This collection is approved with the following terms of clearance: BLS is implementing the changes in this collection as planned in the PresidentÂs FY 2011 budget and described in the supporting statements. As noted by BLS, there is still ongoing work in the redesign of the NCS sample as well as continuing research to evaluate the quality of the new model-based estimates. BLS will keep OMB apprised of results of this work and update this collection request as necessary. In conformance with OMB and BLS Information Quality Guidelines as well as OMB Standards and Guidelines for Statistical Surveys, BLS is conducting evaluations of the quality of the model-based estimates and will be making these evaluations public.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
04/30/2014
36 Months From Approved
04/30/2011
46,201
0
73,818
37,120
0
55,305
0
0
0
Under the National Compensation Survey (NCS), the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) conducts ongoing surveys of compensation (earning and benefits)and job characteristics. The NCS produces data on local, regional and national levels by sampling establishments various localities in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The NCS samples 152 areas, of which 117 are metropolitan areas. Data from the 48 contiguous States is used to provide data to the President's Pay Agent to meet the BLS obligation under the Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act (FEPCA). NCS data produces the Employment Cost Index (ECI), which is designated a principal Federal Economic Indicator under OMB Statistical Policy Directive No. 3.
US Code:
5 USC 5318
Name of Law: The Ethics Reform Act of 1989
US Code:
5 USC 5304
Name of Law: The Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act of 1990
US Code:
29 USC 2b
Name of Law: Studies of Productivity and Labor Costs in Industries
The NCS sample for FY 2011 and beyond has been reduced 64% to reflect loss of the LPS sample and some cuts to the ECI sample. In 2011, the implementation of the alternative to the LPS will result in a loss of 20,400 establishments from the sample. The ECI sample will lose 4,000 establishments (approximately a 25% sample loss.)
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.