The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services. Each month, BLS data collectors called economic assistants visit or call thousands of retail stores, service establishments, rental units, and doctors' offices, all over the United States to obtain information on the prices of the thousands of items used to track and measure price changes in the CPI. The collection of price data from rental units is essential for the timely and accurate calculation of the shelter component of the CPI. The CPI is then widely used as a measure of inflation, indicator of the effectiveness of government economic policy, deflator for other economic series and as a means of adjusting dollar values.
US Code:
29 USC 2
Name of Law: Collection, Collation, and Reports of Labor Statistics
US Code:
29 USC 1
Name of Law: Design and Duties of the BLS
The decrease in the burden for FY2025 to FY 2027 is mostly due to a reduction in long pricing. There are fewer long pricings being conducted and they are generally being conducted in one contact, rather than two.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Consumer Price Index (CPI) Housing Survey (CADC)