Supporting Statement Part B for 2501 Survey

Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (also known as the 2501 Program)

Program Feedback Survey

OMB # 0503-xxxx

Supporting Statement – Part B

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 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 respondent universe consists of approximately 250 former and current OPPE grantees. This is the first of such survey.

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.

• The statistical methodology for the survey is former and existing outreach partners of OPPE.

• The Estimation procedure may not apply as this is a new survey. We do estimate 70% of participants will respond.

• The degree of accuracy needed may not apply as this is a survey.

• No unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures exist.

• No use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce burden apply as this is a first-time survey and may not be repeated.

1. 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.

The survey is voluntary; meeting participants at our annual symposium will be encouraged to complete the survey for an opportunity to impact future program enhancements.

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 survey was sent to three current grantees for the purpose of soliciting opinions on the statistical aspects of the survey design and the appropriate time needed to complete the survey.

4. 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.

Southern Regional Development Council (Contractor for Survey)

Attn: Rachael Welborn

Associate Director

Southern Rural Development Center

P.O. Box 5187

Mississippi State, MS 39762

[email protected]

Phone: 662-325-5885

www.srdc.msstate.edu

Kenya Nicholas (Deputy Director)

Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement

202-720-6350

[email protected]