82 FR 41925 - Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; 2017-2019 Business Research and Development Surveys
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Census Bureau Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 170 (September 5, 2017)
Census Bureau
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 170 (September 5, 2017)
| Page Range | 41925-41926 | |
| FR Document | 2017-18656 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 170 (Tuesday, September 5, 2017)] [Notices] [Pages 41925-41926] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-18656] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Census Bureau Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; 2017-2019 Business Research and Development Surveys AGENCY: U.S. Census Bureau, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to [[Page 41926]] comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: To ensure consideration, written or on-line comments must be submitted on or before November 6, 2017. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Jennifer Jessup, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at [email protected]). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions should be directed to Michael Flaherty, U.S. Census Bureau, HQ-6H149, 4600 Silver Hill Rd., Suitland, MD 20746, (301) 763-7699 (or via the internet at [email protected]). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract The U.S. Census Bureau, with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), plans to conduct the Business Research and Development Survey (BRDS) for the 2017-2019 survey years (collected in calendar years 2018-2020). The BRDS covers all domestic, non-farm, for- profit businesses with at least 10 paid employees. The BRDS provides the only comprehensive data on Research and Development (R&D) costs and detailed expenses by type and industry. The Census Bureau has conducted an R&D survey since 1957 (the Survey of Industrial Research and Development (SIRD) from 1957-2007 and the Business R&D and Innovation Survey (BRDIS) from 2008-2016), collecting primarily financial information on the systematic work companies undertake to discover new knowledge or use existing knowledge to develop new or improved goods and services. From 2008-2015, the BRDIS collected R&D and innovation data from companies with five or more employees. In 2016, the BRDIS collected R&D and innovation data from companies with at least one paid employee. Beginning in 2017, the BRDS will no longer collect innovation data and only companies with at least 10 paid employees will be in scope. The Census Bureau will continue to collect R&D data from companies with fewer than 10 employees, and innovation data from all companies, however, beginning in 2017, these data will be collected on a different survey. The 2017-2019 BRDS will continue to collect the following types of information:R&D expense based on accepted accounting standards. Worldwide R&D of domestic companies. Business segment detail. R&D-related capital expenditures. Detailed data about the R&D workforce. R&D strategy and data on the potential impact of R&D on the market. R&D directed to application areas of particular national interest. Data measuring intellectual property protection activities and technology transfer. Domestic and foreign researchers in academia, business, and government analyze and cite data from the BRDS. Among the federal government users are the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). BEA includes R&D in the system of national accounts that measures the economic well-being of the country. BRDS data are key inputs into these accounts, which feed into the calculation of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The White House, in 2006, issued the American Competitiveness Initiative to ``increase investments in research and development, strengthen education, and encourage entrepreneurship.'' In support of this initiative and in response to legislative mandates, data on R&D are delivered to OSTP, primarily in the biennial National Science Board report Science and Engineering Indicators. Also, the National Science Foundation (NSF) produces a series of publications containing R&D data including the National Patterns of R&D Resources series, the S&E State Profile series, and the annual Business R&D and Innovation series. Special reports and other publications are also prepared. II. Method of Collection Beginning in 2017, the BRDS will follow a primarily electronic collection strategy. The BRD-1 form will be available on the Web site to assist respondents with gathering the required data prior to reporting online. Paper forms will also be sent to respondents upon request, however no paper forms will be included in initial mail packets. The online survey automatically skips questions that do not apply [based on previous responses] and checks for common errors. Links to detailed question-by-question instructions will be embedded in the electronic instrument. Excel spreadsheets are available to facilitate the electronic collection of information from various areas of the companies. Respondents have the capability to download the spreadsheets from the Census Bureau's Web site. A consolidator spreadsheet is also available to assist companies that need to gather information from business units and then compile the information into one company report. The due date will be six weeks after mail out. III. Data OMB Control Number: 0607-0912. Form Number: BRD-1. Type of Review: Regular submission. Affected Public: All domestic, non-farm, for-profit (public or private) businesses with at least 10 paid employees. Estimated Number of Respondents: 45,000. Estimated Time per Response: 3.3 hours. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 148,600. Estimated Total Annual Cost: $0. Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory. Legal Authority: Title 13, United States Code, Sections 8(b), 131, and 182; and Title 42, United States Code, Sections 1861-76 (National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended). IV. Request for Comments Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter of public record. Sheleen Dumas, Departmental PRA Lead, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. 2017-18656 Filed 9-1-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-07-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 170 / Tuesday, September 5, 2017 / Notices 41925
Notice and other pertinent RRH or FLH Agency’s published ‘‘Guidance on the program information (e.g., Braille, large
transfer and program provisions Capital Needs Assessment Process’’ print, audiotape, American Sign
consistent with 7 CFR part 3560, prior available at http://www.rd.usda.gov/ Language, etc.) should contact the
to the issuance of any MPR offer. In the programs-services/housing- responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET
case of transfers, the transferee must preservation- Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and
comply with the requirements of 7 CFR revitalizationdemonstration-loans- TTY) or contact USDA through the
3560.406 including all Agency approval grants and the CNA Statement of Work Federal Relay Service at (800) 877–8339.
and closing conditions prior to closing together with any non-conflicting Additionally, program information may
any of the MPR tools. The Agency will amendments). Agency-approved CNAs be made available in languages other
provide additional guidance to the must be prepared by a qualified than English.
applicant and request information and independent contractor, and are To file a program discrimination
documents necessary to complete the obtained to determine needed repairs complaint, complete the USDA Program
underwriting and review process. Since and any necessary adjustments to the Discrimination Complaint Form, AD–
the character of each application may reserve account for long-term project 3027, found online at http://
vary substantially depending on the viability. www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_
type of transaction proposed, c. Underwriting will be conducted by cust.html and at any USDA office or
information requirements will be the Agency. The feasibility and write a letter addressed to USDA and
provided as appropriate. structure of each revitalization proposal provide in the letter all of the
Complete project information must be will be based on the Agency’s information requested in the form. To
submitted as soon as possible, but in no underwriting and determination of the request a copy of the complaint form,
case later than 45 calendar days from MPR funding tools that will minimize call (866) 632–9992. Submit your
the date of Agency notification of the the cost to the Government consistent completed form or letter to USDA by:
applicant’s selection for further with the purposes of this Notice. (1) Mail: U.S. Department of
processing. MPR transfer applicants C. MPR Offers. Agriculture, Office of the Assistant
must submit a preliminary transfer Approved MPR offers will be Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400
request as required by 7 CFR 3560.406 presented to successful applicants who Independence Avenue SW.,
(c) within 45 days of the RD notification will then have up to 15 calendar days Washington, DC 20250–9410;
and will be allowed a total of 180 days to accept or reject the offer in writing. (2) fax: (202) 690–7442; or
in which to submit the final transfer If no offer is made or if the applicant (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
MPR application. If the State Office fails to accept or reject the offer
determines there exists compelling presented, the application will be VII. Award Agency Contacts
reasons the full transfer application rejected and appeal rights will be given. USDA Rural Development MFH State
cannot be delivered within the stated Closing of MPR offers will occur within Office contacts can be found at: http://
timeframe and upon the receipt of the six months of the obligation of MPR rd.udsa.gov/contact-us/state-offices.
applicant’s written request the MPR due tools unless extended in writing by the (Note: Telephone numbers listed are not
date may be extended for an additional Agency. All Offers are explicitly made toll-free.)
period of 90 days (Section VI. B. will subject to the availability of Appropriation Act funding will be
apply). Any extensions beyond the appropriated funds. Should sufficient posted on the Rural Development Web
former must recommended by the State funds not be available at any time to site.
Office and concurred by the HQ Review funds any authorized MPR offers for All adverse determinations are
Underwriter assigned to the State. which funds have not been obligated, appealable pursuant to 7 CFR part 11.
Notwithstanding the aforementioned, including those with only transfer debt Instructions on the appeal process will
any pre-applications selected under this deferral, the Agency may notify the be provided at the time an applicant is
Notice’s, will be considered withdrawn applicant accordingly and the notified of the adverse action.
on December 31, 2018, if not approved authorization may be cancelled. Dated: August 29, 2017.
by the Agency. These deadlines will not VI. Non-Discrimination Statement Richard A. Davis,
be extended, so please plan your Acting Administrator, Rural Housing Service.
transaction’s timeline accordingly. In accordance with Federal civil
rights law and U.S. Department of [FR Doc. 2017–18753 Filed 9–1–17; 8:45 am]
Applicants may reapply for funding
under future rounds and/or Notices as Agriculture (USDA) civil rights BILLING CODE 3410–XV–P
they may be made available. regulations and policies, the USDA, its
Failure to submit the required Agencies, offices, and employees, and
information in a timely manner will institutions participating in or DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
result in the Agency discontinuing the administering USDA programs are
processing of the request. prohibited from discriminating based on Census Bureau
The Agency will work with the race, color, national origin, religion, sex,
gender identity (including gender Proposed Information Collection;
applicants selected for further
expression), sexual orientation, Comment Request; 2017–2019
processing in accordance with the
disability, age, marital status, family/ Business Research and Development
following:
a. Based on the feasibility of the type parental status, income derived from a Surveys
of transaction that will best suit the public assistance program, political AGENCY: U.S. Census Bureau,
project and the availability of funds, beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior Department of Commerce.
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES
further eligibility confirmation civil rights activity, in any program or ACTION: Notice.
determinations will be conducted by the activity conducted or funded by USDA
Agency. (not all bases apply to all programs). SUMMARY: The Department of
b. If an Agency-approved CNA has not Remedies and complaint filing Commerce, as part of its continuing
already been submitted to the Agency, deadlines vary by program or incident. effort to reduce paperwork and
an Agency-approved CNA will be Persons with disabilities who require respondent burden, invites the general
required (see 7 CFR 3560.103(c) and the alternative means of communication for public and other Federal agencies to
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![41926 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 170 / Tuesday, September 5, 2017 / Notices
comment on proposed and/or The 2017–2019 BRDS will continue to collection of information from various
continuing information collections, as collect the following types of areas of the companies. Respondents
required by the Paperwork Reduction information: have the capability to download the
Act of 1995. • R&D expense based on accepted spreadsheets from the Census Bureau’s
accounting standards. Web site. A consolidator spreadsheet is
DATES: To ensure consideration, written • Worldwide R&D of domestic
or on-line comments must be submitted also available to assist companies that
companies. need to gather information from
on or before November 6, 2017. • Business segment detail. business units and then compile the
ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments • R&D-related capital expenditures. information into one company report.
to Jennifer Jessup, Departmental • Detailed data about the R&D
workforce. The due date will be six weeks after
Paperwork Clearance Officer,
Department of Commerce, Room 6616, • R&D strategy and data on the mail out.
14th and Constitution Avenue NW., potential impact of R&D on the market. III. Data
Washington, DC 20230 (or via the • R&D directed to application areas of
Internet at PRAcomments@doc.gov). particular national interest. OMB Control Number: 0607–0912.
• Data measuring intellectual
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: property protection activities and Form Number: BRD–1.
Requests for additional information or technology transfer. Type of Review: Regular submission.
copies of the information collection Domestic and foreign researchers in Affected Public: All domestic, non-
instrument(s) and instructions should academia, business, and government farm, for-profit (public or private)
be directed to Michael Flaherty, U.S. analyze and cite data from the BRDS. businesses with at least 10 paid
Census Bureau, HQ–6H149, 4600 Silver Among the federal government users are employees.
Hill Rd., Suitland, MD 20746, (301) the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)
763–7699 (or via the internet at and the White House’s Office of Science Estimated Number of Respondents:
michael.j.flaherty@census.gov). and Technology Policy (OSTP). BEA 45,000.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: includes R&D in the system of national Estimated Time per Response: 3.3
accounts that measures the economic hours.
I. Abstract well-being of the country. BRDS data are Estimated Total Annual Burden
The U.S. Census Bureau, with support key inputs into these accounts, which Hours: 148,600.
from the National Science Foundation feed into the calculation of the U.S.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The Estimated Total Annual Cost: $0.
(NSF), plans to conduct the Business
White House, in 2006, issued the Respondent’s Obligation: Mandatory.
Research and Development Survey
(BRDS) for the 2017–2019 survey years American Competitiveness Initiative to Legal Authority: Title 13, United
(collected in calendar years 2018–2020). ‘‘increase investments in research and States Code, Sections 8(b), 131, and 182;
The BRDS covers all domestic, non- development, strengthen education, and and Title 42, United States Code,
farm, for-profit businesses with at least encourage entrepreneurship.’’ In Sections 1861–76 (National Science
10 paid employees. The BRDS provides support of this initiative and in Foundation Act of 1950, as amended).
the only comprehensive data on response to legislative mandates, data
on R&D are delivered to OSTP, IV. Request for Comments
Research and Development (R&D) costs
and detailed expenses by type and primarily in the biennial National
Science Board report Science and Comments are invited on: (a) Whether
industry. the proposed collection of information
Engineering Indicators. Also, the
The Census Bureau has conducted an National Science Foundation (NSF) is necessary for the proper performance
R&D survey since 1957 (the Survey of produces a series of publications of the functions of the agency, including
Industrial Research and Development containing R&D data including the whether the information shall have
(SIRD) from 1957–2007 and the National Patterns of R&D Resources practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the
Business R&D and Innovation Survey series, the S&E State Profile series, and agency’s estimate of the burden
(BRDIS) from 2008–2016), collecting the annual Business R&D and (including hours and cost) of the
primarily financial information on the Innovation series. Special reports and proposed collection of information; (c)
systematic work companies undertake other publications are also prepared. ways to enhance the quality, utility, and
to discover new knowledge or use clarity of the information to be
existing knowledge to develop new or II. Method of Collection collected; and (d) ways to minimize the
improved goods and services. Beginning in 2017, the BRDS will burden of the collection of information
From 2008–2015, the BRDIS collected follow a primarily electronic collection on respondents, including through the
R&D and innovation data from strategy. The BRD–1 form will be use of automated collection techniques
companies with five or more employees. available on the Web site to assist or other forms of information
In 2016, the BRDIS collected R&D and respondents with gathering the required technology.
innovation data from companies with at data prior to reporting online. Paper Comments submitted in response to
least one paid employee. Beginning in forms will also be sent to respondents this notice will be summarized and/or
2017, the BRDS will no longer collect upon request, however no paper forms included in the request for OMB
innovation data and only companies will be included in initial mail packets. approval of this information collection;
with at least 10 paid employees will be The online survey automatically skips they also will become a matter of public
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES
in scope. The Census Bureau will questions that do not apply [based on record.
continue to collect R&D data from previous responses] and checks for
companies with fewer than 10 common errors. Links to detailed Sheleen Dumas,
employees, and innovation data from all question-by-question instructions will Departmental PRA Lead, Office of the Chief
companies, however, beginning in 2017, be embedded in the electronic Information Officer.
these data will be collected on a instrument. Excel spreadsheets are [FR Doc. 2017–18656 Filed 9–1–17; 8:45 am]
different survey. available to facilitate the electronic BILLING CODE 3510–07–P
VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:43 Sep 01, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\05SEN1.SGM 05SEN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/82_FR_42095/page/2.svg)
Document Created: 2017-09-02 03:24:47
Document Modified: 2017-09-02 03:24:47
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice. | |
| Dates | To ensure consideration, written or on-line comments must be submitted on or before November 6, 2017. | |
| Contact | Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions should be directed to Michael Flaherty, U.S. Census Bureau, HQ-6H149, 4600 Silver Hill Rd., Suitland, MD 20746, (301) 763-7699 (or via the internet at [email protected]). | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 41925 |
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