The Census
Bureau shall perform nonresponse bias analyses for the Monthly
Retail Trade Survey results based on comparisons of respondent data
to characteristics of comparable nonrespondents from supplemental
sources and submit them with plans to increase response rates with
the next ICR for this survey. Also 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 2012 Economic Census report
forms. The final forms, instructions, and letters shall reflect any
changes in the survey period, OMB number expiration date, and
Census or Commerce leadership from those submitted for review.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
07/31/2017
36 Months From Approved
11/30/2014
123,660
0
104,568
14,427
0
12,200
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.