Within three months from date of clearance the Census Bureau will provide OMB with a plan for improving the M-3 survey as discussed with OMB. The plan will include: (1) consideration of reporting preliminary data at a more aggregated level, (2) exploration of changing the sampling procedure so that not all large manufacturers are included, (3) consideration of asking respondents to report monthly data on a quarterly basis, (4) institution of procedures to allow electronic reporting by respondents, (5) examination of the direction and magnitude of the revisions at the subaggregate level for signs of consistent under- and over-estimation, and (6) additional steps to improve the survey's response rates and increase the accuracy of preliminary estimates.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
05/31/1986
05/31/1986
04/30/1985
49,200
0
64,320
16,400
0
22,040
0
0
0
THIS IS THE ONLY SURVEY THAT PROVIDES MONTHLY STATISTICAL INFORMATION TO GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY ON THE ENTIRE MANUFACTURING SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY. THESE STATISTICS ARE AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE GROSS NATIONAL PRODUCT ACCOUNTS AND THE SURVEY IS DESIGNATED AS "PRINCIPAL FEDERAL ECONOMIC INDICATOR" BY THE OFFICE OF INFORMATION AN REGULATORY AFFAIRS.
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.