BAS-2L BAS 2L Form Link

BAS-2L Annual Response Letter – American Indian Areas

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FROM THE DIRECTOR

U.S. CENSUS BUREAU

The U.S. Census Bureau conducts the Boundary and Annexation Survey (BAS) to update our records regarding changes to legal boundaries, names, and governmental status for federally recognized American Indian reservations, off-reservation trust land, and tribal subdivisions within the United States effective on or before January 1 of the survey year. This voluntary survey is an important opportunity for you to ensure that we have your correct boundary and legal name. The Census Bureau will use the boundary information you provide to report data from the American Community Survey (ACS) and other Census programs and surveys.

In recognition of tribal sovereignty, the Census Bureau asks tribes directly about their boundaries. It is important for your tribe to review Census Bureau boundaries because other government agencies use Census Bureau boundaries and population data for programs and funding.

Step 1 Respond to the Boundary and Annexation Survey:

• Complete the online BAS Annual Response Form and Contact Update information online at http://www.census.gov/geo/partnerships/bas/bas_ar_form.html

OR

• Send an email to [email protected] indicating 1) whether you have boundary changes to report (yes or no), and 2) whether the Tribal Chair and BAS contacts are current and the associated contact information for each is correct. If not, please provide updated information. Be sure to include the 11-digit BASID listed at the top of this letter in the subject line of your message.

NOTE: If you have no boundary changes to report, we ask that you still provide a “NO” response. Because we must contact all nonresponding governments, your”NO” response is appreciated.

Step 2 Report Boundary Changes (if in Step 1 you indicated boundary changes to report):

BAS Materials will be posted for download on our website http://www.census.gov/geo/partnerships/bas.html on a flow basis from December through January.

KEY DATES

January 1, 2016 All boundary changes must be legally in effect on or before this date to be reported under the BAS 2016.

March 1, 2016 BAS submission date deadline for boundary updates to be reflected in the American Community Survey (ACS) published data. Boundary submissions by this date are also reflected in next year’s BAS materials.

May 31, 2016 BAS submission date deadline for boundary updates to be reflected in next year’s BAS materials. Submissions after this date are not guaranteed to be reflected in next year’s BAS materials.

The Census Bureau will attempt to include submitted street and landmark updates as resources permit.

For the 2016 Tribal BAS, the National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) will also notify its members about the BAS to help reach more tribes and remind tribes to answer the BAS. If you have any questions, please contact the Census Bureau.

The Census Bureau appreciates your response to this important voluntary survey. If you need any assistance with this request, please email <[email protected]>, telephone 1-800-796-3748, or visit http://www.census.gov/geo/partnerships/bas.html.

Sincerely,

John H. Thompson

Director

Enclosures