OMB Supporting Statement B 2022

SUPPORTING STATEMENT B

Paperwork Reduction Act Information Collection 3076-XXXX:
FMCS STAKEHOLDER SURVEY FOR FACILITATION AND OTHER PURPOSES

PART B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS

1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any sampling or other respondent selection methods 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 potential respondent universe includes approximately 30,000 respondents for all potential projects, with some projects being bigger than others. Altogether, the various stakeholders will be from all sectors depending on the project, including the public, local and state governments, business, organizations, etc. Collection will be voluntary. Based on response rates achieved by FMCS in the past, FMCS anticipates that 15,000 responses will be received for a total response rate of 50%.

2. Describe the procedures for the collection of information.

This collection will not use statistical sampling methods. As described in part A, FMCS will use information from individual responses for the purposes of providing information to the agency FMCS has an IAA with for the agency to determine next steps. Based on the nature of the information gathered, FMCS does not believe it is appropriate or practicable to use statistical methods to infer characteristics of non-respondents based on responses received, and will not attempt to do so.

3. Describe methods to maximize response rates and to deal with issues of nonresponse. 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.

Because statistical methods will not be used, methods to encourage responses are not relevant to statistical characteristics of the respondent universe. Because each individual response is useful to FMCS’s research on stakeholders and consensus possibilities, FMCS will use a variety of methods to encourage collection. Some collections will be individual, while some will take place in stakeholder group meetings. Some collections will take the form of an interview while some will be a written survey. All will follow the same topic questions listed in the survey. Follow-up notices will only occur in limited situations where the particular stakeholder view is deemed necessary for the success of the project.

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 test may be submitted for approval separately or in combination with the main collection of information.

No testing will be undertaken.

5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on statistical aspects of the design and the name of the agency unit, contractors, grantees, or other person(s) who will actually collect or analyze the information for the agency.

Statistical methods will not be used.

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