listed above C

Always wanted to start my
own business
An entrepreneurial friend
or family member was a
role model

B.4.13 Age

Wanted to carry on the
family business

What was the age of Owner 4 as of December 31,
2023?
Under 25

45 - 54

Wanted to help and/or
become more involved
in my community

25 - 34

55 - 64

Other, (specify)

35 - 44

65 or over

Form ABS-1

19

C

Very
Important

Somewhat
Important

Not
Important

B.5 One-Family-Majority Ownership
In 2023, did two or more members of one family own the majority of this business? (Family refers to
spouses/unmarried partners, parents/guardians, children, siblings, or close relatives.)
Yes
No

B.6 Joint Ownership
In 2023, did spouses/unmarried partners jointly own this business?
Yes
No – See instructions at the bottom of this page

B.7 Equal Operation
In 2023, was this business operated equally by both spouses/unmarried partners?
Yes, equally operated by spouses/unmarried partners
No, primarily operated by Owner 1
No, primarily operated by Owner 2

Continue to Section C: Goods, Services, and Business Processes on page 21.

Form ABS-1

20

SECTION C: GOODS, SERVICES, AND BUSINESS PROCESSES
The following section collects information on this business’s introduction of new or improved goods, services,
or business processes that differed significantly from this business’s previous goods, services, or processes.
The goods, services, or business processes must have characteristics or intended uses that are new or which
provide a significant improvement over what was previously used or sold by this business. However, they can
fail or take time to prove themselves.
The goods, services, or business processes need only be new or improved for this business. They could have
been originally developed or used by other businesses or organizations.
Unless otherwise indicated in the question, this section asks about the 2021 to 2023 time period,
instead of one year as in other sections of this survey.
C.1 New or Improved Goods
During the three years 2021 to 2023, did this business introduce to the market any new or improved goods that
differed significantly from this business’s previous goods? Select all that apply.
This includes the addition of new functions or improvements to existing functions or user utility.
Ⴠ Functions include quality, technical specifications, reliability, durability, economic efficiency
during use, affordability, convenience, usability, and user friendliness.
Ⴠ User utility includes attributes such as affordability and financial convenience.
Goods: Usually a tangible object, such as a smartphone, furniture, or packaged software, but also includes
digital goods, such as downloadable software, music and film. (Exclude the simple resale of new goods or
changes of a solely aesthetic nature.)
Yes, this business introduced a new or improved good that was new to the market, which was not
previously offered by any of your competitors (it may have already been available in other markets).
Yes, this business introduced a new or improved good that was new only to this business, which was
identical or very similar to products already offered by your competitors.
No
C.2 New or Improved Services
During the three years 2021 to 2023, did this business introduce to the market any new or improved services
that differed significantly from this business’s previous services? Select all that apply.
This includes the addition of new functions or improvements to existing functions or user utility.
Ⴠ Functions include quality, technical specifications, reliability, durability, economic efficiency during use,
affordability, convenience, usability, and user friendliness.
Ⴠ User utility includes attributes such as affordability and financial convenience.
Services: Intangible activities, such as retailing, insurance, educational courses, air travel, consulting, etc.; also
includes digital services. Exclude the simple resale of new services.
Yes, this business introduced a new or improved service that was new to the market, which was not
previously offered by any of your competitors (it may have already been available in other markets).
Yes, this business introduced a new or improved service that was new only to this business, which was
identical or very similar to products already offered by your competitors.
No
If you reported "No" to ‘C.1 New or Improved Goods’ and ‘C.2 New or Improved Services,’ skip to
‘C.4 New or Improved Business Processes’ on page 22.

Form ABS-1

21

C.3 Sources of New or Improved Goods or Services
Who developed these new or improved goods or services? Select all that apply.
This business by itself
This business together with other businesses, universities, research institutes, nonprofits, or other organizations
This business by adapting or modifying goods or services originally developed by other businesses or
organizations
Other businesses or organizations

C.4 New or Improved Business Processes
During the three years 2021 to 2023, did this business introduce any of the following types of new or improved
business processes that differed significantly (e.g., greater efficacy, resource efficiency, reliability and resilience,
affordability, convenience, and usability) from your previous business processes? Select one for each row.
Yes

No

a. Methods for producing goods or providing services (including methods related
to engineering and related technical testing, analysis, and certification). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
b. Logistics, delivery, or distribution methods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
c. Marketing methods for promotion, packaging, pricing, product placement, or
after-sales services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
d. Information and communication systems (including hardware, software, and
data processing). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
e. Administration and management activities (including decision-making, human
resource management, and methods for accounting or other administrative
operations). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
f. Product and business process development activities (including activities to
identify, develop, or adapt products or processes, or adopting new methodologies
for developing products and processes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you report "No" to ‘C.1 New or Improved Goods’ and ‘C.2 New or Improved Services,’
AND
“No” is selected for all of ‘C.4 New or Improved Business Processes, items a. – f.,’ skip to ‘C.6 Goods, Services, or
Business Process Activities’ on page 23.
C.5 Sources of New or Improved Business Processes
Who developed these new or improved business processes? Select all that apply.
This business by itself
This business together with other businesses, universities, research institutes, nonprofits, or other organizations
This business by adapting or modifying business processes originally developed by other businesses or
organizations
Other businesses or organizations

Form ABS-1

22

C.6 Goods, Services, or Business Process Activities
During the three years 2021 to 2023, did this business have any of the following types of innovation activities?
Ⴠ Include all developmental, financial, and commercial activities that were intended to result in a new or improved
good, service, or business process that differed significantly from your previous goods, services, or business
processes.
Ⴠ Similar activities that were not intended to result in a new or improved good, service, or business process should
not be reported here. (e.g., employee training intended for general maintenance of skills is not considered an
“innovation activity”)
Ⴠ Simple replacement of machinery without enhanced capabilities is not considered an “innovation activity.”
Select one for each row.
Yes
a. Research and development: Creative and systematic work undertaken in order
to increase the stock of knowledge and to devise new applications of available
knowledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
b. Engineering and design activities: Planning of technical specifications, testing,
evaluation, setup and pre-production for goods, services, processes or systems;
installing equipment, tooling-up, testing, trials and user demonstrations; and
activities to extract knowledge or design information from existing products or
process equipment. Also include activities to develop a new or modified
function, form or appearance for goods, services, or processes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
c. Marketing and brand equity activities: Include market research, market testing,
methods for pricing, product placement and product promotion; product
advertising, the promotion of products at trade fairs or exhibitions, and the
development of marketing strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
d. Intellectual Property (IP) related activities: Protection or exploitation of knowledge,
often created through R&D, software development, and engineering, design, and
other creative work, including all related administrative and legal work . . . . . . . . . . . . .
e. Employee training: Activities that are paid for or subsidized by the firm to develop
knowledge and skills required for the specific trade, occupation, or vocation of a
firm’s employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
f. Software development and database activities: In-house development and
purchase of computer software; collection and analysis of data in proprietary
computer databases and data obtained from publicly available reports or the
Internet; and activities to upgrade or expand the functions of IT systems,
including computer program and databases. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
g. Acquisition of machinery, equipment, and other tangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
h. Management related to innovation: Activities to plan, govern and control internal
and external resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If “No” is selected for all of ‘C.6 Goods, Services, or Business Process Activities, items a. - h.,’ skip to
‘C.9 Reasons for No Innovation Activities’ on page 25.
All others continue to ‘C.7 Cooperation on Innovation’.

Form ABS-1

23

No

C.7 Cooperation On Innovation
During the three years 2021 to 2023, did this business cooperate with other businesses or organizations on any
of the following? (Cooperation occurs when two or more participants agree to take responsibility for a task or
series of tasks and information is shared between the parties to facilitate the agreement.)
Select one for each row.

Yes

No

a. On R&D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
b. On other innovation activities (excluding R&D) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
c. On any other business activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If “Yes” is selected for ‘C.7 Cooperation on Innovation - item a, b, OR c.,’ continue to ‘C.8 Cooperation
Partner Locations’.
All others skip to ‘C.10 Results of Innovation Activities’ on page 25.
C.8 Cooperation Partner Locations
Indicate the type of innovation cooperation partner by location (i.e. U.S. Canada/Mexico, or Rest of world)
during the three years 2021 to 2023.
Select all that apply.
United
States

Type of innovation cooperation partner:
a. Consultants, commercial labs, or private research
institutes outside your business group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
b. Suppliers of equipment, materials, components, or
software outside your business group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
c. Companies that are your clients or customers outside
your business group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
d. Companies that are your competitors outside your business group. .
e. Other companies outside your business group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
f. Companies within your business group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
g. Universities or other higher education institutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
h. Government or public research institutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i.

Clients or customers from the public sector: public sector includes
government owned organizations such as local, regional and
national administrations and agencies, schools, hospitals, and
government providers of services such as security, transport,
housing, energy, etc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

j.

Nonprofit organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Go to ‘C.10 Results of Innovation Activities’ on page 25.

Form ABS-1

24

Canada/
Mexico

Cooperation
partner is not
applicable
Rest of
to this
world
business

C.9 Reasons For No Innovation Activities
Which of the following reasons best describes why this business did not have innovation activities during the
three years 2021 to 2023.
A lack of resources prevented innovating (e.g., lack of finance, qualified personnel, material)
Decided not to innovate due to reasons other than lack of resources (e.g., strategic reasons; not the right
time to innovate; other priorities; risks too high; low expected returns)
Business had no need for innovating
Go to ‘C.11 New or Customized Product or Service’.
C.10 Results of Innovation Activities
During the three years 2021 to 2023, did this business have any innovation activities that did not result in a
goods, services, or business process innovation because the activities were:
Select one for each row.

Yes

No

a. Abandoned or suspended before completion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
b. Still ongoing at the end of 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C.11 New or Customized Product or Service at the Start of the Business
Was this business originally founded around a new or customized product or service that was created by one of
the founders of the business?
Yes
No – See instructions at the bottom of this page
Don’t know – See instructions at the bottom of this page

C.12 Reason New or Customized Product or Service was Developed
Why was this new or customized product or service developed at the start of this business?
One of the founders created it for personal use
One of the founders created it for use at a previous job or business
One of the founders identified a business opportunity
If you reported "No" to ’A.4 Business Ownership – U.S. Entity’ AND you reported between 1-9 total employment
to ’A.8 Number of W-2 Paid Domestic Employees or Employees/Owners,’ continue to SECTION D:
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR MICROBUSINESSES on page 26.
All others skip to ‘SECTION F: TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY’ on page 43.

Form ABS-1

25

SECTION D: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR MICROBUSINESSES
The following section collects information on research and development activity from businesses with W-2
employment between 1 and 9.
What is Research and Development (R&D)?
Research and development (R&D) comprise creative and systematic work undertaken in order to increase the
stock of knowledge and to devise new applications of available knowledge.
The term R&D does NOT include expenditures for:
Ⴠ Routine product testing, quality control, and technical services unless they are an integral part of an R&D
project
Ⴠ Market research
Ⴠ Efficiency surveys or management studies
Ⴠ Literary, artistic, or historical projects, such as films, music, or books and other publications
Ⴠ Prospecting or exploration for natural resources
R&D activity in software INCLUDES:
Ⴠ Software development or improvement activities that expand scientific or technological knowledge
Ⴠ Construction of new theories and algorithms in the field of computer science
R&D activity in software EXCLUDES:
Ⴠ Software development that does not depend on a scientific or technological advance, such as
Ⴠ supporting or adapting existing systems
Ⴠ adding functionality to existing application programs, and
Ⴠ routine debugging of existing systems and software
Ⴠ Creation of new software based on known methods and applications
Ⴠ Conversion or translation of existing software and software languages
Ⴠ Adaptation of a product to a specific client, unless knowledge that significantly improved the base program
was added in that process
Reporting unit
The reporting unit is this business, including all subsidiaries and divisions. Include subsidiary companies where
there is more than 50 percent ownership.
Reporting period
Report data for the calendar year 2023, if possible, or for this business’s fiscal year ending between April 2023
and March 2024.
Estimates are acceptable.
Report all items to the best of your ability.

Form ABS-1

26

D.1 R&D Activities
During 2023, did this business do any of the following R&D activities? Include activities that:
Ⴠ This business performed
Ⴠ Others paid this business to do
Ⴠ This business paid others to do
Select one for each row.

Yes

No

a. Conducted activities aimed at acquiring new knowledge or understanding
without specific immediate commercial applications or uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
b. Conducted activities aimed at acquiring new knowledge for solving a specific
problem or meeting a specific commercial objective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
c. Conducted systematic work, drawing on research and practical experience
and resulting in additional knowledge, which is directed to producing new
products or processes or to improving existing products or processes . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
d. Developed and tested goods, services, or processes that were derived from
scientific research or technical findings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
e. Developed software that advanced scientific or technological knowledge . . . . . . . . . . . .
f. Produced findings that could be published in academic journals or presented
at scientific conferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
g. Applied scientific or technical knowledge in a way that has never been done before . . . .
h. Created new scientific or technical solutions that can be generalized to other situations. .
i.

Conducted work to discover previously unknown technological facts, structures,
or relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

j.

Conducted work to extend the understanding of scientific facts, relationships,
or principles in ways that could be useful to others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If “No” is selected for a. – j., skip to ’D.17 Federal Tax Credit for Research Activities’ on page 31.
D.2 R&D Costs
What was the total cost (both direct and indirect) in 2023 for all the R&D activities reported as “Yes” in the ‘D.1
R&D Activities’ question? Your best estimate is acceptable.
Report dollar amount in thousands. If none, report zero.
Include:
Ⴠ Salaries, wages, and fringe benefits
Ⴠ Plant, machinery, and equipment, except that which was capitalized because it had an alternative
future use
Ⴠ Materials, supplies, software
Ⴠ Rent and utilities
Ⴠ Consultants and contractors
Ⴠ Depreciation expense from plant, machinery, and equipment that was capitalized because it had an
alternative future use
Exclude:
Ⴠ Costs for routine product testing, quality control, and technical services unless they are an integral
part of an R&D project
Ⴠ Market research
Ⴠ Efficiency surveys or management studies
Ⴠ Literary, artistic, or historical projects, such as films, music, or books and other publications
Ⴠ Prospecting or exploration for natural resources
Ⴠ Capital expenditures (i.e., costs for construction or renovation of facilities). Report capital expenditures in
‘D.10 Total Capital Expenditures for this Business,’ ‘D.11 Total Capital Expenditures for
R&D Operations,’ and ‘D.12 Capital Expenditures for R&D Operations by Type of Cost’
on page 30.
Ⴠ Payments/funds in excess of the actual cost of the research work performed (e.g., profits or fees)
$Mil.

Thou.

Total costs for ‘R&D Activities’ reported in the ’D.1 R&D Activities’
question for 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If ’D.2 R&D Costs’ are less than $50,000, skip to ’D.17 Federal Tax Credit for Research Activities’
on page 31.
Form ABS-1

27

Dol.

0 0 0

D.3 Foreign R&D Costs
During 2023, what amount, if any, of the ‘D.2 R&D Costs’
was performed outside the United States by this business or others?
Round to the nearest thousand dollars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

0 0 0

D.4 Domestic R&D Costs
Calculate this business’s domestic R&D costs by subtracting the amount entered
for R&D costs outside the United States (question ’D.3 Foreign R&D Costs’)
from all R&D costs (question ’D.2 R&D Costs’). This value will be used in
other questions in this survey. Round to the nearest thousand dollars.

$Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

0 0 0

This business’s domestic R&D cost in 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If ‘D.4 Domestic R&D Costs’ equals $0, skip to ’D.17 Federal Tax Credit for Research Activities’
on page 31.
D.5 Types of R&D Costs
During 2023, how much of the ‘D.4 Domestic R&D Costs’ in domestic R&D costs was for each of the
following types of costs? Round to the nearest thousand dollars.
$Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

a. Salaries, wages, and fringe benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

b. Expensed machinery and equipment (not capitalized) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

c. Materials and supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

d. Payments to others for R&D, including purchased R&D services . . . . .

0 0 0

e. Depreciation on R&D property and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0
0 0 0

f. All other costs (e.g., consultants, contractors, travel, rent,. . . . . . . . . . .
general administrative costs, clearly associated with this
business’s R&D)
Total = ’D.4 Domestic R&D Costs’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

D.6 Domestic R&D Performance Costs
Calculate this business’s domestic R&D performance costs by subtracting the payments for R&D services
(item d. in question ‘D.5 Types of R&D Costs’) from domestic R&D costs (question ’D.4 Domestic R&D
Costs’). Use this value in the next question. Round to the nearest thousand dollars.
$Mil.

This business’s domestic R&D performance costs in 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Thou.

Dol.

0 0 0

If ‘D.6 Domestic R&D Performance Costs’ equals $0, skip to ’D.17 Federal Tax Credit for Research
Activities’ on page 31.

Form ABS-1

28

D.7 Funding Sources for R&D Activities
During 2023, of the ‘D.6 Domestic R&D Performance Costs‘ in total domestic R&D performance cost,
how much was paid for by the following sources? Round to the nearest thousand dollars.
$Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

a. This U.S. business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

b. Your foreign owner (if this business is foreign-owned) . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

c. Other businesses located within the United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

d. Other businesses located outside the United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

e. Universities or colleges located within the United States. . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

f. Nonprofit organizations located within the United States . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

g. U.S. federal government (including R&D grants) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

Which agency provided the largest share? Select one from the list below.
Department of Defense
National Science Foundation
Department of Health and Human Services, including the National Institutes of Health
Department of Energy
NASA
Other agencies
h. U.S., state, or local government (not including state universities) . . . .

0 0 0

All other organizations outside the United States. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

Total = ’D.6 Domestic R&D Performance Costs’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

i.

D.8 R&D Categories
During 2023, of the ‘D.6 Domestic R&D Performance Costs’ in domestic R&D performance cost, how much
was for the following types of R&D? Round to the nearest thousand dollars.
a. Basic research – activities aimed at acquiring new knowledge
or understanding without specific immediate commercial
applications or uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

0 0 0

b. Applied research – activities aimed at solving a specific
problem or meeting a specific commercial objective. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

c. Development – systematic work, drawing on research and
practical experience and resulting in additional knowledge,
which is directed to producing new products or processes
or to improving existing products or processes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

Total = ’D.6 Domestic R&D Performance Costs’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

Form ABS-1

29

If ‘D.7.g. Domestic R&D Performance Costs Funded by the U.S. Federal Government’ equals $0,
skip to ‘D.10 Total Capital Expenditures for This Business.’
D.9 R&D Categories Funded by the U.S. Federal Government
During 2023, of the ‘D.7.g. Domestic R&D Performance Costs Funded by the U.S. Federal Government’
in domestic R&D performance cost funded by the U.S. federal government, how much was for the following
types of R&D? Round to the nearest thousand dollars.
a. Basic research – activities aimed at acquiring new knowledge
or understanding without specific immediate commercial
applications or uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

0 0 0

b. Applied research – activities aimed at solving a specific
problem or meeting a specific commercial objective. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

c. Development – systematic work, drawing on research and
practical experience and resulting in additional knowledge,
which is directed to producing new products or processes
or to improving existing products or processes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

Total = ’D.7.g. Domestic R&D Performance Costs
funded by the U.S. Federal Government’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

D.10 Total Capital Expenditures for this Business
What was the amount of this business’s capital expenditures in 2023?

$Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

0 0 0

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If ‘D.10 Total Capital Expenditures for this Business’ equals $0, skip to ‘D.13 Domestic R&D Employees’
on page 31.
D.11 Total Capital Expenditures for R&D Operations
How much of the ’D.10 Total Capital Expenditures for this Business’ in capital expenditures was for
R&D operations?
Ⴠ Businesses should allocate capital expenditures that benefit both R&D and other operations
on a reasonable basis.
Ⴠ None of the costs reported here should be included in ’D.7 Funding Sources for R&D Activities’.
$Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

0 0 0

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If ‘D.11 Total Capital Expenditures for R&D Operations’ equals $0, skip to ‘D.13 Domestic R&D
Employees’ on page 31.
D.12 Capital Expenditures for R&D Operations by Type of Cost
How much of the ’D.11 Total Capital Expenditures for R&D Operations’
in capital expenditures for R&D operations was for the following?

$Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

a. Land acquisition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

b. Buildings and land improvement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

c. Machinery and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

d. Capitalized software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

e. Other intellectual property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

f. All other capital expenditures for R&D operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

Form ABS-1

30

D.13 Domestic R&D Employees
For the pay period including March 12, 2023, how many employees from this business’s domestic operations
were R&D employees and how many were all other employees? Include owners who received a W-2.
If none, report zero.
R&D employees include all employees who work on R&D or who provide direct support to R&D, such as
researchers, R&D managers, technicians, clerical staff, and others assigned to R&D groups. Exclude employees
who provide only indirect support to R&D, such as corporate personnel, security guards, and cafeteria workers.
Previously you reported this business’s total number of employees in ‘A.8 Number of W-2
Paid Employees or Employees/Owners’ on page 3. Responses below should not exceed the
number of employees reported in ’A.8.’

Employees

a. How many of those employees and employees/owners were R&D employees? . . . . . . . . . . . . .
b. Of the R&D employees, how many were female? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
c. Of the R&D employees, how many were male? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The sum of b. and c. should equal the amount entered in a.
If you reported "0" for item a. in question ‘D.13 Domestic R&D Employees,’ skip to ‘D.17 Federal Tax Credit
for Research Activities’.
D.14 Domestic R&D Employees’ Occupations
Of the ‘D.9.a. R&D Employees,’ how many were?
If none, report zero.

Employees

a. Researchers (including R&D scientists, engineers, and their managers) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
b. R&D technicians and equivalent staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
c. R&D support staff (clerical and other) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
d. Total R&D employees (Total from ’D.13.a. Domestic R&D Employees’) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
e. Of the researchers reported in line D.14.a., how many had PhDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
D.15 Domestic R&D Employees Full-Time Equivalent
What was the full-time equivalent of the ‘D.13.a. Domestic R&D Employees,’ R&D employees?
For full-time Domestic R&D employees, use the number of employees for the FTEs. For other
full-time employees not working solely on R&D or part-time employees working on R&D, use
the share of full-time workweek they work on R&D. Report partial FTEs in decimals.
For example, report 1/2 FTE as .5.

Number
of FTEs



Total FTEs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
D.16 Domestic Researchers Full-Time Equivalent
What was the full-time equivalent of the ‘D.14.a. Domestic R&D Employee Occupations’
researchers? Report partial FTEs in decimals. For example, report 1/2 FTE as .5.

Number
of FTEs

Total FTEs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
D.17 Federal Tax Credit for Research Activities
Did this business file for the federal tax credit for increasing research activities (IRS Form 6765) in 2023?

Yes
No

Form ABS-1

31



D.18 State Tax Credit for Research Activities
a. Did this business file for the state tax credit for research activities in 2023?

Yes
No
b. If ’Yes’, what state(s)? Select all that apply.

Alabama

Montana

Alaska

Nebraska

Arizona

Nevada

Arkansas

New Hampshire

California

New Jersey

Colorado

New Mexico

Connecticut

New York

Delaware

North Carolina

District of Columbia

North Dakota

Florida

Ohio

Georgia

Oklahoma

Hawaii

Oregon

Idaho

Pennsylvania

Illinois

Rhode Island

Indiana

South Carolina

Iowa

South Dakota

Kansas

Tennessee

Kentucky

Texas

Louisiana

Utah

Maine

Vermont

Maryland

Virginia

Massachusetts

Washington

Michigan

West Virginia

Minnesota

Wisconsin

Mississippi

Wyoming

Missouri
Skip to ‘SECTION F: TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY’ on page 43.

Form ABS-1

32

SECTION E: RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AT NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
The following section collects information on your organization and asks about research performed and/or
funded by your organization. For the purposes of this survey, your organization is defined as all units included
in your Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 990 or IRS Form 990-PF filings. Only organizations headquartered in
the United States are eligible for this section. The reporting period for this section is your organization’s fiscal
year ending in 2023. Estimates are acceptable. Report all items to the best of your ability.
E.1 Organization Affiliation
Is your organization affiliated with or considered part of another for-profit, nonprofit, or higher education
organization? For example, a specific hospital foundation, university research entity, etc.
Yes
If "Yes", specify

C

No
E.2 Total Expenses
What was the consolidated total amount of your organization’s
expenses for 2023 as (would be) reported on your IRS Form 990s,
line 18, or IRS Form 990-PFs, line 26, total expenses and
disbursements for column (a) revenue and expenses per books?

$Bil.

Mil.

Round to the nearest one thousand dollars. If none, report zero . . . . . .

Thou.

Dol.

0 0 0

E.3 Number of Employees
For the pay period including March 12, 2023, how many people worked for your organization?
Include:
Ⴠ Full- and part-time employees.

Number

Exclude:
Ⴠ Temporary employees and consultants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
E.4 Fiscal Year End
In what month did your organization’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 end?
MM

YYYY

2 0 2 3

Form ABS-1

33

The next questions ask about research performed and/or funded by your organization.
Please read the information below before continuing.
By research we mean...
For the purposes of this survey, research includes research and experimental development.
Research and experimental development comprise creative and systematic work to:
Ⴠ Increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of humankind, culture, and society OR
Ⴠ Devise new applications of available knowledge, including materials, products, devices, processes, systems,
or services
Research activities must be...
Ⴠ Novel: projects that advance current knowledge or create new knowledge
Ⴠ Creative: projects focused on original concepts and hypotheses
Ⴠ Uncertain: project outcomes are unable to be completely determined at the outset
Ⴠ Systematic: projects are planned and budgeted
Ⴠ Transferable/Reproducible: project methodology and results are transferable/reproducible to other situations
and locations
May meet the criteria for research

Most likely do not meet the criteria for research

Ⴠ Laboratory or animal studies

Ⴠ Internal program monitoring or evaluation

Ⴠ Clinical trials

Ⴠ Public service grants or outreach programs

Ⴠ Prototype development

Ⴠ Education or training programs

Ⴠ Outcomes research

Ⴠ Quality control testing

Ⴠ Development/measurement of new methods to
deliver/measure social service outcomes

Ⴠ Market research
Ⴠ Management studies/efficiency surveys

Ⴠ Policy research

Ⴠ Literary, artistic, or historical projects, such as
films, music, or books and other publications

Ⴠ Humanities research
Ⴠ Research traineeships

Ⴠ Feasibility studies, unless included as part of an
overall research project

Ⴠ Other experimental studies
E.5 Research Performed by Your Organization
Did your organization perform research in FY 2023?

Include:
Ⴠ Research performed by your organization’s employees or contract employees. (Contract employees are
individuals contracted to work on projects otherwise fully performed by your organization’s staff.)
Exclude:
Ⴠ Research performed outside your organization by subcontractors or subawardees.
(Report in E.6 Research Performed by Others on page 35.)
Yes
No
If you would like to add additional detail or clarification to your response, please comment in the
space provided below.

Form ABS-1

34

E.6 Research Performed by Others
Did your organization fund research performed by others outside your organization in FY 2023?
Include:
Ⴠ All grants, contracts, subcontracts, and subawards awarded by your organization to external recipients to
perform research
Exclude:
Ⴠ Research performed by your organization’s employees
Ⴠ Research performed by contract employees (Contract employees are individuals contracted to work on
projects otherwise fully performed by your organization’s staff.)
Yes
No
If you would like to add additional detail or clarification to your response, please comment in the
space provided below.

If you reported “No” for ‘E.5 Research Performed by Your Organization’ AND “No” for ‘E.6 Research
Performed by Others,’ skip to ‘Section I: Contact Information’ on page 53.
If you reported “No” for ‘E.5 Research Performed by Your Organization’ AND “Yes” for ‘E.6 Research
Performed by Others,’ skip to ‘E.17 Funding for Research Performed by Other Organizations’ on page 41.
All others continue to ‘E.7 Funding for Research Performed by This Organization.’
E.7 Funding for Research Performed by This Organization
In FY 2023, how much was spent on research performed within your organization?
Round to the nearest one thousand dollars. If none, report zero.
Include:
Ⴠ Direct costs, such as salaries and wages, travel, equipment, supplies, consulting, and other expenditures
directly supporting your organization’s research projects
Ⴠ Indirect costs associated with research expenditures, such as general and administrative salaries and
wages, fringe benefits, facility costs, depreciation, etc. These should be calculated using your
organization’s applicable fringe, overhead, and General and Administrative (G&A) or Facilities and
Administrative (F&A) rates.
Exclude:
Ⴠ Capital expenditures (i.e., costs for construction or renovation of facilities)
Report capital expenditures in ‘E.18-E.20’ on pages 41-42.
Ⴠ Payments/funds in excess of the actual cost of the research work performed (e.g., fees)
Ⴠ Payments made by your organization to subcontractors or subawardees performing research outside your
organization
$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dol.

0 0 0

If you would like to add additional detail or clarification to your response, please comment in the
space provided below.

If ‘E.7 Funding for Research Performed by This Organization’ is less than $50,000, then skip to
‘Section I: Contact Information’ on page 53.
Form ABS-1

35

E.8 Research Funding Sources
How much of the ‘E.7 Funding for Research Performed by This Organization’ in funding for research
performed by this organization came from each of the following sources?
Round to the nearest one thousand dollars. If none, report zero.
(1) Domestic Sources
(2) Foreign Sources
(3) Total
a. Internal funds: Your organization’s own funds from your endowment, general donations, or other
unrestricted sources. Report only domestic sources for this item.
$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

0 0 0

Dol.

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

0 0 0

Dol.

0 0 0

b. Federal government: Any agency of the U.S. government. Include funds your organization received as a
subcontractor or subawardee for research activities on federal projects. Report only domestic sources for this item.
$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

0 0 0

Dol.

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

0 0 0

Dol.

0 0 0

c. State and local government: Any state, county, municipality, or other local government entity in the
United States. Report only domestic sources for this item.
$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

0 0 0

Dol.

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

0 0 0

Dol.

0 0 0

d. Individual donors: Gifts designated by the donors for research
$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

0 0 0

Dol.

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

0 0 0

Dol.

0 0 0

e. Businesses: Domestic and foreign for-profit organizations. Report funds from a company’s nonprofit
foundation in Row g.
$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

0 0 0

Dol.

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

0 0 0

Dol.

0 0 0

f. Universities: Domestic and foreign degree-granting institutions
$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

0 0 0

Dol.

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

0 0 0

Dol.

0 0 0

g. Foundations and all other nonprofits: Domestic and foreign public charities and other nonprofit
organizations not reported in Row f
$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

0 0 0

Dol.

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

0 0 0

Dol.

0 0 0

h. Other, (specify): All other sources not reported above

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

0 0 0

Dol.

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

0 0 0

Dol.

0 0 0

Total
$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

0 0 0

Dol.

0 0 0

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

0 0 0

If you would like to add additional detail or clarification to your response, please comment in the
space provided below.

Form ABS-1

36

E.9 Research Performance by Field
How much of the ‘E.7 Funding for Research Performed by This Organization’ in funding for research
performed by this organization was spent in each of the following fields?
Round to the nearest one thousand dollars. If none, report zero.
a. Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and
Conservation: e.g., Agricultural sciences, Animal sciences,
Veterinary medicine, Veterinary science, Applied horticulture,
Fishing and fisheries science, Food science and technology,
Forestry, Natural resources and conservation, Plant sciences,
or Soil sciences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

0 0 0

b. Biological, Biomedical, and Health Sciences: e.g.,
Biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology; Biotechnology;
Botany; Cell biology; Epidemiology; Genetics; Medicine;
Neuroscience; Public health; or Zoology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

c. Engineering: e.g., Aerospace, aeronautical, and astronautical
engineering; Bioengineering and biomedical engineering;
Chemical engineering; Civil engineering; Electrical, electronic,
and communications engineering; Industrial and
manufacturing engineering; Mechanical engineering; or
Metallurgical and materials engineering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

d. Geosciences, Atmospheric Sciences, and Ocean
Sciences: e.g., Atmospheric sciences and meteorology,
Geological and earth sciences, or Ocean and marine sciences

0 0 0

e. Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer and Information
Sciences: e.g., Computer sciences, Information sciences,
Information technology, Mathematics, or Statistics . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

f. Physical Sciences: e.g., Astronomy and astrophysics,
Chemistry, Materials science, or Physics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

g. Psychology and Social Sciences: e.g., Anthropology;
Archaeology; Criminology; Economics; Geography;
Linguistics; Political science and government; Psychology;
Public policy analysis; or Sociology, demography, and
population studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

h. Humanities: e.g., English language and literature, letters;
Foreign languages and literature; History; or Philosophy and
religious studies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

i.

Other Fields: e.g., Business management and business
administration; City, urban, community, and regional
planning; Communication and communications
technologies; Education; Law; Library science; Social work;
or Visual and performing arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

If you would like to add additional detail or clarification to your response, please comment in the
space provided below.

E.10 Clinical Trial Research
What percentage of the amount reported in ‘E.7 Funding for Research Performed by This Organization’
in funding for research performed by this organization was for medical clinical trials phases I-III?
Report percentages in whole numbers. If none, report zero.
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Form ABS-1

37

%

E.11 Research Performance by Type of Research
How much of the ‘E.7 Funding for Research Performed by This Organization’ in funding for research
performed by this organization was for basic research, applied research, and experimental development?
Round to the nearest one thousand dollars. If none, report zero.
(1) Federal

(2) Nonfederal

(3) Total

a. Basic research: Experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of
the underlying foundations of phenomena and observable facts, without any particular application or
use in view.
$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

0 0 0

Dol.

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

0 0 0

Dol.

0 0 0

b. Applied research: Original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge. It is directed
primarily towards a specific, practical aim or objective.
$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

0 0 0

Dol.

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

0 0 0

Dol.

0 0 0

c. Experimental development: Systematic work, drawing on knowledge gained from research and
practical experience and producing additional knowledge, which is directed to producing new products
or processes or to improving existing products or processes.
$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

0 0 0

Dol.

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

0 0 0

Dol.

0 0 0

Total: Total for column (1) should equal the amount entered for ‘E.8.b. Research Funding Sources –
Federal Government.’ Total for column (3) should equal the amount entered for ‘E.7 Funding
for Research Performed by This Organization.’
$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

0 0 0

Dol.

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

0 0 0

Dol.

0 0 0

If you would like to add additional detail or clarification to your response, please comment in the
space provided below.

Examples
Basic research

Applied research

Experimental development

A researcher is studying the properties
of human blood to determine what
affects coagulation.

A researcher is conducting research on
how a new chicken pox vaccine affects
blood coagulation.

A researcher is conducting clinical trials
to test a newly developed chicken pox
vaccine for young children.

A researcher is studying the properties
of molecules under various heat and
cold conditions.

A researcher is investigating the
properties of particular substances
under various heat and cold conditions
with the objective of finding longer
lasting components for highway
pavement.

A researcher is working with state
transportation officials to conduct tests
of a newly developed highway
pavement under various types of heat
and cold conditions.

A researcher is investigating the effect
of different types of manipulatives on
the way first graders learn
mathematical strategy by changing
manipulatives and then measuring
what students have learned through
standardized instruments.

A researcher is studying the
implementation of a specific math
curriculum to determine what teachers
need to know to implement the
curriculum successfully.

A researcher is developing and testing
software and support tools, based on
fieldwork, to improve mathematics
cognition for student special education.

Form ABS-1

38

E.12 Research Performance by Type of Cost
How much of the ’E.7 Funding for Research Performed by This Organization’ spent on research performed
within your organization was for each of the following types of costs?
$Bil.

Mil.

a. Salaries, wages, and fringe benefits
of your organization’s employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ⴠ Include costs for all compensation and
benefits of employees that are included
in the total reported on E.7.
Ⴠ Include payroll taxes, such as Social
Security and medicare.

Thou.

Dol.

0 0 0

b. Costs associated with contract employees
working on your organization’s research . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

c. Depreciation and amortization on property,
plant, equipment, and intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

Ⴠ Include depreciation on tangible research assets,
such as buildings or equipment, as well as
the amortization of intangible assets such as patents.
d. Expensed machinery and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ⴠ Include all equipment purchases for research that are
beneath your organization’s capitalization threshold.
e. Materials and supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ⴠ Include costs for materials and supplies consumed
for research.
f. All other costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ⴠ Include administrative and overhead costs clearly
associated with your organization’s research.
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

0 0 0

0 0 0

0 0 0

If you would like to add additional detail or clarification to your response, please comment in the
space provided below.

E.13 Research Employees for Nonprofit Organizations
Of the ‘E.3 Number of Employees’ employees reported, how many worked on research activities in FY 2023?
Include:
Ⴠ Only your organization’s paid employees.
Exclude:
Ⴠ Contract employees. (Report in ’E.15 Research Contract Employees for Nonprofit Organizations.’)
Number

a. Number of researchers (including scientists, engineers, and their
managers): Professionals engaged in the conception or creation of new
knowledge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
b. Number of research technicians: Staff who work under the supervision of
researchers to conduct research activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
c. Number of other support personnel (clerical and other): Staff who provide
direct support services for the research project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you would like to add additional detail or clarification to your response, please comment in the
space provided below.

Form ABS-1

39

E.14 Research Full-time Equivalents for Nonprofit Organizations
How many full-time equivalents (FTEs) worked on research activities in FY 2023?
FTE research personnel are calculated as the total working (paid) hours spent working on research during a
specific reference period (usually a calendar year) divided by the number of hours representing a full-time
schedule within the same period. Include only your organization’s paid employees. For example, if you have
three people working 20, 30, and 40 hours in a week on research activities and a full-time schedule is 40
hours a week at your organization, your research FTE calculation is (20 + 30 + 40)/40 = 2.25 FTE.
Number
of FTEs
a. FTE researchers (including scientists, engineers, and their managers):
Professionals engaged in the conception or creation of new knowledge. . . . . . . . . . . . .



b. FTE research technicians: Staff who work under the supervision of
researchers to conduct research activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .



c. FTE other support personnel (clerical and other): Staff who provide direct
support services for the research project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .



Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .



If you would like to add additional detail or clarification to your response, please comment in the
space provided below.

E.15 Research Contract Employees for Nonprofit Organizations
a. Did any contract employees work on your research activities in FY 2023?
Contract employees are individuals contracted to work on projects otherwise fully performed by your
organization staff.
Yes
No

Employees

b. If "Yes," how many contract employees worked on your research activities
during FY 2023? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
E.16 Research Volunteers for Nonprofit Organizations
a. Did any volunteers work on your research activities in FY 2023?
Volunteers are unpaid workers contributing appreciable and essential activity to research performed by
your organization. Their research skills should be comparable to those of your employees. Individuals
funded by other sources to conduct research at your organization should not be considered volunteers.
Yes
Number

No
b. If "Yes," how many volunteers worked on your research activities during FY 2023? . . .

If you reported “No” for ‘E.6 Research Performed by Others,’ skip to ‘E.18 Total Capital Expenditures
for your Organization’ on page 41.

Form ABS-1

40

E.17 Funding for Research Performed by Other Organizations
In FY 2023, how much funding did your organization provide to others to perform research activities?
Include:
Ⴠ All grants, contracts, subcontracts, and subawards awarded by your organization to external recipients to
perform research.
Ⴠ For multi-year awards, include only the amount paid to the external recipients in FY 2023.
Exclude:
Ⴠ Research performed by contract employees.
a. Research grants or contracts: Include grants and
contracts awarded by your organization to external
recipients to perform independent research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$Bil.

Mil.

Dol.

Thou.

0 0 0

b. Subcontracts and subawards: Include subcontracts
and subawards awarded by your organization to external
recipients to support your own research activities . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

If you would like to add additional detail or clarification to your response, please comment in the
space provided below.

E.18 Total Capital Expenditures for Your Organization
What was the amount of your organization’s capital expenditures in FY 2023?
$Bil.

Mil.

Dol.

Thou.

0 0 0

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
E.19 Total Capital Expenditures for Research Operations
How much of the ’E.18 Total Capital Expenditures for Your Organization’ in capital expenditures
was for research operations?

Ⴠ Organizations should allocate capital expenditures that benefit both research and other operations
on a reasonable basis.
Ⴠ None of the costs reported here should be included in ’E.7 Funding for Research Performed by
This Organization’.
$Bil.

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

0 0 0

If you would like to add additional detail or clarification to your response, please comment in the
space provided below.

Form ABS-1

41

E.20 Capital Expenditures for Research Operations by Type of Cost
How much of the ’E.19 Total Capital Expenditures for Research Operations’ in capital expenditures
for research operations was for the following?
$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

a. Land acquisition: Land acquired for research use,
including land purchased for building construction . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

b. Buildings and land improvement: Buildings constructed
or purchased for research use. If the building is
constructed or purchased for mixed use, please report the
estimated proportion of the cost that is for research . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

c. Equipment: Major (capitalized) machinery and equipment
acquired for use in the performance of research . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

d. Capitalized software: Computer software that is used in
the performance of research for more than one year.
Include long-term licenses and the acquisition of computer
software, as well as production costs for internally
produced software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

e. All other capital expenditures for research operations:
All other capital expenditures used in the performance of
research. Include purchased patents, long-term licenses, or
other intangible assets used in research that had an expected
useful life of more than one year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0 0 0

If you would like to add additional detail or clarification to your response, please comment in the
space provided below.

Form ABS-1

42

SECTION F: TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
The following section collects information on intellectual property and technology transfer activities such as:
patents, patent licensing, protection of this business’s intellectual property, transfer of intellectual property
and collaborations with various organizations.
F.1 Intellectual Property Protection
Does this business use the following methods to protect intellectual property?
Select one for each row.

Yes

No

a. Utility patents (patents for inventions, applied for or awarded). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
b. Design patents (patents for appearance, applied for or awarded) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
c. Copyright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
d. Trademarks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
e. Design complexity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
f. Nondisclosure agreements or noncompete clauses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
g. Branding and product image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
h. Trade secrets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F.2 Patents Pending
How many U.S. patent applications, if any, did this business have pending as of the end of 2023?

Number

Estimates are acceptable. If none, report zero . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F.3 Patents Owned
How many U.S. patents did this business own as of the end of 2023?

Number

Estimates are acceptable. If none, report zero . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F.4 Intellectual Property Activities
During the three years 2021 to 2023, did this business exchange intellectual property (IP) rights, including
patents, copyrights, and trademarks that give ownership, exclusion rights or rights to use technical knowledge
using any of the following mechanisms?
Select one for each row.

Yes

a. Licensed or purchased intellectual property from businesses that are not affiliated . . . . .
b. Licensed or sold intellectual property to businesses that are not affiliated . . . . . . . . . . . .
c. Transferred intellectual property to businesses that are not affiliated through
participation in technical assistance or "know-how" agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
d. Received IP from businesses that are not affiliated through participation in
technical assistance or "know-how" agreements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
e. Participated in cross-licensing agreements with businesses that are not affiliated . . . . . .
f. Acquired or merged with businesses that are not affiliated to acquire their IP . . . . . . . . .
g. Transferred IP to a spin-off or spin-out of this business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
h. Received IP from a parent company as part of a spin-off or spin-out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i.

Allowed free use of patents or other IP owned by this business (for example,
allowing free use of software patents by the open-source community) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

j.

Made use of open-source patents or other freely available IP not owned by
this business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Form ABS-1

43

No

F.5 Collaboration with Universities
During the three years 2021 to 2023, did this business engage in any of the following collaborative activities
with universities?
Select one for each row.

Yes

No

a. Performed collaborative research between business and university researchers . . . . . . .
b. Funded university research. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
c. Funded PhD students and postdoctoral researchers at universities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
d. Licensed or purchased IP from a university . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
e. Signed nondisclosure agreements, material transfer agreements, or other
agreements with universities governing usage of IP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
f. Hired science and engineering graduates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
g. Engaged in formal or informal personnel exchanges with universities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F.6 Collaboration with Government Laboratories
During the three years 2021 to 2023, did this business engage in any of the following collaborative activities
with federal laboratories including Federally Funded Research and Development Centers?
Select one for each row.
a. Conducted collaborative research using agreements, such as Cooperative Research
and Development Agreements, Space Act Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements,
Confidential Disclosure Agreements, or other transaction authorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Yes

b. Conducted research at government user facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
c. Funded research at government laboratory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
d. Licensed IP from government laboratory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
e. Engaged in formal or informal personnel exchanges with government laboratories . . . .
f. Attended workshops or seminars located at or sponsored by government
laboratories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If “No” is selected for all ‘F.6 Collaboration with Government Laboratories, items a. – f.’, skip to
‘F.8 Collaboration with Nonprofits’ on page 45.

Form ABS-1

44

No

F.7 Agency Collaborations
During the three years 2021 to 2023, with which of the following agencies did this business engage in
collaborative activities?
Select all that apply.
Department of Agriculture
Department of Commerce
Department of Defense
Department of Energy
Department of Health and Human Services
Department of Homeland Security
Department of Transportation
Department of Veteran Affairs
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Other federal department
F.8 Collaboration with Nonprofits
During the three years 2021 to 2023, did this business engage in any of the following collaborative activities
with nonprofit organizations (not including universities)?
Select one for each row.
Yes
a. Performed collaborative research between business and nonprofit researchers . . . . . . .
b. Funded research at nonprofit organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
c. Licensed or purchased IP from a nonprofit organization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
d. Signed nondisclosure agreements, material transfer agreements, or
other agreements with nonprofit organizations governing usage of IP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
e. Engaged in formal or informal personnel exchanges with nonprofit research
organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Form ABS-1

45

No

SECTION G: DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN TRANSACTIONS
This section collects information on selected domestic and global transactions. The section includes questions
about costs and transactions involving contract manufacturing and design activities. The data will be used to
assist public and private organizations better understand, plan, and make decisions affected by the relationship
between domestic and foreign activities.
For questions requiring dollar amounts, estimates are acceptable.
G.1 Worldwide Operating Expenses
In 2023, what was this business’s total worldwide operating expenses or costs?
Include:
Ⴠ Cost of goods sold
Ⴠ Cost of services sold
Ⴠ Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) costs so long as they are incurred to promote the selling
and delivery of this business’s products and services, i.e., advertising expense, sales commission
expenses, office salaries, rent expense
Ⴠ Depreciation expense
Ⴠ Research and development expense
Exclude:
Ⴠ Capitalized expenses
Ⴠ Interest expense
Ⴠ Income taxes
Ⴠ Impairment reserves
Ⴠ Losses on sales of assets

$Bil.

Mil.

Dol.

Thou.

0 0 0

Total worldwide operating expenses or costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G.2 Domestic Operating Expenses
In 2023, what was this business’s total domestic operating expenses or costs?

Include:
Ⴠ Cost of goods sold
Ⴠ Cost of services sold
Ⴠ Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) costs so long as they are incurred to promote the selling
and delivery of this business’s products and services, i.e., advertising expense, sales commission
expenses, office salaries, rent expense
Ⴠ Depreciation expense
Ⴠ Research and development expense
Exclude:
Ⴠ Capitalized expenses
Ⴠ Interest expense
Ⴠ Income taxes
Ⴠ Impairment reserves
Ⴠ Losses on sales of assets

$Bil.

Total domestic operating expenses or costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Form ABS-1

46

Mil.

Thou.

Dol.

0 0 0

G.3 Activities Conducted by Domestic Unaffiliated Companies
In 2023, did any unaffiliated companies located in the United States conduct any of the following activities
for this business? Unaffiliated companies include firms such as independent contractors and suppliers.
Select one for each row.

Yes

No

a. Core production (cost of goods and services in your primary business activities). . . . . . .
b. Distribution and logistics (include transportation costs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
c. Marketing, sales/after-sales services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
d. Administrative or management functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
e. Research and development (R&D includes creative and systematic work
undertaken in order to increase the stock of knowledge and to devise new
applications of available knowledge). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
f. Engineering and other technical services (includes testing and design
other than R&D) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
g. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
h. All other operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G.4 Activities Conducted by Foreign-Unaffiliated Companies
In 2023, did any unaffiliated companies located outside the United States conduct any of the following activities
for this business? Unaffiliated companies include firms such as independent contractors and suppliers.
Select one for each row.

Yes

a. Core production (cost of goods and services in your primary business activities). . . . . . .
b. Distribution and logistics (include transportation costs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
c. Marketing, sales/after-sales services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
d. Administrative or management functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
e. Research and development (R&D includes creative and systematic work
undertaken in order to increase the stock of knowledge and to devise new
applications of available knowledge). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
f. Engineering and other technical services (includes testing and design
other than R&D) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
g. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
h. All other operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Form ABS-1

47

No

G.5 Activities Conducted by Foreign-Affiliated Companies
In 2023, did any affiliated companies located outside the United States conduct any of the following activities for this business? (Affiliated companies located outside the United States may be a foreign subsidiary or
a foreign parent).
Select one for each row.

Yes

No

a. Core production (cost of goods and services in your primary business activities). . . . . . .
b. Distribution and logistics (include transportation costs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
c. Marketing, sales/after-sales services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
d. Administrative or management functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
e. Research and development (R&D includes creative and systematic work
undertaken in order to increase the stock of knowledge and to devise new
applications of available knowledge). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
f. Engineering and other technical services (includes testing and design
other than R&D) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
g. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
h. All other operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G.6 Manufacturing Activities
In 2023, did this business manufacture any goods in the United States? Includes processing, assembly, labeling,
packing and related services on materials and physical components.
Yes
No
G.7 Contracting Out Manufacturing
In 2023, did this business contract out any manufacturing tasks or otherwise purchase manufacturing services
(processing, assembly, labeling, packing or related services on materials and physical components) from any
unaffiliated company or from affiliated companies located outside the United States?
Yes
No – Skip to ‘G.10 Contracting in Manufacturing’ on page 49.
G.8 Contracting Out Manufacturing by Company Type
In 2023, who performed the manufacturing for this business’s U.S.-located units or establishments?
Select all that apply.
U.S.-located unaffiliated companies
Foreign-affiliated companies
Foreign-unaffiliated companies
G.9 Design for Contracting Out Manufacturing
In 2023, did this business provide or determine the design or specifications for goods, finished or in-process,
manufactured for this business by any company type identified in the previous question?
Yes
No

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G.10 Contracting In Manufacturing
In 2023, did this business perform any manufacturing tasks for any unaffiliated company or affiliated companies
located outside the United States?
Yes
No – Skip to G.13 Moving Production to the U.S. in 2023
G.11 Contracting In Manufacturing by Company Type
In 2023, on behalf of what types of companies did this business’s U.S.-located units or establishments perform
manufacturing activities?
Select all that apply.
U.S.-located unaffiliated companies
Foreign-affiliated companies
Foreign-unaffiliated companies
G.12 Design for Contracting In Manufacturing
In 2023, did this business provide or determine the design or specifications for any of the goods, finished or
in-process, that were manufactured by your business for any company type identified in the previous question?
Yes
No
G.13 Moving Production to the United States in 2023
During 2023, did this business move its production of any goods or services from another country to the United
States?
Yes
No – Skip to SECTION H: MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Not applicable, this business does not produce goods or services outside of the United
States – Skip to SECTION H: MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

G.14 Reasons for Moving Production to the United States in 2023
For what reasons did this business move its production of any goods or services from another country to the United
States in 2023?
Select all that apply.
Concerns about costs (e.g., labor, materials, transportation, etc.)
Concerns about quality
Concerns/uncertainty about supply chain
Government incentives
Other, (specify)

C

None of the above

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49

SECTION H: MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
The following section collects information on management practices and employee training.
H.1 Managing Production Problems or Service Issues
In 2023, what best describes what happened at this business when a production problem or service issue arose?
For example, finding a quality defect in a product or piece of equipment breaking down.
We fixed it but did not take further action.
We fixed it and took action to make sure that it did not happen again.
We fixed it, took action to make sure that it did not happen again and had a continuous improvement
process to anticipate problems like these in advance.
No action was taken.
No production problem or service issue arose.

H.2 Number of Key Performance Indicators
In 2023, how many key performance indicators were monitored at this business?
Key performance indicators are formal, quantifiable measures of performance or quality at this business.
1-2 key performance indicators
3-9 key performance indicators
10 or more key performance indicators
No key performance indicators – Skip to ‘H.4 Frequency of Customer Satisfaction Monitoring’
H.3 Frequently of Key Performance Indicators
During 2023, how frequently were the key performance indicators reviewed at this business?
Select all that apply.
Yearly
Quarterly
Monthly
Weekly
Daily
Hourly or more frequently
Never

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H.4 Frequency of Customer Satisfaction Monitoring
How often does this business monitor customer satisfaction through analysis of complaints, customer satisfaction
surveys, focus groups, or other methods?
Select all that apply.
Yearly
Quarterly
Monthly
Weekly
Daily
Hourly or more frequently
Never
H.5 Business Targets
In 2023, what best describes the timeframe of business, service, or production targets at this business?
Examples of business, service, or production targets include number of customers, production, quality, efficiency,
sales, waste, and on-time delivery.
Main focus was on short-term (less than one year) targets
Main focus was on long-term (more than one year) targets
Combination of short-term and long-term targets
No targets – Skip to ‘H.7 Employee Promotion’
H.6 Level of Effort to Reach Business Targets
In 2023, how much effort did it take to achieve business, service, or production targets at this business as
compared to previous years’ effort?
Minimal effort
Less than normal effort
Normal effort
More than normal effort
Extraordinary effort
H.7 Employee Promotion
In 2023, what was the primary way employees were promoted at this business?
Promotions were based solely on performance and ability
Promotions were based partly on performance and ability and partly on other factors (e.g., tenure or family
connections)
Promotions were based mainly on factors other than performance and ability (e.g., tenure or family
connections)
Employees are not promoted
Not applicable
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H.8 Under-performing Employee
In 2023, was an under-performing employee reassigned or dismissed?
Yes, within 6 months of identifying under-performing employee
Yes, after 6 months of identifying under-performing employee
Under-performing employees were not reassigned or dismissed
No under-performing employees identified
Not applicable

H.9 Employee Training Expenditures
In 2023, how much did this business spend on formal training
programs?

$Bil.

Mil.

Thou.

Round to the nearest one thousand dollars. If none, report zero.

Dol.

0 0 0

H.10 Employee Training Participation
In 2023, what percent of employees received any formal training?
If none, report zero . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

%

If response is 0%, skip to ‘Section I: Contact Information’.
Average number
of hours

H.11 Hours of Employee Training
In 2023, what was the average number of formal training hours each employee received? . . . . . .
H.12 Area of Employee Training
In 2023, which of the following areas did employees cover during their formal training?
Select all that apply.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or other safety training
Other mandated or required government training (federal, state, or local)
Improving teamwork or problem-solving skills
Training in sales and customer service
Training to use computers or new equipment
Training on the same use of equipment and tools
Other, (specify)

C

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SECTION I: CONTACT INFORMATION
Enter the first and last name of the person who is filling out this survey. We request a telephone number so we can
contact you if there is a question.
I.1 Contact Info
Contact Name

Area code

Contact Title

Phone number

Ext.

–
Email address

If you reported “yes” to ‘A.6 Business – 10% or More Ownership,’ continue to ‘I.2 Proxy reporting status’.
All others, continue to ‘I.3 Remarks’.
I.2 Proxy Reporting Status
Are you an owner of this business? An owner refers to someone who owns 10% or more of this business.
Yes
Yes, and I am answering on behalf of other owners as well
No
I.3 Remarks: Please use this space for any explanations that may be essential in understanding your
reported data.

Thank you for completing the 2024 Annual Business Survey form.
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53

Definitions
Affiliated (company or business): Entity that is owned 10 percent or more (based on voting interest
or an equivalent interest) directly or indirectly by this business.
Business process functions: Business process includes the following: (1) methods for producing
goods or providing services; (2) distribution and logistics; (3) marketing and sales; (4) information
and communication systems; (5) administration and management activities; and (6) product and
business process development (including activities to identify, develop or adapt products or a firm’s
processes).
Core production activity: This term refers to your primary business activities. For manufacturing
companies, core production typically involves production of physical goods. For service companies
and other companies, core production refers to the main services or activities provided by your
business such as Information and Communication Technology services, marketing services, etc.
Domestic (or U.S.-located): refers to a location in any of the U.S. 50 states, and the District of
Columbia.
Exported goods: Value of goods including the value of equipment, supplies, materials, etc. This
should equal the amounts reported in the Automated Export System’s (AES) Electronic Export
Information (EEI) filed with U.S. Customs and Border Protection plus the cost of transporting the
goods to customers located in foreign destinations (i.e., outside the United States).
Exported services: An exported service is a service-related product (i.e., services performed,
including digital service, license agreement) that is sold or transferred to, or performed for customers
(individual, government, business establishment, etc.) located in foreign destinations (i.e., outside the
United States).
Foreign affiliate: A foreign affiliate is an entity located outside the United States that is owned at
least 10 percent (based on voting interest or an equivalent interest) directly or indirectly by the U.S.
reporter.
Foreign parent (of a U.S.-located business): The first entity outside the United States in an affiliate’s
ownership chain that has a direct or indirect investment interest of more than 50 percent of the
affiliate’s voting securities.
Franchise: an authorization granted by a government or company to an individual or group enabling
them to carry out specified commercial activities (e.g., providing a broadcasting service or acting as
an agent for a company’s products).
Goods: Usually a tangible object such as a smartphone, furniture, or packaged software, but also
includes digital goods such as downloadable software, music, and film. (Exclude the simple resale of
new goods and changes of a solely aesthetic nature.)
Imported goods: The value of goods purchased from customers located in foreign destinations (i.e.,
outside the United States) as indicated in import declarations filed with the U.S. Customs and Border
Protection.
Imported services: An imported service is a service-related product (i.e., service performed, including
digital service, license agreement) that is purchased from customers located in foreign destinations
(i.e., outside the United States).
Intellectual property: Includes patents, processes, and trade secrets; books and music; trademarks;
recorded performances and events such as radio and television programs and motion pictures;
broadcast and recorded live performances and events and their content; general use computer
software; franchise fees; and other (for example, digital media).

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Definitions
Research and Development (R&D): Research and development (R&D) comprise creative and
systematic work undertaken in order to increase the stock of knowledge and to devise new
applications of available knowledge.
The term R&D does NOT include expenditures for:
Ⴠ Costs for routine product testing, quality control, and technical services unless they are an integral
part of an R&D project
Ⴠ Market research
Ⴠ Efficiency surveys or management studies
Ⴠ Literary, artistic, or historical projects, such as films, music, or books and other publications
Ⴠ Prospecting or exploration for natural resources
R&D activity in software INCLUDES:
Ⴠ Software development or improvement activities that expand scientific or technological knowledge
Ⴠ Construction of new theories and algorithms in the field of computer science
R&D activity in software EXCLUDES:
Ⴠ Software development that does not depend on a scientific or technological advance, such as
Ⴠ supporting or adapting existing systems
Ⴠ adding functionality to existing application programs, and
Ⴠ routine debugging of existing systems and software
Ⴠ Creation of new software based on known methods and applications
Ⴠ Conversion or translation of existing software and software languages
Ⴠ Adaptation of a product to a specific client, unless knowledge that significantly improved the base
program was added in that process
Services: Intangible activities, such as retailing, insurance, educational courses, air travel, consulting,
etc., also includes digital services. (Exclude the simple resale of new services.)
Services are intangible activities that are produced and consumed simultaneously and that change
the conditions (i.e., physical, psychological, etc.) of users.
Services are the result of a production activity that changes the conditions of the consuming units or
facilitates the exchange of products or financial assets. They cannot be traded separately from their
production. Services can also include some knowledge-capturing products.
Unaffiliated (company or business): Entity that is owned less than 10 percent, directly or indirectly,
by this business (i.e., independent contractors and suppliers).

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