supporting statement b 2020

Department of Commerce

United States Census Bureau

OMB Information Collection Request

Generic Clearance for 2020 Census Field Tests to Automate Field data Collection Activities

OMB Control Number 0607-0971

Part B – Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods

Question 1. Universe and Respondent Selection

The data collected will be used for researching messages in survey invitations and reminders, the functionality of technology in field data collection activities, and data quality rather than to produce information about the population. A description of the plans for selecting respondents for each individual test will be provided to the Office of Management and Budget at the time the individual activity request is submitted.

Question 2. Procedures for Collecting Information

Data collection for the testing conducted under this clearance may include experimental manipulation of respondent invitations and reminders in small-scale Web or mail surveys with the possibility of telephone follow up. Data collection may employ telephone, mobile computing devices, such as tablets, smartphones, or laptops to capture the data collected. More specific information about data collection procedures will be contained in the description provided to OMB at the time the individual activity request is submitted.

Question 3. Methods to Maximize Response

In general, additional contacts will be used to maximize participation rates, usually by electronic or mail contact. More information that is specific to individual tests will be contained in the activity description provided to OMB at the time the activity request is submitted.

Question 4. Tests of Procedures or Methods

This entire submission consists of testing contact strategies, data collection instruments, devices, applications, and software. All of the tests conducted under this clearance will inform the Census Bureau on methodology to improve field data collection activities, reduce costs, improve quality, and lead to reduced respondent burden.

Question 5. Contacts for Statistical Aspects and Data Collection

Jennifer Childs served as the general methodological consultant for this project. Additional advice on statistical aspects of each individual survey will be sought as the testing program proceeds. Depending on the nature of the research, staff from subject-matter divisions, operational divisions, and the Center for Survey Measurement will have primary responsibility for data collection and analysis. The specific research project will also determine whether the data will be collected by the Census Bureau or through a contractor. Jennifer Childs is the contact person for general questions about data collection and analysis. Other contact persons for questions regarding data collection and statistical aspects of the design will be provided to OMB at the time the questionnaires are submitted.

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