1652-NEW SurfTranspSthldrSurvey SS Pt. B 5.30.2019

INFORMATION COLLECTION SUPPORTING STATEMENT

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION STAKEHOLDER SURVEY

1652-NEW

B. Collection of Information Employing Statistical Methods

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.

Section 1983 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-254, 132 Stat. 3186, Oct. 5, 2018) directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a survey of public and private stakeholders responsible for securing surface transportation assets regarding resource challenges, including the availability of Federal funding, associated with securing such assets that provides an opportunity for respondents to set forth information on specific unmet security needs. As the survey concerns surface transportation security, TSA is leading this effort. The potential respondent universe is comprised of approximately 3,200 entities consisting of freight rail, highway and motor carrier, mass transit and passenger rail, and pipeline companies or agencies with whom TSA has established working relationships. The breakdown by mode of transportation is summarized in the table below.

Mode of Transportation	Companies / Agencies
Freight Rail	739
Highway and Motor Carrier	189
Mass Transit and Passenger Rail	599
Pipeline	1,680
Total	3,207

The survey, which the company or agency may decline to take, will be made available on the TSA website for a period of 21 calendar days. TSA will use its stakeholder contact lists and applicable trade associations to inform stakeholders of its availability.

TSA has no previous data on survey responses involving all surface modes. However, assuming a 20 percent response rate, approximately 641 surveys will be submitted.

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

• Statistical methodology for stratification and sample decision,

• 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.

Public and private stakeholders who are responsible for securing surface transportation assets will be invited to participate in the survey. This survey is being conducted as a result of a statutory requirement in section 1983 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 and is anticipated to be a one-time event. TSA will not use sampling or stratification techniques. All data from completed stakeholder surveys will be compiled and analyzed to identify resource challenges, including the availability of Federal funding, associated with securing surface transportation assets.

The survey will be conducted using the TSA website and Survey Monkey software, enabling respondents to fill out the survey from any smart phone, tablet, or computer with internet connectivity. The feature to collect the respondents’ IP addresses will be disabled. Electronic submission of survey results was selected because it will be less labor intensive and less costly than requiring participants to submit surveys in hard copy.

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 collection 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.

Stakeholder participation in this survey is voluntary. The use of electronic means to conduct the survey, the limited number of questions, and the ease of responding are all meant to encourage completion of the survey.

While TSA is under a statutory obligation to conduct this survey, participation by stakeholders is voluntary. A robust response, however, is necessary for TSA to meet the intent of the requirement, which is to assess surface transportation security resource challenges, including the availability of Federal funds. To maximize response rates, the survey will be sent to those surface transportation stakeholders with whom TSA has established working relationships. TSA intends to further encourage participation in the survey by emphasizing the value of stakeholder feedback in response to this specific Congressional concern.

3. 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.

TSA has previously tested the proposed procedures or methods on the use of electronic means for the conduct of surveys. The Survey Monkey platform is easy to use for researchers and respondents and has good brand awareness and recognition. The data collected can be readily analyzed through the data analysis and reporting features offered by the platform.

3. Provide the name and telephone number 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.

James T. Sharp, TSA, [email protected], 571-227-2179

James S. Taylor, TSA, [email protected], 571-227-2955