Enterprise Statistics Program Pretesting Plan

The Census Bureau plans to conduct additional research under the generic clearance for questionnaire pretesting research (OMB number 0607-0725). We will be conducting cognitive interviews on questions for the Enterprise Statistics Program which are being added to the 2012 Report of Organization (NC-99001). The NC-99001 is an annual survey, sponsored by the Census Bureau, which is used to obtain current organization and operational information in order to maintain and update the Business Register.

The goal of these additional questions is to gather statistics at the enterprise level related to sales/receipts, manufacturing services, and intellectual property. The cognitive interviews will focus on 3 topics. First, we will determine respondents’ ability to gather and accurately report figures for each of the proposed items. Second, we will examine the language and terminology used, to ensure that it is consistent with respondents’ records and to determine where adjustments may be needed. Finally, we will determine whether the data necessary for answering these items can be found at the establishment level of the company, the enterprise level, or somewhere in between.

From January to April, 2010, staff from the Response Improvement Research Staff within the Census Bureau’s Office of Economic Planning and Innovation plans to conduct unstructured interviews with approximately 40 companies. Draft copies of the survey questions and interview protocol are enclosed; please note that items 4-6 are the items being focused on during testing. The enclosed draft survey currently references 2012. The instrument used during cognitive interviews will be edited to reference 2009. The results of the interviews will be used to revise and finalize the questionnaire.

Companies will be recruited in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area as well as other areas nationwide that are yet to be determined. Interviews will take place at the respondents’ sites. Subject area specialists will accompany the researcher on most, if not all, of the interviews. They will assist with respondent debriefing, especially in cases where additional clarification of the subject matter is required.

The manufacturing services and intellectual property items will not be applicable to all respondents who are answering this survey. In order to gather sufficient information about these items, we will be specifically targeting companies who would likely answer them. Approximately half of our interviews will be with companies that are expected to complete the manufacturing services item, and the remaining half will be with companies we expect to complete the intellectual property item. We also plan on visiting a few companies in the real estate, rental, and leasing sector because of a specific instruction on the sales/receipts item targeted to companies in those industries. All companies should be able to successfully answer the sales/receipts item. We may be visiting a few single-location companies in assess their reaction to these items.

In order to get a full understanding of what is involved with gathering information for these new items, we will request that respondents attempt to answer the questions prior to our visit. If respondents are unable to complete the form, we will then request that they review the items and come to the meeting prepared to give us a full description of what would be involved in completing the items. If other people are involved in the collection of this data, we will request that these people be invited to the meeting or that they at least have the opportunity to review and comment on their role in completing the form.

After participants are recruited, they will receive follow-up reminders about their appointments. Participants will be informed that their response is voluntary and that the information they provide is confidential and will be seen only by employees involved in the research project. Interviews will be audio-recorded, with the participants’ permission, to aid researchers in accurately reporting findings and recommendations. We will not be providing monetary incentives to participants in the study.

We estimate that it will be necessary to interview at least one respondent at each company with the possibility of others being involved. We estimate the length of the interview will average 1.5 hours, along with an additional 30 minutes for preparation work prior to the meeting. Thus, the maximum estimated burden for this research is 80 hours.

The contact person for questions regarding data collection and statistical aspects of the design of the research is:

Amy Anderson

Response Improvement Research Staff

U.S. Census Bureau

4600 Silver Hill Road, Room 7K130F

Washington, D.C. 20233

(301) 763-7544

[email protected]

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