Information Collection Activities; Comment Request, 86681-86683 [2023-27433]
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 239 / Thursday, December 14, 2023 / Notices
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Information Collection Activities;
Comment Request
Bureau of Labor Statistics,
Department of Labor.
ACTION: Notice of information collection;
request for comment.
AGENCY:
The Department of Labor, as
part of its continuing effort to reduce
paperwork and respondent burden,
conducts a pre-clearance consultation
program to provide the general public
and Federal agencies with an
opportunity to comment on proposed
and/or continuing collections of
information in accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This
program helps to ensure that requested
data can be provided in the desired
format, reporting burden (time and
financial resources) is minimized,
collection instruments are clearly
understood, and the impact of collection
requirements on respondents can be
properly assessed. The Bureau of Labor
Statistics (BLS) is soliciting comments
concerning the proposed extension of
‘‘Cognitive and Psychological
Research.’’ A copy of the proposed
information collection request can be
obtained by contacting the individual
listed below in the ADDRESSES section of
this notice.
DATES: Written comments must be
submitted to the office listed in the
ADDRESSES section of this notice on or
before February 12, 2024.
ADDRESSES: Send comments to Nora
Kincaid, BLS Clearance Officer,
Division of Management Systems,
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Room G225,
2 Massachusetts Avenue NE,
Washington, DC 20212. Written
comments also may be transmitted by
email to BLS_PRA_Public@bls.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Nora Kincaid, BLS Clearance Officer,
telephone number 202–691–7628 (this
is not a toll free number). (See
ADDRESSES section.)
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
SUMMARY:
I. Background
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’
Behavioral Science Research Center
(BSRC) conducts theoretical, applied,
and evaluative research aimed at
improving the quality of data collected
and published by the Bureau. Since its
creation in 1988, the BSRC has
advanced the study of survey methods
research, approaching issues of nonsampling error within a framework that
draws heavily on the theories and
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17:39 Dec 13, 2023
Jkt 262001
methods of the cognitive, statistical, and
social sciences. The BSRC research
focuses primarily on the assessment of
survey instrument design and survey
administration, as well as on issues
related to interviewer training, the
interaction between interviewer and
respondent in the interview process,
and the usability of data-collection
instruments by both interviewers and
respondents. Improvements in these
areas result in greater accuracy and
response rates of BLS surveys,
frequently reduce costs in training and
survey administration, and further
ensure the effectiveness of the Bureau’s
overall mission.
II. Current Action
Office of Management and Budget
clearance is being sought for ‘‘Cognitive
and Psychological Research.’’ The
purpose of this request for clearance by
the BSRC is to conduct cognitive and
psychological research designed to
enhance the quality of the Bureau’s data
collection procedures and overall data
management. The BLS is committed to
producing the most accurate and
complete data within the highest quality
assurance guidelines. The BSRC was
created to aid in this effort and it has
demonstrated the effectiveness and
value of its approach. Over the next few
years, demand for BSRC consultation is
expected to remain high as approaches
are explored and tested to address
increasing nonresponse in key Bureau
surveys. Moreover, as the use of webbased surveys continues to grow, so too
will the need for careful tests of
instrument design and usability,
human-computer interactions, and the
impact of multiple modes on data
quality. The BSRC is uniquely equipped
with both the skills and facilities to
accommodate these demands.
The extension of the accompanying
clearance package reflects an attempt to
accommodate the increasing interest by
BLS program offices and other agencies
in the methods used, and the results
obtained, by the BSRC. This package
reflects planned research and
development activities for FY2024
through FY2026, and its approval will
enable the continued productivity of a
state-of-the-art, multi-disciplinary
program of behavioral science research
to improve BLS survey methodology.
III. Desired Focus of Comments
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is
particularly interested in comments
that:
• Evaluate whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary
for the proper performance of the
functions of the agency, including
PO 00000
Frm 00060
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
86681
whether the information will have
practical utility.
• Evaluate the accuracy of the
agency’s estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information,
including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used.
• Enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected.
• Minimize the burden of the
collection of information on those who
are to respond, including through the
use of appropriate automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other
technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology,
e.g., permitting electronic submissions
of responses.
Title of Collection: Cognitive and
Psychological Research.
OMB Number: 1220–0141.
Type of Review: Extension of a
currently approved collection.
Affected Public: Individuals and
households, private sector.
Total Estimated Annual Number of
Respondents: 10,450.
Frequency: One time.
Total Estimated Annual Number of
Responses: 10,450.
Average Time per Response: 21.72
minutes.
Total Estimated Annual Time Burden:
3,783 hours.
Comments submitted in response to
this notice will be summarized and/or
included in the request for Office of
Management and Budget approval of the
information collection request; they also
will become a matter of public record.
Signed at Washington, DC, this 8th day of
December 2023.
Eric Molina,
Chief, Division of Management Systems,
Branch of Policy Analysis.
[FR Doc. 2023–27432 Filed 12–13–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510–24–P
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Information Collection Activities;
Comment Request
Bureau of Labor Statistics,
Department of Labor.
ACTION: Notice of information collection;
request for comment.
AGENCY:
The Department of Labor, as
part of its continuing effort to reduce
paperwork and respondent burden,
conducts a pre-clearance consultation
program to provide the general public
and Federal agencies with an
opportunity to comment on proposed
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\14DEN1.SGM
14DEN1
86682
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 239 / Thursday, December 14, 2023 / Notices
and/or continuing collections of
information in accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This
program helps to ensure that requested
data can be provided in the desired
format, reporting burden (time and
financial resources) is minimized,
collection instruments are clearly
understood, and the impact of collection
requirements on respondents can be
properly assessed. The Bureau of Labor
Statistics (BLS) is soliciting comments
concerning the proposed revision of the
‘‘Annual Refiling Survey.’’ A copy of the
proposed information collection request
can be obtained by contacting the
individual listed below in the
ADDRESSES section of this notice.
DATES: Written comments must be
submitted to the office listed in the
ADDRESSES section of this notice on or
before February 12, 2024.
ADDRESSES: Send comments to Carol
Rowan, BLS Clearance Officer, Division
of Management Systems, Bureau of
Labor Statistics, Room G225, 2
Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington,
DC 20212. Written comments also may
be transmitted by email to
BLS_PRA_Public@bls.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Carol Rowan, BLS Clearance Officer, at
202–691–7628 (this is not a toll free
number). (See ADDRESSES section.)
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
I. Background
The Quarterly Census of Employment
and Wages (QCEW) program is a
federal/state cooperative effort which
compiles monthly employment data,
quarterly wages data, and business
identification information from
employers subject to state
Unemployment Insurance (UI) laws.
These data are collected from state
Quarterly Contribution Reports (QCRs)
submitted to State Workforce Agencies
(SWAs). The states send micro-level
employment and wages data,
supplemented with the names,
addresses, and business identification
information of these employers, to the
BLS. The state data are used to create
the BLS sampling frame, known as the
longitudinal QCEW data.
To ensure the continued accuracy of
these data, the information supplied by
employers must be periodically verified
and updated. For this purpose, the
Annual Refiling Survey (ARS) is used in
conjunction with the UI tax reporting
system in each state. The information
collected by the ARS is used to review
the existing industry code assigned to
each establishment as well as the
physical location of the business
establishment. As a result, changes in
the industrial and geographical
compositions of our economy are
captured in a timely manner and
reflected in the BLS statistical programs.
The ARS also asks employers to
identify new locations in the state. If
these employers meet QCEW program
reporting criteria, then a Multiple
Worksite Report (MWR) is sent to the
employer requesting employment and
wages for each worksite each quarter.
Thus, the ARS is also used to identify
new potential MWR-eligible employers.
II. Current Action
Office of Management and Budget
clearance is being sought for a revision
of the ARS. Once every three years, the
SWAs survey employers that are
covered by the state’s UI laws to ensure
that state records correctly reflect the
business activities and locations of
those employers. States survey
approximately one-third of businesses
with employment greater than three
each year and largely take care of the
entire universe of covered businesses
over a three-year cycle. The selection
criterion for surveying establishments is
based on the nine-digit Federal
Employer Identification Number of the
respondent. BLS constantly pursues a
growing number of automated reporting
options to reduce employer burden and
costs and to take advantage of more
efficient methods and procedures. Even
given such actions, mailing remains an
important part of the survey. The BLS
developed a one-page letter rather than
mailing forms for ARS solicitation. This
letter explains the purpose of the ARS
and provides respondents with a unique
Web ID and password. Respondents are
directed to the BLS online web
collection system to verify or to update
their geographic and industry
information.
Additionally, BLS staff review
selected, large multi-worksite national
employers rather than surveying these
employers with traditional ARS letters.
This central review reduces postage
costs incurred by the states in sending
letters.
Number of
respondents
ARS collection instrument
BLS NVS Non-mandatory ...................................................
BLS NVS Mandatory ...........................................................
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17:39 Dec 13, 2023
Jkt 262001
PO 00000
Frm 00061
277,900
310,800
Fmt 4703
Frequency
once ...............
once ...............
Sfmt 4703
BLS continues to use a private
contractor to handle various
administrative aspects of the survey to
reduce the costs associated with the
ARS. This initiative is called the
Centralized Annual Refiling Survey
(CARS). Under CARS, BLS effectively
utilizes the commercial advantages
related to printing and mailing large
volumes of survey letters.
Finally, BLS continues to make use of
email addresses collected from the ARS
and from the state UI agencies for
solicitation purposes. Use of email for
solicitation reduces the overall cost of
data collection. BLS will also continue
to make use of email solicitation of
small establishments that had been
excluded from the ARS for budgetary
reasons. Since collection costs for email
solicitation are minimal, these
respondents can continue to be added
back to the ARS at little cost to the
government.
III. Desired Focus of Comments
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is
particularly interested in comments
that:
• Evaluate whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary
for the proper performance of the
functions of the agency, including
whether the information will have
practical utility.
• Evaluate the accuracy of the
agency’s estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information,
including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used.
• Enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected.
• Minimize the burden of the
collection of information on those who
are to respond, including through the
use of appropriate automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other
technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology,
e.g., permitting electronic submissions
of responses.
Title of Collection: Annual Refiling
Survey.
OMB Number: 1220–0032.
Type of Review: Revision of a
currently approved.
Affected Public: Business or other forprofit, not-for-profit institutions, and
farms.
Total
responses
277,900
310,800
E:\FR\FM\14DEN1.SGM
14DEN1
Estimated
average
burden
(hours)
0.083
0.083
Estimated total
burden
(hours)
23,066
25,797
86683
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 239 / Thursday, December 14, 2023 / Notices
Number of
respondents
ARS collection instrument
BLS NVM Non-mandatory ...................................................
BLS NVM Mandatory ...........................................................
BLS NCA Non-mandatory ...................................................
BLS NCA Mandatory ...........................................................
Small Units Non-Mandatory ................................................
Small Units Mandatory ........................................................
15,400
16,800
22,750
30,000
43,000
57,000
Totals: ...........................................................................
773,650
Comments submitted in response to
this notice will be summarized and/or
included in the request for Office of
Management and Budget approval of the
information collection request; they also
will become a matter of public record.
Signed at Washington, DC, on December 8,
2023.
Eric Molina,
Chief, Division of Management Systems,
Branch of Policy Analysis.
[FR Doc. 2023–27433 Filed 12–13–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510–24–P
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS
ADMINISTRATION
[NARA–23–0014; NARA–2024–007]
Records Schedules; Availability and
Request for Comments
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA).
ACTION: Notice of availability of
proposed records schedules; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
The National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA)
publishes notice of certain Federal
agency requests for records disposition
authority (records schedules). We
publish notice in the Federal Register
and on regulations.gov for records
schedules in which agencies propose to
dispose of records they no longer need
to conduct agency business. We invite
public comments on such records
schedules.
DATES: We must receive responses on
the schedules listed in this notice by
January 29, 2024.
ADDRESSES: To view a records schedule
in this notice, or submit a comment on
one, use the following address: https://
www.regulations.gov/docket/NARA-230014/document. This is a direct link to
the schedules posted in the docket for
this notice on regulations.gov. You may
submit comments by the following
method:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal:
https://www.regulations.gov. On the
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:39 Dec 13, 2023
Jkt 262001
Frequency
once
once
once
once
once
once
0.25
0.25
0.167
0.167
0.083
0.083
3,850
4,200
3,800
5,010
3,569
4,731
........................
773,650
........................
74,023
We are publishing notice of records
schedules in which agencies propose to
dispose of records they no longer need
to conduct agency business. We invite
public comments on these records
schedules, as required by 44 U.S.C.
3303a(a), and list the schedules at the
end of this notice by agency and
subdivision requesting disposition
authority.
In addition, this notice lists the
organizational unit(s) accumulating the
records or states that the schedule has
agency-wide applicability. It also
provides the control number assigned to
each schedule, which you will need if
you submit comments on that schedule.
We have uploaded the records
schedules and accompanying appraisal
memoranda to the regulations.gov
Fmt 4703
Estimated total
burden
(hours)
15,400
16,800
22,750
30,000
43,000
57,000
Public Comment Procedures
Frm 00062
Estimated
average
burden
(hours)
...............
...............
...............
...............
...............
...............
website, enter either of the numbers
cited at the top of this notice into the
search field. This will bring you to the
docket for this notice, in which we have
posted the records schedules open for
comment. Each schedule has a
‘comment’ button so you can comment
on that specific schedule. For more
information on regulations.gov and on
submitting comments, see their FAQs at
https://www.regulations.gov/faq.
If you are unable to comment via
regulations.gov, you may email us at
request.schedule@nara.gov for
instructions on submitting your
comment. You must cite the control
number of the schedule you wish to
comment on. You can find the control
number for each schedule in
parentheses at the end of each
schedule’s entry in the list at the end of
this notice.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Eddie Germino, Strategy and
Performance Division, by email at
regulation_comments@nara.gov or at
301–837–3758. For information about
records schedules, contact Records
Management Operations by email at
request.schedule@nara.gov or by phone
at 301–837–1799.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
PO 00000
Total
responses
Sfmt 4703
docket for this notice as ‘‘other’’
documents. Each records schedule
contains a full description of the records
at the file unit level as well as their
proposed disposition. The appraisal
memorandum for the schedule includes
information about the records.
We will post comments, including
any personal information and
attachments, to the public docket
unchanged. Because comments are
public, you are responsible for ensuring
that you do not include any confidential
or other information that you or a third
party may not wish to be publicly
posted. If you want to submit a
comment with confidential information
or cannot otherwise use the
regulations.gov portal, you may contact
request.schedule@nara.gov for
instructions on submitting your
comment.
We will consider all comments
submitted by the posted deadline and
consult as needed with the Federal
agency seeking the disposition
authority. After considering comments,
we may or may not make changes to the
proposed records schedule. The
schedule is then sent for final approval
by the Archivist of the United States.
After the schedule is approved, we will
post on regulations.gov a ‘‘Consolidated
Reply’’ summarizing the comments,
responding to them, and noting any
changes we made to the proposed
schedule. You may elect at
regulations.gov to receive updates on
the docket, including an alert when we
post the Consolidated Reply, whether or
not you submit a comment. If you have
a question, you can submit it as a
comment, and can also submit any
concerns or comments you would have
to a possible response to the question.
We will address these items in
consolidated replies along with any
other comments submitted on that
schedule.
We will post schedules on our
website in the Records Control Schedule
(RCS) Repository, at https://
www.archives.gov/records-mgmt/rcs,
after the Archivist approves them. The
E:\FR\FM\14DEN1.SGM
14DEN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 239 (Thursday, December 14, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 86681-86683]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-27433]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
AGENCY: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor.
ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to
reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance
consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies
with an opportunity to comment on proposed
[[Page 86682]]
and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This program helps to ensure that
requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden
(time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are
clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on
respondents can be properly assessed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics
(BLS) is soliciting comments concerning the proposed revision of the
``Annual Refiling Survey.'' A copy of the proposed information
collection request can be obtained by contacting the individual listed
below in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.
DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the
ADDRESSES section of this notice on or before February 12, 2024.
ADDRESSES: Send comments to Carol Rowan, BLS Clearance Officer,
Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Room G225,
2 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20212. Written comments also
may be transmitted by email to [email protected].
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carol Rowan, BLS Clearance Officer, at
202-691-7628 (this is not a toll free number). (See ADDRESSES section.)
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
The Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program is a
federal/state cooperative effort which compiles monthly employment
data, quarterly wages data, and business identification information
from employers subject to state Unemployment Insurance (UI) laws. These
data are collected from state Quarterly Contribution Reports (QCRs)
submitted to State Workforce Agencies (SWAs). The states send micro-
level employment and wages data, supplemented with the names,
addresses, and business identification information of these employers,
to the BLS. The state data are used to create the BLS sampling frame,
known as the longitudinal QCEW data.
To ensure the continued accuracy of these data, the information
supplied by employers must be periodically verified and updated. For
this purpose, the Annual Refiling Survey (ARS) is used in conjunction
with the UI tax reporting system in each state. The information
collected by the ARS is used to review the existing industry code
assigned to each establishment as well as the physical location of the
business establishment. As a result, changes in the industrial and
geographical compositions of our economy are captured in a timely
manner and reflected in the BLS statistical programs.
The ARS also asks employers to identify new locations in the state.
If these employers meet QCEW program reporting criteria, then a
Multiple Worksite Report (MWR) is sent to the employer requesting
employment and wages for each worksite each quarter. Thus, the ARS is
also used to identify new potential MWR-eligible employers.
II. Current Action
Office of Management and Budget clearance is being sought for a
revision of the ARS. Once every three years, the SWAs survey employers
that are covered by the state's UI laws to ensure that state records
correctly reflect the business activities and locations of those
employers. States survey approximately one-third of businesses with
employment greater than three each year and largely take care of the
entire universe of covered businesses over a three-year cycle. The
selection criterion for surveying establishments is based on the nine-
digit Federal Employer Identification Number of the respondent. BLS
constantly pursues a growing number of automated reporting options to
reduce employer burden and costs and to take advantage of more
efficient methods and procedures. Even given such actions, mailing
remains an important part of the survey. The BLS developed a one-page
letter rather than mailing forms for ARS solicitation. This letter
explains the purpose of the ARS and provides respondents with a unique
Web ID and password. Respondents are directed to the BLS online web
collection system to verify or to update their geographic and industry
information.
Additionally, BLS staff review selected, large multi-worksite
national employers rather than surveying these employers with
traditional ARS letters. This central review reduces postage costs
incurred by the states in sending letters.
BLS continues to use a private contractor to handle various
administrative aspects of the survey to reduce the costs associated
with the ARS. This initiative is called the Centralized Annual Refiling
Survey (CARS). Under CARS, BLS effectively utilizes the commercial
advantages related to printing and mailing large volumes of survey
letters.
Finally, BLS continues to make use of email addresses collected
from the ARS and from the state UI agencies for solicitation purposes.
Use of email for solicitation reduces the overall cost of data
collection. BLS will also continue to make use of email solicitation of
small establishments that had been excluded from the ARS for budgetary
reasons. Since collection costs for email solicitation are minimal,
these respondents can continue to be added back to the ARS at little
cost to the government.
III. Desired Focus of Comments
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is particularly interested in
comments that:
Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency,
including whether the information will have practical utility.
Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the
burden of the proposed collection of information, including the
validity of the methodology and assumptions used.
Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected.
Minimize the burden of the collection of information on
those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection
techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting
electronic submissions of responses.
Title of Collection: Annual Refiling Survey.
OMB Number: 1220-0032.
Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved.
Affected Public: Business or other for-profit, not-for-profit
institutions, and farms.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated Estimated
ARS collection instrument Number of Frequency Total average burden total burden
respondents responses (hours) (hours)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BLS NVS Non-mandatory....... 277,900 once.............. 277,900 0.083 23,066
BLS NVS Mandatory........... 310,800 once.............. 310,800 0.083 25,797
[[Page 86683]]
BLS NVM Non-mandatory....... 15,400 once.............. 15,400 0.25 3,850
BLS NVM Mandatory........... 16,800 once.............. 16,800 0.25 4,200
BLS NCA Non-mandatory....... 22,750 once.............. 22,750 0.167 3,800
BLS NCA Mandatory........... 30,000 once.............. 30,000 0.167 5,010
Small Units Non-Mandatory... 43,000 once.............. 43,000 0.083 3,569
Small Units Mandatory....... 57,000 once.............. 57,000 0.083 4,731
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals:................. 773,650 .................. 773,650 .............. 74,023
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized
and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget
approval of the information collection request; they also will become a
matter of public record.
Signed at Washington, DC, on December 8, 2023.
Eric Molina,
Chief, Division of Management Systems, Branch of Policy Analysis.
[FR Doc. 2023-27433 Filed 12-13-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-24-P
