Construction Project Report Plan

The Census Bureau plans to conduct additional research under the generic clearance for questionnaire pretesting research (OMB number 0607-0725). We will conduct usability testing of the Internet reporting application for the Construction Project Report (CPR). The purpose of the CPR is to provide monthly estimates on the total dollar value of construction work done in the United States. The CPR collects information on the dollar value of construction put in place on building projects under construction by private companies or individuals, and on building projects under construction by federal, state and local governments. These data are collected via multiple modes, including mail, telephone, and fax, and the electronic Centurion form which is planned to be released in late 2011.

Usability testing of the Internet application in Centurion will focus on issues such as the layout of questions and screens, the navigation within and between screens, and edits. Copies of the draft screens, as well as the first draft of the testing protocol, are enclosed.

From early-April through July, 2011, we will conduct two rounds of usability interviews with respondents from up to 24 construction companies in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Findings will be used to revise the CPR Internet application.

Interviews will be conducted at the business location by staff from the Response Improvement Research Staff within the Economic Directorate of the Census Bureau. Subject area specialists from the CPR staff will accompany the usability tester 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. Interviews will be audio recorded, with the participants’ permission, to aid researchers in accurately reporting findings and recommendations.

After respondents are recruited, participants will receive follow-up reminders about their appointments by fax or telephone. Participants will be informed that their response is voluntary and that the information they provide is confidential and will be seen only by Census Bureau staff involved in the research project. We will not be providing monetary incentives to participants in this study.

We estimate that it will be necessary to interview only one respondent at each construction company. We estimate the length of the interviews will average 1 hour. Thus, the maximum estimated burden for this research is 24 hours.

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

Amy Anderson

Response Improvement Research Staff

U.S. Census Bureau

Washington, D.C. 20233

(301) 763-1836

[email protected]