The AWTS survey provides a continuing official measure of annual wholesale sales, purchases, e-commerce, operating expenses and year-end inventories. The survey represents merchant wholesalers (including manufacturer's sales branches and offices) and non-merchant wholesalers (agents, brokers, representatives and electronic markets), accurately measuring economic performance in the United States. The Bureau of Economic Analysis will use this information in their estimates of the gross domestic products.
The burden increase is due to the detailed operating expense questions for the 2017 survey year which increases burden time significantly for that year.
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.