[Federal Register: October 14, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 198)]
[Notices]               
[Page 60063-60064]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14oc05-30]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Census Bureau

 
2007 Economic Census General Classification Report

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,

[[Page 60064]]

Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before December 13, 
2005.

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 Scott P. Handmaker, Bureau of the Census, Room 
1656, Building 3, Washington, DC 20233, and 301-763-7107 or e-mail at 
Scott.P.Handmaker@census.gov.


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The Census Bureau is the preeminent collector of timely, relevant 
and quality data about the people and economy of the United States. 
Economic data are the Census Bureau's primary program commitment during 
non-decennial census years. The economic census, conducted under 
authority of Title 13 U.S.C., is the primary source of facts about the 
structure and functioning of the Nation's economy and features unique 
industry and geographic detail. Economic census statistics serve as 
part of the framework for the national accounts and provide essential 
information for government, business and the general public.
    This data collection, Form NC-99023, is designed to obtain detailed 
classification information in order to assign a North American Industry 
Classification System (NAICS) code for establishments that are 
unclassified and that are partially classified. The NC-99023 will be 
used to assign a detailed NAICS code to these establishments.
    Accurate and reliable industry and geographic codes are critical to 
the Census Bureau statistical programs. New businesses are assigned 
industry classification by the Social Security Administration (SSA). 
However, many of these businesses cannot be assigned detailed industry 
codes because insufficient information is provided by respondents on 
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form SS-4 and are therefore 
unclassified.
    Establishments that are currently partially classified could be 
misclassified in the Economic Census without a complete NAICS code. 
This refile operation will determine a complete and reliable 
classification in order to ensure the establishment is tabulated in the 
correct detailed industry for the 2007 Economic Census. For many of 
these establishments, this is the only chance to obtain this detailed 
industry classification. If these establishments are not mailed as part 
of the Economic Census economic data for these cases could be lost.
    The failure to collect this classification information will have an 
adverse effect on the quality and usefulness of economic statistics and 
severely hamper the Census Bureau's ability to effectively classify 
establishments under NAICS in the Economic Census and other survey 
programs.
    The Census Bureau is not requesting any economic data in this 
collection. The collection of this NAICS information will greatly 
reduce processing costs and ease reporting burden for the 2007 Economic 
Census data collection.

II. Method of Collection

    The Census Bureau will select establishments to receive this survey 
from the Census Bureau's Business Register. The Census Bureau will mail 
the NC-99023 to those establishments selected from the mailing list. 
The NC-99023 will be used to assign a valid NAICS code. The NC-99023 
will contain a list of codes and descriptions. Respondents are to 
select the activity which best describes their business by checking the 
box next to the activity listed or to describe their principal business 
activity if no box can be checked.

III. Data

    OMB Number: Not Available.
    Form Number: NC-99023.
    Type of Review: Regular Review.
    Affected Public: Businesses or Other For-profit Institutions, Small 
Businesses or Organizations, Non-profit Institutions, State or local 
governments.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 200,000.
    Estimated Time per Response: 10 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 33,333.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost: $813,659.
    Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.
    Legal Authority: Title 13 U.S.C., Sections, 131, 224.

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: October 11, 2005.
Madeleine Clayton,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 05-20595 Filed 10-13-05; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3510-07-P