Appendix G.1 National Agricultural Statistics Service Comments

Appendix G.1

National Agricultural Statistics Service Comments

Food and Nutrition Service

School Meals Operations Study: State Agency COVID-19

Child Nutrition Waivers Evaluation

Revision to OMB # 0584-0607, Child Nutrition Program Operations Study II

(CN-OPS-II)

Review conducted by Doug Kilburg (Mathematical Statistician)

NASS - Methodology Division

Nov. 9, 2020

The overall study proposal is strong, with ways to incorporate error being minimized. A few minor comments are listed below, mostly on some clarity of data collection materials.

Part B:

B1: Given that no sampling design that would be efficient, are you proposing a full census of all 67 State Agency directors? Based on the table B1.1, I would say so. As a result, I would mention that in this portion. I recommend changing the wording in Table B1.1 to not say sample, which implies a proper subset.

Appendix E1: The paragraph that starts out as “For SY 2020-21,” is long and has a lot of commas. To increase effectiveness of the pre-study email, try to keep it clear and concise. It was difficult to read as is. Consider two separate sentences. This applies to all proposed survey materials.

The paragraph starting out as “This important study will capture, “ should have congressionally lower case since it isn’t the title of the mandate, but an adjective. This applies to all files in the appendix that use congressionally in this manner.

Appendix E4: The paragraph that starts with “Please click on the following link” states “may be presented by State.” Is this supposed to mean “by your state”? Further, why is State capitalized? This may need further clarification.

Great job soliciting prior feedback from state CN directors!