SUPPORTING STATEMENT – PART B  

Current Industrial Reports
Mandatory and Voluntary Surveys--Wave II

Collection of Information Employing Statistical Methods

1.	Universe and Respondent Selection

We select the mailing panels for each CIR survey independently.  Since CIR surveys are product-oriented, the universe of establishments is often very small; thus, sampling techniques are not cost-effective.  If the universe is large, we may use an employment-based or production-level cutoff or a probability sample to select the mail panel.

Attachment C-2 shows the size of the universe, the number of establishments in the mail panel, the current response and coverage rates, and the survey methodology.  The response rate on the individual surveys varies by industry and the frequency of the survey. 

2.	Procedures for Collecting Information

The publication text for each survey provides the survey scope, coverage, and explanation of the sampling methodology if probability or cutoff sampling is used.  For copies of the latest publications in this wave go to this web address: http//www.census.gov/cir/www/ind_num.html.

3.	Methods to Maximize Responses

Establishments that do not respond receive follow-up telephone calls and/or letters.  For monthly and quarterly surveys, large establishments that have not reported on time are included in a telephone follow-up operation.  For the annual surveys, we mail two follow-up letters to nonrespondents before a telephone follow-up operation.  Additionally, we work closely with representative trade associations and industry contacts in attempting to encourage and improve response.

After reviewing the entire CIR program, the Census Bureau decided to eliminate several surveys due to low response rate, disclosure issues, and changes in the manufacturing industry.  In addition, several surveys were restructured to reflect the emerging trends and provide more comprehensive content for our data users.  Some surveys in this wave still show a low response rate; however, they continue to have a high coverage rate. 

4.	Tests of Procedures or Methods

On a continuing basis we investigate new technologies and methodologies.  We incorporate into our CIR program those which we find to be more efficient and cost-effective.

5.	Contacts

Within the Manufacturing and Construction Division, Mr. Mendel D. Gayle, Assistant Chief for Census and Related Programs, (301) 763-4587, may be consulted on the content, collection, analysis, and publication of CIR data.

Mr. Paul L. Hsen, Assistant Chief for Research and Methodology, (301) 763-4586, may be consulted on statistical methodology of the CIR program.

Attachments

A 	2007 OMB Clearance Contact List for Mandatory and Voluntary Surveys 
B 	2007 Comments Received on Individual Mandatory and Voluntary Surveys
C 	Letters to Respondents
D-1	Mandatory and Voluntary 2007 Wave II Clearance Work Sheet General Information
D-2	Mandatory and Voluntary 2007 Wave II  Clearance Work Sheet Panel Size, Burden Hours,	 and Response Rate
D-3	Mandatory and Voluntary 2007 Wave II  Clearance Work Sheet Column Descriptions
E	Mandatory and Voluntary 2007 Wave II Clearance Work Sheet Burden Hour Adjustment
F	General Instructions Containing Burden Hour Estimate