BLS Data Sharing Program
OMB Control Number 1220-0180
OMB Expiration Date: 5/31/2022
SUPPORTING STATEMENT FOR
BLS DATA SHARING PROGRAM
OMB CONTROL NO. 1220-0180
This ICR seeks to extend the BLS Data Sharing Program.
JUSTIFICATION
1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection. Attach a copy of the appropriate section of each statute and regulation mandating or authorizing the collection of information.
The purpose of this request is to allow the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to facilitate and expedite the granting of access to qualified researchers under BLS data sharing programs. An important aspect of the mission of the BLS is to disseminate to the public the maximum amount of information possible. Not all data are publicly available because of the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of BLS data. However, the BLS has opportunities available on a limited basis for eligible researchers to access confidential data for purposes of conducting valid statistical analyses that further the mission of the BLS as permitted in the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act (CIPSEA) and under 29 U.S.C. 1 & 2.
The BLS makes confidential data available to eligible researchers through three major programs:
The National Longitudinal Surveys of Youth (NLSY) is designed to document the transition from school to work and into adulthood. The NLSY collects extensive information about youths' labor market behavior and educational experiences over time. The NLSY includes three different cohorts: the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (NLSY79), the NLSY79 Young Adult Survey, and the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 (NLSY97). NLSY data beyond the public use data are made available in greater detail through an offsite program to eligible researchers.
The Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), as part of the BLS occupational safety and health statistics program, compiles a count of all fatal work injuries occurring in the U.S. in each calendar year. Multiple sources are used in order to provide as complete and accurate information concerning workplace fatalities as possible. A research file containing CFOI data is made available offsite to eligible researchers.
Additionally, the BLS makes available data from several employment, prices, compensation, and working conditions surveys to eligible researchers for onsite use. Eligible visiting researchers can access these data in researcher rooms at the BLS national office in Washington, D.C. or at a Federal Statistical Research Data Center (FSRDC).
2. Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Except for a new collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received from the current collection.
In order to provide access to confidential data, the BLS must determine that the researcher’s project will be exclusively statistical in nature and that the researcher is eligible based on guidelines set out in CIPSEA, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) implementation guidance on CIPSEA, and BLS policy. This information collection provides the vehicle through which the BLS will obtain the necessary details to ensure all researchers and projects comply with appropriate laws and policies. The collection forms have been revised since the prior submission in order to improve clarity and ease of use for the applicants.
3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision for adopting this means of collection. Also, describe any consideration of using information technology to reduce burden.
Applicants have the option of submitting their applications by email.
4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purposes described in Item A.2 above.
The information collected will not duplicate any existing information being collected by the BLS.
5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe any methods used to minimize burden.
The information is collected from individuals; no small businesses or other small entities are involved.
6. Describe the consequence to federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.
Each individual project must be granted access separately due to the uniqueness of each research proposal, the BLS responsibility to determine the statistical nature of each proposed project, and the need to determine the eligibility of each researcher attempting to access confidential data.
7. Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a manner:
requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly;
requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer than 30 days after receipt of it;
requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document;
requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records for more than three years;
in connection with a statistical survey, that is not designed to produce valid and reliable results that can be generalized to the universe of study;
requiring the use of statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved by OMB;
that includes a pledge of confidentially that is not supported by authority established in statute or regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security policies that are consistent with the pledge, or which unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other agencies for compatible confidential use; or
requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secret, or other confidential information unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to protect the information's confidentially to the extent permitted by law.
There are no special circumstances. The data are collected in a manner that is consistent with the guidelines in 5 CFR 1320.5.
8. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of publication in the Federal Register of the agency's notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that notice and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden.
Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.
Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained or those who must compile records should occur at least once every 3 years -- even if the collection-of-information activity is the same as in prior periods. There may be circumstances that may preclude consultation in a specific situation. These circumstances should be explained.
No comments were received as a result of the Federal Register notice published in 86 FR 67976 on November 30, 2021.
9. Explain any decision to provide any payments or gifts to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.
No payments or gifts are provided to respondents.
10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.
Each application will include the following Privacy Act Statement:
The information you provide will be used by staff at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to determine your eligibility for access to restricted BLS data and for other administrative purposes. In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 as amended (5 U.S.C. 552a), details about routine uses can be found in the system of records notice, DOL/BLS – 21, Data Sharing Agreements Database (81 FR 47418). Providing the information on this form is voluntary; however, the BLS will not be able to grant access to restricted BLS data without this information. The information provided will be used to draft agreements with your institution, which upon full execution are public records. The BLS is authorized to request the information on this form under Title 5, United States Code, Section 301.
11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. This justification should include the reasons why the agency considers the questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.
There are no sensitive questions.
12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. The statement should:
Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated. Unless directed to do so, agencies should not conduct special surveys to obtain information on which to base hour burden estimates. Consultation with a sample (fewer than 10) of potential respondents is desirable. If the hour burden on respondents is expected to vary widely because of differences in activity, size, or complexity, show the range of estimated hour burden, and explain the reasons for the variance. General, estimates should not include burden hours for customary and usual business practices.
If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden estimates for each form
Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for collections of information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories. The cost of contracting out or paying outside parties for information collection activities should not be included here. Instead, this cost should be included in Item 14.
Estimated Annualized Respondent Cost and Hour Burden
Activity |
No. of Respondents |
No. of Responses per Respondent |
Total Responses |
Average Burden (Hours) |
Total Burden (Hours) |
Hourly Wage Rate |
Total Burden Cost |
NLSY |
126 |
1 |
126 |
0.5 |
63 |
7.25 |
$457 |
CFOI |
5 |
1 |
5 |
0.5 |
2.5 |
7.25 |
$18 |
Onsite Researcher |
30 |
1 |
30 |
0.5 |
15 |
7.25 |
$109 |
Unduplicated Totals |
161 |
1 |
161 |
0.5 |
80.5 |
7.25 |
$584 |
* [Costs are rounded to the neared dollar and calculated using the hourly rate that is based on the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, according to The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, As Amended, revised May 2011, http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/statutes/FairLaborStandAct.pdf]
13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden shown in Items 12 and 14).
The cost estimate should be split into two components: (a) a total capital and start up cost component (annualized over its expected useful life); and (b) a total operation and maintenance and purchase of service component. The estimates should take into account costs associated with generating, maintaining, and disclosing or providing the information. Include descriptions of methods used to estimate major cost factors including system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, the discount rate(s), and the time period over which costs will be incurred. Capital and start-up costs include, among other items, preparations for collecting information such as purchasing computers and software; monitoring, sampling, drilling and testing equipment; and record storage facilities.
If cost estimates are expected to vary widely, agencies should present ranges of cost burdens and explain the reasons for the variance. The cost of purchasing or contracting out information collection services should be a part of this cost burden estimate. In developing cost burden estimates, agencies may consult with a sample of respondents (fewer than 10), utilize the 60-day pre-OMB submission public comment process and use existing economic or regulatory impact analysis associated with the rulemaking containing the information collection, as appropriate.
Generally, estimates should not include purchases of equipment or services, or portions thereof, made: (1) prior to October 1, 1995, (2) to achieve regulatory compliance with requirements not associated with the information collection, (3) for reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the government, or (4) as part of customary and usual business or private practices.
Capital start-up costs: $0
Total operation and maintenance and purchase of services: $0
There are no costs to the potential applicants other than the time it takes to complete the applications. Applicants complete the forms based on personal knowledge and experience, which requires no record-keeping or other expenses.
14. Provide estimates of the annualized cost to the Federal Government. Also, provide a description of the method used to estimate cost, which should include quantification of hours, operational expenses (such as equipment, overhead, printing, and support staff), any other expense that would not have been incurred without this collection of information. Agencies also may aggregate cost estimates from Items 12, 13, and 14 into a single table.
The total estimated cost to the Federal government is $100,000. This reflects staff time spent reviewing researcher applications, processing data files, providing technical assistance, and associated administrative support, as well as costs to establish researcher access to BLS data within the FSRDC network. The Federal pay table used in the calculation of staff salaries can be found at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2022/general-schedule/.
15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments.
None.
16. For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulations, and publication. Address any complex analytical techniques that will be used. Provide the time schedule for the entire project, including beginning and ending dates of the collection of information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions.
The information collected will not be for public use, but rather to ensure that only eligible researchers, using the data for an exclusively statistical purpose under CIPSEA, may access certain confidential datasets as outlined in item 1.
17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.
BLS is requesting OMB approval for permission to suppress the expiration date on the application forms. A printed expiration date would restrict BLS’ ability to use these same forms in subsequent years.
18. Explain each exception to the certification statement.
There are no exceptions to the certification.
B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORAMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS
This information collection does not employ statistical methods.
| File Type | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document |
| File Title | March 6, 2007 |
| Author | Theda Kenney |
| File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
| File Created | 2022-02-12 |