Reports

We recommend the Acting Commissioner for the Bureau of Labor Statistics perform a nonresponse bias study or imputation assessment to determine if bias exists in the Consumer Price Index and Import and Export Price Index economic information due to the increased use of imputations.

We recommend the Acting Commissioner for the Bureau of Labor Statistics, based on the nonresponse bias study or imputation assessment, establish, as applicable, a threshold at which the Consumer Price Index and Import and Export Price Index must publicly disclose the amount of imputations used. Update program policies and procedures to include the established threshold and document how to publicly disclose when the threshold is met.

We recommend the Acting Commissioner for the Bureau of Labor Statistics determine if the Calendar Year 2021 Import and Export Price Index coverage ratio improved and, if not, determine the appropriate course of action.

We recommend the Acting Commissioner for the Bureau of Labor Statistics update the Import and Export Price Index Handbook of Methods to include the publication criteria that ensure the index is representative of the population as well as what exceptions can be made.