SUPPORTING STATEMENT
UNITED STATES MINT
GENERIC CLEARANCE
1525-0012
A. JUSTIFICATION
A1. CIRCUMSTANCES NECESSITATING COLLECTION OF INFORMATION
This is a request for a revised three year generic clearance to conduct customer satisfaction and opinion surveys and focus group interviews. This clearance will allow the United States Mint (Mint) to comply with Executive Order 12862 and assist us in fulfilling our mission.
The mission of the Mint is to manufacture the highest quality circulating, numismatic, and bullion coins at the lowest possible cost and to deliver them in a timely manner…to expand our markets through exceptional customer service, product development, and innovative marketing…to sell numismatic and bullion products at a reasonable price and profit, and to provide security over assets entrusted to us.
The Mint is responsible for producing proof and uncirculated coins, commemorative coins and medals, and platinum, gold, and silver bullion coins, often in response to coin programs legislated by Congress in support of civic, philanthropic, and national organizations. To effectively accomplish the goals of these programs, it is crucial for the Mint to know and maintain awareness of customer preferences and needs and to continuously monitor customer satisfaction. However, because the time period between program authorization and product shipment is often short, the Mint has not always had adequate time to obtain needed information about customer preferences and market conditions. Therefore the use of generic clearance will allow the Mint to quickly obtain useful data to create more profitable programs and provide better service to the American Public.
This clearance covers data collection efforts by the Sales and Marketing Strategic Business Unit and the Manufacturing Strategic Business Unit. An internal review of all proposed data collections will be performed to ensure the following:
• Consistency with Mint mission and strategic objectives
• Appropriate priority within Mint’s Strategic Plan and/or U.S. Mint annual business plans
• Technical adequacy in issues such as frame, sample selection, response rates, quality control in data gathering, recording and analysis
• Minimized burden on the respondent
• Confidentiality of individual responses
• Consistency with this generic clearance
• Consistency with applicable law and regulation
• All data collections are truly voluntary
A2. USE OF DATA
A variety of data collection methods will be employed, including web-based surveys, telephonic CATI systems (computer assisted telephone interviews), focus group interviews, and other means as appropriate. The information will be used to:
• Determine customer opinions about the quality of products, pricing, delivery and other services provided by the Mint
• Determine customer needs and wants in regard to future products and services
• Define next steps/action plans to improving customer satisfaction and Mint profitability
A3. USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TO REDUCE BURDEN
• The Mint uses computer assisted telephonic interviewing (CATI) systems and web-based surveys (both provided by our contractors) for data collection efforts. The CATI systems and web-based surveys increase the efficiency and validity of surveys and decrease the time required for each interview and, consequently, the overall burden on respondents. These methodologies allow the computer to perform a number of critical quality assurance routines that are monitored by survey supervisors. These include tracking average interview length and refusal and termination rate.
A4. EFFORTS TO IDENTIFY DUPLICATION
Survey questions will address Mint-related products and do not duplicate other agencies/organizations efforts. Our internal review and approval process ensures that duplication of data gathering within the Mint is eliminated.
Additionally, no other organization can conduct a survey of the Mint’s customers because our customer list is unique and confidential.
A5. METHODS TO MINIMIZE BURDEN ON SMALL BUSINESSES OR OTHER SMALL ENTITIES
The data collections for the most part will be targeted to individuals and businesses. Although some customers are coin and hobby dealers that may operate a small business, all information requests will be voluntary. In addition, respondents will rarely be required to consult or access their records for detailed factual information.
A6. CONSEQUENCES OF LESS FREQUENT COLLECTION ON FEDERAL PROGRAMS OR POLICY ACTIVITIES
The Mint would not be in compliance with Executive Order 12862 if some of the collection efforts were not undertaken. Also, with the Mint operating as a self-funding agency, the information and the changes resulting from it are crucial to the solvency of the Mint’s Sales and Marketing Business Unit.
A7. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRING DATA COLLECTION TO BE INCONSISTENT WITH GUIDELINES IN 5 CFR 1320.6
No special circumstances require the collection to be conducted in a manner inconsistent with the guidelines in 5 CFR 1320.6.
A8. CONSULTATION WITH INDIVIDUALS OUTSIDE OF THE AGENCY ON AVAILABILITY OF DATA, FREQUENCY OF COLLECTION, CLARITY OF INSTRUCTIONS AND FORMS, AND DATA ELEMENTS
The Mint collaborates with professional marketing firms and contractors with expertise in marketing research, statistical analysis, and customer driven marketing. Their assistance is utilized in development, administration and analysis of research.
A9. EXPLANATION OF DECISION TO PROVIDE PAYMENT OR GIFT TO RESPONDENTS
The Mint has compensated respondents only when it was necessary as an incentive for their extensive time or expertise. Specific justifications have accompanied such requests. In the future, the Mint will use compensations for respondents only when it is deemed necessary.
A10. ASSURANCE OF CONFIDENTIALITY OF RESPONSES
Survey respondents contacted by mail, fax, Internet, or some other form of written communication will be advised on the survey form, cover letter, or other accompanying document that participation is voluntary and that the data provided will be kept confidential. As part of the introduction to a data gathering effort during telephone or personal interviews, the interviewer will inform respondents that the survey is voluntary and that each individual’s responses will be kept confidential. Focus group participants will verbally receive similar assurances during opening statements of the interview session.
A11. JUSTIFICATION OF SENSITIVE QUESTIONS
Not applicable. Sensitive information is not collected.
A12. ESTIMATED BURDEN OF INFORMATION COLLECTION
The estimated number of annual burden hours is 10,996. However, due to changes in the market and possible new coin programs legislated by Congress this figure could increase.
A13. ESTIMATED TOTAL ANNUAL COST BURDEN TO RESPONDENTS
No estimates of the cost burden to respondents at this time.
A14. ESTIMATED ANNUALIZED COST TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Below is a summary of estimated annualized cost to the Federal Government for information collections. The cost reflect the Mint’s obligation to comply with the existing and new program requirements as mandated by existing and new legislative requirements, most recently the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005.
Summary of FY07 Market Research Program
Research |
Annual Estimated Cost |
Total estimated – 3 years |
ACSI-Univ. of Michigan |
$35,000 |
$105,000 |
ACSI-E-Commerce/Mint Catalog- Foresee Results |
$25,000 |
$75,000 |
ACSI – Portals/Main Site - Foresee Results |
$25,000 |
$75,000 |
Campbell-Ewald Advertising Program Tracking Survey |
$89,952 x 4 =
$359,808 |
$1,079,424 |
National Analysts, Inc. Customer Satisfaction Tracking Measurement Tracking Research (CSM Tracking Study) |
$70,000 x 6 =
$420,000 |
$1,260,000 |
National Analysts, Inc. Customer/Collectors Focus Group Research |
$87,250 x 4 =
$349,000 |
$1,047,000 |
National Analysts, Inc. Customer Acquisition Strategic Research – Focus Group Research |
$183,250 |
$549,750 |
National Analysts, Inc. Customer Acquisition Strategic Research – Survey Research |
$173,000 |
$519,000 |
Jupiter Research- Retail Industry Data and Information Services |
$35,000 |
$105,000 |
Presidential Dollar Coin Market Research Services - Survey Research
|
$399,685 |
$1,199,055 |
Presidential Dollar Coin Market Research Services - Customer Focus Groups |
$538,725 |
$1,616,175 |
National Analysts, Inc. Web Usability Research – Interviews |
$160,878 |
$482,634 |
Total |
$2,704,346 |
$8,113,038 |
A15. REASONS FOR CHANGE IN BURDEN
This is a program change. There is an increase in burden is due to the increase of surveys required by the Mint per new legislative requirements.
A16. PLANS FOR TABULATION, STATISTICAL ANLAYSIS AND PUBLICATION
Information from data collections will not be published for statistical purposes.
A17. REASONS WHY DISPLAYING THE OMB EXPIRATION DATE IS INAPPROPRIATE
Displaying the expiration date may cause problems with respondents for data collection programs that overlap the three-year authorization periods. In addition, would be respondents might be inclined to refuse to participate if the form carries an authorization date that is expired or is soon to expire.
A18. EXCEPTIONS TO THE CERTIFICATION STATEMENT ON OMB
FORM 83-I
Not applicable. There are no exceptions for certifications.
| File Type | application/msword |
| File Title | December 20, 2004 |
| Author | MMAdmin |
| Last Modified By | Yvonne Pollard |
| File Modified | 2006-12-14 |
| File Created | 2006-12-14 |