U.S. Government Resources: Business

See more about this topic in Dickinson Legal Research Resources:
DSL LegalLinks: Business & Commerce
Comparative Commercial Law Research Guide and Bibliography
Law of Franchising Seminar Research Guide and Bibliography

Bankruptcy Basics
http://www.uscourts.gov/library/bankbasic.pdf

The Bankruptcy Judges Division’s Public Information Series pamphlet (June 2000, revised 2nd ed.) provides basic information to debtors, creditors, court personnel, the media, and the general public on different aspects of the federal bankruptcy laws.

Budget of the United States Government
http://www.gpoaccess.gov/usbudget/

This GPO Access web site provides links through the Office of Management and Budget to the official budget and other related statistics.

Bureau of Economic Analysis
http://www.bea.gov/

BEA produces economic accounts statistics that enable government and business decision-makers, researchers, and the American public to follow and understand the performance of the Nation's economy. To do this, BEA collects source data, conducts research and analysis, develops and implements estimation methodologies, and disseminates statistics to the public.

Business & Economics Numeric Data
http://lib.mansfield.edu/econ.cfm

This Mansfield University web site provides URL links to a variety of selected business and economic sites.

Business.gov
http://www.business.gov/

This is an online resource guide to provide legal and regulatory information of interest to small businesses. It includes federal, state, and local information that affects small business.

Business Review Letters
http://www.usdoj.gov/atr/public/busreview/letters.htm

The Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice provides the text of current Business Review Letters and a digest of letters from 1968-2001.

Census Bureau
http://www.census.gov/

As part of the Department of Commerce, the Census Bureau serves as the leading source of quality data about the nation's people and economy.

Census Bureau: Economic Surveys
http://www.census.gov/main/www/sur_econ.html

Links to various economic surveys.

Census Bureau: Statistics of U.S. Businesses
http://www.census.gov/csd/susb/susb.htm

SUSB provides company and establishment level statistics for U.S. Businesses.

Commerce Business Daily
http://cbdnet.gpo.gov/

Commerce Business Daily lists notices of proposed government procurement actions, contract awards, sales of government property, and other procurement information.

Consumer Price Index
http://www.bls.gov/cpi/

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) provides monthly data on price changes paid by consumers for goods and services.

CROSS (Customs Rulings Online Search System)
http://rulings.customs.gov/

CROSS is a searchable database of U.S. Customs Service Rulings from 1989 to the present.

Current Industrial Reports (CIR)
http://www.census.gov/cir/www/

The Current Industrial Report (CIR) program provides monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on industrial activity.

Department of Commerce
http://www.commerce.gov/

The Department of Commerce serves, promotes, and encourages the Nation's international trade, economic growth, and technological advancement.

Department of Justice - Antitrust Division
http://www.usdoj.gov/atr/overview.html

The Antitrust Division of the department of Justice is responsible for enforcing antitrust laws, which apply to virtually every aspect of business, through both civil and criminal suits.

Economic Indicators
http://www.gpoaccess.gov/indicators/index.html

This GPO Access web site provides a database of the publication Economic Indicators from 1995 forward.

Economics and Statistics Administration
https://www.esa.doc.gov/

The Economics and Statistics Administration (ESA), part of U.S. Department of Commerce, provides information and statistics on economic and social changes.

EDGAR (Electronic Data Gathering Analysis and Retrieval System)
http://www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml

All companies, foreign and domestic, are required to file registration statements, periodic reports, and other forms electronically through EDGAR. Anyone can access and download this information for free, and EDGAR now contains real-time public company filings.

Employment Law Guide
http://www.dol.gov/compliance/guide/index.htm

This Guide describes the statutes and regulations administered by the Department of Labor (DOL) that affect businesses and workers.

Export.gov
http://www.export.gov/

Export.gov is the portal to all export-related assistance and market information offered by the federal government.

Export Information
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/export/

This section provides an overview of exporting issues related to the Bureau of Customs & Border Protection, formerly the U.S. Customs Service. You will find links with information on the automated export system (aes) harbor maintenance fees, rulings and regulations, publications and forms, and more.

FedBizOpps.gov (Federal Business Opportunities)
http://www.fedbizopps.gov

FedBizOpps.gov is an online source for government procurement opportunities.

Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council
http://www.federalreserve.gov/fomc

The Council is in charge of prescribe uniform principles, standards, and report forms for the federal examination of financial institutions.

Federal Open Market Committee
http://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/fomc.htm

The FOMC is responsible for reviewing economic and financial conditions, determining the appropriate stance of monetary policy, and assessing the risks to the economic outlook. The Committee's policy decisions are undertaken to foster the long-run objectives of price stability and sustainable economic growth.

Federal Trade Commission
http://www.ftc.gov/

The Federal Trade Commission enforces a variety of federal antitrust and consumer protection laws.

Federal Trade Commission Formal Actions
http://www.ftc.gov/os/index.shtml

FTC's Formal Actions web site contains links to advisory opinions, compliance materials, rules and guides, regulatory reform, and much more.

Foreign Trade Statistics
http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/www/index.html

This Census Bureau web site offers foreign trade information on A.E.S., regulations, statistics, and more.

General Services Administration
http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/home.do?tabId=0

The General Services Administration establishes policies for the management of government property and records.

General Services Administration: Online Auction
http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.do?contentId=9881&contentType=GSA_BASIC

Allows registered participants to bid on single item or multiple items (lots) of federal personal property assets.

GPO Board of Contract Appeals
http://www1.va.gov/bca/

The GPO Board of Contract Appeals adjudicated claims arising under contracts awarded by the U.S. Government Printing Office. As of June 2004, the GPO discontinued the Board of Contract Appeals. Appeals of claims arising out of contract disputes are now adjudicated by the Department of Veterans Affairs Board of Contract Appeals (VA BCA).

GSA Schedules E-Library
http://www.gsaelibrary.gsa.gov/ElibMain/ElibHome

Schedules E-Library contains basic ordering guidelines, complete schedule listings and contract award information.

GSA Civilian Board of Contract Appeals
http://www.cbca.gsa.gov/

The General Services Administration Board of Contract Appeals was established under the Contract Disputes Act of 1978, 41 U.S.C. §§ 601-613, as an independent tribunal to hear and decide contract disputes between government contractors and the General Services Administration. The Board also hears and decides disputes between contractors and other executive agencies of the United States, including the Departments of State, Treasury, Commerce, and Education.

House Committee on Appropriations
http://appropriations.house.gov/

Created in 1865 when the House of Representatives separated the responsibilities of the Committee on Ways and Means into two committees: the Committee on Appropriation and the Committee on Banking and Currency. The responsibilities of this Committee entail improving the appropriations and congressional budgeting process.

House Committee on the Budget
http://budget.house.gov/

Latest economic indicators, charts and graphs on the 2006 Budget Debate, budget calendar, and articles on various topics concerning economics are just a few of the resources available from the House Budget Committee website.

House Committee on Energy and Commerce
http://energycommerce.house.gov/

Since December 14, 1795, the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the oldest legislative standing committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, has served as the principal guide for the House in matters relating to the promotion of commerce and to the public’s health and marketplace interests.

House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
http://oversight.house.gov/

As the Committee on Government Operations, the Committee’s primary function was to study the economy and efficiency of all Government operations. In 1995, reform in the House of Representatives changed the name of this Committee to its present name and expanded its responsibilities to also include the responsibilities of the former Committee on Post Office and Civil Service and the Committee on the District of Columbia.

House Committee on House Administration
http://cha.house.gov/

The Committee on House Administration was created by the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946. Its duties include House salary and expense accounts, employment issues, management of House institutions (Smithsonian, the Botanical Garden, etc.), printing of the Congressional Record, and campaign contributions.

House Committee on Financial Services
http://financialservices.house.gov/

This committee oversees the entire financial services industry. The site offers hearings, information about current legislation, news releases, and committee documents.

House Committee on Small Business
http://www.house.gov/smbiz/

This Committee's jurisdiction includes the study and survey, by means of research and investigation, of all problems involving American small business enterprises.

House Committee on Ways and Means
http://waysandmeans.house.gov/

The Committee on Ways and Means has the responsibility for raising revenue required to finance the Federal Government, retains jurisdiction over the authority of the Government to borrow money, has authority over national Social Security programs, and has responsibility over legislation relating to tariffs, import trade, and trade negotiations.

Import Information
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/

This section provides an overview of importing issues related to the Bureau of Customs & Border Protection, formerly the U.S. Customs Service. You will find links with information on duty rates, HTS, rulings and regulations, publications and forms, and more.

Internal Revenue Service
http://www.irs.gov/

The Internal Revenue Service is the nation's tax collection service. This comprehensive web site provides information for individuals, businesses, charities and non-profits, government entities, and tax professionals. Search engines are available for the whole site and for forms and publications.

Manual of Patent Examining Procedures
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/index.html

The entire manual is provided in HTML & PDF formats, followed by Zip files available for download.

Minority Business Development Agency
http://www.mbda.gov/

The MBDA is committed to creating wealth in minority communities through education and training of minority businesses.

National Business Center
http://www.nbc.gov/

NBC is a component of the Department of the Interior and provides general administrative services to meet customer business needs.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
http://www.noaa.gov/

As part of the Department of Commerce, NOAA’s mission is to describe and predict changes in the Earth's environment, and conserve and manage wisely the Nation's coastal and marine resources to ensure sustainable economic opportunities.

North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/naics.html

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) has replaced the U.S. Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system. NAICS will reshape the way the changing economy is viewed. NAICS was developed jointly by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to provide new comparability in statistics about business activity across North America.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration
http://www.osha.gov/

OSHA establishes protective standards and enforces those standards to promote a healthy, safe workplace.

Online Women's Business Center
http://sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/onlinewbc/index.html

Online Women's Business Center promotes women-owned businesses through training and technical assistance.

OSHA Accident Search
http://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/accidentsearch.html

The page enables the user to search the OSHA Accident Investigation Summaries.

OSHA Establishment Search
http://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/establishment.html

This page enables the user to search the OSHA enforcement inspections by establishment name.

OSHA Technical Links to Safety and Health Topics
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/index.html

This web site provides links to technical occupational safety and health information arranged by topic. The links include a variety of OSHA and non-OSHA reference materials, such as full-text manuals, training materials, slide shows, standards, compliance guidance, and links to related Internet sites.

Patent Searchable Database
http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html

Provides full-text and full-page image databases of issued patents and published applications.

SIC Search (Standard Industrial Classification)
http://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/sicsearch.html

The page allows the user to search the 1987 version of the SIC manual by keyword.

Securities and Exchange Commission
http://www.sec.gov/

The Securities and Exchange Commission protects investors and maintains the integrity of the securities markets.

Securities and Exchange Commission Division of Enforcement
http://www.sec.gov/divisions/enforce.shtml

The Division of Enforcement investigates possible violations of securities laws, recommends Commission action when appropriate, either in a federal court or before an administrative law judge, and negotiates settlements. Administrative proceedings, initial decisions and orders, commission opinions, and more are available here.

Senate Committee on Appropriations
http://appropriations.senate.gov/

On March 6, 1867, the Committee on Appropriations was created when the Senate Members recognized the need to control the appropriations process, as well as to ensure better management of Government spending by giving one committee the sole responsibility to examine executive agency budget estimates.

Senate Committee on the Budget
http://budget.senate.gov/

The Senate Committee on the Budget was established in 1974 by the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act. Along with the House Budget Committee, it is responsible for drafting Congress' annual budget plan and monitoring action on the budget for the Federal Government. In addition, the Budget Committee has jurisdiction over the operation of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).

Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
http://commerce.senate.gov/public/

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation has evolved from major reorganizations in the past. It studies and reviews all matters relating to science and technology, oceans policy, transportation, communications, and consumer affairs. The web site offers committee information, legislation, and more.

Senate Committee on Finance
http://finance.senate.gov/

The Senate Committee on Finance has sole or shared jurisdiction over the activities of numerous agencies and offices, including the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Labor, Social Security Administration, and the United States International Trade Commission.

Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
http://sbc.senate.gov/

This Committee's jurisdiction includes the study and survey, by means of research and investigation, of all problems involving American small business enterprises.

Signage for Your Business
http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/start/pickalocation/signage/index.html

This web site provides in-depth legal information about how effective signage is a critical component of any retail business' success, and can contribute to the success of all businesses.

Small Business Administration
http://www.sba.gov/index.html

The Small Business Administration assists, counsels, and protects small businesses.

Small Business Administration OHA Decisions
http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/oha/OHADecisions/OHA_DECISIONS.html

The Office of Hearings and Appeals formally adjudicates disputes arising in numerous jurisdictional areas. Decisions available here serve as OHA precedent in interpreting laws and regulations.

Small Business/Self-Employed
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index.html

The IRS provides a one-stop business resource page for selected information regarding small businesses and the self-employed. Access to information on taxes, products, forms and publications, and more is provided at this site.

STAT-USA
http://www.stat-usa.gov/

A service of the Department of Commerce, STAT-USA is the online source for current and historical business, trade and global economic information. STAT-USA is only accessible from two designated workstations within the library and the password is not to be shared; please ask the Gov. Docs. See a librarian for the password.

Tariff Database
http://dataweb.usitc.gov/scripts/tariff.asp

This web site is an advisory tool providing current tariff data. It includes product descriptions and tariff rates from the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.

Trade and Related Agreements Database (TARA)
http://tcc.export.gov/Trade_Agreements/index.asp

The TCC's Trade and Related Agreements Database (TARA) provides the public with information on current trade agreements.

Trade Compliance Center
http://tcc.export.gov/index.asp

The Trade Compliance Center is part of the Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration. The website provides information about (and the text of) current trade agreements between the United States and its partners. The agreements cover manufactured products and services.

Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS)
http://www.uspto.gov/main/trademarks.htm

The TESS database contains general information on over 3 million pending, registered, and dead federal trademarks. Users interested in registering a trademark should search TESS prior to filing an application in order to find any registrations or previous applications that may conflict with the mark they are interested in. TESS may be searched by registration/serial number or keyword.

TradeStats Express
http://tse.export.gov/

TradeStats Express provides access to two searchable databases: National Trade Data and State Export Data. The national database includes information on Global Patterns of U.S. Merchandise Trade and Product Profiles of U.S. Merchandise Trade with a Selected Market. The state database includes Global Patterns of a State's Exports, State-by-State Exports to a Selected Market, and Export Product Profile to a Selected Market.

USA Trade Online
http://www.usatradeonline.gov/

This database provides the most accurate and timely U.S. export and import information. USA Trade Online is only accessible from two designated workstations within the library and the password is not to be shared; please ask the Gov. Docs. See a librarian for the password.

USA.gov for the Self-employed
http://www.usa.gov/Business/Self_Employed.shtml

This site is a gateway to information for the self-employed, including topics such as financial assistance; franchise, copyrights, and patents; hiring; laws and regulations; licensing; Social Security and Medicare; and taxes.

U.S. Business Advisor
http://www.business.gov/

This site, maintained and funded by the Small Business Administration, provides access to federal government information and services affecting small businesses.

U.S. International Trade Commission
http://www.usitc.gov/

The U.S. International Trade Commission is an independent, nonpartisan, quasi-judicial federal agency that provides trade expertise to both the legislative and executive branches of government, determines the impact of imports on U.S. industries, and directs actions against certain unfair trade practices, such as patent, trademark, and copyright
infringement.

U.S. International Trade Commission DataWeb
http://dataweb.usitc.gov/

ITC DataWeb is an interactive, Internet-based system that provides access to tariff and trade data, including the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC), the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC), and the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). Data is available from 1989-2001.

U.S. International Trade Commission Dockets
http://info.usitc.gov/sec/dockets.nsf

This web site provides information about recent petitions and complaints filed with the USITC.

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
http://www.uspto.gov/

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is a non-commercial federal entity and one of 14 bureaus in the Department of Commerce. The PTO promotes industrial and technological progress in the United States and strengthens the national economy by: administering the laws relating to patents and trademarks; advising the Secretary of Commerce, the President of the United States, and the administration on patent, trademark, and copyright protection; and, advising the Secretary of Commerce, the President of the United States, and the Administration on the trade-related aspects of intellectual property.

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: Forms Online
http://www.uspto.gov/web/forms/index.html

All forms available in PDF format.