Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

DOC has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. chapter 35).

Agency: U.S. Census Bureau.

Title: Quarterly Financial Report (QFR).

Form Number(s): QFR-103(NB), QFR-101(MG), QFR-102(TR), and QFR-101A(MG).

Agency Approval Number: 0607-0432.

Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Burden: 84,576 hours.

Number of Respondents: 14,353.

Avg Hours Per Response: 2 hours and 6 minutes.

Needs and Uses: The QFR Program has published up-to-date aggregate statistics on the financial results and position of U.S. corporations since 1947. It is a principal economic indicator that also provides financial data essential to calculation of key U.S. Government measures of national economic performance. The importance of this data collection is reflected by the granting of specific authority to conduct the program in Title 13 of the United States Code, Section 91, which requires that financial statistics of business operations be collected and published quarterly. Public Law 105-252 extended the authority of the Secretary of Commerce to conduct the QFR Program under Section 91 through September 30, 2005. The Census Bureau is currently reviewing steps necessary to reauthorize that authority. The main purpose of the QFR is to provide timely, accurate data on business financial conditions for use by Government and private-sector organizations and individuals. Diverse groups use these data including foreign countries, universities, financial analysts, unions, trade associations, public libraries, banking institutions, and U.S. and foreign corporations. The primary users are U.S. Governmental organizations charged with economic policymaking responsibilities. These organizations play a major role in providing guidance, advice, and support to the QFR Program.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.

Frequency: Quarterly and annually.

Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.

Legal Authority: Title 13 U.S.C., Section 91 and Public Law 105-252.

OMB Desk Officer: Susan Schechter, (202) 395-5103.

Copies of the above information collection proposal can be obtained by calling or writing Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, (202) 482-0266, Department of Commerce, room 6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at dhynek@doc.gov).

Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to Susan Schechter, OMB Desk Officer either by fax (202-395-7245) or e-mail (susan_schechter@omb.eop.gov).