The U.S. Census Bureau performs large surveys and censuses that provide high quality statistics about the American people and economy. Our business activities can be divided into four categories: decennial censuses; demographic programs; economic programs; and reimbursable work, mainly for other federal agencies. During FY2000, in addition to our ongoing surveys, we conducted the Decennial Census of Population and Housing (Census 2000), our largest and most complex activity.

The results of Census 2000 will be used to apportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, draw congressional and state legislative districts, and form the basis for the distribution of $2 trillion of anticipated federal-program funds over the next decade. The costs of conducting Census 2000 are reflected in our financial statements.

Census 2000 was a tremendous operational success. We completed every planned operation on schedule, achieved higher than expected mail response rates, met our very ambitious hiring goals, and were under budget. We delivered the apportionment numbers to the President on December 28, 2000, 3 days ahead of our statutory deadline. In addition, we believe that Census 2000 was successful in improving coverage of the population and in reducing undercounts for some population groups compared to the 1990 census.

No less important than Census 2000, the Census Bureau conducts more than 200 demographic and economic surveys annually to collect official statistics on the current state of the economy, foreign trade, income and poverty, population, and housing characteristics on monthly, quarterly, and annual bases. For example, Census Bureau economic surveys provide a majority of the information used by the government to update Gross Domestic Product accounts. About 100 reimbursable surveys are conducted each year on behalf of other federal agencies covering a variety of critical topics. In addition, every 5 years, we conduct censuses of major sectors of the Nation’s economy as well as state and local governments.

The Census Bureau supports the Department of Commerce’s mission to promote job creation, economic growth, sustainable development, and improved living standards for all Americans. We partner with businesses, universities, communities, and other governmental agencies to build for the future. The Census Bureau helps to promote U.S. competitiveness by providing an unrivaled information base used for effective management and stewardship of the Nation’s resources and assets.

The Census Bureau continued in FY2000 to improve its financial control structure. Final modifications were made to financial and budgetary systems to make them Year 2000 compliant. Commerce Administrative Management System (CAMS) management and audit reports were further refined this year to support financial and audit activities. In addition, while supporting the massive field operations of the decennial census, the Finance Division improved its efficiency and effectiveness.

The Census Bureau prepares its financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles for the federal government.

We look forward to additional success and continued improvement in FY2001.