2015 OMB Supporting Statement Mobile Homes Supporting Statement Part B 6_17_16

Supporting Statement

Form C-MH-9A

Manufactured Housing Surveys

B. Collection of Information Employing Statistical Methods

1. Universe, Respondent Selection, and Response Rates

A file of all manufactured homes shipped during the month is provided to the Census Bureau by the Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS). IBTS provides the file to Census on a monthly basis under the terms of a contractual agreement. The file identifies the home by serial number and shows the name, city, and state of the dealership that received the home. This file serves as the universe for the survey. Of the roughly 5,300 homes shipped each month, a fixed sample of 405 homes is randomly selected for the survey. The form C-MH-9A imprinted with a letter signed by the Director of the Census Bureau, (see Attachment 2) explaining the survey and identifying the home, is mailed to the manufactured home dealer shown as the receiver of the sampled home.

The dealer is asked to have the answers to the questions available when the interviewer telephones for the information. The current response rate is approximately 79 percent.

2. Statistical Methodology - Estimation Procedures

Each sampled home is weighted by its probability of selection. The average relative standard error of monthly estimates of shipments placed for residential use (based on the most recent 12 months) is about 5 percent for the US and approximately 10 percent at the regional level. The average relative standard error of monthly estimates of average sales price (based on the most recent 12 months) is about 5 percent for the US and approximately 9 percent at the regional level.

3. Methods to Maximize Response

Telephone follow-ups are used to reduce nonresponse.

4. Testing of Procedures

There are no tests of procedures or methods currently planned.

5. Contacts

The Economic Indicators Division staff plans and coordinates the survey. This includes the design of the reporting form, sample design and selection, collection, tabulation, analysis, and publication.

The contact person for questions relating to the statistical aspects of the survey is Ms. Bonnie Kegan. She can be reached on 301-763-7639. The contact person for questions relating to the collection and analysis of the data is Mr. Joseph Huesman. He can be reached on 301-763-4822.

Attachments:

1. 42, U.S.C. 5401, TITLE VI

2. Survey Form and Letter - C-MH-9A

3. Title 42, U.S.C. 5424 note,

4. Title 13, U.S.C., Section 8(b)

5. Title 12, U.S.C., Section 1701z-l

6. Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) of 2008, Section 2145

7. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Letter TI-480

8. Federal Register Notice

9. Letter from the Bureau of Economic Analysis