Census Employment Inquiry_SupportingStatementB_05182021

SUPPORTING STATEMENT B

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

2. 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 census tests, special censuses, and/or various current surveys will complete the BC- 170 and an optional BC-171 form to apply.

The Census Bureau intends for applicants applying for current survey positions to complete a hard copy version of the forms in a mail-out/mail-back process. In the future, applicants may be able to complete the form electronically or in fillable in PDF format.

For special censuses and decennial census tests forms may be available in paper or PDF format for applicants to complete and submit to the Census Bureau office. However, the Census Bureau is working to make the form available to complete electronically.

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 decennial census tests or special censuses conducted in Puerto Rico. The Spanish version of these forms is not available in Puerto Rico for current surveys.

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.

The Census Bureau continues to explore a variety of processes for persons interested in applying for census field positions. Those processes include hard copy, fillable PDF versions, as well as online versions of the form.

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].