[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 13 (Thursday, January 20, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3610-3611]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-1095]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
U.S. Census Bureau
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Current
Population Surveys (CPS)--Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS)
AGENCY: U.S. Census Bureau, Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing
[[Page 3611]]
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: To ensure consideration, written comments must be submitted on
or before March 21, 2011.
ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th
and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet
at [email protected]).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or
copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions
should be directed to David Sheldon, U.S. Census Bureau, 7H108D,
Washington, DC 20233-8400, (301) 763-7327.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Abstract
The Census Bureau is requesting clearance for the collection of
data concerning the HVS. The current clearance expires July 31, 2011.
The HVS has been conducted in conjunction with the CPS since 1956 and
serves a broad array of data users as described below.
We conduct the HVS interviews with landlords or other knowledgeable
people concerning vacant housing units identified in the monthly CPS
sample and meeting certain criteria. The HVS provides the only
quarterly and annual statistics on rental vacancy rates and
homeownership rates for the United States, the four census regions, the
50 states and the District of Columbia, and the 75 largest metropolitan
areas (MAs). Private and public sector organizations use these rates
extensively to gauge and analyze the housing market with regard to
supply, cost, and affordability at various points in time.
In addition, the rental vacancy rate is a component of the index of
leading economic indicators published by the Department of Commerce.
Policy analysts, program managers, budget analysts, and
congressional staff use these data to advise the executive and
legislative branches of government with respect to the number and
characteristics of units available for occupancy and the suitability of
housing initiatives. Several other government agencies use these data
on a continuing basis in calculating consumer expenditures for housing
as a component of the gross national product; to project mortgage
demands; and to measure the adequacy of the supply of rental and
homeowner units. In addition, investment firms use the HVS data to
analyze market trends and for economic forecasting.
II. Method of Collection
Field representatives collect this HVS information by personal-
visit interviews in conjunction with the regular monthly CPS
interviewing. We collect HVS data concerning units that are vacant and
intended for year-round occupancy as determined during the CPS
interview. Approximately 7,260 units in the CPS sample meet these
criteria each month. All interviews are conducted using computer-
assisted interviewing.
III. Data
OMB Control Number: 0607-0179.
Form Number: HVS-600 (Fact Sheet for the Housing Vacancy Survey),
CPS-263 (MIS-1) (L) (Introductory letter explaining the need for the
survey and answering frequently asked questions) and BC-1428RV
(Brochure--The U.S. Census Bureau Respects Your Privacy and Keeps Your
Personal Information Confidential).
Type of Review: Regular submission.
Affected Public: Individuals who have knowledge of the vacant
sample unit (e.g., landlord, rental agents, neighbors).
Estimated Number of Respondents: 7,260 per month.
Estimated Time per Response: 3 minutes.
Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 4,477 hours.
Estimated Total Annual Cost: There is no cost to the respondents
other than their time.
Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.
Legal Authority: Title 13, U.S.C., 182, and Title 29, U.S.C., 1-9.
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: January 13, 2011.
Glenna Mickelson,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2011-1095 Filed 1-19-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P