RDP_SupportingStatement_PartB_2021

SUPPORTING STATEMENT B

U.S. Department of Commerce

U.S. Census Bureau

Redistricting Data Program

OMB Control No. 0607-0988

B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods

There are no statistical methods involved in the collection of this information.

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.

The 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico have identified non-partisan liaisons that are already working directly with the Census Bureau on the 2020 Census Redistricting Data Program (RDP). The maximum respondent universe remains 52 for the RDP.

Response Rates by Program Phase:

• Phase 1: 41 state/equivalent participants.

• Phase 2: 49 state/equivalent participants.

• Phase 3: Data delivery (participation is accepting mailing of physical media), 52 state/equivalent participants.

• Phase 4: No data currently available.

• Phase 5: No data currently available.

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

   • Statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection,

   • 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.

• Statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection is not applicable,

• Estimation procedure is not applicable,

• Degree of accuracy needed for the purpose described in the justification is not applicable,

• Unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures is not applicable, and

• Any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce burden is not applicable.

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 collections 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.

At the start of the 2020 RDP, the Census Bureau issued invitation letters by mail (U.S. Postal Service) and follow-up emails to the officers or public bodies having initial responsibility for legislative reapportionment and redistricting.

The RDP provides states the opportunity to delineate voting districts and to suggest census block boundaries for use in the 2020 Census redistricting data tabulations (Public Law 94-171 Redistricting Data File). In addition, the RDP periodically collects state legislative and congressional district boundaries if they are changed by the states. After the 2020 Census, states may use 2020 data tabulated for census blocks, voting districts, and possibly other geographic areas such as cities, counties, etc., as considerations when they draw their new congressional and legislative district boundaries. States are the only authority that can choose where and how to draw their boundaries. The boundaries collected in the RDP and other geographic programs will create census blocks, which are the building blocks for all Census Bureau geographic boundaries.

4. 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.

The RDP conducted testing of the Phase 3 delivery of the redistricting data tabulations to the states as part of the 2018 Census End-to-End Test for Providence County, RI. The RDP does not plan to conduct a test phase or test sampling for Phase 4 and Phase 5.

5. 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.

The RDP information collection is conducted by the Census Redistricting & Voting Rights Data Office, Decennial Census Programs Directorate, Census Bureau.

James Whitehorne

Chief

Census Redistricting & Voting Rights Data Office

<[email protected]>

301-763-4039

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