OMB appreciates
that the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
(NCSES)of NSF and the Census Bureau have made major efforts to
redesign this collection, consistent with recommendations from the
National Academies. We understand that the redesign may well create
a break in series from the Survey of Industrial Research and
Development, and strongly encourage NCSES to communicate with major
data users to set their expectations in this regard as well as to
plan for feasible "bridge tables" between the SIRD data and the
BRDIS data to distinguish between "actual" changes in the data and
changes in the data attributable to changes in the redesigned
survey. We applaud efforts to eliminate the questions already
identified as unlikely to produce useful or accurate results, and
to ensure only questions that will elicit reliable data are
collected. Finally, prior to the commencement of each edition of
the Business R&D and Innovation 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 and expiration date, and Census and
NSF leadership from those submitted for review.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
01/31/2015
36 Months From Approved
01/31/2012
43,000
0
40,000
107,725
0
155,450
0
0
0
This survey will replace the Survey of
Industrial Research and Development. It has been conducted annually
since 1953;the U.S. Census Bureau has been responsible for the data
collection since 1957. The survey collected information regarding
R&D performance by companies operating in the U.S. In response
to the changing environment of R&D and a 2005 report produced
by the Committee on National Statistics (CNSTAT), the survey has
undergone a comprehensive redesign. The redesigned surveywhich
will be renamed the Business R&D and Innovation Surveywill aim
to collect high quality, relevant, and timely data on R&D
activity and Innovation by U.S. based companies within the U.S and
worldwide.
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.