Survey Data Collection Over the Internet at the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

This paper summarizes the progress the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has made in converting its paper-based survey data collection system to an electronic reporting system that collects data via the Internet. The paper describes the pilot program that resulted in BEA's Automated Survey Transmission and Retrieval (ASTAR) System. It provides information on the various features of ASTAR including the system's respondent interface and data transmission and security. Finally, using the quarterly BE-577, Direct Transactions of U.S. Reporter with Foreign Affiliate, survey it presents the ASTAR system.