Federal Register Notices (FRNs) and Collections of Information

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Federal Register Notices (FRNs) and Collections of Information

The U.S. Census Bureau publishes information in the Federal Register to keep the public informed about our collections of information (e.g., surveys and censuses) and related activities.

This page provides information on Census Bureau:

Census Bureau Federal Register Notices (FRNs)

The Federal Register is the official journal of the U.S. federal government. It provides a means for federal agencies to inform the public about changes to government requirements, policies, and guidance.

Each day, federal agencies publish a variety of documents in the Federal Register, including:

  • Federal agency regulations.
  • Proposed rules.
  • Notices of interest to the public.
  • Executive orders/presidential actions.
  • Proclamations.

The Federal Register also informs the public of their rights and responsibilities, and provides access to a wide range of federal benefits and funding opportunities.

Public Inspection

The Federal Register’s Public Inspection page offers a preview of the documents that are scheduled to appear in the next day’s Federal Register issue. This gives the public access to important or complex documents before they are published.

FRN Search, Comments, and Contacts

Choose from the Types, Search, Public Comments, Contacts, Subscribe, or Tutorials links below this list to:

  • Learn the types of FRNs.
  • Search for FRNs or make public comments.
  • Find contact information or subscribe to email alerts.
  • Learn about the laws governing the collection of information from the public. 
Types
  • Types
  • Search
  • Public Comments
  • Contacts
  • Subscribe
  • Tutorials

Types

The Census Bureau publishes five types of FRNs. These FRNs inform the public about our collections of information (e.g., surveys and censuses) and related activities.

This type of FRN gives the public an opportunity to review and comment on the planned collection of information for a period of 60 days.

  • Part of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) process, it aims to reduce the burden of unnecessary paperwork on members of the public and businesses while ensuring that the collection of information is efficient and necessary.
  • The goal is to promote transparency and accountability in how the government collects information, and to gather public feedback.
  • Feedback from this FRN can include suggestions for improving the data collection process or comments on the necessity of the information being collected.

After the 60-day comment period, the agency reviews the feedback and may adjust or revise the proposed collection.

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This type of FRN is another step in the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) process that comes after the 60-day FRN. After reviewing the 60-day FRN public comments, the Census Bureau issues a PRA 30-day FRN, which gives the public an additional 30 days to comment on the proposed collection.

  • The 30-day FRN outlines the key points of the collection, often including adjustments that were implemented based on the public comments received during the 60-day comment period.
  • The 30-day FRN invites additional comments, particularly feedback that may have been missed or overlooked in the initial 60-day period.
  • Feedback for this FRN must be submitted on the RegInfo.gov website.
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This type of FRN announces:

  • New programs that will have a major impact on the public or are of significant interest to the public.
  • Important steps or phases in programs.
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This FRN provides notices of proposed rulemaking and final rules.

  • This FRN proposes rules; soliciting public comment and encouraging public participation in the rulemaking process.
  • Final rules are published in the Federal Register to keep the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) current.

The majority of the Census Bureau rules are related to Foreign Trade Regulations.

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Federal agencies are required to provide this type of FRN for:

  • Advance notice of upcoming tribal consultations.
  • Announcing the formation of new advisory committees.
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Collections of Information

The Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 is a U.S. federal law designed to reduce the total amount of paperwork burden the federal government imposes on private businesses and the public.

The PRA requires federal agencies to obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) prior to collecting the same information from 10 or more members of the public. Examples of "information collections" include:

  • Surveys.
  • Forms.
  • Interviews.
  • Record-keeping requirements.

Agencies must submit Information Collection Requests (ICRs) to OMB that explain and justify all information collection activities.

For more information about the PRA, visit OMB’s "Guide to the Paperwork Reduction Act."

OMB maintains a list of pending and approved ICRs at www.Reginfo.gov. Follow the links below to the Census Bureau’s collection requests:

More Information

The "Federal Register: What It Is and How to Use It" online workshop training video.

Page Last Revised - April 9, 2025