The Census
Bureau shall provide a study of ways to improve the response rate
of the Monthly Retail Trade Survey with its next submission of the
MRTS. Prior to the commencement of the Monthly Retail Trade Survey
forms distribution, the Census Bureau shall provide on its Internet
site prominent links to a set of finalized survey forms, including
instructions and cover letters, comparable to those provided for
the 2007 Economic Census report forms. The final forms and letters
shall reflect any changes in the survey year, OMB number expiration
date, and Census leadership from those submitted for review.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
05/31/2014
36 Months From Approved
05/31/2011
104,568
0
104,544
12,200
0
12,196
0
0
0
The Monthly Retail Trade Survey
provides estimates of monthly retail sales, end-of-month
merchandise inventories, and quarterly e-commerce sales of
retailers in the United States by selected kinds of business. Also,
it provides monthly sales of food service establishments. The
Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) uses this information to prepare
the National Income and Products Accounts and to benchmark the
annual input-output tables. Statistics provided from the Current
Retail Sales and Inventory Survey are used to calculate the gross
domestic product (GDP).
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.