0625.Supprt Stmnt Pt B EU-Swiss Safe Harbor.060311

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

U.S. Department of Commerce

International Trade Administration

SURVEY OF PARTICIPATING COMPANIES IN THE U.S.-EUROPEAN UNION AND U.S.-SWISS SAFE HARBOR FRAMEWORKS

OMB Control No. 0625-XXXX

B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS

1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any sampling or other respondent selection method to be used. Data on the number of entities (e.g. establishments, State and local governmental units, households, or persons) in the universe and the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular form. The tabulation must also include expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection has been conducted before, provide the actual response rate achieved.

There are approximately 2,300 organizations enrolled in the Frameworks, the potential respondent universe. Of these, it is estimated that approximately 35%, 805, will respond on a voluntary basis, to the questionnaire. In addition, there are approximately 650 new enrollees each year; of these, it is estimated that 225, or 35% to respond to the questionnaire. The survey queries participants on how the Frameworks increase U.S. exports; the approximate revenue increase resulting from Framework membership; other business data relevant to the Frameworks; and a general statement regarding the program. Accordingly, the expected number of entities (business and other non-profit) is 1,030 for the collection as a whole.

The collection of these data has not been previously conducted thus actual response rates cannot be provided.

2. Describe the procedures for the collection, including: the statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection; the estimation procedure; the degree of accuracy needed for the purpose described in the justification; any unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures; and any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce burden.

An electronic survey questionnaire will be posted to the Safe Harbor website. The heading will advise viewers that completing the questionnaire is voluntary and no business proprietary data will be made public. Those who voluntarily choose to respond will be taken to the six-question survey linked to the U.S-E.U. Safe Harbor website. Regardless of the answer, no one will be asked again for six months when the session cookie expires (no persistent cookies are used). Since self-certification occurs only once when organizations enroll in Safe Harbor, they will not be asked to complete the survey voluntarily for another year at which time they are under no obligation to do so.

No statistical methods will be used.

3. Describe the methods used to maximize response rates and to deal with nonresponse. The accuracy and reliability of the information collected must be shown to be adequate for the intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be provided if they will not yield "reliable" data that can be generalized to the universe studied.

Because OTEC intend to use these data for internal program evaluations, there is no major concern that every possible respondent respond, only that they are able to do so if they choose. The responses from the surveys will be used to analyze the programs.

The information will not be used for generalization, and OTEC may aggregate responses to evaluate the program’s effectiveness.

4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Tests are encouraged as effective means to refine collections, but if ten or more test respondents are involved OMB must give prior approval.

Not applicable.

5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on the statistical aspects of the design, and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), grantee(s), or other person(s) who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.

Collection and Analysis

ITA

Damon Greer

Senior International Trade Specialist

Office of Technology and Electronic Commerce

Tel:  202-482-5023

David Ritchie

International Trade Specialist

Office of Technology and Electronic Commerce

Tel: (202) 482-4936

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