Supporting Statement Part B

Part B Supporting Statement

0920-0881 Requesting Laboratory Input to Support Ebola Response

1. Respondent Universe and Sampling Methods P. 2

2. Procedures for the Collection of Information P. 2

3. Methods to Maximize Response Rates and Deal with no Response p. 3

4. Tests of Procedures or Methods to be Undertaken p. 3

5. Individuals Consulted on Statistical Aspects and Individuals

Collecting and/or Analyzing Data p. 3

B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods

The Laboratory Response Network’s (LRN) mission is to maintain an integrated national and international network of laboratories that can respond to suspected acts of biological, chemical, or radiological terrorism and other public health emergencies. This collection of information does not employ statistical methods.

When federal, state and local public health laboratories voluntarily join the LRN, they assume specific responsibilities and are required to provide information to the LRN Program Office at CDC. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is submitting a request to survey LRN laboratories for information regarding automated extraction equipment. This critical information will be used to assess and plan CDC Ebola Response.

1. Respondent Universe and Sampling Methods

Respondents include members of the Laboratory Response Network. Expected response rate as determined by previous data collections is 80% or better. No statistical methods are used to determine the sampling group for respondents.

2. Procedures for the Collection of Information

Questionnaires and Special Data Calls may be conducted via broadcast email that asks respondents to send information via email to the LRN help desk. The email will contain a series of questions. Personal identifiable information may be collected for this data call. The collection will specifically be for lab instruments and software, but those who operate or purchase the instrument may be identified. The type of information collection activity included in this generic package is a questionnaire that is provided to members through email communications.

The full list of questions is referenced below:

Subject: Request for Information Regarding Automated Extraction Equipment

LRN Broadcast Email To: All LRN Laboratories Testing for Biological Threat Agents

Good Morning,

The LRN needs your assistance. Please indicate if your laboratory has any of the automated extraction instruments listed here and if so, please indicate how many of each you possess. Additionally, if your facility has any of this equipment, please indicate what version of software you have.  Please send your replies to [email protected] by COB Friday, August 29, 2014. Thank you for your time.

Kindest Regards,

LRN Program Office

1.      KingFisher mL Magnetic Particle Processor, Thermo Scientific catalog# 5400050

2.      KingFisher Duo, Thermo Scientific catalog # 5400100

3.      Dynal Bead Retriever, Life Technologies catalog #15950

3. Methods to Maximize Response Rates and Deal with No Response

If limited responses to a special data call are received from LRN member laboratories the LRN Program office at CDC will extend the deadline to respond and send another announcement of the data call and the need for the information by broadcast email. No responses after second announcement will be followed up by a maximum of two personal phone calls to the Lab Director of the LRN member laboratory.

4. Tests of Procedures or Methods to be Undertaken

More extensive questionnaires may be piloted with 8-10 LRN member laboratories before requesting all members to respond.

5. Individuals Consulted on Statistical Aspects and Individuals Collecting and/or Analyzing Data

No individuals consulted are consulted on statistical aspects or the design of the data collection.