Census Employment Inquiry Statement Part B

SUPPORTING STATEMENT
U.S. Department of Commerce
U.S. Census Bureau
Census Employment Inquiry
Forms BC-170 and BC-170(SP), U.S. Census Employment Application (English and Spanish)
and
BC-171 and BC-171(SP), Additional Applicant Information (English and Spanish)
OMB Control No. 0607-0139

B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods
1.

Universe and Respondent Selection
The Census Bureau does not use sampling methods in the Census Employment
Inquiry Program. The BC-170, U.S. Census Employment Application, is the form
the Census Bureau plans to use to collect information from job applicants, such as
personal data and availability. Administrative officials will review the information
shown on the form to evaluate an applicant’s eligibility for employment and to
determine the best-qualified applicants to fill Census jobs. The BC-171,
Additional Applicant Information, is a voluntary form which collects information
that is not used to make selection decisions, but serves to allow the Census
Bureau to comply with Federal directives and to evaluate its recruiting sources.

2.

Procedures for Collecting Information
Individuals interested in applying for a temporary Census job with decennial
censuses, special censuses, and/or various current surveys will complete the BC170 and an optional BC-171 form to apply.
The Census Bureau intends for 2020 decennial census applicants to access,
complete, and submit both the BC-170 and BC-171 to administrative officials via
the Census Schedule A Recruitment, Assessment, and Payroll System (CSHARPS) online applicant system. While application via the online applicant
system is preferred, a paper version of the BC-170 and BC-171 will be accessible
to 2020 decennial census applicants under some circumstances (i.e. special
request, lack of internet access), and all forms will be available electronically in
PDF format for applicants to complete and submit to the Census Bureau office.
During 2020 decennial operations, the Census Bureau intends for current survey
and special census applicants to submit a paper version of the BC-170 and BC171 forms. Upon conclusion of 2020 decennial operations in September 2020, all
applicants will be able to access, complete and submit both the BC-170 and BC171 online.

To apply online, applicants are directed to 2020census.gov/jobs where they are
able to access the C-SHARPS online applicant system. Upon accessing the online
applicant system, applicants have the option to create an online profile using a
valid email address. Once an online profile is created, applicants are prompted to
complete, e-sign and submit the BC-170 and BC-171 to administrative officials
for review.
Alternatively, applicants can receive paper forms by contacting the Census
Bureau office. Applicants will either meet in person with a Census Bureau
representative to receive and complete the paper forms or will receive the paper
forms in the mail, complete them and return them to the Census Bureau office in a
postage-paid envelope. Administrative officials will key the applicant information
from the forms into the selection system for employment consideration.
The Spanish versions of the BC-170 and BC-171 will be used for applicants in
Puerto Rico. Like the English versions, the Spanish versions will be available for
2020 decennial census applicants to access, complete and submit to the
administrative officials via the online applicant system, beginning September 4,
2018. Paper copies of the Spanish versions of the BC-170 and BC-171 will also
be accessible to 2020 decennial census applicants in Puerto Rico.
3.

Methods to Maximize Response
Not applicable.

4.

Tests of Procedures or Methods
The Census Bureau has used a similar version of these forms, approved by the
OMB, since the 1970s. These forms request from an applicant the minimum
information necessary to hire temporary workers. These forms have demonstrated
to be less burdensome than the forms used for candidates applying for a
permanent position with the Census Bureau.
Beginning September 4, 2018, the Census Bureau plans to use an online version
of the BC-170 and BC-171 for the 2020 decennial census. People interested in
applying for temporary positions with the 2020 decennial census will be able to
apply online by providing the information included in the BC-170 and the
optional BC-171. After the conclusion of decennial operations in September 2020,
the online version will be made available to both current surveys and special
census applicants. Until that time, these operations will use the paper version of
the BC-170 and BC-171.

5.

Contacts for Statistical Aspects and Data Collection
For information regarding the statistical aspects and/or data collection for the
Census Employment Inquiry Program, contact Mr. Michael A. DeFrank, Chief,
Management Services Branch. Mr. DeFrank can be reached by telephone at
(301)-763-2864 or by email at [email protected].