OPM 1203-FX Supporting Statements 2016-11_01

Supporting Statement Part A
OPM Form 1203-FX, Occupational Questionnaire
OMB Control Number: 3206-0040
Justification – Part A Supporting Statement
1. The Information
The Occupational Questionnaire, OPM Form 1203-FX is necessary to collect information
from applicants about their background when applying for Federal employment. Collection
of this information has been previously approved and the emergency clearance process is not
making changes to the previously approved form.
2. Need for the collection
OPM is responsible for open competitive examinations for admissions to the competitive
service in accordance with section 3304 of title 5, United States Code. OPM is specifically
authorized to collect such information as required to carry out its responsibility to examine
applicants for competitive service positions. Section 1104 of title 5 allows OPM to authorize
agencies to rate applicants for Federal jobs.
3. Information Use
Under continuing efforts to modernize and streamline the Federal examining system, many
job vacancies are filled from applicants whose applications reside in an electronic inventory.
OPM has expanded the use of automated staffing systems in order to more effectively
identify the best qualified applicants to meet agency staffing needs. With this form we
collect information from applicants regarding their background and experience. The
information collected on this form is loaded to computerized applicant inventories, which
enables automated screening of applicants based on employment availability and
qualifications. Collection of applicant information with this form permits OPM to make
faster and more appropriate selections of applicants in order to meet agencies' specific
recruiting needs.
4. Respondents
The respondents will be individuals.
5. Information Collection Method
The information must be collected from all job applicants. Most applicants enter this
information using a user-friendly online application via the internet. At least 95% of
applicants use the electronic means when applying for Federal jobs. The paper version of the
form is used by job applicants who cannot or will not use the electronic means of applying.
Forms are available on OPM’s Forms web site (http://www.opm.gov/forms) and via a
“Forms” link on OPM’s USAJOBS web site (http://www.usajobs.opm.gov).
6. Project Schedule
This section is not applicable.

7. Duplication
OPM is the sole authority to collect this information, therefore, duplication is minimized.
8. Minimizing Burdens on Small Businesses
This section is not applicable.
9. Consultation Outside of the Agency
This section is not applicable.
10. Payment or Gift to Respondents
This section is not applicable.
11. Justification for Sensitive Questions
This section is not applicable.
12. Burden Estimate
Due to the fact that this form is used to collect qualifications information for a variety of
occupations, as well as the varying levels of experience of the applicants, completion time
varies. The burden estimate is also affected by the number of occupational questions for a
specific vacancy announcement and the type of questionnaire designed by the user. The
average completion time is 40 minutes for the 1203-FX; yielding an estimated annual burden
of 7,600,000 hours.
13. Cost to the Federal Government
The annualized cost to the Federal government of the 1203-FX is estimated at $1,048,900,
which is only $0.09 per application. This cost includes overhead, direct labor, forms design,
development, and printing.
14. Expiration Date for OMB Approval
We do not seek approval to not display the expiration date.
15. Privacy and Confidentiality
Privacy Act statement to be included remains unchanged from previous versions of the form
and can be found below.
16. Statistical Classification
The position title of the position to which an applicant is applying and geographic availability
are included on the 1203-FX collection.
17. Classification System
The 1203-FX uses the USAJOBS classification system in collecting both Occupation/Job
Title and Geographic areas. This is a requirement of the automated interconnection with the
USAJOBs system.
18. Surveys, Censuses, and Other Collections that Employ Statistical Methods
This section is not applicable.

Public Burden Statement
We estimate the public reporting burden for this collection will vary from 20 to 45 minutes with
an average of 30 minutes per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching
existing data sources, gathering data, and completing and reviewing the information. Send
comments regarding the burden statement or any other aspect of the collection of information,
including suggestions for reducing this burden to: U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM),
OPM Forms Officer (3206-0040),Washington, DC 20415-7900. The OMB number, 3206-0040,
is currently valid. OPM may not collect this information, and you are not required to respond,
unless this number is displayed. Do not send completed application forms to this address. Follow
directions provided in the vacancy announcement(s).

Privacy Statement
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and other Federal agencies rate applicants for
Federal jobs under the authority of sections 1104, 1302, 3301, 3304, 3320, 3361, 3393, and 3394
of title 5 of the United States Code. Section 1104 of title 5 allows the OPM to authorize other
Federal agencies to rate applicants for Federal jobs. We need the information you put on this
form to see how well your education and work skills qualify you for a Federal job. We also need
information on matters such as citizenship and military service to see whether you are affected
by laws we must follow in deciding who may be employed by the Federal government.

We must have your Social Security Number (SSN) to identify your records because other people
may have the same name and birthdate. The OPM may also use your SSN to make requests for
information about you from employers, schools, banks, and others who know you, but only as
allowed by law or Presidential directive. We request your SSN under the authority of Public Law
104-134 (April 26, 1996). This law requires that any person doing business with the Federal
government furnish an SSN or tax identification number. This is an amendment to title 31,
Section 7701.

The information we collect by using your SSN will be used for employment purposes and also
for studies and statistics that will not identify you. Information we have about you may also be
given to Federal, State and local agencies for checking on law violations or for other lawful
purposes. We may send your name and address to State and local Government agencies,
Congressional and other public offices, and public international organizations, if they request
names of people to consider for employment. We may also notify your school placement office if
you are selected for a Federal job. Giving us your SSN or any of the other information is
voluntary. However, we cannot process your application, which is the first step toward getting a
job, if you do not give us the information we request. In addition, incomplete addresses and Zip
Code(s) will slow processing.

We may confirm information from your records with prospective nonfederal employers
concerning tenure of employment, civil service status, length of service, and date and nature of
action for separation as shown on personnel action forms of specifically identified individuals.
The Privacy Act of 1974, 5 USC 552a, provides protection to individuals by ensuring that
personal information collected by Federal agencies is limited to that which is legally authorized
and necessary and is maintained in a manner which precludes unwarranted intrusions upon
individual privacy.