Supporting Statement B

Part B Supporting Statement

0920-0881 GEN IC Requesting Laboratory Input to Identify Gaps in Preparedness for Testing Environmental Samples Following a Biological Threat Event

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 to identify gaps in preparedness for testing environmental samples following a biological threat event. The LRN program currently does not have information about equipment and consumables for specific methods. We are trying to determine which laboratories are prepared and can receive proficiency test samples in the near future. In addition, we have a new method under development that requires the same equipment and materials and we are trying to gauge the number of laboratories that will be able to use this method

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 or through online survey tools (i.e. Survey Monkey) which require respondents to go to web link and answer a series of questions.

CDC will not receive any personally identifiable information. The types of information collection activities included in this generic package are: questionnaires that are provided to members through email communications or online survey tools (i.e Survey Monkey).

The full list of questions (SurveyMonkey) is attached (Attachment 1).

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. If no responses are received after the second announcement, then a maximum of two personal phone calls to the Lab Director of the LRN member laboratory will be used to follow up.

4. Tests of Procedures or Methods to be Undertaken

If a tool such as Survey Monkey is used to collect data it will be tested by individuals within and external to CDC/LRN Program office to assure functionality exists and questions are clear. 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.