Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 6023

OFFICE OF PERSONNEL 

MANAGEMENT 

2002 Nonforeign Area Cost-of-Living 

Allowance Survey Report: Caribbean 

and Washington, DC, Areas

AGENCY: Office of Personnel 

Management.

ACTION: Notice.

SUMMARY: This notice publishes the 

‘‘2002 Nonforeign Area Cost-of-Living 

Allowance Survey Report: Caribbean 

and Washington, DC, Areas.’’ The 

Federal Government uses the results of 

these surveys to set cost-of-living 

allowance (COLA) rates for General 

Schedule, U.S. Postal Service, and 

certain other Federal employees in 

Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the 

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 

Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin 

Islands. This report contains the results 

of the COLA surveys that the Office of 

Personnel Management conducted in 

Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 

the Washington, DC, area during the 

summer of 2002.

DATES: Comments on this report must be 

received on or before June 8, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Send or deliver comments 

to Donald J. Winstead, Deputy Associate 

Director for Pay and Performance 

Policy, Strategic Human Resources 

Policy Division, Office of Personnel 

Management, Room 7H31, 1900 E Street 

NW., Washington, DC 20415–8200; fax: 

(202) 606–4264; or e-mail: 

COLA@opm.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Donald L. Paquin, (202) 606–2838; fax: 

(202) 606–4264; or e-mail: 

COLA@opm.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 

591.229 of title 5, Code of Federal 

Regulations, requires the Office of 

Personnel Management (OPM) to 

publish nonforeign area cost-of-living 

allowance (COLA) survey summary 

reports in the Federal Register. We are 

publishing the complete ‘‘2002 

Nonforeign Area Cost-of-Living 

Allowance Survey Report: Caribbean 

and Washington, DC, Areas’’ with this 

notice. This report contains the results 

of the COLA surveys OPM conducted in 

Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 

the Washington, DC, area during the 

summer of 2002. 

OPM published final regulations on 

May 3, 2002, (at 67 FR 22339) that 

significantly modified the previous 

COLA survey methodology consistent 

with the settlement agreement in 

Caraballo, et al. v. United States, No. 

1997–0027 (D.V.I.), August 17, 2000. 

Caraballo was a class-action lawsuit in 

which the plaintiffs contested the 

methodology OPM used to determine 

COLA rates. In the Caraballo settlement, 

the parties agreed that if the 

Government adopted and maintained 

certain changes in the COLA program, 

the plaintiffs would be forever barred 

from bringing suit over these issues. 

Exhibit A of the settlement agreement 

lists 26 ‘‘Safe Harbor Principles’’ that 

outline the changes to which the parties 

agreed. (The settlement agreement is 

available on OPM’s Web site at http://

www.opm.gov/oca/cola.) 

The 2002 COLA surveys in Puerto 

Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the 

Washington, DC, area are the first that 

OPM conducted using the new 

methodology. The survey report that 

follows describes the methodology, 

calculations, and the results of these 

surveys. 

Survey Results 

Using an index scale with the 

Washington, DC, area living costs equal 

to 100, OPM computed index values of 

relative living costs in Puerto Rico and 

the U.S. Virgin Islands. Then, pursuant 

to the Caraballo settlement, OPM added 

an adjustment factor of 7.0 to the Puerto 

Rico index and 9.0 to the Virgin Islands 

index and rounded the results to the 

nearest whole percentage point. The 

results show that the existing COLA 

rates for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin 

Islands (11.5 percent and 22.5 percent 

respectively) are above the levels 

indicated by the 2002 survey. However, 

pursuant to the Caraballo settlement, 

OPM will not reduce COLA rates in any 

nonforeign area until the effective date 

implementing the results of the Pacific 

surveys that are planned for 2004. OPM 

anticipates that the effective date of that 

final rule will be in mid-2005. At that 

time, OPM will reduce any COLA rates 

where reductions are warranted but not 

by more than 1 percent per year, as 

prescribed in 5 CFR 591.228(c).

Office of Personnel Management. 

Kay Coles James, 

Director.

2002 Nonforeign Area Cost-of-Living 

Allowance Survey Report: Caribbean 

and Washington, DC, Areas 

Table of Contents

Executive Summary 

1. Introduction 

1.1 Report Objectives 

1.2 New COLA Methodology 

1.3 Significant Methodological Changes 

2. Preparing for the Survey 

2.1 COLA Advisory Committees 

2.2 Pre-Survey Meetings 

2.3 Survey Item Selection 

2.3.1 Special Considerations 

2.4 Outlet Selection 

2.5 Geographic Coverage 

3. Conducting the Survey 

3.1 Pricing Period 

3.2 Non-Housing Price Data Collection 

3.2.1 Data Collection Teams 

3.2.2 Data Collection Process 

3.3 Housing (Rental) Price Data 

Collection 

4. Analyzing the Results 

4.1 Data Review 

4.2 Special Price Computations 

4.2.1 K–12 Private Education 

4.2.2 Health Insurance 

4.2.3 Water Utilities 

4.2.4 Energy Utilities Model 

4.2.5 Rental Data Hedonic Models 

4.3 Averaging Prices by Item and Area 

4.3.1 Special St. Thomas/St. John 

Computations 

4.3.2 Computing DC Area Average Prices 

4.4 Computing Price Indexes 

4.4.1 Geometric Means 

4.4.2 Special Private Education 

Computations 

4.5 Applying Consumer Expenditure 

Weights 

5. Final Results 

6. Post Survey Meetings 

List of Appendices 

Appendix 1: Publication in the Federal 

Register of Prior Survey Results: 1990–

1998 

Appendix 2: Estimated DC Area Middle 

Income Annual Consumer Expenditures 

Appendix 3: COLA Survey Items and 

Descriptions 

Appendix 4: COLA Rental Survey Data 

Collection Elements 

Appendix 5: Hedonic Rental Data Equations 

and Results 

Appendix 6: Final Living-Cost Results for 

Puerto Rico 

Appendix 7: Final Living-Cost Results for the 

U.S. Virgin Islands

Executive Summary 

The Government pays cost-of-living 

allowances (COLAs) to Federal 

employees in nonforeign areas in 

consideration of living costs 

significantly higher than those in the 

Washington, DC, area. The Office of 

Personnel Management (OPM) conducts 

living-cost surveys to set the COLA 

rates. The methodology for conducting 

these surveys is prescribed in regulation 

at subpart B of part 591 of title 5 of the 

Code of Federal Regulations. 

This report provides the results of the 

COLA surveys that OPM conducted in 

the summer of 2002 in Puerto Rico, the 

U.S. Virgin Islands, and the 

Washington, DC, area. The report details 

OPM’s comparison of living costs in 

Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands 

with living costs in the Washington, DC, 

area. 

For the surveys, OPM contacted about 

900 outlets and collected approximately 

5,100 prices on more than 300 items 

representing typical consumer 

purchases. OPM then combined the data 

6024 Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 

using consumer expenditure 

information developed by the Bureau of 

Labor Statistics. The final results are a 

series of living-cost indexes, shown in 

Table 1, that compare living costs in the 

surveyed areas to those in the 

Washington, DC, area. The index for the 

DC area (not shown) is 100.00 because 

it is, by law, the reference area. The 

indexes for Puerto Rico and the U.S. 

Virgin Islands shown in Table 1 include 

the adjustment factor prescribed at 5 

CFR 591.227.

TABLE 1.—FINAL LIVING-COST

COMPARISON INDEXES

Allowance area Index 

Puerto Rico ..................................... 103.60 

U.S. Virgin Islands .......................... 121.44 

1. Introduction 

1.1 Report Objectives 

This report provides the results of the 

2002 (i.e., ‘‘Caribbean’’) nonforeign area 

cost-of-living allowance (COLA) surveys 

that OPM conducted in the summer of 

2002. (Appendix 1 lists previous survey 

reports and their publication dates.) In 

addition to providing these results, this 

report describes how OPM prepared for 

and conducted the survey and how it 

analyzed the results. The results show 

comparative living-cost differences 

between the Caribbean areas, i.e., Puerto 

Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), and 

the Washington, DC, area. By law, 

Washington, DC, is the base or 

‘‘reference’’ area for the COLA program. 

1.2 New COLA Methodology 

The Caribbean surveys are the first 

that OPM conducted using the new 

methodology that OPM adopted 

pursuant to the stipulation of settlement 

in Caraballo, et al. v. United States, No. 

1997–0027 (D.V.I), August 17, 2000. 

Caraballo was a class-action lawsuit in 

which the plaintiffs contested the 

methodology OPM used to determine 

COLA rates. In the Caraballo settlement, 

the parties agreed that if the 

Government adopted and maintained 

certain changes in the COLA program, 

the plaintiffs would be barred from 

bringing suit over these issues. The 

complete stipulation for settlement is on 

OPM’s Web site at http://www.opm.gov/

oca/cola/ html/cola-settlement.htm. 

Before the settlement, the parties 

entered into a memorandum of 

understanding under which they 

engaged in a cooperative process to 

study living-cost and compensation 

issues. The research was exhaustive and 

covered essentially all aspects of the 

COLA program. A summary of that 

research is available on OPM’s Web site 

at http://www.opm.gov/oca/COLA/html/

cola-n.htm.

Exhibit A of the Caraballo settlement 

agreement lists 26 ‘‘Safe Harbor 

Principles’’ that outline the changes to 

which the parties agreed. These 

principles formed the basis for a new 

COLA methodology, which OPM 

incorporated into its regulations. In 

developing these regulations, OPM 

consulted with the Survey 

Implementation Committee, which was 

established under the Caraballo

settlement and is composed of 

representatives of the parties in 

Caraballo. The Survey Implementation 

Committee in turn consulted with the 

Technical Advisory Committee, which 

was also established under the 

Caraballo settlement and is composed of 

three economists with expertise in 

living-cost comparisons. OPM 

published the new COLA regulations in 

the Federal Register as proposed on 

November 9, 2001 (66 FR 56741) and as 

final on May 3, 2002 (67 FR 22339). 

1.3 Significant Methodological 

Changes 

In the proposed rule, OPM described 

in detail the regulatory changes that it 

made to incorporate the new 

methodology. Among these are the 

following:

—OPM conducts the surveys in the 

COLA areas on a rotational basis once 

every 3 years and in the Washington, 

DC, area, which is the reference area, 

every year. Beginning after the first 3 

survey years, OPM adjusts the price 

index for each area not surveyed 

during a given year based on the 

relative change in the Consumer Price 

Index (CPI) for the COLA area 

compared with the relative change in 

the CPI for the Washington, DC, area. 

Under the previous methodology, 

OPM surveyed every COLA area and 

the DC area annually (except during 

the period of negotiation of the 

Caraballo settlement agreement). 

—OPM surveys rents and detailed 

characteristics of rental units in each 

area to compute relative shelter costs. 

OPM uses these data and regression 

analyses to estimate the cost of shelter 

for both owners and renters. Under 

the previous methodology, OPM 

surveyed rental prices and obtained 

data on home owner mortgage and 

maintenance costs. 

—OPM surveys sale prices of specified 

items (with certain exceptions) in 

effect at the time of the survey. Under 

the previous methodology, OPM 

surveyed only non-sale prices. 

—OPM uses a utility model to compute 

the energy requirements and cost to 

maintain the internal temperature of a 

standard home at a given temperature 

in each area. Under the previous 

methodology, OPM used local usage 

information provided by local utility 

companies. 

—OPM uses estimated expenditure 

weights that reflect Washington, DC, 

area average spending patterns of 

households in central income groups 

as reported in tabulated Consumer 

Expenditure Survey (CES) data, 

published by the Bureau of Labor 

Statistics. Under the previous 

methodology, OPM estimated 

expenditures at three different income 

levels and weighted these together 

using Federal employment weights. 

—OPM adds an adjustment factor to the 

index derived from the survey data to 

account for differences in need, 

availability of and access to goods and 

services, and quality of life between 

the COLA areas and the Washington, 

DC, area. The survey index plus the 

adjustment factor is the final price 

index for the COLA area. Under the 

previous methodology, OPM did not 

add adjustment factors to the livingcost index. 

—OPM sets COLA rates by rounding the 

final living-cost index to the nearest 

whole percentage point. If COLA rate 

reductions are warranted, however, 

OPM limits such reductions to no 

more than one percentage point per 

year. Under the previous 

methodology, OPM set COLA rates to 

the nearest 2.5 percentage point, and 

reductions in COLA rates were 

limited only if caused by changes in 

the methodology, not relative changes 

in living costs. 

—OPM involves employees in 

administering the COLA program. 

Before each survey, OPM establishes 

COLA Advisory Committees (CACs), 

which are described below. 

2. Preparing for the Survey 

2.1 COLA Advisory Committees 

Before the Caribbean surveys, OPM 

established CACs in St. Croix, USVI, St. 

Thomas/St. John, USVI, and Puerto 

Rico. The Caraballo settlement provides 

for employee involvement in the 

administration of the COLA program, 

and in the previous two surveys under 

the COLA Partnership Pilot Project, 

OPM found it valuable to involve 

employee and agency representatives in 

planning and conducting the survey and 

reviewing the survey results. 

Each CAC is composed of 

approximately 12 agency and employee 

representatives from the survey area and 

two representatives from OPM. The 

CACs’ functions include:

Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 6025

—Advising and assisting OPM in 

planning COLA surveys; 

—Providing or arranging for data 

collection observers during COLA 

surveys; 

—Advising and assisting OPM in 

reviewing survey data; 

—Advising OPM on its COLA program 

administration, including survey 

methodology; 

—Assisting OPM in disseminating 

information to affected employees 

about the surveys and the COLA 

program; and 

—Advising OPM on special situations 

or conditions, such as hurricanes and 

earthquakes, as they relate to OPM’s 

authority to conduct interim surveys 

or implement some other change in 

response to conditions caused by a 

natural disaster or similar emergency.

2.2 Pre-Survey Meetings 

To help OPM prepare for the COLA 

surveys, the CACs held 3-day meetings 

in each of the Caribbean areas. These 

were joint meetings of the CAC, Survey 

Implementation Committee (SIC), and 

Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). 

The CACs, SIC, and TAC reviewed the 

preliminary outlet and item lists that 

OPM had developed for the surveys. 

The committee members researched the 

outlets and availability and 

appropriateness of the items in each 

area and made recommendations to 

OPM concerning the survey. OPM 

incorporated these in its survey design. 

OPM found the work of the CACs, 

SIC, and TAC in the Caribbean to be 

extremely helpful and informative. The 

SIC and TAC’s knowledge about the 

Caraballo settlement, the new 

methodology, and the economic 

concepts underlying that methodology 

combined with the CACs’ knowledge of 

the local area, the popularity of items 

and outlets, and other information about 

the COLA area were invaluable in 

helping OPM plan the survey. These 

joint CAC, SIC, and TAC meetings were 

particularly important because, under 

the Caraballo settlement, the SIC and 

TAC dissolve after the first 3 years of 

COLA surveys. 

2.3 Survey Item Selection 

As described above, OPM consulted 

with the CACs, SIC, and TAC as it 

selected survey items. OPM identified 

items to reflect a wide array of items 

consumers typically purchase. To 

determine what consumers purchase, 

OPM used the Bureau of Labor Statistics 

(BLS) 2000 Consumer Expenditure 

Survey (CES). OPM aggregated CES 

expenditures into the following nine 

major expenditure groups (MEGs):

—Food 

—Shelter & Utilities 

—Household furnishings and supplies 

—Apparel 

—Transportation 

—Medical 

—Recreation 

—Education and Communication 

—Miscellaneous

OPM further subdivided each MEG 

into primary expenditure groups (PEGs). 

In all, there were 45 PEGs. For example, 

OPM subdivided Food into the 

following nine PEGs:

—Cereals and Bakery Products 

—Meats, Poultry, Fish, and Eggs 

—Dairy Products 

—Fresh Fruits and Vegetables 

—Processed Foods 

—Other Food at Home 

—Nonalcoholic Beverages 

—Food Away from Home 

—Alcoholic Beverages

To select survey items, OPM chose a 

sufficient number of items to represent 

each PEG and reduce overall price index 

variability. To do this, OPM applied the 

following guidelines. Each survey item 

should be:

—Relatively important (i.e., represent a 

fairly large expenditure) within the 

PEG; 

—Relatively easy to find in both COLA 

and DC areas; 

—Relatively common, i.e., what people 

typically buy; 

—Relatively stable over time, e.g., not a 

fad item; and 

—Subject to similar supply and demand 

functions.

In all, OPM selected 312 non-housing 

items for survey. Appendix 2 shows 

how OPM organized the CES data into 

MEGs and PEGs, identifies the Detailed 

Expenditure Categories (DECs) for 

which OPM chose survey items, and 

shows estimated DC area middle income 

annual consumer expenditures for each 

DEC and higher level of aggregations. 

Appendix 3 lists the non-housing 

items that OPM surveyed and their 

descriptions. Each of these items is 

specifically described with an exact 

brand, model, type, and size whenever 

practical. Thus, OPM priced exactly the 

same items in both the COLA and DC 

areas. For example, OPM priced a 10.5-

ounce can of Campbell’s vegetable soup 

in both the COLA and DC areas because 

it is typical of canned soups and 

consumers commonly purchase it. 

2.3.1 Special Considerations 

Automobile Insurance: OPM was not 

able to compare exactly the same level 

of automobile insurance coverage in all 

areas. State and local jurisdictions 

regulate car insurance, and the coverage 

offered varies among the COLA areas 

and the Washington, DC, area. 

Therefore, OPM surveyed different 

levels of automobile insurance coverage 

in Puerto Rico as compared with the 

USVI. OPM, however, surveyed both 

levels of coverage, to the extent 

possible, in the Washington, DC, area. 

When OPM made the price 

comparisons, OPM based the 

comparison on comparable levels of 

coverage in the COLA survey area and 

in the DC area. Table 2 shows the 

coverage that OPM surveyed.

TABLE 2.—AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COVERAGE

Coverage Puerto Rico and DC area limits and deductibles 

USIV and DC area 

limits and 

deductibles 

Bodily Injury ............................................................................. $100,000/$300,000 ................................................................. $25,000/$30,000. 

Property Damage .................................................................... $25,000 ................................................................................... $25,000. 

Medical .................................................................................... $15,000 ................................................................................... $5,000. 

Uninsured Motorist * ................................................................ $100,000/$300,000 ................................................................. $25,000/$30,000. 

Comprehensive ....................................................................... $100 Deductible ...................................................................... $250 Deductible. 

Collision ................................................................................... $250 Deductible ...................................................................... $500 Deductible. 

* Not available in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands. OPM excluded the Uninsured Motorist cost from Washington, DC, area policies before 

computing the price index. 

Health Insurance: It was not practical 

to compare the prices of exactly the 

same quality and quantity of health 

benefits insurance between the COLA 

and Washington, DC, areas because the 

same array of plans are not offered in 

6026 Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 

each area and a significant proportion of 

Federal employees in both the COLA 

and DC areas subscribe to plans that are 

not available nationwide. To compare 

the employee health benefit premium of 

these often highly different plans, OPM 

would have to adjust for differences in 

benefits and coverage. Research that the 

parties conducted prior to the Caraballo

settlement indicated that this would not 

be feasible. 

Therefore, OPM used the non-Postal 

Service employee’s share of the Federal 

Employees Health Benefits premiums by 

plan for each plan offered in each area 

and obtained from OPM’s Central 

Personnel Data File the number of 

Federal employees enrolled in each 

plan. As described in Section 4.2.2 

below, OPM used these data to compute 

the average ‘‘price’’ of health benefits 

insurance for Federal employees in the 

COLA and DC areas. 

Housing: For housing items, OPM 

surveyed rental rates for specific kinds 

or classes of housing but collected a 

much broader range of information 

about each housing unit. OPM surveyed 

the following classes of housing:

—Four bedroom, single family unit, not 

to exceed 3200 square feet. 

—Three bedroom, single family unit, 

not to exceed 2600 square feet. 

—Two bedroom, single family unit, not 

to exceed 2200 square feet. 

—Three bedroom apartment unit, not to 

exceed 2000 square feet. 

—Two bedroom apartment unit, not to 

exceed 1800 square feet. 

—One bedroom apartment unit, not to 

exceed 1400 square feet.

For each rental unit surveyed, OPM 

obtained detailed information about the 

unit. Appendix 4 lists the types of 

information that OPM collected. OPM 

did not collect homeowner data, such as 

mortgage payments, maintenance 

expenses, or insurance. Under the 

Caraballo settlement, the parties agreed 

to adopt a rental equivalence approach 

similar to the one BLS uses for the 

Consumer Price Index. Rental 

equivalence compares the shelter value 

(rental value) of owned homes rather 

than total owner costs because the latter 

are influenced by the investment value 

of the home (i.e., influenced by what 

homeowners hope to realize as a profit 

when they sell their homes). As a rule, 

living-cost surveys do not compare how 

consumers invest their money. 

In the 2002 survey, OPM surveyed 

rents and used that as a surrogate for 

rental equivalence. In the coming year, 

OPM plans to conduct a special research 

to obtain additional rent and rental 

equivalence information to determine 

whether the approach OPM is currently 

using is appropriate.

Although OPM surveyed rental rates 

for the same classes of housing in each 

area, the type, style, size, quality, and 

other characteristics of each unit varied 

within each area and between the COLA 

and DC areas. As described in Section 

4.2.5, OPM used hedonic regression 

analyses to hold these characteristics 

constant between the COLA and 

Washington, DC, area to make rental 

price comparisons. 

2.4 Outlet Selection 

Just as it is important to select 

commonly-purchased items and survey 

the same items in both the DC area and 

COLA areas, it is important to select 

outlets frequented by consumers and 

find comparable outlets in both the 

COLA and DC areas. To identify 

comparable outlets, OPM categorized 

outlets by type (e.g., grocery store, 

convenience store, discount store, 

hardware store, auto dealer, and catalog 

outlet). For example, OPM surveyed 

grocery items at supermarkets in all 

areas because most people purchase 

their groceries at such stores and 

because supermarkets exist in nearly all 

areas. Selecting comparable outlets is 

particularly important because of the 

significant price variations that may 

occur between dissimilar outlets (e.g., 

comparing the price of milk at a 

supermarket with the price of milk at a 

convenience store). 

OPM used the above classification 

criteria and existing data sources, 

including previous COLA surveys, 

phone books, and various business 

listings, to develop initial outlet lists for 

the survey. OPM provided these lists to 

the CACs, SIC, and TAC and consulted 

with them on outlet selection. The 

committees helped OPM refine the 

outlet lists and identify other/additional 

outlets where local consumers generally 

purchase the items that OPM planned to 

survey. For example, OPM planned to 

survey various department store items, 

such as clothing, but there are no major 

department stores in the USVI. The St. 

Croix and St. Thomas/St. John CACs 

helped OPM identify quality clothing, 

shoe, and jewelry stores in the USVI to 

survey. OPM surveyed these outlets and 

compared their prices with prices from 

similar quality department stores in the 

Washington, DC, area. Also, at the 

CACs’ recommendation, OPM used 

catalog pricing in both Puerto Rico and 

the USVI, particularly in the USVI 

because catalog shopping is relatively 

more popular there. 

Whenever OPM used catalog prices, it 

also priced the same item by catalog in 

the DC area for comparative purposes. 

To ensure consistent catalog pricing, 

OPM used only current catalogs for all 

catalog survey items. OPM priced 8 

items by catalog in Puerto Rico and in 

the DC area and priced 16 items by 

catalog in the USVI and the DC area. All 

catalog prices included any charges for 

shipping and handling and all 

applicable taxes. 

In all, OPM surveyed prices from 

approximately 900 outlets. In the COLA 

survey areas, described below, OPM 

attempted to survey three popular 

outlets of each type, to the extent 

practical. For some outlet types, such as 

local phone service, there were not three 

outlets, and in some areas, particularly 

in the USVI, there were not a sufficient 

number of businesses to find three 

outlets of each particular type. This was 

not generally a problem in Puerto Rico, 

however. In the Washington, DC, area, 

OPM attempted to survey nine popular 

outlets of each type, three in each of the 

DC survey areas, also described below. 

2.5 Geographic Coverage 

Table 3 shows the COLA and DC 

survey area boundaries.

TABLE 3.—SURVEY AND DATA COLLECTION AREAS

COLA areas and reference areas Survey area 

Puerto Rico ............................................................................................... San Juan/Caguas area and eastern Puerto Rico.* 

U.S. Virgin Islands .................................................................................... St. Croix, St. Thomas/St. John area.* 

Washington, DC—DC ............................................................................... District of Columbia.** 

Washington, DC—MD .............................................................................. Montgomery County and Prince Georges County.** 

Washington, DC—VA ............................................................................... Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, City of Alexandria, City of Fairfax, City of Falls Church, City of Manassas, and 

City of Manassas Park.** 

* OPM collects housing data in St. John and eastern Puerto Rico. OPM may also collect non-housing data from selected outlets in St. John 

and combine such data with St. Thomas data as provided in § 591.216(b). 

Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 6027

** For selected items, such as golf and air travel, these survey areas include additional geographic locations beyond these jurisdictions. 

On St. Croix and St. Thomas, OPM 

surveyed businesses in essentially all of 

the major commercial areas. As 

recommended by the St. Thomas/St. 

John CAC, OPM also surveyed selected 

businesses on St. John. OPM surveyed 

rental rates throughout the USVI, 

selecting sample sizes for each island 

roughly in proportion to the number of 

General Schedule employees whose 

duty station is on the island and who 

receive COLA. 

In Puerto Rico, OPM surveyed 

businesses in the major commercial 

areas in the greater San Juan-Caguas 

area. OPM surveyed rental rates in the 

San Juan-Caguas area and in the 

communities north and east of San Juan 

including communities in the Roosevelt 

Roads area. In selecting these 

communities and sample sizes of each, 

OPM used the results of the 1993–94 

Federal Employee Housing and Living 

Patterns Survey. Among other things, 

that survey obtained information on 

where Federal employees lived.

OPM divides the Washington, DC, 

area into three survey areas: the District 

of Columbia, the DC suburban areas of 

Maryland, and the DC suburban areas of 

northern Virginia. For certain items, 

OPM surveys prices in areas beyond the 

counties and cities shown in the table 

above. For example, OPM surveyed the 

cost of air travel from Ronald Reagan 

Washington National Airport, 

Washington Dulles International 

Airport, and Baltimore/Washington 

International Airport (BWI). OPM also 

surveyed the price of a 5-mile taxi ride 

originating at these airports. Both Dulles 

and BWI, however, are outside the 

counties and cities shown in the above 

table. Nevertheless, these airports are 

commonly used by residents of the DC 

area for air travel. 

OPM surveyed rental rates in the 

same three DC survey areas. As with the 

Puerto Rico survey, OPM used the 

results of the 1993–94 Federal Employee 

Housing and Living Patterns Survey to 

select communities within these areas 

and to determine the sample size for 

each community. 

3. Conducting the Survey 

3.1 Pricing Period 

OPM collected data from late June 

2002 through early November. OPM 

collected non-housing price data onsite 

in the USVI from June 24 through July 

12, 2002, and in Puerto Rico from July 

15 through August 2, 2002. OPM 

collected non-housing data in the DC 

areas beginning August 5 and completed 

most of the collection by mid-September 

2002. OPM continued to check and 

collect non-housing prices on an asneeded basis through November 2002. 

OPM contracted for the collection of 

rental data. That data collection began 

in the Caribbean areas in mid-July and 

ended with the delivery of the data to 

OPM on November 8, 2002. 

3.2 Non-Housing Price Data Collection 

3.2.1 Data Collection Teams 

In both the COLA and Washington, 

DC, areas, OPM central office staff 

collected non-housing price data. In the 

COLA areas, data collection observers 

designated by the local CAC 

accompanied the OPM data collectors. 

Data collection observers were 

extremely helpful to OPM and the 

survey process by advising and assisting 

the data collectors in contacting outlets, 

matching items, and selecting 

substitutes. The observers also advised 

OPM on other living-cost and 

compensation issues relating to their 

areas. OPM did not use data collection 

observers in the Washington, DC, area, 

but OPM made available to the CACs all 

of the DC area data it collected. 

3.2.2 Data Collection Process 

The data collector/observer teams 

obtained most of the data by visiting 

stores, auto dealers, and other outlets. 

The teams also priced items, such as 

insurance, tax preparation fees, bank 

interest, and private education tuition, 

by telephone. As noted above, OPM 

surveyed some items via catalog, 

including all shipping costs and any 

applicable taxes in the price. OPM also 

collected other items, such as sales tax 

rates and airline fares, from Web sites 

on the Internet. 

For all items subject to sales and/or 

excise taxes, OPM added the 

appropriate amount of tax to the price 

for computing COLA rates. For some 

items, such as restaurant meals, tax rates 

varied by location. 

The data collectors collected the price 

of the item at the time of the visit to the 

outlet. Therefore, with certain 

exceptions, the data collectors collected 

the sale price, if the item was on sale, 

and that was used in the COLA 

calculations. The exceptions include 

coupon prices, going-out-of-business 

prices, clearance prices, and area-wide 

distress sales, which OPM does not use 

because they are atypical and/or 

seasonal. OPM also does not collect 

automobile ‘‘sale’’ or negotiated prices. 

Instead, OPM obtains the sticker (i.e.

non-negotiated) price for the model and 

specified options. The prices are the 

manufacturer’s suggested retail price 

(including options), destination charges, 

additional shipping charges, appropriate 

dealer-added items or options, dealer 

mark-up, and taxes, including sales tax, 

licensing and title fees, road use tax, 

and an excise tax (‘‘arbitrio’’) in Puerto 

Rico. 

3.3 Housing (Rental) Price Data 

Collection 

OPM contracted for the collection of 

rental data. The contractor was Delta-21 

Resources, Incorporated, a research 

organization with expertise in housing 

and rental data collection. Delta-21 

collected data throughout the Caribbean 

and DC areas. These data included 

rental prices, comprehensive 

information about the size and type of 

dwelling, number and types of rooms, 

amenities, and other important aspects 

of the dwelling that might influence the 

rental price. Appendix 4 lists the data 

elements that the contractor collected. 

The contractor identified units for 

rent from various sources, including 

rental property managers, realtor 

brokers, listing services, newspaper ads, 

grocery store bulletin boards, and casual 

drive-by observation. The contractor 

then visited each rental unit, took a 

photograph of the unit, and made a 

sketch of the floor plan based on 

exterior dimensions and shape. OPM 

made these data available to the CACs, 

including the photographs and sketches.

4. Analyzing the Results 

4.1 Data Review 

During and after the data collection 

process, the data collectors reviewed the 

data for errors and omissions. This 

involved reviewing the data item-byitem and comparing prices across 

outlets within an area to spot data entry 

errors, mismatches, and other mistakes. 

After all of the data had been 

collected in both the COLA areas and 

Washington, DC, area, OPM staff again 

reviewed the data by item across all of 

the areas. One purpose was to spot 

errors not previously detected, but the 

principle reasons were to look at 

equivalent brands and substitute items. 

An equivalent brand is one that has 

the same size, quality, and price as 

another brand for the same type of item. 

Despite the pre-survey research, OPM 

discovered after the survey that some of 

the brands thought to be equivalent 

were often priced differently within the 

same outlet across areas. For example, 

prior to the survey, OPM specified Post 

Raisin Bran and Kellogg’s Raisin Bran as 

equivalent brands. During the postVerDate jul<14>2003 16:42 Feb 06, 2004 Jkt 203001 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\09FEN2.SGM 09FEN2
6028 Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 

survey data review, however, OPM 

found that within the same outlet the 

regular price of one brand was usually 

higher than the price of the other brand. 

Therefore, OPM concluded that the 

cereals were not equivalent in price; and 

during the post-survey review, OPM 

decided to use only the Post Raisin Bran 

prices. 

A substitute is an item that is similar 

but does not exactly match the item 

description of the specified survey item. 

For example, OPM specified an Egg 

McMuffin Value Meal as an item to 

survey as a Fast Food Breakfast. The 

data collectors in Puerto Rico, however, 

discovered that McDonald’s in the San 

Juan area do not sell Egg McMuffins. So, 

the data collectors priced a Ham, Egg, 

and Cheese Bagel Value meal as a 

substitute. OPM then priced both types 

of breakfast value meals in the DC area 

and used the Egg McMuffin Value Meal 

prices for the USVI and DC area 

comparison and the Bagel Value Meal 

prices for the Puerto Rico/DC area 

comparison. 

4.2 Special Price Computations 

After OPM completed its data review, 

it was essentially ready to begin the 

price averaging process described in 

section 4.3. First, however, OPM had to 

make special price computations for five 

survey items: K–12 private education, 

Federal Employees Health Benefits 

premiums, energy utility prices, and 

rental prices. For each of these, OPM 

used special processes to calculate 

appropriate values for each survey area. 

4.2.1 K–12 Private Education 

One of the items OPM surveyed is the 

average annual tuition for private 

education, grades K–12 in each area. 

Generally, tuition rates varied by grade 

level, so OPM computed an overall 

average tuition ‘‘price’’ for each school 

surveyed by averaging the tuition rates 

grade-by-grade. Section 4.4.2 below 

describes the additional special 

adjustments OPM applied to these 

‘‘prices’’ in the price comparison 

process. 

4.2.2 Health Insurance 

As noted in Section 2.3.1, OPM 

surveyed the non-Postal employee’s 

premium for the various Federal 

Employees Health Benefit plans offered 

in each survey area. Using enrollment 

information from OPM’s Central 

Personnel Data File (CPDF), OPM 

computed two weighted average 

premium costs—one for self-only 

coverage and another for family 

coverage—for Federal white-collar 

employees in each of the COLA areas 

and the Washington, DC, area. As 

shown in Table 4, OPM then computed 

an overall weighted average premium 

for each survey area by applying the 

number of white-collar Federal 

employees nationwide enrolled in selfonly and family plans. OPM used these 

overall weighted average premiums as 

‘‘prices’’ in the price averaging process 

described in section 4.3 below.

TABLE 4.—2002 AVERAGE FEHB PREMIUMS FOR FULL-TIME PERMANENT EMPLOYEES—EMPLOYEES’ SHARE FOR NONPOSTAL EMPLOYEES

Location Self

premium 

Family

premium 

Bi-weekly

weighted

average

premium 

Annual

weighted

average

premium 

Puerto Rico ...................................................................................................... $23.47 $49.94 $39.85 $1,039.66 

USVI ................................................................................................................. $43.77 $92.72 $74.05 $1,931.91 

DC Area ........................................................................................................... $37.12 $84.96 $66.72 $1,740.68 

50 States Enrollment ....................................................................................... 571,014 926,439 ........................ ........................

Percent ............................................................................................................. 38.13 61.87 ........................ ........................

4.2.3 Water Utilities 

OPM surveyed water utility rates in 

each of the COLA and Washington, DC, 

survey areas. In the USVI, where 

rainwater cisterns are widely used, OPM 

obtained water utility rates only for 

customers who are on municipal water 

systems. To compute the ‘‘price’’ of 

water utilities, OPM assumed that the 

average monthly water consumption in 

each area was 7,600 gallons. This is 

consistent with the consumption 

amount OPM used in the previous 

COLA survey. OPM used this quantity 

along with the rates charged to compute 

the average monthly water utility cost 

by survey area. OPM used these average 

monthly costs as ‘‘prices’’ in the price 

averaging process described in section 

4.3 below. 

4.2.4 Energy Utilities Model 

For energy utilities (i.e., electricity, 

gas and oil), OPM collected from local 

utility companies and suppliers in each 

of the COLA and DC survey areas the 

price of various energy utilities used for 

lighting, cooking, heating, cooling, and 

other household needs. In previous 

surveys, OPM also obtained average 

local household energy consumption 

and used this information along with 

the prices surveyed to compute annual 

utility costs. A shortcoming of this 

approach was that usage varies among 

areas depending on several variables 

including climate, type of home 

construction, and type of heating and/or 

cooling technology (e.g., central air 

conditioning versus window-unit air 

conditioning). Therefore, in the 

Caraballo settlement, the parties agreed 

to a new methodology for computing 

utility costs. 

The new methodology uses a heating 

and cooling engineering model along 

with local home construction 

information and climatic data from the 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration (NOAA) to determine 

how many kilowatt hours of electricity, 

cubic feet of gas, and/or gallons of fuel 

oil are needed to maintain a home at a 

constant ambient temperature in each 

area. Although some homes use 

additional heating and cooling 

technologies, such as wood, coal, 

kerosene, and solar energy, OPM did not 

price or include these in the 

calculations because, based on the 

results of the 1992–93 Federal Employee 

Housing and Living Patterns Survey, 

relatively few Federal employees use 

these as primary sources of energy in 

their homes. 

For Puerto Rico and the USVI, OPM 

surveyed the price of electricity for 

heating, cooling, and other household 

energy utility needs because the 

Employee Survey indicated that was by 

far the most popular energy source. For 

the Washington, DC area, OPM surveyed 

the prices of electricity, natural gas, and 

fuel oil to compute home energy costs 

for all electric homes, gas heated homes, 

and fuel oil heated homes. OPM then 

used the results of the Federal Employee 

survey to compute a weighted average 

cost for each of the DC areas based on 

the relative usage of each type of heating 

energy source.

Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 6029

Table 5 shows the energy usage and 

utility costs by month for the Caribbean 

and DC areas. The energy usage for both 

Puerto Rico and the USVI is the same 

because the model assumed that home 

construction is comparable in both areas 

and assumed that the weather is the 

same because NOAA publishes 

Caribbean data only for Puerto Rico. 

Therefore, the model used these data for 

the USVI. The table shows for 

comparison purposes only the energy 

usage by month for an all-electric home 

in the DC area, although as noted above, 

the model actually computed utility 

costs for all electric, gas and electric, 

and oil and electric homes. OPM used 

the weighted annual costs shown in the 

bottom row of the table as ‘‘prices’’ in 

the price averaging process described in 

section 4.3.

TABLE 5.—2002 ENERGY UTILITY COSTS

Month 

Caribbean areas Washington, DC, area 

KWH Puerto

Rico USVI KWH* Allelectric 

Gas and

electric 

Oil and

electric 

January ................................................ 2318 $241.33 $366.10 3326 $238.29 $157.51 $171.41 

February ............................................... 2225 233.47 351.75 2688 194.20 122.49 142.59 

March ................................................... 2649 265.21 417.18 1812 133.66 95.64 108.20 

April ...................................................... 2746 289.11 432.15 966 75.12 69.50 73.73 

May ...................................................... 2980 345.82 468.26 1170 89.27 86.43 88.96 

June ..................................................... 3086 346.27 484.62 1377 132.09 114.38 131.25 

July ....................................................... 3197 354.48 501.75 1648 159.52 140.46 158.27 

August .................................................. 3226 335.89 506.23 1566 151.22 132.74 150.08 

September ............................................ 2938 315.63 461.78 1246 118.83 100.22 118.30 

October ................................................ 2921 321.60 459.16 975 88.21 69.82 86.41 

November ............................................. 2546 277.45 401.29 1797 132.62 95.63 107.63 

December ............................................. 2348 263.74 370.58 2797 210.21 140.22 153.37 

Totals ............................................ 33180 $3,590.00 $5,220.85 21368 $1,723.25 $1,325.04 $1,490.20 

Relative Usage (in percent) ................. .................. 100 100 .................. 45 45 10 

Wtd. Average ....................................... .................. $3,590 $5,220.85 .................. $1,520.75 

* DC area all electric usage. Shown only for comparison with Caribbean usage. OPM used DC area all electric KWH usage only for all electric 

homes. OPM used lower KWH usages for gas and oil homes. 

4.2.5 Rental Data Hedonic Models 

As discussed in Section 3.3, OPM 

hired a contractor to collect rental data, 

including rents and data about the 

characteristics of each rental unit. OPM 

hired another contractor, the Center of 

International and Interarea Comparisons 

(CIIC), to analyze the housing data and 

estimate relative rental rates and rental 

indexes. CIIC is well-known for its work 

in international price comparisons, and 

one of its co-directors of research is a 

member of the TAC. CIIC consulted 

closely with the TAC and the SIC in 

analyzing the rental survey results. 

As prescribed by OPM regulations 

and the Caraballo settlement, CIIC used 

hedonic regression analysis, which is a 

type of multiple linear regression 

analysis, to compare rents in the COLA 

areas with rents in the DC area. Multiple 

linear regression is used to determine 

how the dependent variable (in this case 

rent) is influenced by the independent 

variables (in this case the characteristics 

of the rental unit). CIIC found that only 

some of the housing characteristics that 

Delta-21 collected were statistically 

meaningful in determining what 

influenced rent in the Puerto Rico, 

USVI, and DC areas. CIIC tested various 

approaches using different 

characteristics and shared the results 

with the TAC. The TAC recommended 

one specific equation, which OPM 

adopted. This equation used the 

independent variables listed below, 

although some of the variables were 

‘‘crossed’’ (i.e., used interactively) with 

other variables:

Number of square feet 

Number of bedrooms 

Number of bathrooms 

Number of years since built or 

extensively remodeled 

Parking provided (yes/no) 

Pets Allowed (yes/no) 

Furnished (yes/no) 

External condition (good, average, poor) 

Quality of Neighborhood (desirable, less 

desirable) 

Unit Type 1 (a: high rise apartment, b: 

garden or in-home apartment, c: 

house) 

Unit Type 2 (a: high rise, garden, or inhome apartment, b: house) 

Area (St. Croix, St. Thomas/St. John, 

Puerto Rico, Washington, DC, area)

As is common in this type of analysis 

and as was done in the research leading 

to the Caraballo settlement, CIIC used 

semi-logarithmic regressions. The 

regression produces parameter estimates 

for each independent variable, 

including Area. When the regression 

uses the Washington, DC, area as the 

base, the regression produces parameter 

estimates for each of the COLA survey 

areas: St. Croix, St. Thomas/St. John, 

and Puerto Rico. The exponent of the 

Area parameter estimate (i.e., when the 

estimate is converted from natural 

logarithms) multiplied by 100 

(following the convention used to 

express indexes) yields the Area’s rent 

index. This index reflects the difference 

in rents for the COLA survey area 

relative to the Washington, DC, area, 

while (in effect) holding other 

significant housing characteristics 

constant. 

The TAC recommended a technical 

adjustment to the above calculations to 

correct for a slight bias caused by the 

use of logarithms. The exponent of the 

average of the logarithms of a series of 

numbers is always less than the average 

of the numbers. Therefore, at the TAC’s 

recommendation, OPM added one-half 

of the standard deviation of the Area 

parameter estimate before converting 

from natural logarithms. (See Arthur 

Goldberger, ‘‘Best Linear Unbiased 

Prediction in the Generalized Linear 

Regression Model,’’ Journal of the 

American Statistical Association, 1962.) 

Table 6 shows the resulting rental 

indexes. OPM used these indexes as 

‘‘prices’’ in the price averaging process 

described in section 4.3.

6030 Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 

TABLE 6.—RENT INDEXES

Area Rent

index 

Puerto Rico ................................... 65.52 

St. Croix, USVI ............................. 67.50 

St. Thomas/St. John, USVI .......... 84.22 

Washington, DC, Area .................. *100.00 

* By definition, the index of the base area is 

always 100.00. 

Appendix 5 shows the regression 

equation in SAS code and the regression 

results. (SAS is a proprietary statistical 

analysis computer software package.) 

The TAC recommended that OPM 

review the issue of which equation to 

use and how to choose among equations 

as additional rental data become 

available during the Alaska and Pacific 

COLA surveys. OPM plans to do this. 

4.3 Averaging Prices by Item and Area 

After OPM collected, reviewed, and 

made special adjustments as required to 

the data, OPM averaged the prices for 

each item by COLA survey area. For 

example, OPM priced canned soup at 

three different grocery stores on St. 

Croix, then averaged these prices to 

compute a single average price for 

canned soup on St. Croix. If the OPM 

data collectors reported more than one 

price for a particular item within the 

same outlet (e.g., for equivalent items as 

described in Section 4.1 above), OPM 

used the lowest price by item by outlet 

to compute the average. (The concept is 

that if the item and brands are 

equivalent, consumers will choose the 

one with the lowest price.) OPM 

repeated this averaging process item-byitem and area-by-area.

4.3.1 Special St. Thomas/St. John 

Computations 

For St. Thomas and St. John, OPM 

applied an additional step. As noted in 

Section 2.5 above, the St. Thomas/St. 

John CAC recommended that OPM 

survey and use non-housing price data 

from selected outlets on St. John. OPM 

did this and computed average prices by 

item on St. John. OPM then combined 

these St. John average prices with St. 

Thomas average prices on an item-byitem basis to compute a St. Thomas/St. 

John weighted average price for each 

item found in both areas. For weights, 

OPM used the number of General 

Schedule (GS) employees with duty 

stations on St. John and with duty 

stations on St. Thomas expressed as a 

percentage of the GS employment on St. 

Thomas and St. John combined. Table 7 

shows the weights.

TABLE 7.—ST. THOMAS AND ST. JOHN

EMPLOYMENT WEIGHTS

Area GS Employment 

Weight

(percent) 

St. Thomas, USIV ... 224 79.7 

St. John, USVI ........ 57 20.3 

Total .................... 281 100.00 

4.3.2 Computing DC Area Average 

Prices 

For Washington, DC, area prices, OPM 

first averaged prices within each of the 

three DC survey areas described in 

Section 2.5. Then OPM computed a 

simple average of the three DC area 

survey averages to derive a single DC 

area average price for each survey item. 

4.4 Computing Price Indexes 

Next, OPM computed a price index 

for each of the items found in both the 

COLA survey area and in the 

Washington, DC, area. To do this, OPM 

divided the COLA survey area average 

price by the DC area average price and 

(following the convention used to 

express indexes) multiplied this by 100. 

For the vast majority of survey items, 

OPM’s next step was to apply consumer 

expenditure weights. For a few items, 

however, OPM first applied special 

processes as described below. 

4.4.1 Geometric Means 

As described in Section 2.3, OPM 

selected survey items to represent 

selected detailed expenditure categories 

(DEC). Generally, OPM surveyed only 

one item per DEC, but in a few cases, 

OPM surveyed multiple items at a single 

DEC. In these cases, OPM computed the 

geometric mean of the price indexes to 

derive a single price index for the DEC. 

(A geometric mean is the nth root of the 

product of n different numbers and is 

often used in price index computations.) 

For example, OPM surveyed two 

prescription drugs—Amoxicillin and 

Prilosec. These two different 

prescription drugs represent a single 

DEC called ‘‘prescription drugs.’’ To 

derive a single price index for the DEC, 

OPM computed the geometric mean of 

the price index for amoxicillin and the 

price index for Prilosec. 

4.4.2 Special Private Education 

Computations 

As noted in Section 4.2.1, OPM 

surveyed K–12 private education in the 

COLA and DC areas and computed an 

average tuition ‘‘price’’ that reflected all 

grade levels. Because not everyone 

sends children to private school, OPM 

made an additional special adjustment 

for K–12 education by applying ‘‘use 

factors.’’ These use factors reflect the 

relative extent to which Federal 

employees make use of private 

education in the COLA and DC areas. 

For example, Table 8 below shows a use 

factor of 4.1066 for Puerto Rico. OPM 

computed this by dividing 54.33 percent 

(the percentage of Puerto Rico Federal 

employees with at least one child in a 

private school) by 13.23 percent (the 

percent of DC area Federal employees 

with at least one child in a private 

school). OPM obtained the percentages 

from the results of the 1992/93 Federal 

Employee Housing and Living Patterns 

Survey. This is the most current 

comprehensive data available. The table 

below shows the use factors and the 

adjusted price indexes for each COLA 

survey area.

TABLE 8.—SUMMARY OF PRIVATE EDUCATION USE FACTORS AND INDEXES

COLA survey area 

Employees w/children

in private schools Use factor Price index Prince index

w/use factor 

Local area DC area 

Puerto Rico .......................................................................... 54.33 13.23 4.1066 52.68 216.35 

St. Croix ............................................................................... 57.27 13.23 4.3288 62.14 268.97 

St. Thomas ........................................................................... 51.90 13.23 3.9229 48.05 188.50

Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 6031

4.5 Applying Consumer Expenditure 

Weights 

Next, OPM applied consumer 

expenditure weights to aggregate price 

indexes by expenditure group. As noted 

in Section 2.3, OPM used the results of 

the BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey 

to estimate the amounts that middle 

income level consumers in the DC area 

spend on various items. By using 

expenditure weights, OPM was able to 

combine the price indexes according to 

their relative importance. For example, 

shelter is the most important 

expenditure in terms of the COLA 

survey and represents about 28 percent 

of total consumer expenditures. On the 

other hand, the purchase of newspapers 

at newsstands represents less that a 

1⁄10th of 1 percent of total expenditures. 

Beginning at the lowest level of 

expenditure aggregation (e.g., sub-PEG), 

OPM computed the relative importance 

in percent of each survey item within 

the level of aggregation, multiplied the 

price index times its expenditure 

percentage, and summed the cross 

products for all of the items within the 

level of aggregation to compute a 

weighted price index for that level. 

OPM repeated this process at each 

higher level of aggregation (e.g., PEG 

and MEG). Appendices 6 and 7 show 

these calculations for each COLA survey 

area at the PEG and MEG level. 

The above process resulted in an 

overall price index for Puerto Rico 

(shown in Appendix 6) but not for the 

U.S. Virgin Islands, which has two 

separate COLA survey areas. To 

compute an overall price index for the 

U.S. Virgin Islands, OPM computed 

weights based on the number of GS 

employees stationed on St. Croix versus 

St. Thomas/St. John. OPM then 

multiplied each of the MEG indexes for 

St. Croix and St. Thomas/St. John by 

their respective GS employment weights 

and summed the cross products to 

produce an overall price index for the 

U.S. Virgin Islands. (See Appendix 7.) 

Table 9 shows the weights OPM used.

TABLE 9.—ST. CROIX, AND ST. THOMAS/ST. JOHN EMPLOYMENT WEIGHTS

Area GS

Employment 

Weight

(percent) 

St. Croix, US VI 221 48.3 

St. Thomas/St. 

John, USVI .... 281 51.7 

Total ........... 502 100.00

5. Final Results 

To compute the overall living-cost 

index, OPM added to the price index a 

non-price adjustment factor. The parties 

in Caraballo negotiated these factors to 

reflect differences in living costs that 

might not be captured by the surveys, 

and OPM adopted these factors in 

regulation as part of the new 

methodology. The factors for Puerto 

Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are 

seven and nine index points 

respectively. The resulting living-cost 

indexes are shown in Table 10.

TABLE 10.—FINAL LIVING-COST

COMPARISON INDEXES

Allowance area Index 

Puerto Rico ..................................... 103.60 

U.S. Virgin Islands .......................... 121.44

6. Post Survey Meetings 

In December 2002, the CACs, SIC, and 

TAC held 1-day joint meetings in each 

of the Caribbean survey areas to review 

the survey results. OPM provided the 

committee members with various 

reports showing all the data that OPM 

collected, examples of how OPM 

reviewed these data, the data that OPM 

used in its analyses, and the results at 

the PEG and MEG level, as shown in 

Appendix 6. Members of the TAC 

explained how the rental data were 

analyzed and how OPM used 

expenditure weights to combine price 

indexes to reflect overall living costs. 

OPM described changes that it planned 

to incorporate in its regulations as a 

result of what it learned in the 2002 

surveys. (See OPM’s proposed 

rulemaking under 5 CFR part 591 

published concurrent with this notice.) 

In the St. Thomas/St. John CAC, SIC, 

and TAC meeting, OPM briefed the 

committees on the results of the St. John 

non-housing price test survey. The St. 

Thomas/St. John CAC recommended 

that OPM include St. John non-housing 

price data in the 2002 survey and in 

future COLA surveys. OPM agreed with 

the CAC and included this change 

among the other proposed COLA 

regulatory changes.

APPENDIX 1.—PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER OF PRIOR SURVEY RESULTS: 1990–1998 

Citation Contents 

65 FR 44103 ............................................................................................. Report on 1998 living-cost surveys conducted in Alaska, Hawaii, 

Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

63 FR 56432 ............................................................................................. Report on 1997 living-cost surveys conducted in Alaska, Hawaii, 

Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

62 FR 14190 ............................................................................................. Report on 1996 living-cost surveys conducted in Alaska, Hawaii, 

Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

61 FR 4070 ............................................................................................... Report on winter 1995 living-cost surveys conducted in Alaska. 

60 FR 61332 ............................................................................................. Report on summer 1994 living-cost surveys conducted in Hawaii, 

Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

59 FR 45066 ............................................................................................. Report on winter 1994 living-cost surveys conducted in Alaska. 

58 FR 45558 ............................................................................................. Report on summer 1992 and winter 1993 living-cost surveys conducted 

in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

58 FR 27316 ............................................................................................. Report on summer 1993 living-cost surveys conducted in Hawaii, 

Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

57 FR 58556 ............................................................................................. Report on summer 1991 and winter 1992 living-cost surveys conducted 

in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

56 FR 7902 ............................................................................................... Report on summer 1990 living-cost surveys conducted in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

6032 Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 

APPENDIX 2—ESTIMATED DC AREA MIDDLE INCOME ANNUAL CONSUMER EXPENDITURES

[Asterisks show Detailed Expenditure Categories (DECs) at which OPM surveyed items] 

Level Code Category name Expenditures 

1 ........... TOTALEXP Total ......................................................................................................................................... $48,701.32 

2 ........... FOODTOTL MEG Food .................................................................................................................................. 6,407.88 

3 ........... CERBAKRY PEG Cereals and bakery products ............................................................................................ 477.67 

4 ........... CEREAL Cereals and cereal products ......................................................................................... 157.97 

5 ........... 010110 Flour ........................................................................................................................... 7.33 

5 ........... 010120 Prepared flour mixes ................................................................................................. 15.88 

5 ........... 010210 Ready-to-eat and cooked cereals* ............................................................................ 89.31 

5 ........... 010310 Rice* .......................................................................................................................... 19.07 

5 ........... 010320 Pasta, cornmeal & other cereal products* ................................................................ 26.38 

4 ........... BAKERY Bakery products ............................................................................................................ 319.69 

5 ........... BREAD Bread ......................................................................................................................... 88.26 

6 ........... 020110 White bread* .......................................................................................................... 39.13 

6 ........... 020210 Bread, other than white .......................................................................................... 49.13 

5 ........... CRAKCOOK Crackers and cookies ................................................................................................ 79.90 

6 ........... 020510 Cookies* ................................................................................................................. 55.56 

6 ........... 020610 Crackers ................................................................................................................. 24.34 

5 ........... 020810 Frozen & refrigerated bakery products* .................................................................... 27.04 

5 ........... OTHBAKRY Other bakery products ............................................................................................... 124.49 

6 ........... 020310 Biscuits and rolls* ................................................................................................... 41.38 

6 ........... 020410 Cakes and cupcakes* ............................................................................................ 39.84 

6 ........... 020620 Bread and cracker products ................................................................................... 4.65 

6 ........... 020710 Sweetrolls, coffee cakes, doughnuts ..................................................................... 24.13 

6 ........... 020820 Pies, tarts, turnovers .............................................................................................. 14.49 

3 ........... ANIMAL PEG Meats, poultry, fish, and eggs .......................................................................................... 714.81 

4 ........... BEEF Beef ............................................................................................................................... 192.11 

5 ........... 030110 Ground beef* ............................................................................................................. 71.80 

5 ........... ROAST Roast ......................................................................................................................... 28.82 

6 ........... 030210 Chuck roast* .......................................................................................................... 10.33 

6 ........... 030310 Round roast* .......................................................................................................... 8.66 

6 ........... 030410 Other roast ............................................................................................................. 9.83 

5 ........... STEAK Steak .......................................................................................................................... 78.30 

6 ........... 030510 Round steak* ......................................................................................................... 12.86 

6 ........... 030610 Sirloin steak* .......................................................................................................... 25.26 

6 ........... 030710 Other steak ............................................................................................................ 40.18 

5 ........... 030810 Other beef .................................................................................................................. 13.18 

4 ........... PORK Pork ............................................................................................................................... 98.96 

5 ........... 040110 Bacon* ....................................................................................................................... 15.17 

5 ........... 040210 Pork chops* ............................................................................................................... 23.31 

5 ........... HAM Ham ........................................................................................................................... 22.35 

6 ........... 040310 Ham, not canned* ...................................................................................................... 21.13 

6 ........... 040610 Canned ham* ......................................................................................................... 1.23 

5 ........... 040510 Sausage ..................................................................................................................... 13.87 

5 ........... 040410 Other pork .................................................................................................................. 24.25 

4 ........... OTHRMEAT Other meats .................................................................................................................. 91.73 

5 ........... 050110 Frankfurters* .............................................................................................................. 17.00 

5 ........... LNCHMEAT Lunch meats (cold cuts) ............................................................................................ 61.47 

6 ........... 050210 Bologna, liverwurst, salami* ................................................................................... 20.68 

6 ........... 050310 Other lunch meats .................................................................................................. 40.79 

5 ........... LAMBOTHR Lamb, organ meats and others ................................................................................. 13.26 

6 ........... 050410 Lamb and organ meats .......................................................................................... 9.10 

6 ........... 050900 Mutton, goat and game .......................................................................................... 4.16 

4 ........... POULTRY Poultry ........................................................................................................................... 129.18 

5 ........... CHICKEN Fresh and frozen chickens ........................................................................................ 102.64 

6 ........... 060110 Fresh and frozen whole chicken* .......................................................................... 28.33 

6 ........... 060210 Fresh and frozen chicken parts* ............................................................................ 74.32 

5 ........... 060310 Other poultry .............................................................................................................. 26.54 

4 ........... FISHSEA Fish and seafood .......................................................................................................... 175.60 

5 ........... 070110 Canned fish and seafood* ......................................................................................... 25.31 

5 ........... 070230 Fresh fish and shellfish* ............................................................................................ 101.05 

5 ........... 070240 Frozen fish and shellfish* .......................................................................................... 49.24 

4 ........... 080110 Eggs* ............................................................................................................................. 27.24 

3 ........... DAIRY PEG Dairy products ................................................................................................................... 316.36 

4 ........... MILKCRM Fresh milk and cream ................................................................................................... 105.55 

5 ........... 090110 Fresh milk, all types* ................................................................................................. 96.70 

5 ........... 090210 Cream ........................................................................................................................ 8.85 

4 ........... OTHDAIRY Other dairy products ...................................................................................................... 210.81 

5 ........... 100110 Butter ......................................................................................................................... 17.39 

5 ........... 100210 Cheese* ..................................................................................................................... 108.29 

5 ........... 100410 Ice cream and related products* ............................................................................... 60.12 

5 ........... 100510 Miscellaneous dairy products .................................................................................... 25.01 

3 ........... FRUITVEG PEG Fruits and vegetables ....................................................................................................... 356.11 

Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 6033

APPENDIX 2—ESTIMATED DC AREA MIDDLE INCOME ANNUAL CONSUMER EXPENDITURES—Continued

[Asterisks show Detailed Expenditure Categories (DECs) at which OPM surveyed items] 

Level Code Category name Expenditures 

4 ........... FRSHFRUT Fresh fruits .................................................................................................................... 186.75 

5 ........... 110110 Apples* ...................................................................................................................... 33.23 

5 ........... 110210 Bananas* ................................................................................................................... 37.03 

5 ........... 110310 Oranges* .................................................................................................................... 21.81 

5 ........... 110510 Citrus fruits, excluding oranges ................................................................................. 16.87 

5 ........... 110410 Other fresh fruits ........................................................................................................ 77.80 

4 ........... FRESHVEG Fresh vegetables ........................................................................................................... 169.35 

5 ........... 120110 Potatoes* ................................................................................................................... 30.09 

5 ........... 120210 Lettuce* ...................................................................................................................... 22.63 

5 ........... 120310 Tomatoes* ................................................................................................................. 33.65 

5 ........... 120410 Other fresh vegetables .............................................................................................. 82.98 

.

3 ........... PROCFOOD PEG Processed Foods .............................................................................................................. 748.33 

4 ........... PROCFRUT Processed fruits ............................................................................................................ 127.16 

5 ........... FRZNFRUT Frozen fruits and fruit juices ...................................................................................... 14.55 

6 ........... 130110 Frozen orange juice* .............................................................................................. 6.32 

6 ........... 130121 Frozen fruits ........................................................................................................... 3.75 

6 ........... 130122 Frozen fruit juices ................................................................................................... 4.48 

5 ........... 130310 Canned fruits* ............................................................................................................ 17.90 

5 ........... 130320 Dried fruit ................................................................................................................... 5.68 

5 ........... 130211 Fresh fruit juice .......................................................................................................... 24.72 

5 ........... 130212 Canned and bottled fruit juice* .................................................................................. 64.32 

4 ........... PROCVEG Processed vegetables ................................................................................................... 113.36 

5 ........... 140110 Frozen vegetables* .................................................................................................... 35.60 

5 ........... CANDVEG Canned and dried vegetables and juices .................................................................. 77.76 

6 ........... 140210 Canned beans* ...................................................................................................... 16.60 

6 ........... 140220 Canned corn .......................................................................................................... 9.51 

6 ........... 140230 Canned miscellaneous vegetables ........................................................................ 23.67

6 ........... 140320 Dried peas .............................................................................................................. 0.36 

6 ........... 140330 Dried beans ............................................................................................................ 3.64 

6 ........... 140340 Dried miscellaneous vegetables ............................................................................ 9.69 

6 ........... 140310 Dried processed vegetables .................................................................................. 0.68 

6 ........... 140410 Frozen vegetable juices ......................................................................................... 0.45 

6 ........... 140420 Fresh and canned vegetable juices ....................................................................... 13.16 

4 ........... MISCFOOD Miscellaneous foods ...................................................................................................... 507.81 

5 ........... FRZNPREP Frozen prepared foods .............................................................................................. 87.37 

6 ........... 180210 Frozen meals* ........................................................................................................ 26.12 

6 ........... 180220 Other frozen prepared foods .................................................................................. 61.25 

5 ........... 180110 Canned and packaged soups* .................................................................................. 34.37 

5 ........... SNACKS Potato chips, nuts, and other snacks ........................................................................ 95.21 

6 ........... 180310 Potato chips and other snacks* ............................................................................. 76.37 

6 ........... 180320 Nuts ........................................................................................................................ 18.83 

5 ........... CONDMNTS Condiments and seasonings ..................................................................................... 86.66 

6 ........... 180410 Salt, spices, other seasonings* .............................................................................. 20.88 

6 ........... 180420 Olives, pickles, relishes .......................................................................................... 9.46 

6 ........... 180510 Sauces and gravies* .............................................................................................. 39.77 

6 ........... 180520 Baking needs & misc. products ............................................................................. 16.55 

5 ........... OTHRPREP Other canned & pkgd prepared foods ....................................................................... 144.39 

6 ........... 180611 Prepared salads ..................................................................................................... 18.08 

6 ........... 180612 Prepared desserts* ................................................................................................ 9.58 

6 ........... 180620 Baby food* ............................................................................................................. 38.38 

6 ........... 180710 Miscellaneous prepared foods ............................................................................... 78.20 

6 ........... 180720 Vitamin supplements .............................................................................................. 0.15 

5 ........... 190904 Food prepared by consumer on trips ............................................................................ 59.81 

3 ........... OTHRFOOD PEG Other food at home .......................................................................................................... 202.69 

4 ........... SWEETS Sugar and other sweets ................................................................................................ 126.14 

5 ........... 150110 Candy and chewing gum* ......................................................................................... 85.89 

5 ........... 150211 Sugar* ........................................................................................................................ 17.15 

5 ........... 150212 Artificial sweeteners ................................................................................................... 2.84 

5 ........... 150310 Jams, preserves, other sweets* ................................................................................ 20.25 

4 ........... FATSOILS Fats and oils .................................................................................................................. 76.55 

5 ........... 160110 Margarine* ................................................................................................................. 10.13 

5 ........... 160211 Fats and oils* ............................................................................................................. 20.82 

5 ........... 160212 Salad dressings* ........................................................................................................ 26.16 

5 ........... 160310 Nondairy cream and imitation milk ............................................................................ 9.00 

5 ........... 160320 Peanut butter ............................................................................................................. 10.44 

3 ........... NALCBEVG Nonalcoholic beverages ................................................................................................ 239.71 

4 ........... 170110 Cola* .......................................................................................................................... 86.72 

4 ........... 170210 Other carbonated drinks ............................................................................................ 47.55 

4 ........... COFFEE Coffee ........................................................................................................................ 37.70 

5 ........... 170310 Roasted coffee* ..................................................................................................... 25.07 

6034 Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 

APPENDIX 2—ESTIMATED DC AREA MIDDLE INCOME ANNUAL CONSUMER EXPENDITURES—Continued

[Asterisks show Detailed Expenditure Categories (DECs) at which OPM surveyed items] 

Level Code Category name Expenditures 

5 ........... 170410 Instant and freeze dried coffee .............................................................................. 12.63 

4 ........... 170510 Noncarbonated fruit flavored drinks* ......................................................................... 18.80 

4 ........... 170520 Tea ............................................................................................................................. 14.47 

4 ........... 200112 Nonalcoholic beer ...................................................................................................... 0.37 

4 ........... 170530 Other nonalcoholic beverages and ice* .................................................................... 34.10 

3 ........... FOODAWAY PEG Food away from home ......................................................................................................... 2,885.84 

4 ........... RESTRANT Meals at restaurants, carry-outs and other ...................................................................... 2,459.35 

5 ........... LUNCH Lunch ............................................................................................................................. 938.18 

6 ........... 190111 Lunch at fast food, take-out, etc.* ............................................................................. 515.26 

6 ........... 190112 Lunch at full service restaurants* .............................................................................. 284.21 

6 ........... 190113 Lunch at vending machines & vendors ..................................................................... 9.97

6 ........... 190114 Lunch at employer and school cafeterias ................................................................. 128.73 

5 ........... DINNER Dinner ............................................................................................................................ 947.59 

6 ........... 190211 Dinner at fast food, take-out, etc.* ............................................................................ 311.43 

6 ........... 190212 Dinner at full service restaurants* ............................................................................. 629.98 

6 ........... 190213 Dinner at vending machines & vendors .................................................................... 1.76

6 ........... 190214 Dinner at employer and school cafeterias ................................................................. 4.43 

5 ........... SNKNABEV Snacks and nonalcoholic beverages ............................................................................ 344.59 

6 ........... 190311 Snacks, etc. at fast food, take-out, etc.* ................................................................... 229.29 

6 ........... 190312 Snacks, etc. at full service restaurants ..................................................................... 26.13 

6 ........... 190313 Snacks, etc. at vending machines, etc ...................................................................... 70.07 

6 ........... 190314 Snacks, etc. at non-public cafeterias ........................................................................ 19.10 

5 ........... BRKFBRUN Breakfast and brunch .................................................................................................... 228.99 

6 ........... 190321 Breakfast at fast food, take-out, etc.* ........................................................................ 110.28 

6 ........... 190322 Breakfast at full service restaurants* ......................................................................... 110.80 

6 ........... 190323 Breakfast at vending machines, etc. ......................................................................... 1.71 

6 ........... 190324 Breakfast at non-public cafeterias ............................................................................. 6.20 

4 ........... NONRESME Non Restaurant Meals ...................................................................................................... 426.48 

5 ........... 190901 Board (including at school) ............................................................................................... 21.15 

5 ........... 190902 Catered affairs .................................................................................................................. 49.65 

5 ........... 190903 Food on out-of-town trips ................................................................................................. 251.16 

5 ........... 790430 School lunches ................................................................................................................. 79.99 

5 ........... 800700 Meals as pay .................................................................................................................... 24.54 

3 ........... ALCBEVG PEG Alcoholic beverages ............................................................................................................. 466.36 

4 ........... ALCHOME At home ................................................................................................................................ 269.33 

5 ........... 200111 Beer and ale* .................................................................................................................... 151.40 

5 ........... 200210 Whiskey ............................................................................................................................ 20.56 

5 ........... 200310 Wine* ................................................................................................................................ 72.76 

5 ........... 200410 Other alcoholic beverages ................................................................................................... 24.61 

4 ........... ALCAWAY Away from home .................................................................................................................. 197.04 

5 ........... BEERNALE Beer and ale .................................................................................................................. 97.03 

6 ........... 200511 Beer & ale at fast food, take-out, etc. ........................................................................... 19.20 

6 ........... 200512 Beer & ale at full service restaurants* .......................................................................... 65.30 

6 ........... 200513 Beer & ale at vend. machines & vendors ..................................................................... 1.09 

6 ........... 200516 Beer & ale at catered affairs ......................................................................................... 11.44 

5 ........... WINE Wine .................................................................................................................................. 24.93 

6 ........... 200521 Wine at fast food, take-out, delivery, etc. ..................................................................... 2.06 

6 ........... 200522 Wine at full service restaurants* ................................................................................... 21.66 

6 ........... 200526 Wine at catered affairs .................................................................................................. 1.21 

5 ........... OTHALCBV Other alcoholic beverages ................................................................................................ 75.07 

6 ........... 200531 Other alcohol at fast food, take-out, etc. ...................................................................... 4.90 

6 ........... 200532 Other alcohol at full service restaurants ....................................................................... 31.55 

6 ........... 200533 Other alcohol at vending machines, etc. ...................................................................... 0.53 

6 ........... 200536 Other alcohol at catered affairs ..................................................................................... 5.04 

6 ........... 200900 Alcoholic beverages purchased on trips ....................................................................... 33.04 

2 ........... SHEL&UTL MEG Shelter and Utilities .............................................................................................................. 15,244.33 

3 ........... SHELTER PEG Shelter .................................................................................................................................. 13,669.60 

4 ........... RNTLEQ Rented Equivalence* ........................................................................................................ 9,870.46 

4 ........... RENTXX Rented Dwelling* .............................................................................................................. 3,060.99 

4 ........... OTHLODGE Other Lodging ................................................................................................................... 707.16 

4 ........... 350110 Tenants Insurance* ........................................................................................................... 30.99 

3 ........... ENERUT PEG Energy Utilities* .................................................................................................................... 1,289.59 

3 ........... WATERX PEG Water and other public services* ......................................................................................... 285.14 

2 ........... HHF&SUPP MEG Household Furnishings and Supplies ................................................................................... 2,952.82 

3 ........... HHOPER PEG Household operations .......................................................................................................... 664.63 

4 ........... HHPERSRV Personal services ............................................................................................................. 319.42 

5 ........... 340210 Babysitting and child care* ........................................................................................... 78.76 

5 ........... 340906 Care for elderly, invalids, & handicapped ..................................................................... 24.12 

5 ........... 340910 Adult day care centers ...................................................................................................... 2.78 

5 ........... 670310 Day-care centers, nursery, & preschools* .................................................................... 213.76 

4 ........... HHOTHXPN Other household expenses .................................................................................................. 345.21 

Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 6035

APPENDIX 2—ESTIMATED DC AREA MIDDLE INCOME ANNUAL CONSUMER EXPENDITURES—Continued

[Asterisks show Detailed Expenditure Categories (DECs) at which OPM surveyed items] 

Level Code Category name Expenditures 

5 ........... 340310 Housekeeping services* ................................................................................................ 74.34 

5 ........... 340410 Gardening, lawn care service* ...................................................................................... 82.64 

5 ........... 340420 Water softening service ................................................................................................ 5.03 

5 ........... 340520 Laundry & dry clean (nonclothing) ................................................................................ 2.28 

5 ........... 340530 Coin-op laundry & dry clean (nonclothng) .................................................................... 6.63 

5 ........... 340914 Services for termite/pest control ................................................................................... 14.95 

5 ........... 340915 Home security system service fee ................................................................................ 31.84 

5 ........... 340903 Other home services ..................................................................................................... 21.34 

5 ........... 330511 Termite/pest control products ........................................................................................ 0.52 

5 ........... 340510 Moving, storage, freight express* ................................................................................. 52.63 

5 ........... 340620 Appliance repair, including service center .................................................................... 21.64 

5 ........... 340630 Reupholstering, furniture repair ..................................................................................... 14.75 

5 ........... 340901 Repairs/rentals of lawn & garden equip. ....................................................................... 7.54 

5 ........... 340907 Appliance rental ............................................................................................................ 6.66 

5 ........... 340908 Rental of office equip. for nonbus. use ......................................................................... 1.06 

5 ........... 340913 Repair of misc. equip. and furnishings ......................................................................... 1.15 

5 ........... 990900 Rental & installation of dishwashers, etc. ..................................................................... 0.20 

3 ........... HKPGSUPP PEG Housekeeping supplies ........................................................................................................ 517.77 

4 ........... LAUNDRY Laundry and cleaning supplies ......................................................................................... 111.39 

5 ........... 330110 Soaps and detergents* ................................................................................................. 60.63 

5 ........... 330210 Other laundry cleaning products ................................................................................... 50.75 

4 ........... HKPGOTHR Other household products ................................................................................................ 293.49 

5 ........... 330310 Toilet tissue, paper towels, napkins, etc.* .................................................................... 83.22 

5 ........... 330510 Miscellaneous household products ............................................................................... 123.71 

5 ........... 330610 Lawn and garden supplies* ........................................................................................... 86.56 

4 ........... POSTAGE Postage and stationery ..................................................................................................... 112.90 

5 ........... 330410 Stationery, stationery supplies, giftwraps* .................................................................... 59.15 

5 ........... 340110 Postage ......................................................................................................................... 52.76 

6 ........... STAMP Stamp* ....................................................................................................................... 51.60 

6 ........... PARPST Parcel Post* ............................................................................................................... 1.16 

5 ........... 340120 Delivery services ........................................................................................................... 0.98 

3 ........... TEX&RUGS PEG Textiles and Area Rugs ................................................................................................. 122.91 

4 ........... HHTXTILE Household textiles ............................................................................................................ 116.04 

5 ........... 280110 Bathroom linens* ........................................................................................................... 18.65 

5 ........... 280120 Bedroom linens* ............................................................................................................ 58.59 

5 ........... 280130 Kitchen and dining room linens ..................................................................................... 10.38 

5 ........... 280210 Curtains and draperies .................................................................................................. 13.44 

5 ........... 280220 Slipcovers, decorative pillows ....................................................................................... 3.55 

5 ........... 280230 Sewing mtls. for slipcovers, curtains, etc. ..................................................................... 10.30 

5 ........... 280900 Other linens ................................................................................................................... 1.14 

4 ........... FLOORCOV Floor coverings ................................................................................................................. 6.87 

5 ........... RNTCARPT Wall-to-wall carpeting (renter) ....................................................................................... 0.60 

6 ........... 230134 Wall-to-wall carpet (renter) ........................................................................................ 0.49 

6 ........... 320163 Wall-to-wall carpet (replacemnt) (renter) ................................................................... 0.11 

5 ........... 320111 Floor coverings, nonpermanent * .................................................................................. 6.27 

3 ........... FURNITUR PEG Furniture ............................................................................................................................... 513.48 

4 ........... 290110 Mattress and springs * ................................................................................................... 79.17 

4 ........... 290120 Other bedroom furniture ................................................................................................ 105.79 

4 ........... 290210 Sofas ............................................................................................................................. 101.92 

4 ........... 290310 Living room chairs * ....................................................................................................... 59.83 

4 ........... 290320 Living room tables ......................................................................................................... 19.19 

4 ........... 290410 Kitchen, dining room furniture * ..................................................................................... 54.91 

4 ........... 290420 Infants’ furniture ............................................................................................................ 12.70 

4 ........... 290430 Outdoor furniture ........................................................................................................... 13.68 

4 ........... 290440 Wall units, cabinets & other furniture ............................................................................ 66.29 

3 ........... MAJAPPL PEG Major appliances .................................................................................................................. 178.09 

4 ........... 230116 Dishwashers, garbage disposals, etc. .......................................................................... 15.01 

4 ........... 300110 Refrigerators, freezers * ................................................................................................ 47.17 

4 ........... 300210 Washing machines * ...................................................................................................... 21.05 

4 ........... 300220 Clothes dryers ............................................................................................................... 14.08 

4 ........... 300310 Cooking stoves, ovens * ................................................................................................ 26.21 

4 ........... 300320 Microwave ovens .......................................................................................................... 7.99 

4 ........... 300330 Portable dishwasher ...................................................................................................... 0.97 

4 ........... 300410 Window air conditioners ................................................................................................ 6.23 

4 ........... 320511 Electric floor cleaning equipment * ................................................................................ 25.51 

4 ........... 320512 Sewing machines .......................................................................................................... 5.59 

4 ........... 300900 Miscellaneous household appliances ............................................................................ 8.28 

3 ........... SMAPPHWR PEG Small appliances, misc. housewares ................................................................................... 102.30 

4 ........... HOUSWARE Housewares ................................................................................................................... 76.57 

5 ........... 320310 Plastic dinnerware ............................................................................................................ 2.17 

5 ........... 320320 China and other dinnerware * ........................................................................................... 11.30 

6036 Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 

APPENDIX 2—ESTIMATED DC AREA MIDDLE INCOME ANNUAL CONSUMER EXPENDITURES—Continued

[Asterisks show Detailed Expenditure Categories (DECs) at which OPM surveyed items] 

Level Code Category name Expenditures 

5 ........... 320330 Flatware ............................................................................................................................ 3.07 

5 ........... 320340 Glassware ......................................................................................................................... 13.35 

5 ........... 320350 Silver serving pieces ......................................................................................................... 2.51 

5 ........... 320360 Other serving pieces ......................................................................................................... 1.21 

5 ........... 320370 Nonelectric cookware * ..................................................................................................... 21.73 

5 ........... 320380 Tableware, nonelectric kitchenware ................................................................................. 21.24 

4 ........... SMLLAPPL Small appliances ........................................................................................................... 25.73 

5 ........... 320521 Small electric kitchen appliances * ............................................................................ 19.60 

5 ........... 320522 Portable heating and cooling equipment ................................................................... 6.13 

3 ........... MISCHHEQ PEG Miscellaneous household equipment ................................................................................... 853.64 

4 ........... 320120 Window coverings * ....................................................................................................... 14.72 

4 ........... 320130 Infants’ equipment ......................................................................................................... 11.50 

4 ........... 320140 Laundry and cleaning equipment .................................................................................. 16.28 

4 ........... 320150 Outdoor equipment * ..................................................................................................... 21.95 

4 ........... 320210 Clocks ............................................................................................................................ 46.99 

4 ........... 320220 Lamps and lighting fixtures ........................................................................................... 17.10 

4 ........... 320231 Other household decorative items ................................................................................ 324.95 

4 ........... 320232 Telephones and accessories * ...................................................................................... 41.77 

4 ........... 320410 Lawn and garden equipment * ...................................................................................... 77.17 

4 ........... 320420 Power tools * ................................................................................................................. 43.40 

4 ........... 320901 Office furniture for home use * ...................................................................................... 20.40 

4 ........... 320902 Hand tools * ................................................................................................................... 12.12 

4 ........... 320903 Indoor plants, fresh flowers * ......................................................................................... 70.25 

4 ........... 320904 Closet and storage items .............................................................................................. 14.56 

4 ........... 340904 Rental of furniture ......................................................................................................... 4.36 

4 ........... 430130 Luggage ........................................................................................................................ 14.38 

4 ........... 690210 Telephone answering devices ...................................................................................... 3.00 

4 ........... 690220 Calculators .................................................................................................................... 3.22 

4 ........... 690230 Business equipment for home use ............................................................................... 3.32 

4 ........... 320430 Other hardware ............................................................................................................. 30.67 

4 ........... 690242 Smoke alarms ............................................................................................................... 1.05 

4 ........... 690245 Other household appliances ......................................................................................... 15.17 

4 ........... 320905 Miscellaneous household equip. & parts ...................................................................... 45.30 

2 ........... APPAREL MEG Apparel and services ............................................................................................................ 1,949.90 

3 ........... MENBOYS PEG Men and boys ....................................................................................................................... 364.49 

4 ........... MENS Men, 16 and over .............................................................................................................. 281.87 

5 ........... 360110 Men’s suits * .................................................................................................................. 21.47

5 ........... 360120 Men’s sportcoats, tailored jackets ................................................................................. 7.89 

5 ........... 360210 Men’s coats and jackets * ............................................................................................. 33.75 

5 ........... 360311 Men’s underwear * ......................................................................................................... 15.47 

5 ........... 360312 Men’s hosiery ................................................................................................................ 10.08 

5 ........... 360320 Men’s nightwear ............................................................................................................ 2.93 

5 ........... 360330 Men’s accessories ......................................................................................................... 20.30 

5 ........... 360340 Men’s sweaters and vests ............................................................................................. 11.48 

5 ........... 360350 Men’s active sportswear ................................................................................................ 15.40 

5 ........... 360410 Men’s shirts * ................................................................................................................. 71.11

5 ........... 360511 Men’s pants * ................................................................................................................. 52.02 

5 ........... 360512 Men’s shorts, shorts sets .............................................................................................. 13.35 

5 ........... 360901 Men’s uniforms .............................................................................................................. 4.37 

5 ........... 360902 Men’s costumes ............................................................................................................ 2.25 

4 ........... BOYS Boys, 2 to 15 .................................................................................................................... 82.61 

5 ........... 370110 Boys’ coats and jackets ................................................................................................ 6.28 

5 ........... 370120 Boys’ sweaters .............................................................................................................. 2.63 

5 ........... 370130 Boys’ shirts* .................................................................................................................. 19.64

5 ........... 370211 Boys’ underwear ........................................................................................................... 5.59 

5 ........... 370212 Boys’ nightwear ............................................................................................................. 2.42 

5 ........... 370213 Boys’ hosiery ................................................................................................................. 3.81 

5 ........... 370220 Boys’ accessories .......................................................................................................... 2.56 

5 ........... 370311 Boys’ suits, sportcoats, vests ........................................................................................ 2.62 

5 ........... 370312 Boys’ pants* .................................................................................................................. 20.90 

5 ........... 370313 Boys’ shorts, shorts sets ............................................................................................... 7.86 

5 ........... 370903 Boys’ uniforms ............................................................................................................... 2.97 

5 ........... 370904 Boys’ active sportswear ................................................................................................ 3.24 

5 ........... 370902 Boys’ costumes ............................................................................................................. 2.08 

3 ........... WMNSGRLS PEG Women and girls .................................................................................................................. 812.23 

4 ........... WOMENS Women, 16 and over ........................................................................................................ 699.16 

5 ........... 380110 Women’s coats and jackets* ......................................................................................... 51.84 

5 ........... 380210 Women’s dresses* ........................................................................................................ 82.20 

5 ........... 380311 Women’s sportcoats, tailored jackets ........................................................................... 6.09 

5 ........... 380312 Women’s vests and sweaters* ...................................................................................... 54.09 

5 ........... 380313 Women’s shirts, tops, blouses* ..................................................................................... 126.65 

Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 6037

APPENDIX 2—ESTIMATED DC AREA MIDDLE INCOME ANNUAL CONSUMER EXPENDITURES—Continued

[Asterisks show Detailed Expenditure Categories (DECs) at which OPM surveyed items] 

Level Code Category name Expenditures 

5 ........... 380320 Women’s skirts .............................................................................................................. 17.14 

5 ........... 380331 Women’s pants* ............................................................................................................ 102.08 

5 ........... 380332 Women’s shorts, shorts sets ......................................................................................... 29.78 

5 ........... 380340 Women’s active sportswear .......................................................................................... 32.51 

5 ........... 380410 Women’s sleepwear ...................................................................................................... 34.86 

5 ........... 380420 Women’s undergarments .............................................................................................. 40.91 

5 ........... 380430 Women’s hosiery ........................................................................................................... 25.24 

5 ........... 380510 Women’s suits ............................................................................................................... 37.03 

5 ........... 380901 Women’s accessories* .................................................................................................. 42.19 

5 ........... 380902 Women’s uniforms ......................................................................................................... 10.70 

5 ........... 380903 Women’s costumes ....................................................................................................... 5.84 

4 ........... GIRLS Girls, 2 to 15 ..................................................................................................................... 113.07 

5 ........... 390110 Girls’ coats and jackets ................................................................................................. 6.39 

5 ........... 390120 Girls’ dresses and suits* ............................................................................................... 21.31 

5 ........... 390210 Girls’ shirts, blouses, sweaters* .................................................................................... 25.04 

5 ........... 390221 Girls’ skirts and pants* .................................................................................................. 22.27 

5 ........... 390222 Girls’ shorts, shorts sets ................................................................................................ 7.79 

5 ........... 390230 Girls’ active sportswear ................................................................................................. 7.38 

5 ........... 390310 Girls’ underwear and sleepwear ................................................................................... 7.42 

5 ........... 390321 Girls’ hosiery ................................................................................................................. 3.59 

5 ........... 390322 Girls’ accessories .......................................................................................................... 5.57 

5 ........... 390901 Girls’ uniforms ............................................................................................................... 3.72 

5 ........... 390902 Girls’ costumes .............................................................................................................. 2.60 

3 ........... INFANT PEG Children under 2 ................................................................................................................... 88.68 

4 ........... 410110 Infant coat, jacket, snowsuit ............................................................................................. 3.17 

4 ........... 410120 Infant dresses, outerwear ................................................................................................. 23.90 

4 ........... 410130 Infant underwear* ............................................................................................................. 48.52 

4 ........... 410140 Infant nightwear, loungewear* .......................................................................................... 4.19 

4 ........... 410901 Infant accessories ............................................................................................................. 8.90 

3 ........... FOOTWEAR PEG Footwear ............................................................................................................................... 340.80 

4 ........... 400110 Men’s footwear* ................................................................................................................ 115.74 

4 ........... 400210 Boys’ footwear .................................................................................................................. 33.69 

4 ........... 400310 Women’s footwear* .......................................................................................................... 160.44 

4 ........... 400220 Girls’ footwear ................................................................................................................... 30.92 

3 ........... OTHAPPRL PEG Other apparel products and services ................................................................................... 343.71 

4 ........... 420110 Material for making clothes ............................................................................................... 6.82 

4 ........... 420120 Sewing patterns and notions ............................................................................................ 11.17 

4 ........... 430110 Watches* .......................................................................................................................... 26.92 

4 ........... 430120 Jewelry* ............................................................................................................................ 136.82 

4 ........... 440110 Shoe repair and other shoe service ................................................................................. 2.28 

4 ........... 440120 Coin-op. apparel laundry & dry clean* ............................................................................. 53.13 

4 ........... 440130 Alteration, repair & tailoring of apparel ............................................................................. 7.48 

4 ........... 440140 Clothing rental ................................................................................................................... 5.64 

4 ........... 440150 Watch and jewelry repair .................................................................................................. 6.28 

4 ........... 440210 Apparel laundry & dry clean not coin-op* ........................................................................ 86.70 

4 ........... 440900 Clothing storage ................................................................................................................ 0.46 

2 ........... TRANS MEG Transportation ...................................................................................................................... 8,245.76 

3 ........... MOTVEHCO PEG Motor Vehicle Costs ............................................................................................................. 4,401.84 

4 ........... VEHPURCH Vehicle purchases (net outlay) ............................................................................................. 3,497.61 

5 ........... NEWCARS Cars and trucks, new ........................................................................................................ 1,900.46 

6 ........... 450110 New cars* ...................................................................................................................... 1,190.89 

6 ........... 450210 New trucks .................................................................................................................... 709.58 

5 ........... USEDCARS Cars and trucks, used ...................................................................................................... 1,574.79 

6 ........... 460110 Used cars ...................................................................................................................... 899.09 

6 ........... 460901 Used trucks ................................................................................................................... 675.70 

5 ........... OTHVEHCL Other vehicles ................................................................................................................... 22.36 

6 ........... 450220 New motorcycles ........................................................................................................... 10.69 

6 ........... 460902 Used motorcycles .......................................................................................................... 11.67 

4 ........... VEHFINCH Vehicle finance charges ................................................................................................... 403.33 

5 ........... 510110 Automobile finance charges* ........................................................................................ 212.51 

5 ........... 510901 Truck finance charges ................................................................................................... 167.71 

5 ........... 510902 Motorcycle and plane finance charges ......................................................................... 1.69 

5 ........... 850300 Other vehicle finance charges ...................................................................................... 21.42 

4 ........... LEASVEH Leased vehicles ......................................................................................................... 315.82 

5 ........... 450310 Car lease payments ............................................................................................... 155.21 

5 ........... 450313 Cash downpayment (car lease) ............................................................................. 11.23 

5 ........... 450314 Termination fee (car lease) .................................................................................... 1.96 

5 ........... 450410 Truck lease payments ............................................................................................ 134.22 

5 ........... 450413 Cash downpayment (truck lease) .......................................................................... 10.39 

5 ........... 450414 Termination fee (truck lease) ................................................................................. 2.81 

4 ........... VEHXP&LV Other Vehicle Expenses and Licenses ............................................................................. 185.07 

6038 Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 

APPENDIX 2—ESTIMATED DC AREA MIDDLE INCOME ANNUAL CONSUMER EXPENDITURES—Continued

[Asterisks show Detailed Expenditure Categories (DECs) at which OPM surveyed items] 

Level Code Category name Expenditures 

5 ........... 520110 State and local registration* .......................................................................................... 104.55 

5 ........... 520310 Driver’s license .............................................................................................................. 7.87 

5 ........... 520410 Vehicle inspection* ........................................................................................................ 12.05 

5 ........... PARKING Parking fees .................................................................................................................. 30.22 

6 ........... 520531 Parking fees in home city, exc. residence ................................................................ 25.57 

6 ........... 520532 Parking fees, out-of-town trips ................................................................................... 4.66 

5 ........... 520541 Tolls ............................................................................................................................... 9.63 

5 ........... 520542 Tolls on out-of-town trips ............................................................................................... 4.13 

5 ........... 520550 Towing charges ............................................................................................................. 6.19 

5 ........... 620113 Automobile service clubs .............................................................................................. 10.42 

3 ........... GASOIL PEG Gasoline and motor oil ......................................................................................................... 1,314.01 

4 ........... 470111 Gasoline* .......................................................................................................................... 1,191.85 

4 ........... 470112 Diesel fuel ......................................................................................................................... 13.42 

4 ........... 470113 Gasoline on out-of-town trips ........................................................................................... 95.76 

4 ........... 470211 Motor oil ............................................................................................................................ 12.01 

4 ........... 470212 Motor oil on out-of-town trips ............................................................................................ 0.97 

3 ........... CARP&R PEG Maintenance and repairs ...................................................................................................... 878.76 

4 ........... CARPAR Maintenance and Repair Parts ......................................................................................... 228.80 

5 ........... 470220 Coolant, additives, brake, trans. fluids .......................................................................... 6.11 

5 ........... 480110 Tires—purchased, replaced, installed* ......................................................................... 127.40 

5 ........... 480213 Parts, equipment, and accessories* ............................................................................. 84.17 

5 ........... 480214 Vehicle audio equipment, excluding labor .................................................................... 2.65 

5 ........... 480212 Vehicle products ............................................................................................................ 8.47 

4 ........... CARREP Maintenance and Repair Service* .................................................................................... 649.97 

5 ........... 490000 Misc. auto repair, servicing ........................................................................................... 45.18 

5 ........... 490110 Body work and painting ................................................................................................ 30.46 

5 ........... 490211 Clutch, transmission repair ............................................................................................ 62.11 

5 ........... 490212 Drive shaft and rear-end repair ..................................................................................... 5.66 

5 ........... 490221 Brake work, including adjustments ............................................................................... 70.91 

5 ........... 490231 Repair to steering or front-end ...................................................................................... 24.55 

5 ........... 490232 Repair to engine cooling system ................................................................................... 26.42 

5 ........... 490311 Motor tune-up ................................................................................................................ 55.13 

5 ........... 490312 Lube, oil change, and oil filters ..................................................................................... 82.42 

5 ........... 490313 Front-end alignment, wheel balance, etc. ..................................................................... 13.27 

5 ........... 490314 Shock absorber replacement ........................................................................................ 4.91 

5 ........... 490316 Gas tank repair, replacement ........................................................................................ 7.03 

5 ........... 490318 Repair tires and other repair work ................................................................................ 39.11 

5 ........... 490319 Vehicle air conditioning repair ....................................................................................... 25.24 

5 ........... 490411 Exhaust system repair ................................................................................................... 18.69 

5 ........... 490412 Electrical system repair ................................................................................................. 44.53 

5 ........... 490413 Motor repair, replacement ............................................................................................. 87.68 

5 ........... 490900 Auto repair service policy .............................................................................................. 6.67 

3 ........... 500110 PEG Vehicle insurance* ................................................................................................................ 839.60 

3 ........... CARNTL PEG Rented vehicles .................................................................................................................... 44.75 

3 ........... PUBTRANS PEG Public transportation ............................................................................................................. 766.79 

4 ........... 530110 Airline fares* ..................................................................................................................... 450.04 

4 ........... 530901 Ship fares .......................................................................................................................... 104.86 

4 ........... 530210 Intercity bus fares ............................................................................................................. 27.89 

4 ........... 530510 Intercity train fares ............................................................................................................ 38.04 

4 ........... LOCTRANS Local Transportation ......................................................................................................... 145.96 

5 ........... 530902 School bus ........................................................................................................................ 2.90 

5 ........... 530311 Intracity mass transit fares ................................................................................................ 83.27 

5 ........... 530312 Local trans. on out-of-town trips ....................................................................................... 17.89 

5 ........... 530411 Taxi fares and limousine service on trips ......................................................................... 10.50 

5 ........... 530412 Taxi fares and limousine service* ..................................................................................... 31.40 

2 ........... MEDICAL MEG Medical ................................................................................................................................. 2,161.20 

3 ........... HEALTINS PEG Health insurance* ................................................................................................................. 1,015.06 

3 ........... MEDSERVS PEG Medical services ................................................................................................................... 698.31 

4 ........... 560110 Physician’s services* ........................................................................................................ 166.71 

4 ........... 560210 Dental services* ................................................................................................................ 295.45 

4 ........... 560310 Eyecare services .............................................................................................................. 44.63 

4 ........... 560400 Service by other than physician ....................................................................................... 45.77 

4 ........... 560330 Lab tests, x-rays ............................................................................................................... 21.17 

4 ........... 570110 Hospital room* .................................................................................................................. 36.78 

4 ........... 570210 Hospital service other than room ...................................................................................... 42.44 

4 ........... 570220 Care in convalescent or nursing home ............................................................................. 34.69 

4 ........... 570230 Other medical care services ............................................................................................. 10.68 

3 ........... DRGS&MED PEG Drugs and medical Supplies ................................................................................................ 447.83 

4 ........... DRUGS Drugs .................................................................................................................................... 327.32 

5 ........... 550210 Nonprescription drugs* ..................................................................................................... 59.18 

5 ........... 550410 Nonprescription vitamins ................................................................................................... 44.63 

Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 6039

APPENDIX 2—ESTIMATED DC AREA MIDDLE INCOME ANNUAL CONSUMER EXPENDITURES—Continued

[Asterisks show Detailed Expenditure Categories (DECs) at which OPM surveyed items] 

Level Code Category name Expenditures 

5 ........... 540000 Prescription drugs* ........................................................................................................... 223.50 

4 ........... MEDSUPPL Medical supplies ................................................................................................................... 120.51 

5 ........... 550110 Eyeglasses and contact lenses* ....................................................................................... 74.50 

5 ........... 550340 Hearing aids ...................................................................................................................... 10.23 

5 ........... 550310 Topicals and dressings* .................................................................................................... 26.72 

5 ........... 550320 Medical equipment for general use .................................................................................. 2.28 

5 ........... 550330 Supportive & convalescent medical equip. ....................................................................... 3.57 

5 ........... 570901 Rental of medical equipment ............................................................................................ 1.31 

5 ........... 570903 Rental of supportive, convalescent equip. ........................................................................ 1.89 

2 ........... RECREATN MEG Recreation ............................................................................................................................ 3,032.20 

3 ........... FEESADM PEG Fees and admissions ........................................................................................................... 708.94 

4 ........... 610900 Recreation expenses, out-of-town trips ............................................................................ 37.92 

4 ........... 620111 Social, recreation, civic club membership* ....................................................................... 113.43 

4 ........... 620121 Fees for participant sports* ............................................................................................... 107.29 

4 ........... 620122 Participant sports, out-of-town trips .................................................................................. 45.09 

4 ........... 620211 Movie, theater, opera, ballet* ........................................................................................... 139.56 

4 ........... 620212 Movie, other admissions, out-of-town trips ....................................................................... 67.91 

4 ........... 620221 Admission to sporting events ........................................................................................... 47.02 

4 ........... 620222 Admission to sports events, out-of-town .......................................................................... 22.63 

4 ........... 620310 Fees for recreational lessons* .......................................................................................... 90.17 

4 ........... 620903 Other entertainment services, out-of-town ....................................................................... 37.92 

3 ........... TVAUDIO PEG Television, radios, sound equipment .................................................................................... 375.46 

4 ........... TELEVSN Televisions ........................................................................................................................ 163.24 

5 ........... 310110 Black and white TV ....................................................................................................... 1.22 

5 ........... 310120 Color TV—console ........................................................................................................ 36.90 

5 ........... 310130 Color TV—portable, table model* ................................................................................. 42.90 

5 ........... 310210 VCR’s and video disc players* ...................................................................................... 28.60 

5 ........... 310220 Video cassettes, tapes, and discs ................................................................................ 27.98 

5 ........... 310230 Video game hardware and software ............................................................................. 22.29 

5 ........... 340610 Repair of TV, radio, & sound equipment ...................................................................... 3.20 

5 ........... 340902 Rental of televisions ...................................................................................................... 0.15 

4 ........... AUDIO Radios, sound equipment ................................................................................................. 212.22 

5 ........... 310311 Radios ........................................................................................................................... 18.25 

5 ........... 310313 Tape recorders and players .......................................................................................... 3.73 

5 ........... 310320 Sound components and systems* ................................................................................ 29.63 

5 ........... 310331 Miscellaneous sound equipment ................................................................................... 0.40 

5 ........... 310332 Sound equipment accessories ...................................................................................... 5.53 

5 ........... 310334 Satellite dishes .............................................................................................................. 4.12 

5 ........... 310341 Compact disc & tape mail order clubs* ........................................................................ 12.40 

5 ........... 310342 Records, CDs, audio tapes, needles ............................................................................ 51.07 

5 ........... 340905 Rental of VCR, radio, & sound equip. .......................................................................... 0.78 

5 ........... 610130 Musical instruments and accessories ........................................................................... 33.27 

5 ........... 620904 Rental and repair of musical instruments ..................................................................... 1.70 

5 ........... 620912 Rental of video cassettes, tapes, discs* ....................................................................... 51.34 

3 ........... PETSPLAY PEG Pets, toys, and playground equipment ................................................................................. 560.22 

4 ........... PETS Pets ................................................................................................................................... 359.15 

5 ........... 610310 Pet food* ....................................................................................................................... 155.98 

5 ........... 610320 Pet purchase, supplies, medicine ................................................................................. 61.37 

5 ........... 620410 Pet services ................................................................................................................... 29.65 

5 ........... 620420 Vet services* ................................................................................................................. 112.15 

4 ........... 610110 Toys, games, hobbies, and tricycles* ............................................................................... 197.38 

4 ........... 610120 Playground equipment ...................................................................................................... 3.70 

3 ........... ENTEROTH PEG Other entertainment supplies, equipment, and services ...................................................... 472.20 

4 ........... UNMTRBOT Unmotored recreational vehicles ...................................................................................... 52.15 

5 ........... 600121 Boat without motor and boat trailers ............................................................................. 15.59 

5 ........... 600122 Trailer and other attachable campers ........................................................................... 36.56 

4 ........... PWRSPVEH Motorized recreational vehicles* ....................................................................................... 85.80 

5 ........... 600141 Purchase of motorized camper ..................................................................................... 29.86 

5 ........... 600142 Purchase of other vehicle ............................................................................................. 25.07 

5 ........... 600132 Purchase of boat with motor ......................................................................................... 30.88 

4 ........... RNTSPVEH Rental of recreational vehicles ......................................................................................... 3.59 

5 ........... 520904 Rental noncamper trailer ............................................................................................... 0.30 

5 ........... 520907 Boat and trailer rental out-of-town trips ........................................................................ 1.01 

5 ........... 620909 Rental of campers on out-of-town trips ......................................................................... 1.58 

5 ........... 620919 Rental of other vehicles on out-of-town trips ................................................................ 0.68 

5 ........... 620922 Rental of other RV’s ...................................................................................................... 0.01 

4 ........... 600110 Outboard motors* ............................................................................................................. 5.32 

4 ........... 520901 Docking and landing fees ................................................................................................. 9.53 

4 ........... RECEQUIP Sports, recreation and exercise equipment ...................................................................... 193.09 

5 ........... 600210 Athletic gear, game tables, and equip.* ........................................................................ 78.85 

5 ........... 600310 Bicycles* ........................................................................................................................ 11.98 

6040 Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 

APPENDIX 2—ESTIMATED DC AREA MIDDLE INCOME ANNUAL CONSUMER EXPENDITURES—Continued

[Asterisks show Detailed Expenditure Categories (DECs) at which OPM surveyed items] 

Level Code Category name Expenditures 

5 ........... 600410 Camping equipment ...................................................................................................... 16.00 

5 ........... 600420 Hunting and fishing equipment ..................................................................................... 50.58 

5 ........... 600430 Winter sports equipment ............................................................................................... 4.54 

5 ........... 600901 Water sports equipment ................................................................................................ 10.82 

5 ........... 600902 Other sports equipment ................................................................................................ 18.12 

5 ........... 620908 Rental and repair of misc. sports equip. ....................................................................... 2.20 

4 ........... PHOTOEQ Photographic equip., supplies and services ..................................................................... 105.39 

5 ........... 610210 Film* .............................................................................................................................. 23.42 

5 ........... 610220 Other photographic supplies ......................................................................................... 1.15 

5 ........... 620330 Film processing* ............................................................................................................ 35.03 

5 ........... 620905 Repair & rental of photographic equip. ......................................................................... 0.33 

5 ........... 610230 Photographic equipment ............................................................................................... 23.27 

5 ........... 620320 Photographer fees ......................................................................................................... 22.19 

4 ........... 610901 Fireworks .......................................................................................................................... 2.56 

4 ........... 610902 Souvenirs .......................................................................................................................... 1.70 

4 ........... 610903 Visual goods ..................................................................................................................... 2.90 

4 ........... 620913 Pinball, electronic video games ........................................................................................ 10.18 

3 ........... PERSPROD PEG Personal care products ........................................................................................................ 336.66 

4 ........... 640110 Hair care products* ........................................................................................................... 73.16 

4 ........... 640120 Nonelectric articles for the hair ......................................................................................... 6.72 

4 ........... 640130 Wigs and hairpieces ......................................................................................................... 1.36 

4 ........... 640210 Oral hygiene products, articles ......................................................................................... 35.09 

4 ........... 640220 Shaving needs .................................................................................................................. 18.84 

4 ........... 640310 Cosmetics, perfume, bath preparation* ............................................................................ 155.44 

4 ........... 640410 Deodorants, hygiene, misc. personal care ....................................................................... 34.75 

4 ........... 640420 Electric personal care appliances ..................................................................................... 11.31 

3 ........... PERSSERV PEG Personal care services ......................................................................................................... 342.23 

4 ........... 650310 Personal care service* ...................................................................................................... 342.23 

3 ........... READING PEG Reading ................................................................................................................................ 236.49 

4 ........... 590110 Newspapers .......................................................................................................................... 91.52 

5 ........... 590111 Newspaper subscriptions* ................................................................................................ 69.14 

5 ........... 590112 Newspaper, non-subscriptions* ........................................................................................ 22.38 

4 ........... 590210 Magazines ............................................................................................................................ 50.39 

5 ........... 590211 Magazine subscriptions* ...................................................................................................... 33.86 

5 ........... 590212 Magazines, non-subscriptions* ............................................................................................ 16.52 

4 ........... 590220 Books thru book clubs .......................................................................................................... 14.49 

4 ........... 590230 Books not thru book clubs* .................................................................................................. 79.69 

4 ........... 660310 Encyclopedia and other reference books ............................................................................ 0.40 

2 ........... EDU&COMM MEG Education and Communication ............................................................................................ 1,991.01 

3 ........... EDUCATN PEG Education .............................................................................................................................. 100.84 

4 ........... 670210 Elementary and high school tuition* ................................................................................. 85.25 

4 ........... 660210 School books, supplies, equipment .................................................................................. 15.59 

3 ........... COMMICAT PEG Communications ................................................................................................................... 1,579.20 

4 ........... PHONE Telephone services .............................................................................................................. 1,101.68 

5 ........... 270101 Telephone services, exc. cell phones* ............................................................................. 941.68 

5 ........... 270102 Telephone services for cell phones* ................................................................................ 160.01 

4 ........... 690114 Computer information services* ........................................................................................ 114.65 

4 ........... 270310 Community antenna or cable TV* .................................................................................... 362.87 

3 ........... COMP&SVC PEG Computers and Computer Services ..................................................................................... 310.97 

4 ........... 690113 Repair of computers for nonbusiness use ........................................................................ 3.85 

4 ........... 690111 Computers & hardware nonbusiness use* ....................................................................... 279.53 

4 ........... 690112 Software & accessories for nonbus. use .......................................................................... 27.59 

2 ........... MISCMEG MEG Miscellaneous ....................................................................................................................... 6,716.22 

3 ........... TOBACCO PEG Tobacco products and smoking supplies ............................................................................. 236.00 

4 ........... 630110 Cigarettes* ........................................................................................................................ 218.42 

4 ........... 630210 Other tobacco products .................................................................................................... 15.83 

4 ........... 630220 Smoking accessories ........................................................................................................ 1.76 

3 ........... MISC PEG Miscellaneous ....................................................................................................................... 1,015.55 

4 ........... 620911 Miscellaneous fees, pari-mutuel losses ............................................................................... 57.67 

4 ........... 680110 Legal fees* ........................................................................................................................... 124.11 

4 ........... 680140 Funeral expenses* ............................................................................................................... 53.22 

4 ........... 680210 Safe deposit box rental ........................................................................................................ 5.19 

4 ........... 680220 Checking accounts & bank service charges ........................................................................ 27.73 

4 ........... 680901 Cemetery lots, vaults, maintenance fees ............................................................................. 18.12 

4 ........... 680902 Accounting fees* .................................................................................................................. 74.37 

4 ........... 680903 Miscellaneous personal services .......................................................................................... 56.04 

4 ........... 710110 Credit card interest and annual fees* .................................................................................. 375.49 

4 ........... 900001 Occupational expenses ........................................................................................................ 133.33 

4 ........... 790600 Expenses for other properties .............................................................................................. 87.52 

4 ........... 880210 Interest paid, home equity line of credit ............................................................................... 2.75 

3 ........... INSPENSN PEG Personal insurance and pensions ........................................................................................ 5,464.66 

Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 6041

APPENDIX 2—ESTIMATED DC AREA MIDDLE INCOME ANNUAL CONSUMER EXPENDITURES—Continued

[Asterisks show Detailed Expenditure Categories (DECs) at which OPM surveyed items] 

Level Code Category name Expenditures 

4 ........... LIFEINSR Life and other personal insurance* ...................................................................................... 660.18 ′

4 ........... PENSIONS Pensions and Social Security* ............................................................................................. 4,804.48 

Appendix 3 COLA Survey Items and 

Descriptions 

Adhesive bandages. 1 box of 30 adhesive 

bandages. Assorted sizes. Clear or flexible ok 

to use. (Note: in Virginia, add tax to this 

item.) Use: Band Aid brand, Nexcare. 

Airfare—Los Angeles. Lowest cost round 

trip ticket to Los Angeles, CA, 3-week 

advance reservation, departing and returning 

midweek, including Saturday night stay. 

Price nonrefundable ticket. Disregard 

restrictions, super-saver fares, and special 

promotions. (In reference area, price all 

flights from BWI, Reagan/National, and 

Dulles. Price all flights via Internet on same 

day.) Use: Round Trip. 

Airfare—Miami. Lowest cost round trip 

ticket to Miami, FL, 3-week advance 

reservation, departing and returning 

midweek, including Saturday night stay. 

Price nonrefundable ticket. Disregard 

restrictions, super-saver fares, and special 

promotions. (In reference area, price all 

flights from BWI, Reagan/National, Dulles. 

Price all flights via Internet on same day.) 

Use: Round Trip. 

Airfare—Seattle. Lowest cost round trip 

ticket to Seattle, WA, 3-week advance 

reservation, departing and returning 

midweek. (Including Saturday night stay). 

Price nonrefundable ticket. Disregard 

restrictions, super-saver fares, and special 

promotions. (In reference area, price all 

flights from BWI, Reagan/National, Dulles. 

Price all flights via Internet on same day.) 

Use: Round Trip. 

Airfare—St. Louis. Lowest cost round trip 

ticket to St. Louis, MO, 3-week advance 

reservation, departing and returning 

midweek. (Including Saturday night stay). 

Price nonrefundable ticket. Disregard 

restrictions, super-saver fares, and special 

promotions. (In reference area, price all 

flights from BWI, Dulles, and Reagan/

National Airport. Price all flights via Internet 

on same day.) Use: Round Trip. 

Alternator (Ford). Price of a 95 Amp 

alternator for a 1996 Ford Explorer 4.0L Fuel 

Injected V6 with A/C and AT to the 

consumer at a dealership. Use: Alternator 

(Ford). 

Alternator (Honda). Price of an alternator 

for a 1996 Honda Civic DX, 4 Door 1.7L, 4 

cylinder, with A/C and AT to the consumer 

at a dealership. Use: Honda, Mitsubishi. 

Alternator (Toyota). Price of an 80 Amp 

alternator for a 1996 Toyota Camry LE, 4 

Door, 2.4L, 4 cylinder, with A/C and AT to 

the consumer at a dealership. Use: Alternator 

(Toyota). 

Antacid. One large size bottle of extra or 

ultra strength tablets. Count varies from 72 to 

96 tablets. Use: Tums EX 96 tablets, Tums 

Ultra 72 tablets. 

Antibacterial ointment. 1 ounce tube of 

antibacterial ointment. (Note: in Virginia, do 

not add tax to this item.) Use: Neosporin. 

Apples. Price per pound, loose (not 

bagged). If only bagged available, report bag 

weight. Note quality. Use: Red Delicious, 

Golden Delicious. 

Area Rug (Catalog). Approximately 8′ X 11′

braided rug, flat woven, 3-ply yarn. Wool/

nylon/rayon. Multi-colored accents. Include 

shipping and handling. Use: Area rug (A751–

0449 C). 

Area Rug (Furn Store). Approximately 8′ X 

11′ braided rug, flat woven, 3-ply yarn. Wool/

nylon/rayon. Multi-colored accents. Use: 

Area Rug. 

Aspirin. 50 count bottle. If no Bayer, report 

Bufferin or Excedrin as a substitute. Use: 

Bayer. 

Auto Finance Rate. Interest rate for a 4-year 

loan on a new car with a down payment of 

20 percent. Assume the loan applicant is a 

current bank customer who will make 

payments by cash/check and not by 

automatic deduction from the account. Use: 

Interest Percentage Rate (times 100). 

Auto Inspection. Annual cost of auto safety 

and emissions inspection required by local 

government. If not required annually prorate 

to annual. Assume 4-year trade cycle. Use: 

Auto Inspection. 

Baby Food. 4 oz jar strained vegetables or 

fruit. Use: Gerber Seconds Baby Food, Heinz 

Baby Food. 

Babysitter. Minimum hourly wage 

appropriate to area. Use: Babysitting. 

Baking Dish. 8 inch square glass, clear or 

tinted. Exclude baking dish with cover or lid. 

Use: Pyrex, Anchor Hocking. 

Bananas. Price per pound If sold by bunch, 

report price and weight of average sized 

bunch. Note quality. Use: Available Brand. 

Basic Funeral Services. Basic services of 

Funeral Director and staff, including 

overhead. Price covers conducting the 

arrangements conference; planning the 

funeral; consulting with family and clergy; 

shelter of remains; preparing and filing of 

necessary notices; obtaining necessary 

authorizations and permits; coordinating 

with the cemetery, crematory or other third 

parties; proportionate share of basic overhead 

costs. Note any other services that are 

included in price. Use: Basic Funeral 

Services. 

Bath Towel. 541⁄2′′×30′′ wide (aprox.) 100% 

cotton, medium weight. Side hem is woven 

selvage. Bottom hem may be folded. Use: 

Martha Stewart Everyday #246943286, Store 

brand. 

Beer at Home (bottles). 6 pack of bottled 

beer, 12 oz size. Use: Budweiser. 

Beer at Home (cans). Six-pack of 12 oz 

cans of Budweiser. Do not price refrigerated 

beer unless that is the only type available. In 

Puerto Rico, price 10 oz cans and report as 

substitutes. Use: Budweiser.

Beer Away—(CH type). One glass of 

Budweiser/Miller Lite beer. Price only at 

Chart House type restaurants where dinner is 

priced. Use: Budweiser, Miller Lite. 

Beer Away—(RC type). One glass of 

Budweiser/Miller lite beer. Price only at 

Ruth’s Chris type restaurants where dinner is 

priced. Use: Budweiser, Miller Lite. 

Beer Away—Casual. One glass of 

Budweiser/Miller Lite beer. Price only at 

casual restaurants where dinner is priced. 

Use: Budweiser, Miller Lite. 

Bicycle 20′′. 1-speed boy’s bike with 

kickstand. Solid frame and front forks (i.e., 

no shock absorbers). Coaster brake in rear. 

Caliper brake in front. Use: Huffy Turbo 

Blast, Quasar, Mongoose. 

Board Game. Standard edition, Not deluxe. 

Use: Sorry, Scrabble, Life. 

Book. Store price (not publisher’s list price 

unless that is the store price) for top selling 

paperback book. Also price via Amazon.com. 

Use: Kentucky Rich (Michaels), On the Street 

Where you Live (Clark), Dust To Dust (Hoag). 

Bottled water. One gallon (128 fl oz) spring 

water. Do not price sparkling or distilled 

water. Record brand in comments. Use: Store 

brand, Local brand. 

Bowling. One game of open (or non-league) 

10-pin bowling on Saturday night. Exclude 

shoe rental. If priced by the hour, report 

hourly rate divided by estimated number of 

games per hour and note hourly rate in 

comments. Do not price duck-pin bowling. 

Use: Bowling. 

Boy’s Jeans. Regular fit, size range 9–14, 

inexpensive jeans. Not bleached, stonewashed or designer jeans. Use: Rustler, 

Wrangler. 

Boy’s Polo Shirt. Knit polo-type shirt with 

collar, solid color, size range 7–14. Prefer no 

embroidered emblem. Not Izod or Polo 

brand. Use: Local brand. 

Boy’s Polo Shirt (Name brand). Name 

brand, knit polo shirt with collar, solid color, 

preferably without embroidered emblem. 

Size 7–14. Use: Polo, Calvin Klein. 

Boy’s T-Shirt. Screen-printed t-shirt for 

boys ages 8 thru 10 (size 7–14). Pullover with 

crew neck, short sleeves and polyester/cotton 

blend. Do not price team logo shirts. Use: 

Store brand. 

Bread, White. 22–24 oz loaf, sliced. Not 

store brand. Use: Wonder, Sunbeam, Holsum. 

Breakfast full-service. 2 strips of bacon or 

2 sausages, 2 eggs, toast, coffee, and juice. 

Check sales tax and INCLUDE in price. Use: 

Bacon and Eggs. 

Breakfast, Fast Food (Bagel). Ham, Egg and 

Cheese Bagel, hash brown and coffee. Use 

value meal, medium size. Check sales tax and 

INCLUDE in price. Use: Ham, Egg & Cheese 

Bagel value meal. 

Breakfast, Fast Food (Egg McMuffin). Egg 

McMuffin, hash brown and coffee. Use value 

meal, medium size. Check sales tax and 

6042 Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 

INCLUDE in price. Use: Egg McMuffin value 

meal. 

Cable TV, Basic Service. One month lowest 

level service. Report number of channels. If 

12 or less, price next service level unless it 

includes premium (e.g., movie) channels. Do 

not report hook-up charges. Use: 1 month of 

cable TV. 

Cable TV, Level 1 Service. One month of 

the next level of service above lowest level. 

If premium (e.g., movie) channels included, 

please note in remarks (e.g., HBO1, Disney, 

Home Team Sports). Use: Level I Cable. 

Camera Film. Single roll, 35 millimeter, 24 

exposure, 100 ASA (speed). If only multi-roll 

packs available, note number of rolls and 

ASA of each in comments. Use: Kodak Gold, 

Fuji. 

Candy Bar. One regular size, weight 

approx. 1.55 oz to 2.13 oz. Not king-size or 

multi-pack. Use: Snickers, Hershey’s. 

Canned Chopped Ham. 12 oz can of 

processed luncheon meat. Do not price 

turkey, light or smoked. Use: SPAM. 

Canned Green Beans. 14–15 oz can of plain 

cut green beans. Do not price French cut 

style, Italian style, canned vegetable 

mixtures, or similar specialty variations. Use: 

Del Monte, Green Giant. 

Canned Ham—2 pound. 2 pound canned 

ham. Use: DAK, Hormel Black Label. 

Canned Ham—3 pound. 3 pound canned 

ham. Use: DAK, Hormel Black Label, 

Dubuque. 

Canned Peaches. 15–16 oz can of sliced 

peaches. Do not price lite or juice pack. Use: 

Libby’s, Del Monte. 

Canned Soup. Regular size (approx 10 oz). 

Not hearty, reduced fat or salt free varieties. 

Use: Campbell’s Vegetable Soup, Campbell’s 

Chicken Noodle Soup. 

Canned Tuna. Chunk light, packed in 

water (6.0 oz to 6.13 oz). Do not price fancy 

style or albacore. Use: Star Kist, Bumble Bee. 

Cellular Phone Middle Plan. Middle level 

monthly cellular phone service with a 

minimum of 500 anytime minutes and 3000 

weekend and evening minutes per month. 

Use: Cingular, Sprint. 

Cellular Telephone Service. Basic monthly 

cellular phone service with a minimum of 

250 anytime minutes and 1000 weekend and 

evening minutes per month. Use basic 

minimum offers from carriers that have 

similar monthly phone plans. Use: Monthly 

Service. 

Cereal. 18 to 20 oz box of raisin bran 

cereal. Use: Post Raisin Bran, Kellogg’s Raisin 

Bran. 

Charcoal grill. Charcoal grill, heavy gauge, 

porcelain enameled, steel lid, approx. 22.5′′

in diameter. Use: Weber1touchsilver 

(741001).

Cheese. 10 oz package cheese. Price mild 

cheddar if available. Use: Kraft Cracker 

Barrel. 

Chicken breast. Price per pound of USDA 

grade boneless, skinless chicken breasts. 

Price store brand if available, otherwise 

record brand. Note: Most ‘‘fresh’’ (i.e., not 

frozen) chicken is ‘‘chilled’’ to almost 

freezing. Do not price frozen chicken. Use: 

Boneless, skinless breast. 

Chicken, Whole. Price per pound of USDA 

graded, whole fryer chicken. Price store 

brand if available, otherwise record brand. 

Note: Most ‘‘fresh’’ (i.e., not frozen) chicken 

is ‘‘chilled’’ to almost freezing. Do not price 

frozen chicken. Use: Whole fryer. 

Cigarettes. One pack filter kings soft pack. 

Not generic. Use: Winston, Marlboro. 

Clean and Check Up. Current patient 

charge for routine exam, including 2-bite 

wing x-rays and cleaning of teeth (light 

scaling and polishing). No special treatment 

of gums or teeth. Not initial visit. Not 

specialist or oral surgeon. Price for an adult. 

Use: Dentist check-up. 

Coffee, Ground. 13 oz can. Do not price 

decaffeinated or special roasts. Use: Folger’s, 

Maxwell House. 

Compact Disc (Discount Store). Current 

best-selling CD. Do not price double CD’s. 

Use: Spiderman Soundtrack, C’mon, C’mon 

(Sheryl Crow). 

Compact Disc (Music Store). Current bestselling CD. Do not price double CD’s. Use: 

Spiderman Soundtrack, C’mon, C’mon 

(Sheryl Crow). 

Compact Disc Player. 5 disc rotary changer, 

32-track programming, 10 key access, 8 times 

over sampling, and remote. IMPORTANT: 

Specific model numbers may vary by dealer. 

Use: Sony CDPCE275, JVC XLFZ158, RCA 

RP8075. 

Computer. Laptop computer with 14 inch 

screen, Intel Pentium III 1.2 GHZ 

processor, 20 GB hard drive, 128MB memory, 

and DVD–CDRW ROM, 56K modem, 

Windows XP Home operating system. Use: 

HP Pavilion ZT1135 Notebook PC, Compaq 

1700 series, Gateway 500Seb. 

Contact Lenses. One box of disposable 

contact lenses, 3 pairs in the box, a pair lasts 

two weeks. Price of 1 box only. Use: 

Sequence, Medalists, Acuvue. 

Cookies. 18—20 oz package. Use: Keebler 

Chips Deluxe, Nabisco Chips Ahoy. 

Cooking oil. 48 FL oz plastic bottle. Not 

blends, corn oil, olive oil, or canola oil. Use: 

Crisco, Wesson Oil. 

Cordless phone. Cordless phone with 

approx. 30 channels and caller id. 900 MHz 

to 2.4 GHz. Use: Panasonic (KXTGA100N), 

Uniden (TRU246), Vtech (VT2421). 

Credit Card. Interest and Annual Fee Sum 

of charge card interest rate applied to the 

national average balance ($8,562) plus any 

annual fees charged by the bank. Do not use 

Gold or Platinum cards. Use: Total Cost. 

Cremation Services. Direct cremation. 

Includes removal of remains, local 

transportation to crematory, necessary body 

care and minimal services of the staff. 

Include crematory fee and obtain minimum 

container fee. Use: Cremation Services. 

Day Care. One month of day care for a 3 

year old child, 5 days a week, about 10 hours 

per day. If monthly rate is not available, 1) 

obtain weekly rate, and record in the 

comments section 2) multiply weekly rate by 

4.33 to obtain monthly rate. Price at day care 

center (in a Federal building is ok, but not 

on a military base). Try private first, then at 

a Federal center next. If subsidized, ask 

details. Use: DAY CARE. 

Dental Crown. Cost of composite on lower 

molar without restoration. Price for an adult. 

Use: Dental crown. 

Dental filling. Lower molar, two surfaces 

amalgam filling. Price for an adult. Use: 

Dental filling. 

Dining table set (Catalog). Contemporary 

style, rectangular table, solid hardwood, no 

leaf, four legs. Imported. 48×30′′. Two side 

chairs: 18×22×37′′, and two end chairs with 

arms: 231⁄2×203⁄4×37′′. No or minimum pads 

on chairs. Include shipping and handling. 

Use: Manhattan Collection. 

Dining table set (Furn Store).

Contemporary style, rectangular table, solid 

hardwood, no leaf, four legs. Imported. 

48×30′′. Two side chairs: 18×22×37′′, and two 

end chairs with arms: 231⁄2×203⁄4×37′′. No or 

minimum pads on chairs. Use: Manhattan 

Collection. 

Dinner-Full Service (Chart House type).

Large steak dinner (10 to 16 oz), salad, rice 

or potato, no coffee. Do not include tip. 

Check sales tax and INCLUDE in price. Use: 

Large steak dinner. 

Dinner-Full Service (Pancake House type).

8–12 oz steak, small side dish (e.g., rice or 

potato), side salad or salad bar, and coffee. 

Meal should not include dessert. If 8–12 oz 

unavailable, price closest size and note in 

comments. Check sales tax and INCLUDE in 

price. Do not include tip. Use: Steak Dinner. 

Dinner-Full Service (Ruth’s Chris type). 8–

10 oz petite filet, salad, potato, no coffee. 

Check sales tax and INCLUDE in price. Do 

not include tip. Use: Petite filet dinner. 

Dinner-Full Service (Casual). 8–12 oz steak, 

small side dish (e.g., rice or potato), side 

salad or salad bar, and coffee. Meal should 

not include dessert. If 8–12 oz unavailable, 

price closest size and note in comments. 

Check sales tax and INCLUDE in price. Do 

not include tip. Use: Steak Dinner. 

Dish Set. Corelle Abundance pattern 

tableware 20-piece set. Includes: 4 dinner 

plates, 4 luncheon plates, 4 bowls, 4 cups, 

and 4 saucers. Pattern is beige with a fruit 

and flower motif. Use: Corelle Impressions, 

New Corelle. 

Disposable diapers. 34 count package, 

Stage 2 (child 12–18 pounds). Not jumbo, 

overnight or larger size diapers. Use: 

Pampers, Huggies. 

Doctor Office Visit. Typical fee when 

medical advice or simple treatment is 

needed. Not initial visit. Exclude regular 

physical examination, injections, 

medications, or lab tests. Use general 

practitioner not pediatrician or other 

specialist. Use: Doctor visit. 

Drill, Cord. 1⁄2′′ reversible, variable speed, 

key-type chuck, 5.5 amp electric drill with 

cord. Use: Black & Decker DR500. 

Drill, Cordless. Variable speed, reversible, 

key-less chuck, 9.6 volt, electric drill with 

fast recharge. Use: Makita Model 6095DWBE, 

DeWalt DW926K–2. 

Dry clean Man’s Suit. 2-piece man’s suit of 

typical fabric. Do not price for silk, suede or 

other unusual materials. Use: Dry cleaning. 

DVD player. 5 disc DVD/CD player with 

remote, with on-screen menus. Jacks are 

located in the back. Use: Panasonic (DVD–

CV52K). 

Education, K–12 Private. Cost of tuition. 

Note if books & uniforms are included. If 

price varies by grade, record in comments 

price for each grade. Note any annual, 

recurring fees, i.e., registration, computer, 

activity, etc. Avoid pricing at churchaffiliated schools if possible. If not possible, 

note any rate differences for church members 

versus others. Use: Ed, K–12 Private. 

Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 6043

Eggs (brown, large) One dozen large, brown 

eggs. Record brand in comments. Use: Store 

brand, Local brand. 

Eggs (white, large). One dozen large eggs. 

Not brown eggs. Record brand in comments. 

Use: Local Brand, Store Brand.

Eggs (white, medium). One dozen medium, 

white eggs. Do not price brown eggs. Record 

brand in comments. Use: Store brand, Local 

brand. 

Electric Bill. Price per KWH, plus any 

additional monthly charges. Obtain local 

electrical utility bill, as possible. Use: utility 

worksheet. 

Electric Broom. Electric broom style 

vacuum cleaner w/ approx. 2–6 amps, 120 

volts. Electric bagless broom, dirt cup. Use: 

HooverTempoStikVacORQuikBroomSuprem, 

Bissel Easy Vac Plus 5 amp 3102–D, Eureka 

Boss Lite. 

Embalming. Price for embalming nonautopsied remains. Use: Embalming. 

Fast food Dinner Burger. Hamburger meal 

consisting of a Big Mac, Medium fries and 

medium soft drink. Check sales tax and 

INCLUDE in price. Use: Big Mac Value Meal. 

Fast food Dinner Pizza. Medium cheese 

pizza with salad and small soft drink. Check 

sales tax and INCLUDE in price. Use: 

Medium Cheese Pizza. 

Fast food Lunch Burger. Hamburger meal 

consisting of a Big Mac, Medium fries and 

medium soft drink. Check sales tax and 

INCLUDE in price. Use: Big Mac Value Meal. 

Fast food Lunch Pizza. Personal size 

cheese pizza or 1 slice of cheese pizza, and 

a small soft drink. Do NOT include salad. 

Check sales tax and INCLUDE in price. Use: 

Cheese Pizza. 

FEGLI (Life Insurance). Federal Life 

Insurance. Not surveyed. Constant across all 

areas. Use: OPM. 

FEHB Insurance. Self Only and Self and 

Family. OPM provides data on Federal 

Health Benefits Insurance premiums. Use: 

OPM. 

FERS/CSRS Contributions. Federal 

Retirement Contributions. Not surveyed. 

Assumed to be constant across all areas. Use: 

FERS/CSRS. 

Filing cabinet. 2 drawer metal vertical file 

cabinet, approx. 24′′×14′′× 8′′ file drawer sides 

may accommodate hanging files. Use: Hirsh 

Industries, Space Solutions, or Work.Org 

brand. 

Film processing. 1 hour color film 

processing, in store. 24 exposure, 35 mm, 3×5 

single print. Use: Film processing 1 hour. 

Ford Explorer—2WD. Purchase price of a 

2002 Ford Explorer XLS, 2 wheel drive, 4 

door, 4.0 liter, 6 cylinder, 5-speed automatic 

overdrive transmission. Please note the price 

of any special option packages. Use 

Worksheet. Use: Ford Explorer XLS 2 WD–

AT. 

Ford Explorer—4WD. Purchase price of a 

2002 Ford Explorer XLT, 4x4, 4 door, 4.0 

liter, 6 cylinder, 5-speed automatic overdrive 

transmission. Please note the price of any 

special option packages. Use Worksheet. Use: 

Ford Explorer XLT. 

Ford License, Reg, & Taxes (2WD). Annual 

license, registration and personal property 

taxes for a Ford Explorer, 2 wheel drive Use: 

Ford 2WD License, Reg & Taxes. 

Ford License, Reg, & Taxes (4WD). License, 

registration, and periodic taxes (e.g., road or 

personal property tax, but NOT one-time 

taxes such as sales tax) on a 2002 Ford 

Explorer XLT, 4x4, 4 door, 4.0 liter, 6 

cylinder, 5-speed automatic overdrive 

transmission. Use: FORD 4 WD MISC TAXES 

& REG. 

Fresh Mahi-Mahi. Price per pound of fresh 

mahi-mahi fillet. Do not price previously 

frozen (PF) or specially prepared varieties. 

Do not price family-pack, value-pack, supersave pack, or equivalent. Use: Mahi-Mahi 

fillet. 

Fresh Red Snapper. Price per pound of 

fresh Red Snapper. Use: Red Snapper. 

Fresh Salmon. Price per pound of fresh 

salmon fillet. Do not price previously frozen 

(PF) or specially prepared varieties. Do not 

price family-pack, value-pack, super-save 

pack, or equivalent. Use: Salmon fillet. 

Fresh Shrimp. Price per pound of fresh 

tiger shrimp-size 16 to 20 count per pound. 

Do not price previously frozen (PF) or 

specially prepared varieties. Do not price 

family-pack, value-pack, super-save pack, or 

equivalent. Use: Tiger Shrimp. 

Frozen fish fillet. Price of frozen ocean 

whitefish fillet prepared with a sauce (e.g., 

lemon-butter, teriyaki, or Cajun sauce). Do 

not price breaded filets. Use: Gorton’s grilled 

fillets, Mrs. Paul’s. 

Frozen orange juice. 12 fl oz orange juice 

concentrate (makes 48 fl oz). Do not price 

calcium fortified, pulp free, country style, 

etc. Use: Sunkist, Minute Maid. 

Frozen peas. 16 oz package. Do not price 

peas with sauce or Green Giant Select. Use: 

Green Giant, Birdseye, Hanover. 

Frozen TV Dinner. One 11.5-oz 

(approximate) frozen dinner with vegetable 

and/or other condiment. Do not price Hungry 

Man or equivalent extra-portion sizes. Use: 

Swanson Turkey Dinner, Swanson Fried 

Chicken Dinner. 

Frozen waffles. 8 to 10 waffles per package. 

Use: Aunt Jemima, Kellogg’s, Eggo. 

Fruit Drink. 64 fl oz bottle. Not powdered 

mixes or individual serving sized drinks. 

Use: Hi-C, Hawaiian Punch. 

Fruit Juice. 48 oz glass or plastic bottle of 

juice. Do not price frozen or boxed drink or 

drink in significantly different size bottle. 

Use: Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail, 

Ocean Spray Cranapple. 

Gasoline. Self-Serve Price per gallon for 

self-service unleaded regular gasoline. Use: 

Gas for cars.

Gelatin. 3 oz box gelatin dessert. Use: JELLO, Royal. 

General Admission. Adult price for regular 

length, current-release (currently advertised 

on television) evening film. Report weekend 

evening price if different from weekday. Use: 

Movie. 

Girl’s dress. Cotton blend short or longsleeved dress appropriate for school. Exclude 

extra ornamentation. Size range 7–14 (for 

ages 8–10). Use: Store brand. 

Girl’s Dress (Catalog). Girls shantung dress, 

braided trim, empire waist, back zip, dry 

clean. Include shipping and handling. Use: 

Shantung dress. 

Girl’s jeans. Basic plain jeans for girls ages 

8–10 (size 7–14). Store brand, e.g., Arizona 

for JC Penney. Use: Store brand. 

Girl’s Jeans (Catalog). Girls 5 pocket, prewashed jeans, machine washable. Include 

shipping and handling. Use: 5 pocket jeans. 

Girl’s jeans (CK type). Designer basic plain 

jeans for girls ages 8–10 (size 7–14). Use: 

Calvin Klein Classics. 

Girl’s Polo type top. Girl’s polo cotton 

blend, not stretchy material (that has lycra), 

striped or solid pattern. Sizes 7–14. Use: 

Store brand. 

Gold Ball Earrings (Dept Store). One pair 

6mm, 14K hollow, gold ball earrings for 

pierced ears. If not available, but 4, 5, 7 or 

8mm are available, record each separately as 

a substitute. Do not price gold filled. Use: 

Store Brand. 

Gold Ball Earrings (Jewelry Store). One pair 

6mm, 14K hollow, gold ball earrings for 

pierced ears. If not available, but 4, 5, 7 or 

8mm are available, record each separately as 

a substitute. Do not price gold filled. Use: 

store brand. 

Golf. 18 holes of golf on weekend w/cart. 

No par 3 courses or early-bird/off-hours 

prices. If only 9 holes available, double price. 

If only daily rate available (unlimited number 

of holes), report the Sat/Sun rate. If at resort, 

price RESIDENT FEE only. Use: golf. 

Ham, Cured, not canned. Price per pound 

a boneless cured ham. Do not price honey 

glazed. Use: Store Brand. 

Hamburger Buns. 8-count package of sliced 

enriched white hamburger buns. Do not price 

store brand, lite, whole wheat, or sesame 

seed buns. Use: Wonder, Sunbeam, Holsum. 

Hammer (Graphite Fiber Handle). Smooth 

head, 16 oz nail hammer, curved or straight 

claw, with graphite handle. Use: Stanley 51–

505. 

Hammer (wood handle). 16-oz curved 

claw, high carbon steel head, black finish, 

wood handle. Overall length 13 1⁄4′′. This is 

a typical homeowner’s hammer. Do not price 

hammers with non-wooden handles or those 

typically used by carpenters or cabinet 

makers. Use: Stanley 51616, Stanley 51416. 

Health club membership. 1 year regular 

individual membership for EXISTING 

MEMBER. No special offers. If no yearly rate, 

price month and prorate. Service must 

include free weights, cardiovascular equip., 

and aerobic classes. Note if pool, tennis, 

racquet ball, or other service included. Use: 

Health club. 

Honda Civic. Purchase price of a 2002 

Honda Civic Sedan DX, 4 door, 1.7 liter, 4 

cylinder, automatic transmission. Please note 

the price of any special option packages. Use 

Worksheet. Use: Honda Civic DX. 

Honda License, Reg, & Taxes. License, 

registration, and periodic taxes (e.g., road or 

personal property tax, but NOT one-time 

taxes such as sales tax) on a 2002 Honda 

Civic Sedan DX, 4 door, 1.7 liter, 4 cylinder, 

automatic transmission. Use: HONDA MISC 

TAXES & REGISTRATION. 

Hospital Room (Private). Daily charge for a 

PRIVATE ROOM ONLY. Include food and 

routine care. Exclude cost of operating room, 

surgery, medicine, lab fees, etc. Do not price 

specialty rooms, e.g., those in cardiac care 

units. Use: Private Room. 

Hospital Room (Semi-Private). Daily charge 

for a SEMI-PRIVATE ROOM ONLY. Include 

food and routine care. Exclude cost of 

operating room, surgery, medicine, lab fees, 

etc. Do not price specialty rooms, e.g., those 

in cardiac care units, medicine, lab fees, etc. 

Use: Semi-Private Room. 

6044 Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 

Hot Dogs. 16 oz package, all beef, USDA 

graded. Do not price chicken, turkey, extra 

lean, or fat free frankfurters. Use: Oscar 

Mayer. 

Housekeeping (hourly wage). Local hourly 

wage for a housekeeper or janitor. Use: Local 

Government wage data. 

Housekeeping Service (Hourly). Hourly rate 

for one person to clean a private residence on 

a periodic basis. If hourly rate not available, 

price job rate, number of people, and total 

hours required to clean house twice a month. 

House has 2000 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, living 

room, den, kitchen, 2 full baths. Family has 

2 adults, 2 children, no pets. Use: 

Housekeeping Hourly. 

Ice Cream (Name brand). 1⁄2 gallon (2 QT) 

vanilla flavored. Not ice milk, fat free, sugar 

free, or frozen yogurt. Use: Breyer’s. 

Ice Cream (Store brand). 1⁄2 gallon (2 QT) 

vanilla flavored. Not ice milk, fat free, sugar 

free, or frozen yogurt. Record brand in 

comments. Use: Store Brand, Local brand. 

Ice Cream Cone. Regular (one scoop) 

vanilla ice cream cone. Not frozen yogurt or 

soft-serve ice cream. Use: Ice Cream Cone.

Ice Cream Cone (gourmet). Regular (one 

scoop) vanilla ice cream cone. Not frozen 

yogurt or soft-serve ice cream. Use: Ice Cream 

Cone. 

Infant’s Sleeper. One-piece sleeping 

garment with legs, covering the body 

including the feet. Can be packaged or 

hanging. Use: Gerber, Playskool, Sesame 

Street, Store brand. 

Insurance, Ford Min. DC AND VI ONLY. 

Annual minimum premium for Ford. 35-year 

old married male, currently insured, no 

accidents/violations. Commuting 15 miles 

one-way/day, annual 15,000 mi. BI 25/30 PD 

25, Med 5 or PIP 25, UM 25/30. Comp 250 

deductible. Col 500 deductible. If this level 

of coverage is not available, price the policy 

with the closest coverage. Use: FORD 

INSURANCE MIN. 

Insurance, Ford Reg. DC AND PR ONLY. 

Annual premium for Ford. 35-year old 

married male, currently insured, no 

accidents/violations. Commuting 15 miles 

one-way/day, annual 15,000 mi. BI 100/300, 

PD 25, Med 15 or PIP 50, UM 100/300. Comp 

100 deductible. Col 250 deductible. If this 

level of coverage is not available, price the 

policy with the closest coverage. Use: Ford 

insurance. 

Insurance, Honda Min. DC AND VI ONLY. 

Annual minimum premium for Honda. 35-

year old married male, currently insured, no 

accidents/violations. Commuting 15 miles 

one-way/day, annual 15,000 mi. BI 25/30 PD 

25, Med 5 or PIP 25, UM 25/30. Comp 250 

deductible. Col 500 deductible. If this level 

of coverage is not available, price the policy 

with the closest coverage. Use: HONDA 

INSURANCE MIN. 

Insurance, Honda Reg. DC AND PR ONLY. 

Annual premium for Honda. 35-year old 

married male, currently insured, no 

accidents/violations. Commuting 15 miles 

one-way/day, annual 15,000 mi. BI 100/300, 

PD 25, Med 15 or PIP 50, UM 100/300. Comp 

100 deductible. Col 250 deductible. If this 

level of coverage is not available, price the 

policy with the closest coverage. Use: Honda 

insurance. 

Insurance, Toyota Min. DC AND VI ONLY. 

Annual minimum premium for Toyota. 35-

year old married male, currently insured, no 

accidents/violations. Commuting 15 miles 

one-way/day, annual 15,000 mi. BI 25/30 PD 

25, Med 5 or PIP 25, UM 25/30. Comp 250 

deductible. Col 500 deductible. If this level 

of coverage is not available, price the policy 

with the closest coverage. Use: Insurance, 

Toyota Min. 

Insurance, Toyota Reg. DC AND PR ONLY. 

Annual premium for Toyota. 35-year old 

married male, currently insured, no 

accidents/violations. Commuting 15 miles 

one-way/day, annual 15,000 mi. BI 100/300, 

PD 25, Med 15 or PIP 50, UM 100/300. Comp 

100 deductible. Col 250 deductible. If this 

level of coverage is not available, price the 

policy with the closest coverage. Use: Toyota 

Insurance Reg. 

Internet Service. Monthly charge for 

unlimited Internet access via standard 

telephone modem connection. Use: Local 

provider, AOL, MSN. 

Jelly. 18 oz jar of grape jelly. Use: Welch’s. 

Jet Ski. 2002 Yamaha jet ski XLT800, 120 

hp, 2 cylinder, 3 seater. (If only SeaDo GTX 

is available, record as a substitute). Use: 

Yamaha (XLT800). 

Ketchup. 24 oz plastic squeeze bottle. Use: 

Heinz. 

Kitchen Range (Electric). 30 inch wide 

electric range. Features upswept cook top, 

removable coils elements, electronic clock w/

timer, oven light, delay, start cook controls, 

storage drawer, glass front with see through 

window, self cleaning oven w/2 oven racks 

and a porcelain enamel broiler pan. Black 

door and black panel. Don’t use white door. 

Use: GE Spectra (JBP24BBWH), Maytag 

Performa (PER5505BAH). 

Kitchen Range (Gas). 30′′ wide gas, selfcleaning range. Features: upswept cook-top, 

electronic clock with timer, oven light, large 

glass front with see-thru window, and a 

porcelain enamel broiler pan. Color: Whiteon-white. Use: Whirlpool SF367LEKQ. 

Laptop (Compaq). Compaq Presario 720US, 

56K, 14.1′′ screen, DVD, 64KB, 256MB, 

(Radio Shack catalog number 25–985). Use: 

Compaq Presario (720US). 

Laptop Computer. Processor: Intel Pentium 

4; 2.0 GHz; memory: 512MD DDR SDRAM; 

storage: 20 GB hard drive; drives: 3.5 floppy 

diskette drive, 16x/10x/24x CDRW/8x DVD 

combo; graphics: 14.1′′ XGA Monitor. Full 

sized keyboard and EZ Pad pointing device; 

operating system: Microsoft Windows XP; 

software: Microsoft Works Suite 2002. Use: 

Gateway Laptop. 

Laundry Soap. 100 fl oz of liquid 

household laundry detergent. Do not price 

detergent with bleach or whiteners. Use: 

Wisk, Tide. 

Lawn Care (hourly wage). Local hourly 

wage for gardener/grounds keeper. Use: Local 

Government. 

Lawn Care Service (hourly). Hourly rate for 

one person to cut and edge lawn. If hourly 

rate not available, price job rate, number of 

people, and total hours required to cut and 

edge a 1⁄4 acre lawn. Do not include any other 

services, e.g., fertilizing, raking, watering, 

weeding. Use: Hour of lawn care service. 

Lawn trimmer. Gas powered 31cc twocycle engine, dual feed line, 16′′–17′′ wide 

cut. Straight or curved shaft okay. No brush 

blade. Bump or semi-automatic line feed. 

Use: Ryobi 766R or 765R, Weedeater 17′′ 25cc 

trimmer, Homelite UT20811 (17′′). 

Lawnmower (push). Gas powered 6.5 hp 

20′′ push (NOT self propelled), mulching 

lawn mover. Use: Yard Man 106C. 

Lawnmower (self-propelled). 21′′–22′′ selfpropelled, 6.5 hp gas lawnmower. Use: Toro/

Lawnboy (M20013), Craftsman (37844). 

LD Call Chicago. Cost of a 10 min call 

using regional carrier, recd on a weekday in 

Chicago at 8:00 p.m. (Chicago time); direct 

dial. Include any Federal, State, local or 

excise tax that is applicable. Use: AT&T. 

LD Call Los Angeles. Cost of a 10 min call 

using regional carrier, recd on a weekday in 

LA at 8:00 p.m. (LA time); direct dial. 

Include any Federal, State, local or excise tax 

that is applicable. Use: AT&T. 

LD Call New York. Cost of a 10 min call 

using regional carrier, recd on a weekday in 

NY at 8:00 p.m. (NY time); direct dial. 

Include any Federal, State, local or excise tax 

that is applicable. Use: AT&T. 

Lettuce. Price per head of iceberg lettuce. 

(Note weight of an average head. Note 

quality.) Use: Available Brand. 

Lipstick. One tube. Use: Revlon Super 

Lustrous, Revlon Moondrops. 

Living Room Chair (Catalog). Flexsteel 

rocker/recliner. Large scale pad-over-chaise, 

side-handle for reclining. High arms and 

wide seat. Polypropylene/polyester 

upholstery. Include shipping and handling. 

Use: Action Lane. 

Living Room Chair (Furniture Store).

Flexsteel rocker/recliner. Large scale padover-chaise, side-handle for reclining. High 

arms and wide seat. Polypropylene/polyester 

upholstery. Use: Living Room Chair.

Lunch full-service (Casual). Cheeseburger 

platter with fries and small soft drink. Check 

sales tax and INCLUDE in price. Record 

burger weight in comments. Use: 

Cheeseburger Platter. 

Lunch full-service (Pancake House type).

Cheeseburger platter with fries and small soft 

drink. Check sales tax and INCLUDE in price. 

Record burger weight in comments. Use: 

Cheeseburger Platter. 

Lunch Meat. 8 oz pkg. Do not price all beef 

variety. Use: Oscar Mayer Bologna, Oscar 

Mayer Cotto Salami. 

Magazine subscription. 1-year home 

delivery price of a magazine. Use: Newsweek, 

Time. 

Magazine, Newsstand-Bookstore. Store 

price (not publisher’s list price unless that is 

the store price) for a single copy. Use: Time, 

Newsweek. 

Man’s athletic shoe (DEPT). Soft leather 

upper. Full-length Phylon midsole with lowpressure Air-Sole units in heel and forefoot. 

Composition rubber outsole. Use: Nike Air 

Essential III, Nike Resolve Plus, Nike Air 

Jokul, Reebok Classic. 

Man’s athletic shoe (Shoe Store). Soft 

leather upper. Full-length Phylon midsole 

with low-pressure Air-Sole units in heel and 

forefoot. Composition rubber outsole. Use: 

Nike Air Essential III, Nike Resolve Plus, 

Nike Air Jokul, Reebok Classic. 

Man’s Dress Shirt. White or solid color 

long sleeve button cuff plain collar dress 

shirt. Approximately 35%cotton/

65%polyester. Use: Arrow, Van Heusen. 

Man’s Dress Shoe (Leather DEPT). 100% 

leather uppers, wing tips or plain toe. Leather 

Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 6045

sole. Use: Bostonian, Steeplegate, Clark, 

Rockport, Florsheim. 

Man’s Dress Shoe (Leather SHOE). 100% 

leather uppers, wing tips or plain toe. Leather 

sole. Use: Bostonian, Steeplegate, Clark, 

Rockport, Florsheim. 

Man’s Dress Shoe (Rubber Sole CTLG).

Men’s rubber sole dress shoe, wing tip, 

Rockport Share. Include shipping and 

handling. Use: Rockport Share. 

Man’s Dress Shoe (Rubber Sole SHOE).

Men’s rubber sole dress shoe, wing tip, 

Rockport Share. Use: Rockport Share. 

Man’s Dress Shoe (Rubber Sole) DEPT.

100% leather uppers, wing tips or plain toe. 

Remaining parts are man-made materials. 

Lightweight with rubber/EVA sole. Do not 

price leather sole. Use: Bostonian, Rockport. 

Man’s Haircut. Typical haircut. Do not 

include wash. Use: Man’s Haircut. 

Man’s Jeans. Regular loose fit non designer 

jeans. Do not price bleached or stone washed. 

Use: Rustler, Wrangler. 

Man’s khaki pants. Man’s casual khakis, 

any color, flat front or pleated. Cotton twill. 

Use: Dockers flat front, Dockers pleated. 

Man’s Khaki Pants (Catalog). Man’s khaki 

pants from a catalog. Flat front or pleated, 

machine wash. Include shipping and 

handling. Use: Docker’s flat front, Docker’s 

pleated. 

Man’s Lightweight Jacket (Catalog).

Lightweight, breathable, cotton jacket. Front 

pockets, fully lined, long sleeves, made of 

cotton and nylon, front zipper, elastic waist. 

(Use regular sizes, not tall). Include shipping 

and handling. Use: Lightweight Jacket. 

Man’s Sport Watch (Discount Store).

Quartz movement, water resistant, digital 

watch with 2 or 3 alarms, lap counter, timer, 

INDIGLO night-light, leather, plastic, and/or 

fabric band. Use: Timex Expedition T73601, 

107350. 

Man’s Suit-Catalog. Double-breasted 

worsted wool, ventless back. Black, regular 

suit. Inside pocket and full acetate lining. 

Include shipping and handling. Use: Catalog 

brand. 

Man’s Suit-Dept Store. Double-breasted 

worsted wool, ventless back. Black, regular 

suit. Inside pocket and full acetate lining. 

Use: Store brand. 

Man’s Undershirt. 1 package (of 3) Men’s 

t-shirts. V-neck. White 100% cotton 

undershirts with short sleeves. Use: Hanes, 

Fruit of the Loom. 

Man’s watch (Dept Store). Sweep second 

hand and date window. Has Eco-Drive 

mechanism, which charges in sunlight or 

indoors and maintains a 180 day power 

reserve. Use: Citizen ECO-drive (BM0310–

54L), Citizen ECO-drive (BM8080–59M). 

Man’s watch (Jewelry Store). Sweep second 

hand and date window. Has Eco-Drive 

mechanism, which charges in sunlight or 

indoors and maintains a 180 day power 

reserve. Use: Citizen ECO-drive (BM0310–

54L), Citizen ECO-drive (BM8080–59M). 

Man’s Wed Band Non-Cmfrt-Jewelry. Men’s 

14K gold 4mm plain wedding band, size 10 

or less, non-comfort fit. Do not price goldfilled rings. Use: man’s noncomfort fit ring. 

Man’s Wed Band Non-Cmft-Dept. Men’s 

14K gold 4mm plain wedding band, size 10 

or less, non-comfort fit. Do not price goldfilled rings. Use: Store brand. 

Man’s Wedding Band-Cmfrt fit-Dept. Men’s 

14K solid gold, 4mm wide, plain wedding 

band, size 10 or less, comfort fit. Do not price 

gold-filled rings. Use: Store Brand. 

Man’s Wedding Band-Cmfrt fit-Jewel.

Men’s 14K solid gold, 4mm wide, plain 

wedding band, size 10 or less, comfort fit. Do 

not price gold-filled rings. Use: store brand. 

Margarine. 1 pound (4 sticks) regular 

margarine. Do not price reduced fat variety. 

Use: Parkay, Fleishman’s. 

Mattress and Foundation (Catalog). Queensize mattress and foundation. Quilted cotton/

polyester blend layers. Thick layers of 

convoluted polyfoam. Innerspring system. 

Mattress thickness, 91⁄4′′, 448 coils. Wood 

reinforced foundation. Include shipping and 

handling. Use: Sealy Posture Premier 

Generation. 

Mattress and Foundation (Furn). Queensize mattress and foundation. Quilted cotton/

polyester blend layers. Thick layers of 

convoluted polyfoam. Innerspring system. 

Mattress thickness, 91⁄4′′, 448 coils. Wood 

reinforced foundation. Use: Sealy Posture 

Premier Generation 

Mayonnaise. 32 oz jar of mayonnaise. Use: 

Kraft, Hellmann’s. 

Meat, Chuck Roast. Price per pound of an 

average size USDA graded package. Do not 

price family-pack, value-pack, super-saver 

pack or equivalent. Do not price frozen roast. 

Use: Chuck roast with bone. 

Meat, Ground Beef (90% lean). Price per 

pound, fresh (not frozen or previously frozen) 

USDA graded lean ground beef 

(approximately 10 percent fat). Use average 

size package. Not family-pack, value-pack, 

super-saver pack, or equivalent. Use: Lean 

Ground Beef (10% fat). 

Meat, Ground Beef (95% lean). Price per 

pound of 95% lean. (5% fat) ground beef. Do 

not price choice. Use Select. Use average size 

package. Not family-pack, value-pack, supersaver pack, or equivalent. Use: Ground beef. 

Meat, Ground Chuck or 20% Ground Beef.

Price per pound, fresh (not frozen or 

previously frozen) USDA graded ground 

chuck or approximately 20% fat ground beef. 

Use average size package. Not family-pack, 

value-pack, super-saver pack, or equivalent. 

Use: Ground chuck or 20% ground beef. 

Meat, Pork Chops bone-in. Price per pound 

of an average size USDA graded package of 

loin chop with bone. Do not price familypack, value-pack, super-saver pack or 

equivalent. Do not price frozen chops. Use: 

Loin chop with bone.

Meat, Pork Chops boneless. Price per 

pound of an average size USDA graded 

(select not choice) package of center cut rib 

chop without bone. Do not price family-pack, 

value-pack, super-saver pack or equivalent. 

Do not price frozen chops. Use: Center cut, 

rib chop. 

Meat, Round Roast. Price per pound of 

fresh (not frozen or previously frozen) USDA 

graded, average size package. Not familypack, value-pack, super-saver pack, or 

equivalent. Use: Eye round roast, boneless. 

Meat, Round Steak. Price per pound, fresh 

(not frozen or previously frozen) USDA 

graded average size package. Not familypack, value-pack, super-saver pack or 

equivalent. Use: Boneless Top Round. 

Meat, Sirloin Steak. Price per pound of 

fresh (not frozen or previously frozen) USDA 

graded, average size package. Not familypack, value-pack, super-saver pack, or 

equivalent. Use: Boneless sirloin. 

Meat, Sliced Bacon. 16 oz package USDA 

grade, regular slice. Not Canadian bacon, 

extra thick sliced, or extra lean. Use: Hormel, 

Armour. 

Milk, 2%. One gallon (128 fl oz), 2%. 

Record brand in comments. Use: Store Brand 

2% Milk, Local Brand. 

Milk, Whole. One gallon (128 fl oz), whole 

milk. Record brand in comments. Use: Store 

brand, Local brand. 

Mover driver (hourly wage). Local 

Government hourly rate for truck driver light. 

Use: mover driver Local Government. 

Moving (hourly wage). Local hourly wage 

for a mover. If none available, use material 

handler. Use: Local Government wage data. 

Moving Service (Hourly). Hourly rate for a 

within city move, two men with an enclosed 

van. Include any van rental fees if charged 

separately. Do not include extra insurance or 

special packaging options. If company 

requires more than two men, report the 

number of men in comments. Use: Moving 

Service. 

Newspaper, Home Delivery. 1 year of home 

delivery of the largest selling daily regional 

paper (including Sunday edition) distributed 

in the area. Do not include tip. Use: 

Newspaper. 

Newspaper, newsstand. Price of newspaper 

at a newsstand (in box). Use: Newspaper 

Newsstand. 

Non-Aspirin Pain Reliever. 60 tablets of 

extra-strength acetaminophen. Not caplets or 

gel caps. If number of tablets differs, note and 

prorate. Use: Tylenol, Excedrin-Free. 

Oranges. Price per pound of loose oranges. 

If only bagged oranges are available, also 

report the weight of the bag. Note quality. 

Use: Valencia. 

Outboard Motor. 15 hp, 2 cycle, standard 

shaft, rope start, outboard motor suitable for 

use on an inflatable dinghy. Use: Mercury. 

Parcel Post to Chicago. Cost to mail a 5 

pound package to Chicago using regular mail 

delivery service. Use: Parcel Post to Chicago. 

Parcel Post to Los Angeles. Cost to mail a 

5 pound package to Los Angeles using 

regular mail delivery service. Use: Parcel Post 

to Los Angeles. 

Parcel Post to New York. Cost to mail a 5 

pound package to New York using regular 

mail delivery service. Use: Parcel Post to 

New York. 

Pearl Earrings (Dept Store). Pair 6 mm 

cultured or fresh water pearl earrings with 

gold post. If not available, but 4, 5, 7, or 8 

mm are available, record each separately as 

a substitute. Use: Store Brand. 

Pearl Earrings (Jewelry Store). Pair 6 mm 

cultured or fresh water pearl earrings with 

gold post. If not available, but 4, 5, 7, or 8 

mm are available, record each separately as 

a substitute. Use: Store Brand. 

Pen. 10 pack round stick medium point 

pen. Not Crystal or clear type. Use: Bic 

Round Stic, Paper Mate. 

Pet food. 5.5 oz can of cat food. Use: 

Purina, 9 Lives, Friskies, Whiskas. 

Piano lesson. One-half hour beginner 

private lesson. Price through a music studio 

if possible. Use: Piano Lesson. 

Plant Food. 24 oz container of granulated 

indoor plant food. Use: Miracle Grow. 

6046 Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 

Potato Chips. 5.5–6 oz bag of regular potato 

chips. Use: Ruffles Potato Chips, Lay’s Potato 

Chips. 

Potatoes. Price per pound of loose 

potatoes. If only bag potatoes available, 

report smallest size as substitute and note 

weight. Use: Russet baking, White. 

Prescription Drug 1. 20 mg of 30 capsules 

of non-generic Prilosec. Use: Prilosec. 

Prescription Drug 2. 250 mg of 30 capsules 

of generic Amoxicil (survey Amoxicillin). 

Use: Amoxicillin. 

Printer. Color inkjet printer, 2400 X 1200 

dpi, up to 9 ppm b/w; 7.5 ppm color. Use: 

HP DeskJet 920c. 

Printer, Color. 2880 x 720 dpi print 

resolution, 12ppm black & white; 5.5ppm 

color, USB cable included (a $10 value), 

Microsoft Windows 98 / Me / 2000 / XP. Use: 

Printer, Color (Gateway). 

Printer, Color (HP). Color DeskJet printer, 

2400 X 1200 dpi, up to 12 ppm b/w; 10 ppm 

color. Use: Epson Stylus C42UX (Gateway), 

HP DeskJet 940c. 

Red Roses. One dozen long stemmed, fresh 

cut red roses wrapped in floral paper. 

Purchased not delivered. Not boxed or 

arranged in vase. Use: Dozen red roses. 

Refrigerator. No frost top mount 20.5—21.5 

cu ft refrigerator with reversible doors, glass 

shelves, moisture controlled crisper drawers, 

and meat drawer. Door contains 1 or more 

covered compartments, and adjustable bins. 

Freezer has adjustable wire shelves, door 

bins, but no ice maker. Use: Whirlpool Top 

Mount ET1MTKXKQ. 

Refrigerator with ice maker. No frost top 

mount 20.5—21.5 cu ft refrigerator with 

reversible doors, glass shelves, moisture 

controlled crisper drawers, and meat drawer. 

Door contains 1 or more covered 

compartments, and adjustable bins. Freezer 

has adjustable wire shelves, door bins, with 

ice maker. Use: Whirlpool (ET1MTKXKQ), 

Whirlpool (ET1MTMXKQ). 

Rental Data. Rental averages from Hedonic 

Regressions. Use: Rental Data (OPM). 

Renter Insurance 1. HO–4 renters 

insurance coverage for $25,000 of contents. 

Policy must cover hurricane, earthquake, and 

other catastrophic damage. Use: Renter’s 

Insurance Low. 

Renter Insurance 2. HO–4 renters 

insurance coverage for $30,000 of contents. 

Policy must cover hurricane, earthquake, and 

other catastrophic damage. Use: Renter’s 

Insurance Middle. 

Renter Insurance 3. HO–4 renters 

insurance coverage for $35,000 of contents. 

Policy must cover hurricane, earthquake, and 

other catastrophic damage. Use: Renter’s 

Insurance Upper. 

Rice—Long Grain. 5 pound bag of long 

grain enriched white rice. Do not price 

converted or minute rice. Record brand in 

comments. Use: Uncle Ben’s. 

Rice—Medium Grain. 3 pound bag of 

medium grain white rice—NOT converted or 

parboiled. Use: Sello Rojo, Goya.

Salt. 26 oz box of iodized salt. Not sea-salt, 

kosher-style, etc. Record brand in comments. 

Use: Morton. 

Shampoo. 15 oz bottle for normal hair. 

Use: Suave, VO5, White Rain. 

Sheets. 230–250 thread count cotton or 

cotton polyester blend. QUEEN size fitted or 

flat sheet, Not a set. Use: Martha Stewart, 

Store Brand. 

Shop Rate, Ford. Hourly shop rate for a 

mechanic at a Ford dealership. Use: Hourly 

Shop Rate, Ford. 

Shop Rate, Honda. Hourly shop rate for a 

mechanic at a Honda dealership. Use: Hourly 

shop rate, Honda. 

Shop Rate, Toyota. Hourly shop rate for a 

mechanic at a Toyota dealership. Use: Hourly 

shop rate, Toyota. 

Snack cake. 1 box (8 or 10 to a box) creamfilled type cake desserts. Not fresh baked 

desserts, individual servings, or larger 

family-style containers. Use: Hostess 

Twinkies, Hostess Cupcakes. 

Soft Drink. 2 liter plastic bottle. Use: CocaCola, Pepsi. 

Soy Milk. One quart soy milk—plain, not 

flavored. Use: Vitasoy, Silk Soy. 

Spaghetti, Dry. 16 oz box or bag. Do not 

price store brand. Use: San Giorgio, 

Mueller’s, Ronzoni. 

Stamp. Cost of mailing a one ounce letter 

first class. Use: First Class Stamp. 

Sugar. 5 pound bag of granulated cane or 

beet sugar. Do not price superfine or generic. 

Record brand in comments. Use: Store Brand, 

Local Brand. 

Tax Preparation. Flat rate for preparing 

individual tax Federal 1040 (long form), 

Schedule A, plus State or local equivalents. 

(Note: Some areas only have local income 

taxes.) Note number of forms in comments. 

Assume typical itemized deductions. If only 

hourly rate available, obtain estimate of the 

time necessary to prepare forms, prorate, and 

report as a substitute. Not a CPA. Use: Tax 

Preparation. 

Taxi Fare. 5 miles cab fare, one way, from 

major airport. Include fare for only 1 

passenger with 2 suitcases. (In DC, use 

Dulles, BWI and National.) Include 

applicable taxes and record in comments. 

Not tourist zone. Use: Taxi Fare. 

Telephone Service. Monthly cost for 

unmeasured touchtone service. Include tax. 

Exclude options such as call waiting, call 

forwarding or fees for equipment rental. Use: 

Local phone service. 

Television 20′′. 20′′ color TV w/front AV 

inputs, remote, and approximately 181 

channel tuning. NOT stereo and NOT flat 

screen. Note: Model numbers may vary by 

dealer. If 20’’ not available, price 19’’ as a 

substitute. Use: RCA F20648, JVC 2310. 

Television 27′′. 27′′ color television with 

remote control, auto channel, sleep timer, onscreen menus, auto tuning. Use: Panasonic 

(CT27G7D). 

Tennis Balls. One can, 3 heavy-duty yellow 

felt. Not special gas-filled or premium type. 

Use: Wilson, Penn. 

Tennis club membership. 1 yr reg. 

individual membership for EXISTING 

MEMBER. No special offers. If no yearly rate, 

price month & prorate. Service must be 

limited to use of courts and tennis clubhouse 

(if existent). Use: Tennis Club. 

Tires, Ford Reg. One black sidewall tire for 

the Ford Explorer XLT, size (P235/70R x16SL 

OWL A/S), ‘‘original equipment’’ quality. Do 

not include mounting, balancing, or road 

hazard warranty. Use: Goodyear, Michelin, 

Goodrich. 

Tires, Honda Reg. One black sidewall tire 

for the Honda Civic DX, size (P185/70 R14 

87S), ‘‘original equipment’’ quality. Do not 

include mounting, balancing, or road hazard 

warranty. Use: Michelin, BF Goodrich, 

Goodyear. 

Tires, Toyota Reg. One black side wall tire 

for the Toyota Camry LE, size (P205/65 R15), 

‘‘original equipment’’ quality. Do not include 

mounting, balancing, or road hazard 

warranty. Use: Goodyear, Michelin, BF 

Goodrich. 

Toilet Tissue. 12-roll pack. Use: Charmin. 

Tomatoes. Price per pound of medium-size 

tomatoes. If only available in celo pack, note 

price and weight of average size package. Not 

organic, ‘hydro’, plum, or extra fancy 

tomatoes. Note quality. Use: Available Brand. 

Toyota Camry. Purchase price of a 2002 

Toyota Camry LE, 4 door, 2.4 liter, 4 

cylinder, automatic transmission. Please note 

the price of any special option packages. Use 

Worksheet. Use: Toyota Camry LE. 

Toyota License, Reg, & Taxes. License, 

registration, and periodic taxes (e.g., road or 

personal property tax, but NOT one-time 

taxes such as sales tax) on a 2002 Toyota 

Camry LE, 4 door, 2.4 liter, 4 cylinder, 

automatic transmission. Use: Toyota Misc 

Taxes & Registration. 

Two-Slice Toaster. Two-slice toaster, cooltouch body (not chrome), wide slot (for 

bagels), pastry defrost setting. Use: Proctor 

Silex 22425, Proctor Silex 22420, Proctor 

Silex 22415, Proctor Silex 22447. 

Veterinary Services. Routine annual exam 

for a small dog (approx. 25 to 30 pounds.) No 

booster shots, medication, or other extras 

such as nail clipping, ear cleaning, etc. Use: 

Vet services.

Video Recorder. 4-head Hi-Fi Stereo, onscreen programming, front A/V jacks, and 

universal remote. NOT Super VHS. Note: 

Model numbers may vary by dealer. Use: 

Sony (SLV–N55), JVC HRJ691U, RCA 

VR637HF. 

Video Rental. One video tape, 1-day or 

minimum rental rate for Saturday night. Nonmember fee. Do not price new releases, oldies 

or classics where price is different from a 

regular rental. Use: Video Rental. 

Wash, Single Load. One load, regular size, 

top loading washing machine. Exclude 

drying. Use: Coin laundry. 

Washing machine. Features 12 cycle super 

capacity washer with 3 water temps. 3.0–3.2 

cubic ft. with fabric softener and bleach 

dispenser. 2 or more speed combination. Use: 

GE WBSE3120B. 

Washing machine (8 cycle). Features 8 

cycle super capacity washer (3.0–3.2 cu. ft), 

3 water temps, 3 water levels, w/fabric 

softener and bleach dispenser. Color: Whiteon-white. Use: Whirlpool LSR8433KQ. 

Water Bill. Rate schedule for water and 

sewer including any related charges, taxes, 

customer service charges, etc. Obtain sample 

local water bill, if possible. Use: worksheet. 

Will Preparation. HOURLY RATE to 

prepare a simple will. Not paralegal. If large 

firm, not partner. Use: Legal service: will or 

trust. 

Window Mini-blind. Approximately 36′′

wide by 64′′ long. Room darkening vinyl, 

medium weight. Color: White. Use: Main 

Fine USA model #MD3664W. 

Window Shade. Room darkening, medium 

weight, pull-down shade. Approx. 37′′ wide 

Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 6047

x 66′′ long (usually free to cut smaller). Use: 

Store brand. 

Wine at Home 1. 750 ml of Chardonnay 

wine. Vintage 2000. Use: Fetzer. 

Wine at Home 2. 750 ml of Chardonnay 

wine, any vintage (Note vintage in 

comments). Use: Turning Leaf. 

Wine Away-(CH type). One glass of house 

white wine at Chart House type restaurant 

where meal is also priced. Use: House Wine. 

Wine Away-(RC type). One glass of house 

white wine at Ruth’s Chris type restaurant 

where meal is also priced. Use: House Wine. 

Wine Away-Casual. One glass of house 

white wine at casual restaurant where meal 

is also priced. Use: House brand. 

Woman’s Athletic Shoes-Dept. Walking 

shoe for women. Soft leather upper. Fulllength Phylon midsole with low-pressure 

Air-Sole units in heel and forefoot. 

Composition rubber outsole. Use: New 

Balance 554 or 608, Nike Air Essential III, 

Reebok classic. 

Woman’s Athletic Shoes-Shoe Store.

Walking shoe for women. Soft leather upper. 

Full-length Phylon midsole with lowpressure Air-Sole units in heel and forefoot. 

Use: New Balance 554 or 608, Nike Essential 

III, Reebok Classic. 

Woman’s Blouse (Linen)-Catalog. 100% 

linen shirt, button cuffs, side vents, machine 

washable. Include shipping and handling. 

Use: Linen shirt. 

Woman’s Blouse (Linen)-Dept. 100% 

washable linen, short sleeve or sleeveless, 

button front blouse with minimum trim. Use: 

Laura Scott, Ashley Stewart, Lane Bryant, Liz 

Baker, Notations. 

Woman’s Blouse (Polyester)-Dept. 100% 

polyester short sleeve, button front blouse 

with minimum trim. Washable. Use: Laura 

Scott, Liz Baker, Notations, Impressions. 

Woman’s blue jeans. Blue jeans. Machine 

washable, 5 pocket with zipper fly, loose fit, 

straight leg or tapered. Use: Levi’s red tab 

550’s relaxed, Levi’s 577 jeans. 

Woman’s Casual Khakis. Woman’s casual 

khakis, any color, flat front or pleated pant, 

machine washable. Use: Dockers Flat Front, 

Dockers Pleated. 

Woman’s cut and style. Wash, cut, and 

styled blow dry. Exclude curling iron if extra. 

Price hair salons in major department stores 

and malls. Use: Woman’s Haircut. 

Woman’s Dress (Jersey, Catalog). Jersey 

dress, 3⁄4 length sleeves, 100% polyester, 

machine washable. Include shipping and 

handling. Use: Jersey Dress. 

Woman’s Dress (Lined Dept Store). Sheath 

style, fully lined dress appropriate for office. 

100% washable linen. Princess seams and 

padded shoulders. Back zip and walking 

vent. Washable. Short sleeve, or sleeveless. 

Use: Store brand, Sag Harbor. 

Woman’s Dress (unlined Catalog). Tank 

Dress, straight, sleeveless with side slits, 

linen/cotton blend. By Liz Baker. Include 

shipping and handling. Use: Linen/cotton 

Tank dress. 

Woman’s Dress (Unlined Dept Store).

Sheath style, unlined. 100% cotton or 

polyester blend. Princess seams and padded 

shoulders. Back zip and walking vent. 

Washable. Short sleeve, or sleeveless. Use: 

Sag Harbor. 

Woman’s jacket (Catalog). Microfiber 

jacket, button off hood. Front pockets, 

convertible collar, polyester/nylon lining, 

washable. Include shipping and handling. 

Use: Available catalog brand. 

Woman’s jeans (CK type). Designer jeans, 

machine washable, 5 pocket with zip fly. 

Loose fit, straight leg or tapered. Use: Calvin 

Klein Easy Straight Leg, Calvin Klein Classic. 

Woman’s Pump (Catalog). Woman’s pump, 

21⁄4 inch heel. (A. Oprah) from JCPenney 

catalog. Include shipping and handling. Use: 

Oprah. 

Woman’s Pump Shoes-Dept. Plain pump 

(not open toed or open back style), tapered 

approx. 2′′ heel matches shoe (not stacked/

wooden type), leather uppers, the remaining 

parts are man-made materials. No extra 

ornamentation, extra thick heels, and wedgetype heel. Do not price leather sole shoe. Use: 

JCPenney’s Worthington, Sears Apostrophe, 

Easy Spirit, Shoebox Store Brand. 

Woman’s Sweater (Catalog). Cardigan longsleeve sweater, cotton/nylon/spandex blend, 

machine washable. Include shipping and 

handling. Use: Cardigan. 

Woman’s Sweater (Dept). Long sleeve 

button down v neck cardigan sweater. 100% 

cotton or cotton blend. Use: Carolyn Taylor, 

Designer Original, Apostrophe, Karen Scott, 

Laura Scott. 

Woman’s Wallet. Clutch/checkbook style 

wallet. Split-grain, cowhide leather. Not eel 

skin, snake skin or other varieties. Use: 

Buxton, Mundi, Princess Gardner. 

Woman’s Wallet (fashion brand). Clutch/

checkbook style wallet. Split-grain, cowhide 

leather. Do not price eel skin, snake skin or 

other varieties. Use: Liz Claiborne, Kenneth 

Cole.

APPENDIX 4—COLA RENTAL SURVEY DATA COLLECTION ELEMENTS

Data element Description of data 

Comparable identification code* ..... Unique identification code that can be associated with photographs. 

Comparable’s address* ................... Complete location address of the comparable, including ZIP code, NOT Post Office Box. 

How initially identified* .................... Internet, broker, drive-by, newspaper, published rental listing (e.g., as often found in supermarkets), other. 

Person providing information, if applicable.Name and title of person providing information about the comparable. Examples of title: agent, landlord, 

tenant. 

Address, etc. of person providing 

information.

Complete mailing address, phone number(s), and e-mail address, as appropriate, of person providing information about the comparable. 

Community name, if applicable ...... Name of community in which comparable is located. 

Year built ......................................... Year built or year of last remodeling affecting 50% or more of the structure. 

Finished space* .............................. Total square feet of finished space (i.e., living-area). 

Basement* ....................................... Yes/no. 

Bedrooms* ...................................... Number of bedrooms. 

Bathrooms* ..................................... Number of bathrooms (1⁄2bath is toilet and sink; full bath is toilet, sink, shower, and/or tub). 

Balcony* .......................................... Covered, uncovered, none. Covered, uncovered, none. 

Patio* ............................................... Covered, uncovered, none. 

External condition* .......................... Excellent, good, poor. Excellent condition means the unit is new or like new condition (e.g., recently remodeled, refurbished, or restored). Good condition means the unit shows signs of age but is in good repair (e.g., the paint is not peeling, there are no broken windows, sagging fences, or missing gutters; the 

yard is maintained; and there are no disabled cars, appliances, or other trash around the property). Poor 

condition means the unit is habitable but needs repair and the property needs maintenance and/or trash 

removal. 

Neighborhood condition* ................. Desirable, average, undesirable. A desirable neighborhood generally has homes in excellent or good condition. Commercial services are separate (e.g., clustered in strip malls or business parks). There are 

many parks and/or open public spaces. Roads and parks are well-maintained and clean. Other public 

services, including schools, are believed to be good; and the crime rate is perceived to be low. An average neighborhood generally has homes in good condition with a balance of homes in excellent and poor 

condition. Commercial services are separate. Roads and parks are in good condition but may need 

cleaning or maintenance. Other public services are perceived to be acceptable but not exceptional. An 

undesirable neighborhood generally has homes in poor condition. Commercial units may be intermingled 

with residential units. Roads are often crowded and/or poorly maintained and have litter. There are few 

parks and those are also poorly maintained. Other public services are believed to be marginal; and 

crime rate is perceived to be high. 

6048 Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 

APPENDIX 4—COLA RENTAL SURVEY DATA COLLECTION ELEMENTS—Continued

Data element Description of data 

Heating fuel* ................................... Primary heating fuel (e.g., electricity, natural gas, propane, fuel oil, wood, other). 

Central air conditioning* .................. Yes/no. Central air is a ducted system designed to cool all or essentially all of a house or apartment. 

Multi-room air conditioning* ............ Yes/no. If yes and if available, report number of multi-room units. Multi-room air conditioning is a non-window unit designed to cool more than one room but not all of a house or apartment. 

Window air conditioning* ................ Yes/no. If yes and if available, report number of window-type air conditioning units. 

Exterior construction* ...................... Exterior construction materials (e.g., brick, stone, cement, block, wood, metal or vinyl siding). 

Garage* ........................................... Triple (or more), double, single, none. 

Carport* ........................................... Yes/no. 

Reserved parking ............................ Yes/no. 

Security* .......................................... Gated community, guard, alarm system, none. 

Type of unit* .................................... Single family home, duplex, triplex, townhouse/row house, apartment (3 floors or less), high rise apartment 

(4 floors or more), other. 

Furnishings provided by landlord* .. Yes/no. 

Appliances provided by landlord* ... Yes/no. If yes and information is available, report if refrigerator, range, oven, dishwasher, clothes washer, 

clothes dryer, and/or freezer provided. 

Services paid by landlord* .............. Water, sewer (includes septic), garbage collection, lawn care, cable television, satellite dish, electricity, 

heating fuel, firewood, snow removal. 

Water source ................................... Public, well, cistern, none. 

Sewer .............................................. Public, septic, none. 

Fireplace ......................................... Yes/no. 

Paved road* .................................... Yes/no. 

Sidewalks* ....................................... Yes/no. 

Streetlights* ..................................... Yes/no. 

Complementary recreation facilities* Yes/no. If yes, note complementary (i.e., free) swimming pools, club houses, tennis courts, or other significant recreational facilities available. 

Pets ................................................. Yes/no. Yes, if dogs, cats, or both allowed; else no. 

Exceptional view* ............................ Yes/no. A view of a park, ocean, mountain, valley, golf course, etc., that is unusually beautiful for the area 

and may increase the rental value of the property. [Note: Properties with direct access to such an amenity are not comparables and must not be surveyed.] 

Vacant ............................................. Yes/no. If vacant and if known, report how long unit has been on market. 

Rent* ............................................... Rental or lease amount per month. 

Date of listing* ................................. Date associated with rental rate reported above. 

Other fees and charges* ................. Additional periodic fees or charges that the tenant pays, e.g., parking fees, condo fees, pet fees. Do not include deposits, first/last month’s rent, utilities, tenant’s insurance, or discretionary fees (e.g., cable TV, 

community pool membership). 

Comment ......................................... Additional information that helps clarify above data elements as they apply to the comparable. 

*Required. 

Appendix 5—Hedonic Rental Data 

Equations and Results 

Data TempFile; 

StCroix=0; StTomJohn=0; PuertoRico=0; 

ExtConAvg=0; ExtConGood=0; HighRise=0; 

Apartment=0; Neighbrhd=0; 

Unfurnished=0; NoPets=0; PayParking=0; 

SqftxApartment=0; SqftxHighrise=0; 

SqftxHouse=0; BathxApartment=0; 

BathxHighRise=0; BathxHouse=0; 

BedxHouse=0; BedxNonhouse=0; 

AgexHouse=0; AgexNonhouse=0;

if island=‘1-Croix’ then StCroix=1; 

if island=‘2-JonTho’ then StTomJohn=1; 

if island=‘3-P.Rico’ then PuertoRico=1; 

/* if island=‘4-DC-Base’ then dc=1;—Make 

DC base area*/

if extrcond=‘A’ then ExtConGood=1; 

if extrcond=‘B’ then ExtConAvg=1; 

/* if extrcond=‘C’ then poor=1;—Make poor 

base condition*/

if unit=‘APART’ then Apartment=1; 

if unit=‘HIGH’ then HighRise=1; 

/* if unit=‘HOUSE’ then house=1;—Make 

house base type unit*/

if neighbor=‘DESIRABLE’ THEN 

Neighbrhd=1; 

IF FURNITURE=‘N’ THEN Unfurnished=1; 

IF PETS=‘N’ THEN NoPets=1; 

IF PARKING=‘no’ then PayParking=1;

if unit=‘APART’ then 

SqftxApartment=sqfootage; 

if unit=‘HIGH’ then SqftxHighRise=sqfootage; 

if unit=‘HOUSE’ then SqftxHouse=sqfootage;

if unit=‘APART’ then 

BathxApartment=baths; 

if unit=‘HIGH’ then BathxHighRise=baths; 

if unit=‘HOUSE’ then BathxHouse=baths;

if unit=‘HOUSE’ then BedxHouse=bedrooms; 

if unit ne ‘HOUSE’ then BedxNonhouse = 

bedrooms;

if unit=‘HOUSE’ then AgexHouse=age; 

if unit ne ‘HOUSE’ THEN AgexNonhouse = 

age;

PROC REG DATA=TempFile; 

MODEL lrent = StCroix—AgexNonhouse; 

TITLE ‘2002 Caribbean Rental Data—Federal 

Register Model’; Run;

2002 CARIBBEAN RENTAL DATA—FEDERAL REGISTER MODEL

[The REG procedure dependent variable: lrent] 

[Analysis of variance] 

Source DF Sum of 

squares 

Mean 

square F value Pr > F 

Model ................................................................................................................. 21 338.1567 16.1027 318.95 <.0001 

Error ................................................................................................................... 1585 80.0202 0.05049 

Corrected Total .................................................................................................. 1606 418.1769 

Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 6049

Root MSE ................................................................................................................................. 0.22469 R-Square .......... 0.8086 

Dependent Mean ...................................................................................................................... 7.03641 Adj R-Sq ........... 0.8061 

Coeff Var ................................................................................................................................... 3.19326 

PARAMETER ESTIMATES

Variable DF Parameter estimate Standard error t value Pr > |t|

Intercept ............................................................................................... 1 6.33288 0.09064 69.87 <.0001 

StCroix ................................................................................................. 1 ¥0.40677 0.0275 ¥14.79 <.0001 

StTomJohn ........................................................................................... 1 ¥0.18449 0.02555 ¥7.22 <.0001 

PuertoRico ........................................................................................... 1 ¥0.4319 0.01824 ¥23.68 <.0001 

ExtConAvg ........................................................................................... 1 0.2285 0.08049 2.84 0.0046

ExtConGood ......................................................................................... 1 0.34187 0.08118 4.21 <.0001

HighRise ............................................................................................... 1 ¥0.1148 0.06361 ¥1.8 0.0713 

Apartment ............................................................................................. 1 ¥0.38439 0.0507 ¥7.58 <.0001 

Neighbrhd ............................................................................................. 1 0.23193 0.01527 15.19 <.0001 

Unfurnished .......................................................................................... 1 ¥0.13775 0.02323 ¥5.93 <.0001 

NoPets ................................................................................................. 1 ¥0.03661 0.0121 ¥3.03 0.0025 

PayParking ........................................................................................... 1 ¥0.01242 0.01319 ¥0.94 0.3464 

SqftxApartment .................................................................................... 1 0.000686 5.92E–05 11.58 <.0001 

SqftxHighrise ........................................................................................ 1 0.000453 8.11E–05 5.58 <.0001 

SqftxHouse ........................................................................................... 1 0.000272 2.1E–05 12.97 <.0001 

BathxApartment ................................................................................... 1 0.09979 0.02694 3.7 0.0002 

BathxHighRise ..................................................................................... 1 0.16166 0.04187 3.86 0.0001 

BathxHouse .......................................................................................... 1 0.11183 0.01405 7.96 <.0001 

BedxHouse ........................................................................................... 1 0.04518 0.01415 3.19 0.0014 

BedxNonhouse ..................................................................................... 1 0.02504 0.01498 1.67 0.0949 

AgexHouse ........................................................................................... 1 0.0013 0.000199 6.55 <.0001 

AgexNonhouse ..................................................................................... 1 ¥0.00047 0.000422 ¥1.12 0.2610 

APPENDIX 6—FINAL LIVING-COST RESULTS FOR PUERTO RICO

MEG PEG 

MEG 

weight 

(percent) 

PEG 

weight 

(percent) 

PEG 

index 

MEG 

index 

1. Food ................................................................... ..................................................................... 13.16 ................ ................ 101.83 

Cereals and bakery products ...................... ................ 7.45 105.65 ................

Meats, poultry, fish, and eggs .................... ................ 11.16 99.40 ................

Dairy products ............................................. ................ 4.94 124.86 ................

Fruits and vegetables ................................. ................ 5.56 107.05 ................

Processed foods ......................................... ................ 11.68 106.42 ................

Other food at home ..................................... ................ 3.16 92.62 ................

Nonalcoholic beverages .............................. ................ 3.74 133.21 ................

Food away from home ................................ ................ 45.04 91.91 ................

Alcoholic beverages .................................... ................ 7.28 123.96 ................

PEG Total ................................................... ................ 100.00 ................ ................

2. Shelter and Utilities ............................................ ..................................................................... 31.30 ................ ................ 80.44 

Shelter ......................................................... ................ 89.67 66.57 ................

Energy Utilities ............................................ ................ 8.46 236.07 ................

Water and other public services ................. ................ 1.87 41.54 ................

PEG Total ................................................... ................ 100.00 ................ ................

3. Household Furnishings and Supplies ................ ..................................................................... 6.06 ................ ................ 98.84 

Household operations ................................. ................ 22.51 64.95 ................

Housekeeping supplies ............................... ................ 17.53 113.20 ................

Textiles and Area Rugs .............................. ................ 4.16 93.40 ................

Furniture ...................................................... ................ 17.39 95.70 ................

Major appliances ......................................... ................ 6.03 116.32 ................

Small appliances, misc. hsewares .............. ................ 3.46 108.32 ................

Misc. household equipment ........................ ................ 28.91 114.40 ................

PEG Total ................................................... ................ 100.00 ................ ................

4. Apparel and services ......................................... ..................................................................... 4.00 ................ ................ 112.80 

Men and boys ............................................. ................ 18.69 107.05 ................

Women and girls ......................................... ................ 41.66 114.32 ................

Children under 2 ......................................... ................ 4.55 103.86 ................

Footwear ..................................................... ................ 17.48 88.96 ................

Other apparel products and svcs ............... ................ 17.63 141.24 ................

PEG Total ................................................... ................ 100.00 ................ ................

5. Transportation .................................................... ..................................................................... 16.93 ................ ................ 107.51 

Motor Vehicle Costs .................................... ................ 53.67 109.17 ................

Gasoline and motor oil ................................ ................ 16.02 84.24 ................

Maintenance and repairs ............................ ................ 10.72 94.31 ................

Vehicle insurance ........................................ ................ 10.24 122.13 ................

6050 Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 

APPENDIX 6—FINAL LIVING-COST RESULTS FOR PUERTO RICO—Continued

MEG PEG 

MEG 

weight 

(percent) 

PEG 

weight 

(percent) 

PEG 

index 

MEG 

index 

Public transportation ................................... ................ 9.35 136.92 ................

PEG Total ................................................... ................ 100.00 ................ ................

6. Medical ............................................................... ..................................................................... 4.44 ................ ................ 73.30 

Health insurance ......................................... ................ 46.97 59.73 ................

Medical services ......................................... ................ 32.31 72.76 ................

Drugs and medical supplies ....................... ................ 20.72 104.88 ................

PEG Total ................................................... ................ 100.00 ................ ................

7. Recreation .......................................................... ..................................................................... 6.23 ................ ................ 102.99 

Fees and admissions .................................. ................ 23.38 95.96 ................

Television, radios, sound equip .................. ................ 12.38 115.85 ................

Pets, toys, and playground equip. .............. ................ 18.48 98.43 ................

Other entertainment supplies, etc. .............. ................ 15.57 106.71 ................

Personal care products ............................... ................ 11.10 98.89 ................

Personal care services ............................... ................ 11.29 105.17 ................

Reading ....................................................... ................ 7.80 109.76 ................

PEG Total ................................................... ................ 100.00 ................ ................

8. Education and Communication .......................... ..................................................................... 4.09 ................ ................ 132.89 

Education .................................................... ................ 5.06 216.35 ................

Communications ......................................... ................ 79.32 132.97 ................

Computers and computer services ............. ................ 15.62 105.41 ................

PEG Total ................................................... ................ 100.00 ................ ................

9. Miscellaneous .................................................... ..................................................................... 13.79 ................ ................ 103.10 

Tobacco products and supplies .................. ................ 3.51 87.91 ................

Miscellaneous ............................................. ................ 15.12 123.28 ................

Personal insurance and pensions .............. ................ 81.37 100.00 ................

PEG Total ................................................... ................ 100.00 ................ ................

Overall Price Index ................................................. MEG Total ................................................... 100.00 ................ ................ 96.60 

Plus Adjustment Factor .......................................... ..................................................................... ................ ................ ................ 7.00 

Final Living-Cost Index .......................................... ..................................................................... ................ ................ ................ 103.60 

APPENDIX 7—FINAL LIVING-COST RESULTS FOR THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

MEG PEG 

MEG 

weight 

(percent) 

PEG 

weight 

(percent) 

PEG 

index 

MEG 

index 

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands 2002 Survey Results

1. Food ................................................................... ..................................................................... 13.16 ................ ................ 116.05 

Cereals and bakery products ...................... ................ 7.45 129.89 ................

Meats, poultry, fish, and eggs .................... ................ 11.16 129.25 ................

Dairy products ............................................. ................ 4.94 155.69 ................

Fruits and vegetables ................................. ................ 5.56 108.80 ................

Processed Foods ........................................ ................ 11.68 128.02 ................

Other food at home ..................................... ................ 3.16 108.01 ................

Nonalcoholic beverages .............................. ................ 3.74 132.85 ................

Food away from home ................................ ................ 45.04 105.82 ................

Alcoholic beverages .................................... ................ 7.28 99.25 ................

PEG Total ................................................... ................ 100.00 ................ ................

2. Shelter and Utilities ............................................ ..................................................................... 31.30 ................ ................ 97.01 

Shelter ......................................................... ................ 89.67 70.99 ................

Energy Utilities ............................................ ................ 8.46 343.31 ................

Water and other public services ................. ................ 1.87 230.60 ................

PEG Total ................................................... ................ 100.00 ................ ................

3. Household Furnishings and Supplies ................ ..................................................................... 6.06 ................ ................ 126.20 

Household operations ................................. ................ 22.51 58.68 ................

Housekeeping supplies ............................... ................ 17.53 138.03 ................

Textiles and Area Rugs .............................. ................ 4.16 98.61 ................

Furniture ...................................................... ................ 17.39 141.31 ................

Major appliances ......................................... ................ 6.03 127.13 ................

Small appliances, misc. hsewares .............. ................ 3.46 101.87 ................

Misc. household equipment ........................ ................ 28.91 169.19 ................

PEG Total ................................................... ................ 100.00 ................ ................

4. Apparel and services ......................................... ..................................................................... 4.00 ................ ................ 102.52 

Men and boys ............................................. ................ 18.69 115.94 ................

Women and girls ......................................... ................ 41.66 98.51 ................

Children under 2 ......................................... ................ 4.55 83.57 ................

Footwear ..................................................... ................ 17.48 97.20 ................

Other apparel products and svcs ............... ................ 17.63 107.95 ................

PEG Total ................................................... ................ 100.00 ................ ................

Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 6051

APPENDIX 7—FINAL LIVING-COST RESULTS FOR THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS—Continued

MEG PEG 

MEG 

weight 

(percent) 

PEG 

weight 

(percent) 

PEG 

index 

MEG 

index 

5. Transportation .................................................... ..................................................................... 16.93 ................ ................ 111.02 

Motor Vehicle Costs .................................... ................ 53.67 112.02 ................

Gasoline and motor oil ................................ ................ 16.02 73.46 ................

Maintenance and repairs ............................ ................ 10.72 88.94 ................

Vehicle insurance ........................................ 10.24 119.53 ................

Public transportation ................................... ................ 9.35 185.59 ................

PEG Total ................................................... ................ 100.00 ................ ................

6. Medical ............................................................... ..................................................................... 4.44 ................ ................ 102.16 

Health insurance ......................................... ................ 46.97 110.99 ................

Medical services ......................................... ................ 32.31 83.05 ................

Drugs and medical Supplies ....................... ................ 20.72 111.93 ................

PEG Total ................................................... ................ 100.00 ................ ................

7. Recreation .......................................................... ..................................................................... 6.23 ................ ................ 107.72 

Fees and admissions .................................. ................ 23.38 85.81 ................

Television, radios, sound equip .................. ................ 12.38 94.05 ................

Pets, toys, and playground equip ............... ................ 18.48 124.46 ................

Other entertainment supplies, etc ............... ................ 15.57 118.42 ................

Personal care products ............................... ................ 11.10 120.92 ................

Personal care services ............................... ................ 11.29 107.77 ................

Reading ....................................................... ................ 7.80 115.28 ................

PEG Total ................................................... ................ 100.00 ................ ................

8. Education and Communication .......................... ..................................................................... 4.09 ................ ................ 173.59 

Education .................................................... ................ 5.06 268.97 ................

Communications ......................................... ................ 79.32 180.93 ................

Computers and Computer Services ........... ................ 15.62 105.41 ................

PEG Total ................................................... ................ 100.00 ................ ................

9. Miscellaneous .................................................... ..................................................................... 13.79 ................ ................ 105.08 

Tobacco products and supplies .................. ................ 3.51 52.54 ................

Miscellaneous ............................................. ................ 15.12 144.64 ................

Personal insurance and pensions .............. ................ 81.37 100.00 ................

PEG Total ................................................... ................ 100.00 ................ ................

St. Thomas/St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands 2002 Survey Results

1. Food ................................................................... ..................................................................... 13.16 ................ ................ 116.71 

Cereals and bakery products ...................... ................ 7.45 128.17 ................

Meats, poultry, fish, and eggs .................... ................ 11.16 130.42 ................

Dairy products ............................................. ................ 4.94 159.21 ................

Fruits and vegetables ................................. ................ 5.56 118.71 ................

Processed Foods ........................................ ................ 11.68 136.14 ................

Other food at home ..................................... ................ 3.16 111.80 ................

Nonalcoholic beverages .............................. ................ 3.74 137.86 ................

Food away from home ................................ ................ 45.04 103.26 ................

Alcoholic beverages .................................... ................ 7.28 96.91 ................

PEG Total ................................................... ................ 100.00 ................ ................

2. Shelter and Utilities ............................................ ..................................................................... 31.30 ................ ................ 112.31 

Shelter ......................................................... ................ 89.67 88.05 ................

Energy Utilities ............................................ ................ 8.46 343.31 ................

Water and other public services ................. ................ 1.87 230.60 ................

PEG Total ................................................... ................ 100.00 ................ ................

3. Household Furnishings and Supplies ................ ..................................................................... 6.06 ................ ................ 126.43 

Household operations ................................. ................ 22.51 63.82 ................

Housekeeping supplies ............................... ................ 17.53 137.67 ................

Textiles and Area Rugs .............................. ................ 4.16 117.63 ................

Furniture ...................................................... ................ 17.39 141.31 ................

Major appliances ......................................... ................ 6.03 126.18 ................

Small appliances, misc. hsewares .............. ................ 3.46 102.41 ................

Misc. household equipment ........................ ................ 28.91 163.62 ................

PEG Total ................................................... ................ 100.00 ................ ................

4. Apparel and services ......................................... ..................................................................... 4.00 ................ ................ 100.89 

Men and boys ............................................. ................ 18.69 102.33 ................

Women and girls ......................................... ................ 41.66 97.41 ................

Children under 2 ......................................... ................ 4.55 83.57 ................

Footwear ..................................................... ................ 17.48 98.45 ................

Other apparel products and svcs ............... ................ 17.63 114.51 ................

PEG Total ................................................... ................ 100.00 ................ ................

5. Transportation .................................................... ..................................................................... 16.93 ................ ................ 119.50 

Motor Vehicle Costs .................................... ................ 53.67 111.91 ................

Gasoline and motor oil ................................ ................ 16.02 122.55 ................

Maintenance and repairs ............................ ................ 10.72 80.37 ................

6052 Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 

APPENDIX 7—FINAL LIVING-COST RESULTS FOR THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS—Continued

MEG PEG 

MEG 

weight 

(percent) 

PEG 

weight 

(percent) 

PEG 

index 

MEG 

index 

Vehicle insurance ........................................ ................ 10.24 119.53 ................

Public transportation ................................... ................ 9.35 202.62 ................

PEG Total ................................................... ................ 100.00 ................ ................

6. Medical ............................................................... ..................................................................... 4.44 ................ ................ 114.17 

Health insurance ......................................... ................ 46.97 110.99 ................

Medical services ......................................... ................ 32.31 121.45 ................

Drugs and medical Supplies ....................... ................ 20.72 110.03 ................

PEG Total ................................................... ................ 100.00 ................ ................

7. Recreation .......................................................... ..................................................................... 6.23 ................ ................ 105.18 

Fees and admissions .................................. ................ 23.38 58.55 ................

Television, radios, sound equip .................. ................ 12.38 103.95 ................

Pets, toys, and playground equip ............... ................ 18.48 126.45 ................

Other entertainment supplies, etc ............... ................ 15.57 130.73 ................

Personal care products ............................... ................ 11.10 113.14 ................

Personal care services ............................... ................ 11.29 116.88 ................

Reading ....................................................... ................ 7.80 117.29 ................

PEG Total ................................................... ................ 100.00 ................ ................

8. Education and Communication .......................... ..................................................................... 4.09 ................ ................ 168.47 

Education .................................................... ................ 5.06 188.50 ................

Communications ......................................... ................ 79.32 179.61 ................

Computers and Computer Services ........... ................ 15.62 105.41 ................

PEG Total ................................................... ................ 100.00 ................ ................

9. Miscellaneous .................................................... ..................................................................... 13.79 ................ ................ 102.87 

Tobacco products and supplies .................. ................ 3.51 60.63 ................

Miscellaneous ............................................. ................ 15.12 128.10 ................

Personal insurance and pensions .............. ................ 81.37 100.00 ................

PEG Total ................................................... ................ 100.00 ................ ................

MEG PEG St. Croix 

Index 

St. Thomas/St. 

John Indexes 

USVI GS 

Wtd. 

Index 

OVERALL U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS 2002 SURVEY RESULTS

GS Employment Weights ........................................................... ..................................................................... 44.02% 55.98% 100.00% 

1. Food ....................................................................................... ..................................................................... 116.05 116.71 116.42 

Cereals and bakery products ...................... 129.89 128.17 128.93 

Meats, poultry, fish, and eggs .................... 129.25 130.42 129.91 

Dairy products ............................................. 155.69 159.21 157.66 

Fruits and vegetables ................................. 108.80 118.71 114.35 

Processed Foods ........................................ 128.02 136.14 132.57 

Other food at home ..................................... 108.01 111.80 110.13 

Nonalcoholic beverages .............................. 132.85 137.86 135.66 

Food away from home ................................ 105.82 103.26 104.39 

Alcoholic beverages .................................... 99.25 96.91 97.94 

2. Shelter and Utilities ................................................................ ..................................................................... 97.01 112.31 105.58 

Shelter ......................................................... 70.99 88.05 80.54 

Energy Utilities ............................................ 343.31 343.31 343.31 

Water and other public services ................. 230.60 230.60 230.60 

3. Household Furnishings and Supplies .................................... ..................................................................... 126.20 126.43 126.33 

Household operations ................................. 58.68 63.82 61.56 

Housekeeping supplies ............................... 138.03 137.67 137.83 

Textiles and Area Rugs .............................. 98.61 117.63 109.25 

Furniture ...................................................... 141.31 141.31 141.31 

Major appliances ......................................... 127.13 126.18 126.60 

Small appliances, misc. hsewares .............. 101.87 102.41 102.17 

Misc. household equipment ........................ 169.19 163.62 166.07 

4. Apparel and services ............................................................. ..................................................................... 102.52 100.89 101.61 

Men and boys ............................................. 115.94 102.33 108.32 

Women and girls ......................................... 98.51 97.41 97.89 

Children under 2 ......................................... 83.57 83.57 83.57 

Footwear ..................................................... 97.20 98.45 97.90 

Other apparel products and svcs ............... 107.95 114.51 111.62 

5. Transportation ........................................................................ ..................................................................... 111.02 119.50 115.76 

Motor Vehicle Costs .................................... 112.02 111.91 111.96 

Gasoline and motor oil ................................ 73.46 122.55 100.94 

Maintenance and repairs ............................ 88.94 80.37 84.14 

Vehicle insurance ........................................ 119.53 119.53 119.53 

Public transportation ................................... 185.59 202.62 195.12 

Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 26 / Monday, February 9, 2004 / Notices 6053

MEG PEG St. Croix 

Index 

St. Thomas/St. 

John Indexes 

USVI GS 

Wtd. 

Index 

6. Medical ................................................................................... ..................................................................... 102.16 114.17 108.88 

Health insurance ......................................... 110.99 110.99 110.99 

Medical services ......................................... 83.05 121.45 104.55 

Drugs and medical Supplies ....................... 111.93 110.03 110.87 

7. Recreation .............................................................................. ..................................................................... 107.72 105.18 106.30 

Fees and admissions .................................. 85.81 58.55 70.55 

Television, radios, sound equip .................. 94.05 103.95 99.59 

Pets, toys, and playground equip ............... 124.46 126.45 125.57 

Other entertainment supplies, etc ............... 118.42 130.73 125.31 

Personal care products ............................... 120.92 113.14 116.56 

Personal care services ............................... 107.77 116.88 112.87 

Reading ....................................................... 115.28 117.29 116.41 

8. Education and Communication .............................................. ..................................................................... 173.59 168.47 170.72 

Education .................................................... 268.97 188.50 223.93 

Communications ......................................... 180.93 179.61 180.19 

Computers and Computer Services ........... 105.41 105.41 105.41 

9. Miscellaneous ........................................................................ ..................................................................... 105.08 102.87 103.84 

Tobacco products and supplies .................. 52.54 60.63 57.07 

Miscellaneous ............................................. 144.64 128.10 135.38 

Personal insurance and pensions .............. 100.00 100.00 100.00 

Overall Price Index ..................................................................... ..................................................................... ................ ................ 112.44 

Plus Adjustment Factor .............................................................. ..................................................................... ................ ................ 9.00 

Final Living-Cost Index .............................................................. ..................................................................... ................ ................ 121.44 

[FR Doc. 04–2226 Filed 2–6–04; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 6325–39–P