Supporting StatementB

Supporting Statement

U.S. Department of Commerce

U.S. Census Bureau

BC-1294, Field Representative Exit Questionnaire

BC-1294(D), Decennial Field Staff Exit Questionnaire

BC-1294(CM), Coverage Measurement Exit Questionnaire

OMB Control No. 0607-0404

2. Collection of Information Employing Statistical Methods

1. Universe and Respondent Selection

The BC-1294 universe will be composed of all current survey interviewers who have voluntarily resigned during a given sampling period. A random sample of one-half of all former current survey interviewers - stratified by regional office - will be drawn. The sample size will vary since it is dependent on the universe size, which can vary from sampling period to sampling period. However, we estimate that we will not sample more than 500 former field representatives or current survey interviewers annually.

For the 2010 Census, we anticipate hiring more than 140,000 listers and 600,000 enumerators to conduct the Address Canvassing and Update Enumerate/NRFU operations, respectively, nationwide. The proposed sample size for the BC-1294(D) will be drawn from all listers and/or enumerators who have been in a non-pay status for a period of two continuous weeks, beginning two weeks after the operation starts. We anticipate contacting approximately 400 former Address Canvassing listers, 100 Update/Enumerate enumerators and 1,000 former NRFU enumerators.

For the Census Coverage Measurement operations, which are conducted independently from Decennial Census operations, we anticipate hiring approximately 26,500 listers and interviewers to conduct the five operations. The proposed sample size for the BC-1294(CM) will be drawn from all listers and/or interviewers who have been in a non-pay status for a period of two continuous weeks, beginning two weeks after each operation starts. We anticipate contacting approximately 500 former CCM listers and/or enumerators each year throughout the duration of the CCM operations (September 2009 through mid-May, 2011).

2. Procedure for Collecting Information

A national random sample, stratified by regional office, will be drawn from a list of former current survey interviewers. A national random sample, stratified by regional office and local census office (LCO), will be taken from a list of former decennial census interviewers. The method used is systematic and employs a computer-based random number generator. Means and frequencies are the primary (descriptive) statistics used. Categorical measures of association (e.g., chi-square based techniques) are the primary analytical and inferential measures used. The proposed sample sizes are large enough to detect statistically significant differences (between regions) with 90% confidence, and to calculate sample estimates with a statistical precision of +/- 4 percentage points. Attitude and demographic trends analyses have been established at a significance level of alpha = 0.10, which is adequate to identify trends associated with turnover and thereby assist in making management decisions. Sampling is periodic in a given year for all versions of the form. A telephone methodology is used for the actual interviewing.

2. Methods to Maximize Response Rates

A telephone methodology is employed, which has historically yielded response rates over 80 percent. This response rate is greater than that historically obtained from similar mail out/mail back strategies, especially when the collection interval is relatively short and the audience is former employees. In addition, using a telephone methodology allows repeated attempts to be easily and inexpensively made to follow up on nonresponding cases.

2. Testing of Procedures

The BC-1294(D) was tested in 2000, 2004 and 2006. The BC-1294 was tested between 2000 and 2007. No test of procedures or methods are currently planned.

2. Contacts for Statistical Aspects of Data Collection

The sampling plan was prepared by Darlene Moul (301-763-1935). She may also be contacted about questions regarding data collection.

List of Attachments:

1. BC-1294, Field Representative Exit Questionnaire and proposed changes since the last request for clearance.

2. BC-1294(D), Decennial Field Staff Exit Questionnaire and proposed changes since the last request for clearance.

3. Questions for the new BC-1294(CM), Coverage Measurement Exit Questionnaire

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