After Six Years, Legal Obstacles Continue To Restrict Government Use of the Standard Statistical Establishment List

Gao ID: GGD-79-17 May 25, 1979

The Standard Statistical Establishment List (SSEL) maintained by the Bureau of the Census is a computerized file of information on 5.5 million U.S. corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, and other businesses which have employees.

The need for a centralized sampling list of businesses has been recognized since 1937. Three attempts to establish such a list have been made, and the third, in 1968, has been successful to the extent that the SSEL is being used within the Census Bureau. By using the SSEL for economic surveys, the Bureau has lowered costs and improved the quality of collected data. Although the SSEL would greatly benefit the data collection by other agencies and increase the efficiency of federal statistical information collection, Census Bureau and Income Tax confidentiality laws prevent its use by other agencies. Since 1972, efforts have been underway to draft and submit legislation to Congress to amend the Census law and permit other agencies access to the SSEL. However, after 6 years, no proposals have been forwarded to Congress.

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Director: Thomas P. Giammo Team: General Accounting Office: General Government Division Phone: (202) 275-4659


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