Part B

Part B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods

1. The potential respondent universe is all retail, service, recreational, manufacturing, transportation, communication, electric, gas, sanitary services, and wholesale trades establishments. As a result, statistical sampling is used. These surveys have been conducted since 1973 and yield a response of 21,760 establishments per year.

2. In 1988, OPM approved DOD’s assumption of those statistical support functions for FWS wage surveys previously performed under contract by BLS. DOD establishes lists of private sector establishments for FWS wage surveys in the 132 appropriated fund and 119 nonappropriated fund local wage areas. In areas having a relatively small number of establishments within the scope of the survey (usually 100 or fewer), a universe listing of all area firms is provided. Where there is a large number of firms, DOD draws a statistical sample, stratifies companies by size and major industrial category, creates cells of companies, and assigns statistical weights. After the collection period, DOD reweights establishments, as necessary, to ensure statistical validity.

3. DOD selects the establishments to be surveyed. The respondents work directly with data collectors knowledgeable in the occupational areas of the survey, and questions are readily answered regarding any part of the survey. This ensures a maximized response rate from participants.

4. Testing is not required.

5. The statistical design is prescribed by law. OPM implemented the law with the advice of the Federal Prevailing Rate Advisory Committee. Survey methodology is updated as necessary.

The following point of contact at DOD designates FWS wage survey data collectors:

Mr. R. Craig Jerabek

Chief, Salary and Wage Division

DOD Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service

1400 Key Boulevard, Suite B200

Arlington, VA 22209-5144

Telephone: (703) 696-1746