0227 043008 part b rev

SUPPORTING STATEMENT
NOAA SATELLITE GROUND STATION CUSTOMER QUESTIONNAIRE
OMB CONTROL NO. 0648-0227

B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS
1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any
sampling or other respondent selection method to be used. Data on the number of entities (e.g.
establishments, State and local governmental units, households, or persons) in the universe and
the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular form. The tabulation must also include
expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection has been conducted before,
provide the actual response rate achieved.
The potential respondent universe is comprised of:
a) NOAA customers/users of NOAA satellite imagery who have purchased ground satellite
systems. These systems range from:
Inexpensive units costing less than $1000 for receiving:
Automatic Picture Transmission (APT) from polar-orbiting satellites and
Low Rate Information Transmission (LRIT) imagery and products from
geostationary satellites, to:
Systems that cost tens of thousands of dollars capable of receiving:
High Resolution Picture Transmission (HRPT) images from polar orbiting satellites
and Geostationary GOES VARiable rate (GVAR) imagery.
b) Manufacturers of these systems.
Some of these customers are local, state and federal government agencies from the United States and
around the world.
There is no definitive answer to the size of the respondent universe. It is estimated to be in the
thousands. There are 2,860 entries in the database, which spans 7 years. Almost all of the records are
unduplicated. There have been 408 new survey respondents in the past four years. The database can
provide reports based on the:
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Type of ground system
The affiliation to a range of groups, examples of which are government meteorological
agencies, other government agencies, universities, other secondary schools, military or
media
Customer location.

The table below gives the numbers of each user by affiliation.

Table 1: Summary of Records by Organizational Affiliation
Category

Number of
Records*

Installation by Organizational Affiliation

* Number of Users

Amateur
Commercial / Business
Equipment Software Manufacturer
Government Meteorological Organization
Other Civil Government
Military
High, Technical or Elementary Schools
University or College
Television or Radio Broadcast Station
Other
TOTAL

1,485
287
84
174
192
94
214
222
19
89
2,860

*Note: Record numbers approximate due to minimal duplication.
There are respondents from all parts of the world, though only a few countries in Africa are
represented. For those countries with 25 or more users registered: Argentina, China, Mexico, New
Zealand, South Africa and Sweden each account for 1%; Brazil, France and the Netherlands, each, 2%;
Australia, Germany and Italy, each, 3%; Canada, 5%; United Kingdom, 20% and the U.S., 46%.
2. Describe the procedures for the collection, including: the statistical methodology for
stratification and sample selection; the estimation procedure; the degree of accuracy needed for
the purpose described in the justification; any unusual problems requiring specialized sampling
procedures; and any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce
burden.
In addition to linking those contacting NESDIS to the survey on the Internet, NOAA explains the
survey and its purposes, and provides the url, in conferences, meetings and other venues frequented by
the target audience of potential respondents. It is estimated that we attend between 2 and 5 events per
year, with an attendance of between 40 and 2,000. Although we discuss the survey with potential
respondents, we do not actively record data at these events. No periodic survey is used and no
sampling techniques are utilized. No attempt is made to contact a fixed number of respondents. No
unusual problems have been identified.

3. Describe the methods used to maximize response rates and to deal with nonresponse. The
accuracy and reliability of the information collected must be shown to be adequate for the
intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be provided if they
will not yield "reliable" data that can be generalized to the universe studied.
We attempt to maximize response by informing all those who contact NESDIS either directly or by
attending an applicable event, of the survey, its location, and its purposes. The audience is made up of
those who are likely to have a vested interest in improving the satellite services. The questionnaire is
also very brief.
Although at this point we do not have enough knowledge of the respondent universe to judge the
representativeness of our sample, it is apparent that there is broad representation throughout the world,
with higher percentages of registered users in the more developed countries. Also, providing the
opportunity to respond to the questionnaire furthers our knowledge of the universe and also allows us
to address stated needs. The primary data fields are: contact information, which types of imagery the
respondents are receiving and/or what type of equipment or software is being employed or
manufactured. The information collected is used for several purposes:
Respondents provide input on how upcoming NOAA satellite planning, changes in satellite and
satellite transponder configuration, spacecraft design and other events (posted on our applicable
websites) could affect user ground station configuration.
1. We can also gather some input indirectly by referring to the database on how many users have
ground stations for different categories of reception.
2. We have been able to determine, and provide information to respondents on, how many ground
stations exist in foreign countries.
3. We have been able to determine whether respondents were aware of a change in a downlink
frequency.
4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Tests are encouraged as
effective means to refine collections, but if ten or more test respondents are involved OMB must
give prior approval.
N/A.

5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on the 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.
Marlin Perkins
Direct Readout Program Manager
301-817-4523
Direct Service Branch
Satellite Services Division
Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution
NOAA Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Department of Commerce
Paul Seymour
Direct Broadcast Program Manager
301-817-4521
Direct Service Branch
Satellite Services Division
Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution
NOAA Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Department of Commerce