Formulaire DS-2020 Instructions
Instructions pour remplir l'annexe des prix de détail DS-2020 (parties 1, 2 et 3)
Formulaires associés
- Formulaire DS-2020-P1P2 - Annexe des prix de détail (Résumé du questionnaire de la partie 1 - Rapport de sortie et de la partie 2 - Modèle de vie)
- Formulaire DS-2020-P3 - Calendrier des prix de détail (Prix de détail de la troisième partie)
DS-2020I,
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE
DS-2020-RETAIL PRICE SCHEDULE, PARTS 1-3
Part 1 - Cover Sheet
a. Please follow all instructions carefully. When in doubt, contact the U.S. Department of State.
b. Thoroughly review the completed survey. The Office of Allowances' Regional Analysis must validate any
inaccuracies, inconsistencies, or missing data from the Retail Price Schedule.
c. Ensure the report is properly coordinated through all agencies.
d. Ensure the final report is certified.
e. Attach original DS-1996s if a new survey was conducted.
f. Ensure you have the correct mailing address for the method you choose to send the report under (pouch vs.
courier such as DHL, FedEX).
U.S. Department of State, Office of Allowances
2401 E St. NW, Room L314, SA1
Washington, DC 20522-0103
ITEM
SPECIFICATIONS
Post
Location of survey
US Agency
Date of Survey
Agency submitting survey
The month in which most prices were collected
Before Beginning the
Report
Read items a.-h. carefully
The amount listed here is the percentage added to EACH particular type of goods or
services. The Price Collector must validate if merchants have included taxes in the product
price, or if taxes are applied at the time of checkout. Use the comment line in the survey
for further explanation.
Sales Taxes
Check if the applicable taxes are refundable. Explain if not.
This is the rate commonly available to and used by U.S. citizen employees for their
personal expenses.
Survey Exchange Rate
LPQ Summary
Number of employees eligible to complete the DS-1996; the number of received and
summarized, and percentage of participation (must be 67% or greater).
Each agency at the survey location must review and concur. Show concurrence by
Agency and Officer name. Document non-concurrence and explain in a cover memo.
Concurrence
Identify the name of the Price Collector(s) and the agency assigned to or hired by.
Price Collector(s)
The officer at post with the overall responsibility for this survey must certify the survey and
submit it to the Office of Allowances. Annotate the date the survey was initiated and
completed.
Certifying Official
Part 1 - Outlet Report
a. The Outlet Report is based on the tabulated results using the latest DS-1966 "Living Pattern Questionnaires".
b. Price Collectors will use these outlets for collecting subcategory retail prices.
c. Transfer the outlet names to the appropriate subcategories in Part 3.
ITEM
SPECIFICATIONS
Consumer Goods and
Services
As listed. Some categories are combined such as meats. If separate outlets are used
during price collecting, identify them in the Description/Comments column of the survey.
Tally all Primary outlets from the LPQs. Identify the top outlet for each subcategory. The
column will be a mix of primary outlets shopped.
Primary Local Outlet
Tally all Secondary outlets from the LPQs. The secondary outlet is not the number 2 outlet
under the primary outlet summary.
Secondary Local Outlet
List the currency used for each subcategory. Do not convert local currency to U.S. dollars.
If U.S. dollars are used for any purchases however, annotate for the appropriate goods or
services.
Currency
DS-2020I
12-2007
Page 1 of 12
Part 2 - Relative Importance of Various Sources of Supply
a. The information on this page is based on the tabulated results of the submitting locations using the latest
DS-1996 "Living Pattern Questionnaire".
b. Round all percentages on this page to the nearest whole number.
c. Percentages across must add up to 100%.
d. Note: For each percentage entered, there must be a price collected for that item in that facility.
ITEM
SPECIFICATIONS
Local Market Column
Items or services purchased locally regardless of country of origin.
Embassy Commissary: Ensure a DS-2021 accompanies the Retail Price Schedule if
percentage is reported in this column.
Special Facilities
Military Commissary or Exchange: List name in Relative Use of Commodities and Services,
Special Facilities.
Report the proportion of goods purchased in anticipation of assignment, or conveyed to the
foreign location at US Government expense in your House Hold Effects, Unaccompanied
Air Baggage, accompanied (checked) baggage, or pouch.
Supply Brought to
Current Location
U.S. - Items purchased from a source in the U.S. (internet, fax, mail order), or purchased
during home leave/TDY/other visit in the US.
Subsequent Purchases
Other - Purchases from other posts or foreign locations. Provide the city or country where
most of the purchases are made.
Part 2 - Relative Use of Commodities and Services
Any items indicated as consumed must have corresponding prices elsewhere in the report or on enclosed price lists.
ITEM
SPECIFICATIONS
Tally the relative use percentages from all LPQs for each category on this page. Must total
100%.
1 to 3
The Human Resources Officer (HRO) should provide the total of USG employees assigned
to post. Tally the remaining items from the LPQs.
4. Post Employees
5. Special Facilities
Identify any commissary or exchange if used by post employees. Be sure to specify any
shipping costs or markups that have not been included in the commissary survey. If the
commissary and exchanges used are not located near the post, specify the actual location
and distance from the post.
6. Other Foreign
Locations.
If more than one foreign location was identified on the LPQs, report the most used location.
Please submit a separate summary for Uniformed Service members if their LPQs differ
substantially from civilian LPQs.
Note:
Part 3 - Retail Price Collecting
a. The prices collected in this report must reflect the consumption habits of the average U.S. family (3-4 persons -
average income of $44,500) living in Washington, DC. This family has budget constraints in D.C. as well as
abroad.
b. Tax Rate. For all subcategory items, list the Tax Rate and check if it is already included in the price.
c. Most Frequently Used and Second Most Frequently Used Outlets. Enter outlets identified in Part 1, Outlet
Report.
d. Substitute items are items bought if the typical item is not available for purchase. Report both prices.
e. Unless otherwise noted, report items by weight or volume.
f. Where indicated throughout the report, price both Typical and Substitute items.
CATEGORY: MEATS AND DAIRY PRODUCTS
ITEM
SPECIFICATIONS
Report meats by weight - not pieces or packages
The specified meat cuts are those common to most parts of the world. These cuts may be either fresh or uncooked
frozen. If local meat cuts are not listed in this report, every effort should be made to use cuts corresponding to those
found in the United States. List the local name for the cut of meat (translated into English if possible) in the
description column and add comments if applicable for clarification.
It is important that the same types of meat cuts be priced in subsequent reports.
Exclude smoked, cured, cooked, or canned products.
Page 2 of 12
DS-2020I
ITEM
SPECIFICATIONS
SUBCATEGORY:
BEEF
Steak, roast, and hamburger.
SUBCATEGORY:
PORK
Chops and Loin roast.
SUBCATEGORY:
LAMB
Chops and Leg.
SUBCATEGORY:
POULTRY
Chicken: whole, breast, leg.
Note: for this item, if no fresh chicken is available, report canned chicken if prices
are available.
Chicken
SUBCATEGORY:
SEAFOOD
Identify and report prices for the types of fresh filet most readily available in the
area and typically purchased by U.S. nationals.
Fish, fresh
If fresh fish filet is not available, price fresh whole or frozen fish filet; describe type,
and report brand, if applicable.
Exclude lobster, shrimp, prawns, clams, and other shellfish.
Identify and report prices of types and sizes commonly used by U.S. nationals,
such as tuna and salmon.
Fish, canned
Exclude sardines, shrimp, prawns, clams, and other shellfish.
CATEGORY: DAIRY PRODUCTS
SPECIFICATIONS
ITEM
SUBCATEGORY:
DAIRY PRODUCTS
Specify size (i.e., jumbo, large, medium, small) and price eggs per dozen (about
24 oz).
Eggs
Price bulk ice cream most frequently purchased by volume. Price by liter or quart
(or nearest equivalent) and specify size.
Ice Cream
Report only natural, firm-to-hard cheese (i.e., Cheddar, Edam, Gouda, Mozzarella,
Provolone, Romano, Swiss)
Cheese
Identify and price brands and package sizes most frequently purchased by U.S.
nationals.
CATEGORY: GROCERIES
ITEM
SPECIFICATIONS
SUBCATEGORY:
DAIRY PRODUCTS
Identify and price types and sizes most frequently purchased by U.S. nationals by
volume.
Milk, fresh
When fresh milk is unavailable or is unsafe, report price of UHT or long-life milk.
Explain need for this product in the comments section.
Carefully identify any necessary substitutes in comments.
SUBCATEGORY:
BREAD, FLOUR
Report prices and weights of sliced white or wheat loaf bread commonly used by
U.S. nationals.
Bread, white or wheat
Exclude hot dog, hamburger, and dinner rolls.
Identify and report package sizes of bread or general purpose flour most
frequently purchased by U.S. nationals.
Flour
Exclude small packages and special types.
SUBCATEGORY:
CEREAL
Report types and sizes of dry, ready-to-eat breakfast cereals most frequently
purchased.
Page 3 of 12
DS-2020I
ITEM
SPECIFICATIONS
SUBCATEGORY:
RICE/PASTA
Report and describe types of regular rice most frequently purchased by U.S.
nationals.
Rice, Regular
Exclude pre-cooked types (i.e., instant or minute).
Identify and price types of processed but uncooked pasta commonly purchased
(i.e., spaghetti, macaroni, linguini, etc.).
Pasta, Uncooked
Exclude macaroni/cheese and Hamburger Helper, etc..
SUBCATEGORY: TEA
Report by bag. Identify brands, package sizes, and common types (regular or
decaffeinated) most frequently purchase by U.S. nationals.
Tea Bags
Exclude loose tea, special blends, herbal teas, and instant tea mixes.
SUBCATEGORY:
COFFEE
Report and identify brands, package or can sizes, and common types (regular or
decaffeinated) of coffee most frequently purchased by U.S. nationals.
Instant and Ground
Exclude specialty, flavored, or spiced coffees.
SUBCATEGORY:
SOFT DRINKS/
BOTTLED WATER
Report sizes and types of soft drink and non-carbonated bottled water containers
(i.e., liter, milliliter, quart, fluid ounces, etc.) most often used at home. The
quantity reported should correspond to the price listed.
Report any bottle deposit separately.
SUBCATEGORY:
CANDY/SUGAR
Report only plain chocolate candy bar without nuts or other fillers. If not available
report regular baker's chocolate used for cooking
Candy, Chocolate Bar
(plain)
Report and identify package sizes of granulated sugar only.
Sugar, Granulated
Exclude brown, powdered, cube, lump, and single-packet types
SUBCATEGORY:
BABY FOOD
Report only strained vegetables or fruits in the sizes commonly purchased.
Exclude pure meats, dry cereals, and specialty items.
SUBCATEGORY:
FATS, Other
Price and identify brands and sizes of cooking oil most frequently purchased by
U.S. nationals.
Cooking Oil
Report smooth peanut butter most frequently purchased by U.S. nationals.
Peanut Butter
Exclude brands with nuts (crunchy-style).
CATEGORY: FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Report duty-free arrangements other than commissaries in the comments sections when available.
ITEM
SPECIFICATIONS
Include specified fruits when available at time of survey. Do not estimate
"off-season" prices. If imported fruits are notably higher priced than local fruits,
identify them in the "brand and description" column and report percent of use of
SUBCATEGORY:
FRUITS, FRESH
imported versus local.
All items should be identified by weight. If weight is not given, estimate the
weight. The quantity reported should correspond to the price listed.
Include vegetables available at time of survey. Do not estimate "off-season"
prices.
SUBCATEGORY:
VEGETABLES,
FRESH
All items should be identified by weight. When vegetables are sold by "each,
bunch" etc., weigh the item or carefully estimate the weight. In addition, describe
the approximate size of the item or bunch.
Page 4 of 12
DS-2020I
ITEM
SPECIFICATIONS
Use 822-879g. (29-31 oz.) size or the nearest equivalent. Prices reported must
correspond to the reported weights.
SUBCATEGORY:
FRUITS, CANNED
Substitute and identify local varieties only when types specified are not available.
If the specified types of juice are not available or in stock, list and identify local
substitutes.
SUBCATEGORY:
FRUIT JUICES,
CANNED
Report prices for smaller size cans only when the 1304g (46oz.) cans are not
available.
If canned juice is not available, report cost of boxed juice in one liter or larger
containers.
Use 425-482g. (15-17 oz.) size or the nearest equivalent. Prices reported must
SUBCATEGORY:
VEGETABLES,
CANNED
correspond to the reported weights.
Substitute and identify local varieties only when types specified are not available.
Use 284g. (10 oz.) package or the nearest equivalent. Prices reported must
SUBCATEGORY:
VEGETABLES,
FROZEN
correspond to the reported weights.
Substitute and identify local varieties only when types specified are not available.
CATEGORY: ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO
ITEM
SPECIFICATIONS
Report and identify brands and bottle sizes (i.e., liter, milliliter, quart, fluid ounces,
etc.) of locally produced, non-vintage table wine only. If local wines are not
available, report the costs of reasonably priced imported table wines.
SUBCATEGORY:
WINE, Table
Report and identify non-premium brands and bottle sizes (i.e., liter, milliliter,
quart, fluid ounces, etc.) of bourbon, scotch, rye, and blends as purchased by the
average U.S.family.
SUBCATEGORY:
WHISKEY
Exclude all premium whiskeys (i.e., 12 year-old types) and products whose price
is affected by a special or unusual container.
Report brand and size of container for each price level. If the item is sold by case,
then indicate the size of the containers in the description column (e.g., 12-oz
cans). The quantity reported should correspond to the price listed.
SUBCATEGORY:
BEER
Include local brands, when available, if used by U.S. nationals.
Report any bottle deposit separately.
Report and identify, by brand, cartons of cigarettes (10 packs/20 cigarettes).
SUBCATEGORY:
CIGARETTES
Specify if size is other than 200 cigarettes and if the brand is a local manufacture
or import.
CATEGORY: CLOTHING
SPECIFICATIONS
ITEM
SUBCATEGORY:
MEN'S CLOTHING
(1) Slacks, Man's Dress
(2) Shirt, Man's Dress
Include only ready-made types, brands, and fabrics typically worn to the office.
Exclude suits, evening wear, and items made with unusually expensive fabrics
(e.g., silk and cashmere).
(3) Shoes, Man's Dress
Include the leather or simulated types commonly used for office wear. Price by
pair.
Page 5 of 12
DS-2020I
ITEM
SPECIFICATIONS
SUBCATEGORY:
WOMEN'S CLOTHING
Include only ready-made types, styles, and fabrics typically most commonly used
for office wear.
(1) Blouse, Woman's
(2) Skirt, Woman's
Exclude evening wear, suits, dresses, and items made with extravagant
ornamentation (e.g., leather or fur trim).
Report only those types most frequently used.
(3) Slacks, Woman's Dress
Include only ready-made types, brands, and fabrics typically worn to the office.
CHILDREN'S
CLOTHING
Report jeans commonly worn by children ages10-12. Include prices for girls' or
boys's jeans.
(1) Jeans, Child's
Report leather or other simulated types commonly used for school wear by
children aged 10-12.
(2) Shoes, Child's Athletic
CATEGORY: PERSONAL CARE
Use of hotel shops for items in the Laundry and Dry Cleaning or Hair Services must be warranted by local conditions
and fully explained in the description or comments sections of this form.
ITEM
SPECIFICATIONS
SUBCATEGORY:
TOILETRIES
Report types most often purchased for normal tooth care.
Use 198g (7oz.) size or the nearest equivalent size. If the weight is not listed
on the tube, estimate and report the length and diameter of a tube.
Toothpaste
Exclude special sensitive types and denture cleaners.
Include twin blades, disposable razors, and/or cartridges. Identify the type and
number of blades in each package size reported.
Razor Blades
Use package of 5-10 stainless steel twin blades or the nearest equivalent.
Price and identify the brands and types most commonly purchased.
Sanitary Napkins
Shampoo
Use box of 24 or the nearest equivalent.
Price and identify types and brands most frequently used by Americans.
Use 450 ml/16 fl oz. size or the nearest equivalent.
SUBCATEGORY:
LAUNDRY AND DRY
CLEANING
Report only "regular service" prices for laundering a man's single cotton/polyester
shirt commonly worn in the office.
Exclude charges for special handling and laundering evening-type dress shirts or
unusual fabrics.
Launder Man's Shirt
Dry Clean Man's
Slacks
Report only prices for dry cleaning a pair of man's slacks commonly worn to the
office.
Exclude charges for special handling, unusual fabrics, and formal attire.
Special Arrangements for
Government Employees
Report costs at facilities available only to mission personnel, such as Embassy
Co-Op or local retailer's "diplomatic discount".
SUBCATEGORY:
HAIR SERVICES
Report prices for a man's regular shampoo/haircut; as well as the average tip (%)
in spaces provided.
Haircut, Man's Regular
If any prices include other items or services, note this in the description or
comments section.
Shampoo, Haircut, and
Blow Dry, Woman's
Report prices for a woman's regular shampoo/haircut; as well as the average tip
(%) in spaces provided.
If any prices include other items or services, note this in the description or
comments section.
Page 6 of 12
DS-2020I
ITEM
SPECIFICATIONS
Report prices for a woman's permanent; as well as the average tip (%) in spaces
provided.
Permanent, Woman's
If any prices include other items or services, note this in the description of
comments section.
Report prices for child's haircut. If the price varies by type of cut or age of child,
specify separately. Report average tip (%) in spaces provided.
Haircut, Child's
Special Arrangements for
Government Employees
Report costs at facilities available only to mission personnel, such as Embassy
Co-Op or local retailer's "diplomatic discount".
CATEGORY: HOUSEHOLD FURNISHINGS
ITEM
SPECIFICATIONS
Specify any discounts for cash purchases.
SUBCATEGORY:
APPLIANCES
Only basic mid-sized electric portable models.
Ovens should be between 800-1000 watts and approximately one cubic foot or
25-30 liters in capacity.
Microwave, Portable
Specify wattage and capacity.
Only report pop-up types of bread toasters.
Toaster, Two Slice
Coffee Maker
Exclude toaster ovens.
Report prices for basic 10-12 cup coffee maker.
Exclude specialty types used to make espresso or cappuccino.
Report prices for electric automatic types commonly used by U.S. nationals, and
specify the capacity.
SUBCATEGORY:
WASHING MACHINE
Exclude washer-dryer combinations.
Specify any extra costs for delivery and installation.
Report prices for computer supplies normally used by U.S. nationals.
SUBCATEGORY:
COMPUTER ACCESSORIES
Price a single black ink cartridge of a make/model normally bought and used by
U.S. nationals.
Cartridge, Black Ink (single)
Price a single package (500 sheets) of plain bond paper used for computer
printers.
Paper, package
Price a package (5 each) of compact diskettes, read/write, capacity of 650-700
MB.
Blank data CD's, R/W
Use package of 48 or price and specify the package count of the nearest
equivalent.
SUBCATEGORY:
HOUSEHOLD CONSUMABLES
Exclude diapers for children over age 2.
Diapers, Disposable
Report brands and identify weights and sizes of liquid laundry detergent
purchased for household laundry only.
Exclude fabric softeners, liquid hand wash cleaners, and special purpose
products.
Laundry Detergent,
Liquid
Specifications: Report brands and identify weights (appro 48oz) and sizes of
liquid laundry detergent purchased for laundry only.
Price a 3 minute long distance call to the continental U.S., either in a lump sum or
per minute with any connection fees.
SUBCATEGORY:
TELEPHONE SERVICE
List the company under Provider.
Long Distance Call to the US
Page 7 of 12
DS-2020I
ITEM
SPECIFICATIONS
Report monthly costs of unlimited online service. If not available, explain
alternatives and include the number of online hours available at reported price.
List the company name under Provider.
Internet Service,
Monthly
Price both Dial up and DSL.
CATEGORY: MEDICAL
ITEM
SPECIFICATIONS
SUBCATEGORY:
MEDICINE
Report name or house brands of analgesic compound available in 100 tablet (325
mg.) or nearest equivalent size.
Pain Reliever Compound
Compounds may include any pain reliever available (i.e., aspirin, acetaminophen,
ibuprofen) combined with other ingredients such as caffeine, buffering agents,
and/or coatings. Specify the type of compound priced.
If specified common pain reliever compounds are not available, price and carefully
identify local substitute pain relievers.
Exclude child-strength or extra strength products.
Adults Multi Vitamins
100 Tablets
Price a bottle of adult multi-vitamins of 100 tablets. Place difference of quality
under description or comments.
Children's Vitamins
100 Tablets
See Adult multi-vitamins.
SUBCATEGORY:
DOCTOR
Report only the typical fees for an office visit when simple medical advice or
treatment is needed. If the charge is for given time period, specify the length of
time covered. If the reported fees cover more than simple advice or treatment,
fully explain what fees include.
General Practitioner,
General Visit
Exclude any charges for medical history, regular physical examination, injections,
medication, or lab tests.
Report only the typical fees for an office visit when simple medical advice or
treatment is needed. If the charge is for given time period, specify the length of
time covered. If the reported fees cover more than simple advice or treatment,
fully explain what fees include.
Pediatrician,
General Visit
Exclude any charges for medical history, regular physical examination, injections,
medication, or lab tests.
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS
FOR GOVERNMENT
EMPLOYEES
Report cost of contract physician or any other special arrangement.
Embassies/Consulates: Report number of Regional Medical Officer (RMO) visits
in the past 12 months.
General Practitioner &
Pediatrician,
General Visit
Report whether a U.S. Department of State Nurse Practitioner is resident at post.
SUBCATEGORY: DENTIST
The filling charge should be for a simple cavity, amalgam filling, requiring work on
only one tooth surface.
Filling, Simple
If reported charges cover more than the simple services described above, fully
explain what charges do include.
The extraction charge should be for a simple type of tooth extraction without x-ray.
Extraction, Simple
Prophylaxis
If reported charges cover more than the simple services described above, fully
explain what charges do include.
Prophylaxis should be cleaning of teeth without special treatment of gums or
teeth.
If reported charges cover more than the simple services described above, fully
explain what charges do include.
X-ray should be bitewing only.
Bitewing
Page 8 of 12
DS-2020I
ITEM
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT FOR
GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES
Report the cost of contract dentist or other special arrangement for the same
items above.
SUBCATEGORY:
HOSPITAL FACILITIES
Report daily charges for private and semi-private accommodations at the most
frequently used or suitable hospital. Indicate the number of each type of room
available in each hospital in the "description".
Private Room and Semi-
Private Room
Include food and routine care.
Exclude cost of operating room, surgery, medicine, and lab fees. If this is not
possible, provide appropriate comments.
Explain if local hospitals are inadequate and very rarely used by post personnel.
Report the "medevac" location in the description section.
CATEGORY: RECREATION
SPECIFICATIONS
ITEM
SUBCATEGORY:
AUDIO AND VISUAL SUPPLIES
Report the cost of a single music CD (no sets) typically purchased by USG
personnel.
Music CD
Report the cost of a single (no sets) movie on DVD (non high-definition) typically
purchased by USG personnel.
DVD Movie
Report the cost of a DVD player only. Do not report a combo player or high
definition player.
DVD Player
SUBCATEGORY:
PHOTOGRAPHIC SUPPLIES
Price processing for 24 exposure, 35 mm color prints.
If film "mailers" require postage, report this extra cost separately. Specify if rolls
are other than 24 exposures.
Film Processing
Camera film
Price film for 24 exposures, 35mm color prints. Specify if rolls are other than 24
exposures.
SUBCATEGORY:
READING MATERIAL
Report prices for paperback books of approximately 4x7 inches, 300-500 pages.
List representative titles and approximate number of pages of books priced.
Book, Paperback
Newspaper, Daily
Exclude special editions and those not really pocket size. If possible, report cost
of English language paperbacks.
Report "newsstand" prices for single copies of the most popular weekday papers
available locally. Specify newspaper titles and languages.
Exclude weekend editions.
News Magazine,
Weekly
Report "newsstand" prices for single copies of the most frequently purchased
weekly news magazines. Report titles and languages of magazines.
Exclude magazines which are not general news types.
SUBCATEGORY:
RECREATIONAL
EQUIPMENT
Include touring or all terrain (10-15 speed) bicycles typically purchased for
teenagers. Indicate if only single or 3-speed bicycles are available, and provide
prices and specify types.
Bicycle
Specify any discounts allowed for cash purchases. Report assembly charge
separately and indicate whether included in or excluded from the reported price.
Exclude motor bicycles and bicycles designed for racing.
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Report prices for adult evening and matinee admission to first-run, regular length
films. If rates differ between weekdays and weekends, show both levels. Specify
whether movies are in English or a foreign language.
Movie Theater
Exclude performances with live entertainment.
Page 9 of 12
DS-2020I
ITEM
SPECIFICATIONS
Report prices for adults attending typical professional performances. If rates differ
between weekdays and weekends, show both levels.
Performing Arts
Ticket costs should be for the type of performance in progress at the time of the
survey (i.e., symphony, drama, opera, ballet, etc.). Describe type of performance
period.
Report price of tourist shows or amateur productions only if professional programs
are not available locally. Describe event in the description section.
Report prices for adults attending typical professional sports events. If rates differ
between weekdays and weekends, show both levels.
Sports Events
Ticket costs should be for the type of sports (i.e., soccer, football, baseball, etc.).
Describe the type of sports event priced.
Report the cost of a one-year membership to a local gym or fitness center used
by typical U.S. nationals.
Gym Membership
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT FOR
GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES
List the cost of movies at the Marine House and any other special arrangements
for government employees.
SUBCATEGORY: PET FOOD
Price a 10-lb bag of dry dog or cat food.
CATEGORY: PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
ITEM
SPECIFICATIONS
SUBCATEGORY:
TAXI
Report price of individual hire of a taxi for a distance of approximately 1 1/4 miles
(or 2 km) in the "downtown" area. If prices are based on time units, so indicate
and report one-passenger fare for 15 minutes. Report customary tip in the
appropriate column, preferably as a percentage. If the reported tip is a flat rate,
so indicate.
Report any special rates for rush hour service, telephone hire, luggage, or other
services separately. Report minimum fare, if available, and specify corresponding
distance (in miles or kilometers) or time.
SUBCATEGORY:
MUNICIPAL BUS
Report the standard fare and describe the length of a typical trip without transfer.
SUBCATEGORY:
SUBWAY
Report fare and length of a typical trip.
SUBCATEGORY:
AIRFARE
Report cost of a round-trip full-fare coach class airplane ticket without restrictions
to a major city at least 1,000 miles (one-way) from the post. Specify the
approximate distance. The destination should be a location generally used by
employees for R&R, vacation travel, or medical evacuation. Report destination
city.
CATEGORY: PERSONALLY OWNED VEHICLE
a. Price for a SIX-CYLINDER, MEDIUM-SIZED CAR ABOUT TWO YEARS OLD.
b. If this type of car is not commonly used at post, specify the type of car priced and report applicable prices.
ITEM
SPECIFICATIONS
SUBCATEGORY:
AUTO FUEL
Be sure to indicate whether gas prices are in gallons or liters.
Report local retail price levels available for automobile use.
Gasoline
Exclude price of diesel or ethanol fuel.
Page 10 of 12
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ITEM
SPECIFICATIONS
DUTY FREE/SPECIAL
ARRANGEMENTS
Report cost of reduced price gasoline obtained at the post or duty station, with
coupons at a local station, or through a formal VAT-back program or any other
type of special arrangement. Be sure to indicate whether gas prices are in
gallons or liters.
Report percentage of permanently assigned direct-hire personnel at post eligible
to purchase duty-free gasoline.
Report in the comments section if duty-free gasoline is rationed and include
amount of any ration.
SUBCATEGORY:
AUTO MAINTENANCE
Include labor charge, the cost of 5 quarts (or 5 liters) of oil, and a standard oil
filter.
Oil Change
Exclude chassis lube and other lubrication services.
Motor Tune-Up
Include cost of new air filter, installation of six spark plugs, setting timing, and
necessary labor.
Exclude cost for all other replacement parts not specified above.
Labor Charge Per Hour
Report average hourly labor charge of a skilled mechanic as used in determining
labor costs to customer.
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
FOR GOVERNMENT
EMPLOYEES
Report costs of special arrangements for automobile maintenance available to
government employees, such as after-hours work by the GSO mechanic, for the
services described above.
SUBCATEGORY:
AUTO PARTS
Report price and size of a single radial tire commonly used for a medium-sized
car.
Specify any allowance for an old tire, any discount allowed for cash purchase, and
any recycling fee.
Tire, Radial
Exclude any separate fees for mounting and balancing tires.
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS
FOR GOVERNMENT
EMPLOYEES
Report price and size of a single radial tire available to government employees
through an Embassy Co-Op, duty-free purchase, or any other means.
SUBCATEGORY:
AUTO INSURANCE
SPECIFICATIONS
a. Price insurance for a TWO-YEAR-OLD, SIX-CYLINDER, POV.
b. Driven to and from work less than 10 miles one way.
c. Driver: 25 year old married male driver.
Describe insurance coverage and report any special discounts in the comments
section.
Indicate, in the description or comments section, whether locally purchased
liability insurance is required by host country law.
If employees typically purchase additional insurance from a U.S. company, report
costs for the car described above and described coverage in the description or
comments section.
All Inclusive Coverage
Liability
If employees typically carry all-risk insurance, report the customary premium cost
for all-risk insurance carried by the average family on the specified car. All risk
insurance is typically the combined cost of liability, collision, and comprehensive
insurance. Report any discount for a safe driving record. Include percentage of
discount and number of years of safe driving needed to qualify.
When not included in "All-inclusive Coverage," report cost and describe customary
third party liability coverage as typically carried by the average family. Report any
discount for a safe driving record. Include percentage of discount and number of
years of safe driving needed to qualify.
In addition, report any mandatory, legal minimum third party liability insurance
coverage. Describe additional mandatory costs for items such as coverage for
uninsured motorists. Describe coverage for each type of required insurance.
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ITEM
SPECIFICATIONS
Comprehensive
When not included in "All-inclusive Coverage," report cost of typical
comprehensive insurance covering fire, theft, and glass breakage. Report any
discount for a safe driving record. Include percentage of discount and number of
years of safe driving needed to qualify.
Collision
When not included in "All-inclusive Coverage." report cost of typical policy
providing $200 deductible collision coverage for the specified automobile. Report
any discount for a safe driving record. Include percentage of discount and
number of years of safe driving needed to qualify.
If employees do not normally carry collision insurance because of its very high
cost, some comment should be made.
If there is a legal minimum requirement, the charge and extent of the minimum
coverage should be reported.
CATEGORY: HOUSEHOLD HELP
SPECIFICATIONS
ITEM
SUBCATEGORY:
CHILDCARE
Report hourly rate for a 5-day week in a commercial day care facility and/or in
home of provider, with and without lunch or snack, for a child of 3-4 years. If
possible, exclude any facility providing preschool education instruction.
Childcare, Outside the
Home
Specify length of day.
Report the hourly rate of day care in the home of the child's parents for a child of
3-4 years.
Childcare, in the Home of
the Parent
Specify length of day.
SUBCATEGORY:
HOUSEHOLD HELP
Report hourly rate for only the types of domestic help typically employed by an
average employee (FS 2-5, GS 9-14, or Uniformed Services equivalent).
Maid, Cook, Day Worker
Check appropriate boxes, as determined by the most recent LPQs.
Information explaining why domestic help is necessary at the foreign location is
extremely important. The data provided must be supported by information
describing actual use of domestic help at post. When domestic help is used
primarily because it is readily available or inexpensive, state this clearly.
If the use of particular types of domestic help is essential to normal life at the post,
the specific reasons why each type of help is necessary must be carefully
explained, in the comments section. Include justification based on security
concerns, environmental factors - such as the additional cleaning required by the
local climate, language difficulties encountered while marketing, and food
preparation problems. Exclude child-care needs, representational responsibilities
as well as any difficulties encountered only by single employees and dual career
couples.
Use additional pages as necessary.
CATEGORY: FOOD AWAY
SPECIFICATIONS
ITEM
The restaurants in this section represent the most frequently used facilities for
meals away from the home as indicated by the LPQ summary.
Justify in the description or comments section any hotel restaurants for meals as
opposed to local restaurants.
Restaurants and Fast
Food Facilities
List the average price levels for all main courses and additional meal items
requested.
Soup and salads are intended to be small servings, as often provided with a full
meal. Note if the prices listed represent full or large portions.
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DS-2020I