11/2006
Supporting Statement for the
FNS-380 Worksheet for Food Stamp Program Quality Control Reviews
OMB # 0584-0074
B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods
The collection of information on the Form FNS-380 employs statistical methods.
1. Describe the potential respondent universe and any sampling or other respondent selection method to be used.
The QC system and its reporting requirements are applicable to all of the 53 State agencies administering the Food Stamp Program. Each State agency is required to select a sample of households from its active case universe, the universe of households that were certified and issued benefits. State sample selection choices result in an estimated yearly national sample of 57,146 cases. Historically, response rates in the form of completed case reviews have ranged between 90 and 95 percent.
2. Describe the procedures for the collection of information.
The active case sample procedure is generally in the form of systematic random sampling. Stratification is an option available to State agencies subject to FNS approval. State agencies that opt to use stratification would divide their sample universe according to household case characteristics, such as household size, geographic area, or program area (i.e., public assistance or general assistance), prior to random selection.
3. Describe the methods to maximize response rates and deal with issues of non-response.
The QC system attempts to control the potential bias of non-response with a completion standard of 100 percent. The percentage is the ratio of the number of completed reviews to the number of cases selected subject to review or to the minimum number of cases computed from the sample size equations, whichever, is larger. If a State agency does not complete the required number of reviews, its error rate is adjusted by assigning two standard deviations of the estimated error rate added to the regressed error rate to those cases not completed in order to calculate the State agency's official error rate. Two standard deviations correspond to approximately a 95 percent confidence interval. The use of standard deviation from the mean is a common device for measuring the dispersion in a simple distribution and represents a natural breakpoint.
4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken.
No testing of information collection procedures is planned.
5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on statistical aspects of the design and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), grantee(s), or other person(s) who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.
Nick Manthos, (703) 305-2474, and Kip Houge, (415) 705-1361, Senior Statisticians, Food and Nutrition Service, Food Stamp Program, Program Accountability Division, Quality Control Branch, are responsible for analyzing the quality control data.
| File Type | application/msword |
| File Title | Supporting Statement for the |
| Author | Administrator |
| Last Modified By | Administrator |
| File Modified | 2006-11-27 |
| File Created | 2006-11-27 |