Utilization OMB Paperwork Reduction Act Supporting Statement Section 1517- Part B Final

The Supporting Statement

Utilization of the Private Sector for Surveying and Mapping Services on Federal-aid Highway Projects

Introduction: This is a new request from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for the information collection entitled Utilization of the Private Sector for Surveying and Mapping Services. The purpose of this new request is to collect the data and information in support of the requirements established under Section 1517 of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) and Section 306 of Title 23, United States Code.

Part B: Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods

Note: The data to be collected is data required by Section 1517 of MAP-21, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (P.L. 112-141), which requires the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a survey of all States to determine the percentage of projects carried out under title 23, United States Code, in each State that utilize private sector sources for surveying and mapping services. The information collected will only be used for the purpose stated on Part A (Bullet #2). The responses will not be used for the purpose of conducting a scientific study nor will the responses received will be used to make any statistical inferences.

1. Describe potential respondent universe and any sampling selection method to be used.
   
   

The respondent universe is State’s Department of Transportations (52, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico). Therefore, no sampling selection method will be used.

2. Describe procedures for collecting information, including statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection, estimation procedures, degree of accuracy needed, and less than annual periodic data cycles.

The data to be collected is data required by Section 1517 of MAP-21, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (P.L. 112-141), which requires the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a survey of all States to determine the percentage of projects carried out under title 23, United States Code, in each State that utilize private sector sources for surveying and mapping services. The information collected will only be used for the purpose stated on Part A (Bullet #2). The responses will not be used for the purpose of conducting a scientific study nor will the responses received will be used to make any statistical inferences. Consequently, no procedures were developed for collecting information, including statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection, estimation procedures, degree of accuracy needed, and less than annual periodic data cycles.

3. Describe methods to maximize response rate.

The data collection will funnel through the Division Offices of the Federal Highway Administration which are located in each State, and conduct business with the State’s Department of Transportations on a daily basis.

4. Describe tests of procedures or methods.

Please refer to response provided for question #2.

5. Provide name and telephone number of individuals who were consulted on statistical aspects of the IC and who will actually collect and/or analyze the information.

Joe Bloise, Consultant Services Program Manager, 225-757-7603. He will be the individual who will be responsible for collecting and summarizing the survey responses.

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