Intermittent Survey of Businesses

The survey data are used to gather information to enable the Federal Reserve System (System) to carry out its policy and operational responsibilities. Under the guidance of the Board, Reserve Banks survey business contacts as economic developments warrant. Usually, these voluntary surveys are conducted using an online survey tool, such as Qualtrics, to collect responses from purchasing managers, economists, or other knowledgeable individuals at selected, relevant businesses, and occasionally state and local governments. Occasionally, the survey will be conducted via telephone or email. The frequency and content of the questions, as well as the entities contacted, vary depending on developments in the economy. These surveys are conducted to provide Board members and Reserve Bank presidents real-time insights into economic conditions. The Board tailors these survey questions to match current concerns and interests, but they are not meant to supplant the more rigorous, existing economic reporting. The Board collects aggregate responses from the Reserve Banks and then distributes the information to Board members and Reserve Bank presidents.

The latest form for Intermittent Survey of Businesses expires 2029-02-28 and can be found here.