[Federal Register: March 15, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 50)]
[Notices]
[Page 12118]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr15mr04-37]
[[Page 12118]]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Census Bureau
Survey of Industrial Research and Development
ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort
to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public
and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on
proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C.
3506(c)(2)(A)).
DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before May 14, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th
and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet
at dhynek@doc.gov).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or
copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions
should be directed to Julius Smith, Jr., Census Bureau, Room 2135,
Building 4, Washington, DC 20233-6900, 301-763-4683 (or via the
Internet at julius.smith.jr@census.gov) and Raymond M. Wolfe, National
Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 965, Arlington, VA
22230, 703-292-7789 (or via the Internet at rwolfe@nsf.gov).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Abstract
The Survey of Industrial Research and Development (R&D), has been
conducted annually since 1953. The information collection involves the
estimation of the expenditures on research and development performed
within the United States by industrial firms. Historically, the survey
has been sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF), with the
Census Bureau acting as the collection agent. Under a joint project
agreement between NSF and the Census Bureau, the Census Bureau plans to
assume sponsorship and submit the R&D Survey for OMB review as a new
collection.
Industry accounts for over 70 percent of total U.S. R&D each year
and since its inception, the survey has provided continuity of
statistics on R&D expenditures by major industry groups and by source
of funds. The survey is the industrial component of the NSF statistical
program that seeks ``* * * to provide a central clearinghouse for the
collection, interpretation, and analysis of data on scientific and
engineering resources and to provide a source of information for policy
formulation by other agencies of the Federal government,'' as mandated
in the National Science Foundation Act of 1950. Statistics from the
survey will be released by the Census Bureau and published in NSF's
annual publication series Research and Development in Industry. The
proposed collection will continue the survey for three years.
II. Method of Collection
The survey will be mailed to a statistical sample of approximately
31,100 companies to collect information on the amount and sources of
funds for and character of R&D performed and contracted out by
industrial firms, and information on sales and employment of the firms
themselves.
III. Data
OMB Number: 3145-0027 (NSF).
Form Number: RD-1 (long form); RD-1A (abbreviated form).
Type of Review: Regular review.
Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
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Estimated Number of Respondents....................... RD-1 2,600
RD-1A 28,500
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Total............................................. ....... 31,100
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Estimated Time Per Response: RD-1--18 hours; RD-1A--1 hour.
Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 75,300.
Estimated Total Annual Cost: The estimated cost to the respondents
is $1,235,673.
Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.
Legal Authority: Title 13, United States Code, Sections 182, 224,
and 225.
IV. Request for Comments
Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information;
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the
collection of information on respondents, including through the use of
automated collection techniques or other forms of information
technology.
Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.
Dated: March 9, 2004.
Madeleine Clayton,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 04-5734 Filed 3-12-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P