0693-XXXX-Generic-CommunityResilience-SupportingStatement-PartB-5-10-16

Supporting Statement

U.S. Department of Commerce

National Institute of Standards and Technology

Generic Clearance for Community Resilience Data Collections

OMB CONTROL NO. 0693-XXXX

B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS

Data clearance methods and procedures will vary for collections conducted under this generic clearance. Some of the individual clearances may use statistical methods to select respondents and analyze results. In such cases, NIST will provide OMB with the specific statistical information typically covered by Questions 1 through 5 of this section as a part of the individual information clearance submission or request.

1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any sampling or other respondent selection method to be used. Data on the number of entities (e.g. establishments, State and local governmental units, households, or persons) in the universe and the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular form. The tabulation must also include expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection has been conducted before, provide the actual response rate achieved.

The activities under this collection may involve samples of self-selected participants, as well as representative samples of affected community members. In some cases, the use of convenience samples or quota samples may be made. Potential respondents will be selected to cover a broad range of individuals and entities related to specific aspects of community resilience, hazard preparedness, disaster response, and sustainability.

The specific sample planned for each individual collection and the method for soliciting participation will be described fully in each information collection request. In some cases statistically representative methods will be employed to ensure sample that reflects attributes of the population.

The number of individuals and entities participating in a given study will vary based on the nature of and needs addressed by the study.

2. Describe the procedures for the collection, including: the statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection; the estimation procedure; the degree of accuracy needed for the purpose described in the justification; any unusual problems requiring

specialized sampling procedures; and any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce burden.

Data collection methods and procedures may vary and the specifics of these will be provided as supplemental documents for each information collection request. NIST experts may use a variety of methodologies for these collections; and commercial survey-specific software to automate its collection and analysis of feedback. Some collection instruments may also involve physical copies, information collection instruments may be electronically disseminated and/or posted on target pages of a NIST web site. Telephone scripts, personal interviews, and focus groups may also be used and if applicable, will be provided as a part of the submission.

3. Describe the methods used to maximize response rates and to deal with nonresponse. The accuracy and reliability of the information collected must be shown to be adequate for the intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be provided if they will not yield "reliable" data that can be generalized to the universe studied.

Data collection plans will consider the minimum number of responses needed to provide accurate and reliable data, and develop plans to obtain at least the minimum number of responses. Information collected under this generic clearance may not always yield generalizable quantitative findings; however, it can provide useful input about the community resilience planning, hazard preparedness, and sustainability. NIST may use generally accepted survey methods to minimize non-response, including, but not limited to tailoring the type, frequency, and nature of solicitation.

4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Tests are encouraged as effective means to refine collections, but if ten or more test respondents are involved OMB must give prior approval.

Pretesting may be done with internal staff, a limited number of external colleagues, and/or individuals/entities familiar with the type of information sought. If the number of pretest respondents exceeds nine members of the public, NIST will submit the pretest instruments for OMB review under this generic clearance.

5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on the statistical aspects of the design, and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), grantee(s), or other person(s) who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.

If statistical methods are used, NIST will obtain and provide information from the statisticians involved in the development, design, conduct, and analysis of usability data collections to be conducted, when appropriate. NIST will provide the name and contact information of the persons consulted in specific information collection requests submitted under this generic clearance.

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