1028-0059 Part B 2016-10-17

Supporting Statement B

Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (1 form: 9-4040-A)

OMB Control Number 1028-0059

Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods

The agency should be prepared to justify its decision not to use statistical methods in any case where such methods might reduce burden or improve accuracy of results. When the question “Does this ICR contain surveys, censuses, or employ statistical methods?” is checked "Yes," the following documentation should be included in Supporting Statement B to the extent that it applies to the methods proposed:

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 government units, households, or persons) in the universe covered by the collection and in the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular form for the universe as a whole and for each of the strata in the proposed sample. Indicate expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection had been conducted previously, include the actual response rate achieved during the last collection.

The single canvass in this information collection is conducted as a complete census. No sampling is performed. The total number of respondents is approximately 2,500 which are business or other for-profit institutions (Table 1 below) that may have detonated chemical explosions of 300 tons of TNT-equivalent, or greater, at some time during the year.

Table 1. Consolidated estimates of annual burden (private sector) ¹

			PRIVATE SECTOR
	Form No.	Frequency	Number of Respondents	Responses	Completion Time	Burden Hours
1	9-4040-A	Annually	2,500	2,500	15 min	625

¹ Based on 100% response rate. Actual response rate is lower.

A response rate is not applicable to this canvass. The mine blast data is required by the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT); however, completing the form is voluntary. This canvass is conducted at the request of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and is an attempt to match specific blasts to specific locations.

2. Describe the procedures for the collection of information including:

* Statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection,

* Estimation procedure,

* Degree of accuracy needed for the purpose described in the justification,

* Unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures, and

* Any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce burden.

This canvass does not employ sampling techniques. Because the canvass is designed to match specific blasts with specific locations, sampling techniques are not appropriate for this canvass. According to the CTBT, the data must be updated annually and cannot be collected less frequently. Estimation procedures for nonrespondents are described in item (3) below.

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

Two weeks after the initial request, larger establishments that still have not responded will be contacted by telephone.

Nonresponse:

Data for small nonrespondent operations are assumed to be zero, and data for larger nonrespondent operations are imputed from the establishments’ prior reported data for large mine blasts or prior reported data for production.

The USGS believes that there is no significant nonresponse bias because of the suitable information on which to base imputations. This Information Collection Request does not contain canvasses of opinion.

Industry acceptance of this canvass continues to be extremely positive.

4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Testing is encouraged as an effective means of refining collections of information to minimize burden and improve utility. Tests must be approved if they call for answers to identical questions from 10 or more respondents. A proposed test or set of tests may be submitted for approval separately or in combination with the main collection of information.

The sole customer for this data is the U.S. Department of Defense, as is specified in the Memorandum of Agreement. Periodic consultation with this agency is performed to ensure that the data collected are meeting its needs. At present, no formal tests are in progress that would require clearance.

5. Provide the names and telephone numbers of individuals consulted on 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.

For further information concerning this information collection, please contact:

• Jeffrey P. Busse, Statistician, 703-648-4914, [email protected],

• Elizabeth S. Sangine, Chief, Mineral Commodities Section, 703-648-7720, [email protected],

• Joyce A. Ober, Assistant Chief, Minerals Commodities Section, 703-648-7717, [email protected],

or

• Lori E. Apodaca, Mineral Commodity Specialist, Mineral Commodities Section, 703-648-7724, [email protected].

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