Request for Approval_GPHEW Needs Assessment Survey_

Request for Approval under the “Generic Clearance for the Collection of
Routine Customer Feedback” (OMB Control Number: 0923-0047)
TITLE OF INFORMATION COLLECTION: CDC/ATSDR Needs Assessment of GIS use
in Public Health Emergencies
PURPOSE: The increasing availability of geospatial data and technology presents great
opportunity for innovation in public health emergency preparedness and response activities. As
spatial data and analysis can provide valuable information for efficient and informed decision
making during public health emergencies, it is imperative that the CDC/ATSDR expand current
capabilities by instituting a working group focused on the application of geospatial resources.
The GIS in Public Health Emergencies Working Group (GPHEW) presents a platform to
facilitate maximized geospatial innovation, collaboration, and information sharing in
preparedness and response activities across the agency. GPHEW seeks to improve the quality
and efficiency of response to public health emergencies at CDC/ATSDR, through the increased
and improved utilization of geospatial data and applications.
The purpose of this information collection is to identify and understand gaps and successes
associated with current geospatial use in emergency response. Similar to a strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis, recommendations will be developed for identified
gaps. The information collected will be used to provide relevant GIS-related guidance, training,
and internal policy recommendations for the use of GIS in public health emergency preparedness
and response at CDC.
DESCRIPTION OF RESPONDENTS: Respondents include both federal employees and
contractors/fellows working in geographic information systems (GIS) and/or working with
public health emergency preparedness and response activities within CDC/ATSDR.
TYPE OF COLLECTION: (Check one)
[ ] Customer Comment Card/Complaint Form
[ ] Usability Testing (e.g., Website or Software)
[ ] Focus Group

[ ] Customer Satisfaction Survey
[ ] Small Discussion Group
[x] Other: Needs Assessment_

CERTIFICATION:
I certify the following to be true:
1. The collection is voluntary.
2. The collection is low-burden for respondents and low-cost for the Federal Government.
3. The collection is non-controversial and does not raise issues of concern to other federal
agencies.
4. The results are not intended to be disseminated to the public.
5. Information gathered will not be used for the purpose of substantially informing influential
policy decisions.
6. The collection is targeted to the solicitation of opinions from respondents who have
experience with the program or may have experience with the program in the future.
Name:_ ____________________________________________________

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To assist review, please provide answers to the following question:
Personally Identifiable Information:
1. Is personally identifiable information (PII) collected? [x] Yes [ ] No
2. If Yes, is the information that will be collected included in records that are subject to the
Privacy Act of 1974? [ ] Yes [ X ] No
3. If Applicable, has a System or Records Notice been published? [ ] Yes [ X ] No
Survey respondents have the option of entering their CDC user name/ID when they complete the
information, but this information is not required. The CDC user ID can be used to determine the
full name of the respondent but this information will only be used to follow up with individuals
who expressed an interest in follow up from the working group and/or deploying for public
health emergency response activities. The personally identifying information (PII) being
collected (CDC user ID only) will not be linked to responses and will not be retained after the
completion of the project.
Gifts or Payments:
Is an incentive (e.g., money or reimbursement of expenses, token of appreciation) provided to
participants? [ ] Yes [x] No

BURDEN HOURS
Category of Respondent

No. of
Respondents
25
25
50

Federal government employees
Contractors/Fellows
Totals

Participation
Time
15/60
15/60

Burden
6.5 hours
6.5 hours
13 hours

FEDERAL COST: The estimated annual cost to the Federal government is $1325.20.
This cost reflects approximately 40 hours of salary for one staff person (GS-12 equivalent) to
create the needs assessment and assist with compiling and analyzing the results and drafting an
internal report of results.
The annual cost associated with respondent burden hours is approximately $414.13 (determined
using an average wage of $33.13 per hour based on information from the Bureau of Labor
Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2015, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/lifephysical-and-social-science/environmental-scientists-and-specialists.htm).
If you are conducting a focus group, survey, or plan to employ statistical methods, please
provide answers to the following questions:
The selection of your targeted respondents
1. Do you have a customer list or something similar that defines the universe of potential
respondents and do you have a sampling plan for selecting from this universe?
[ ] Yes [x] No

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If the answer is yes, please provide a description of both below (or attach the sampling plan)? If
the answer is no, please provide a description of how you plan to identify your potential group of
respondents and how you will select them?
Our sampling plan targets stakeholder groups rather than select individuals. We do not have an
enumerated list of names but a list of groups with participants involved in either GIS or public
health emergency preparedness and response activities within CDC. The survey link will be
disseminated to participants of these list serves or through program level email lists. The target
groups are listed below:
• Global Rapid Response Team – all members (Tiers 1-3)
• GIS in Public Health Emergencies Working Group Subject Matter Experts
• ATSDR/NCEH: Geospatial Research, Analysis, and Services Program and
Environmental Health Emergency Management
• Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Situation Awareness Team
• OPHPR Department of Emergency Operations Emergency Management Coordinators
• CSELS EIS Program
Administration of the Instrument
1. How will you collect the information? (Check all that apply)
[x] Web-based or other forms of Social Media
[ ] Telephone
[ ] In-person
[ ] Mail
[ ] Other, Explain
2. Will interviewers or facilitators be used? [ ] Yes [x] No
Please make sure that all instruments, instructions, and scripts are submitted with the
request.
List of attachments:
Attachment A – Recruitment Emails for GPHEW Needs Assessment Survey
Attachment B – GPHEW NA Survey Text
Attachment C – GPHEW NA Survey Screenshots

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