Supporting Statement B (3)

Supporting Statement B

Secure Communities Stakeholder Questionnaire

(Form 70-XXX)

OMB No. _1653_ - _NEW_

B. Collection of Information Employment Statistical Method

1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any sampling or other respondent selection methods to be used.  Data on the number of entities (e.g., establishments, State and local government units, households, or persons) in the universe covered by the collection and in the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular form for the universe as a whole and for each of the strata in the proposed sample.  Indicate expected response rates for the collection as a whole.  If the collection had been conducted previously, include the actual response rate achieved during the last collection.

The potential respondent universe includes state and local law enforcement officials, included in the chart below. They will be sampled using stratified random sampling. We will sample a total of … people, and plan to receive approximately a 15% response rate.

Group	Number in each Group
Customs Border Patrol	400
County Sheriffs	3000
DOJ/FBI	100
State and local IT depts.	3000
State and local prison managers	10,000
Native American tribal agencies	500
Law Enforcement Support Centers (LESC)	10
Law Enforcement agencies	15,000
White House Domestic Policy Council	10
State Department	10
Total	32,030

2.             Describe the procedures for the collection of information including:

•           Statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection,

•           Estimation procedure,

•           Degree of accuracy needed for the purpose described in the justification,

•           Unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures, and

•           Any use of periodic (less frequently than annual) data collection cycles to reduce burden.

Stratification will be done on each mentioned group. Within each strata, we will conduct a random sample. We will establish the number of respondents needed for our sample to have a 95% +/- 5% confidence interval, and from this we will then calculate the number needed for our sample. We will assume in doing this that the final number of respondents needed is 15% of the total sample, and will select a large enough sample so that if 15% respond, we have the required number of respondents.

3.             Describe methods to maximize response rates and to deal with issues of non-response.  The accuracy and reliability of information collected must be shown to be adequate for intended uses.  For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be provided for any collection that will not yield "reliable" data that can be generalized to the universe studied.

To maximize response rates ICE will send multiple reminder emails to participants. We will adjust data for non-response using standard formulas. To the best of our ability we will create a random sample, representative of our population. We will do this using simple random sampling, and if necessary, a stratified random sample. All data will be tested for reliability. Because information to be collected is respondents’ attitudes toward the Secure Communities initiative, the information’s accuracy is not a concern.

4.             Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken.  Testing is encouraged as an effective means of refining collections of information to minimize burden and improve utility.  Tests must be approved if they call for answers to identical questions from 10 or more respondents.  A proposed test or set of tests may be submitted for approval separately or in combination with the main collection of information.

ICE will not utilize any tests of procedures.  

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.

Alison Ottenbreit, PhD., is the statistical expert for this project. She designed the survey and will conduct all analyses. Her phone number is 301-440-2175, and email is [email protected].