2k10_Supporting Statement_C700-Part B Rev1

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

U.S. Department of Commerce

U.S. Census Bureau

Construction Progress Reporting Surveys

OMB Control Number 0607-0153

Part B. - Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods of Collection

1. Universe and Respondent Selection

The monthly universe for private construction is 5,000 projects with an estimated sample size of 500 new projects selected each month. State and local governments have a monthly universe of approximately 5,400 projects with an estimated sample size of 600 new projects selected each month. The federal government has a monthly universe of approximately 300 projects with an estimated sample size of 70 new projects selected each month. The monthly universe for multi-family is approximately 1,500 projects with an estimated sample size of 100 new projects selected each month. Construction projects stay in sample until conclusion of the project (an average of 12 months). On average 16,600 projects report monthly. The current response rates are: 64 percent for private projects; 89 percent for state and local projects; 82 percent for federal projects; and about 72 percent for multi-family projects.

2. Procedures for Collecting Information

McGraw-Hill Construction (MHC) is a widely recognized and accepted source of construction information. The Census Bureau is contracted with MHC to provide source data on private construction and state and local government projects. Projects in areas not covered by building permit systems or reported by MHC are obtained by Census field staff within a small number of non-permit areas, and are selected with certainty. Projects are stratified by type of construction and valuation. Each month a sample of new privately owned multi-unit residential building projects is selected from the sampled cases used in the Census Bureau’s Housing Starts Survey. All projects with 5 or more housing units are selected.

Once a project is selected it remains in the sample until it is completed. Monthly construction project reports are requested from the appropriate owner, contractor, builder, or agent responsible for the project. Private industrial construction is benchmarked to the Annual Capital Expenditures Survey.

3. Methods to Maximize Response

To increase response rates, several attempts are made to collect information by telephone follow-up. If the respondent should have more than one project in the sample, information is requested for all projects with one telephone call. Each respondent is contacted at their requested time by the computer assisted interview process known as the Call Scheduler. In addition to telephone follow-ups, letters are mailed to respondents to increase response rates (Attachment H).

4. Testing of Procedures

No tests are currently being planned.

5. Contacts for Statistical Aspects and Data Collection

The Manufacturing and Construction Division (MCD) plans and coordinates the survey. This includes the design of the reporting forms, sample selection, instructions for collecting and editing information, tabulation and publication of the data.

The contact person for questions relating to the statistical aspects of the survey is Mr. Paul L. Hsen, Assistant Chief for Research and Methodology. He can be reached on (301) 763-4586.

The contact person for questions relating to the collection, analysis and processing of the data is Mr. Michael Davis, Chief, Construction Expenditures Branch. He can be reached on (301) 763-1605.

Attachments:

A. Form C-700 Construction Project Report (Private Construction)

B. Form C-700 (R) Construction Project Report (Multi-Family Residential)

3. Form C-700 (SL) Construction Project Report (State and Local Governments)

4. Form C-700 (F) Construction Project Report (Federal Government)

5. Respondent Letter from Director (C-700-L1A)

6. Respondent Letter from Director (C-700-L1B)

7. Respondent Letter from Director (C-700-L1C)

8. Follow-up Letters (C-719(L), C-700-L2, C-700-L3, C-700-L4)

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