Prior to the
commencement of the Annual Wholesale Trade Survey (AWTS) 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
10/31/2014
10/31/2014
10/31/2014
8,176
0
8,176
10,442
0
10,442
0
0
0
The AWTS provides the only 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, and
electronic markets) required to accurately measure economic
performance in the United States. The Bureau of Economic Analysis
will use this information in their estimate of the gross domestic
product.
The burden hour estimate is
6,631 hours more than the previously approved AWTS. This increase
is due to three factors: (1) asking for two years of data for the
2011 AWTS, (2) incorporating the detailed operating expense
questions for the 2012 AWTS, and (3) mailing to a larger group of
companies due to being on the first year of a new sample
(subsequent mail counts should decrease).
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.