2020 Census Count Question Resolution Operation

2020 Census CQR Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs)
Version 1.0 – December 1, 2021

This page intentionally left blank.

U.S. Census Bureau

2020 Census CQR: Frequently Asked Questions

i

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1

Introduction ........................................................................................................ 1

1.1

What is the 2020 Census Count Question Resolution operation (CQR)? ........................ 1

1.2

When does 2020 CQR occur? .......................................................................................... 1

1.3

What is new for 2020 CQR? ............................................................................................. 1

1.4

What type of cases are acceptable for 2020 CQR? ......................................................... 1

1.5

What is a housing unit? ................................................................................................... 2

1.6

What is a group quarters? ............................................................................................... 2

1.7

Can 2020 CQR correct the population count if we believe the Census Bureau missed
people? ............................................................................................................................ 2

1.8

When must housing have been in existence for inclusion in the 2020 Census? ............ 2

1.9

Will the Census Bureau publish a list of 2020 CQR case submissions? ........................... 3

1.10 Will we receive notification of the outcome of our 2020 CQR case? ............................. 3
Section 2

Registration and Participation ............................................................................. 1

2.1

Is there a registration process for 2020 CQR? ................................................................. 1

2.2

Who can participate in 2020 CQR? .................................................................................. 1

2.3

Who can initiate a 2020 CQR case? ................................................................................. 1

2.4

What are the options to participate in 2020 CQR? ......................................................... 1

2.5

To help us determine if we should participate, how did the Census Bureau count
persons in various living situations? ................................................................................ 2

2.6

Is training available for 2020 CQR?.................................................................................. 2

Section 3

Materials............................................................................................................. 3

3.1

How does the Census Bureau distribute 2020 CQR materials? ...................................... 3

3.2

What type of material is available for use in 2020 CQR? ................................................ 3

3.3

What is the Address Count Listing Files Viewer and how do we use it? ......................... 3

3.4

What are the 2021 Partnership shapefiles and how do we use them? .......................... 4

3.5

What are the 2020 Census Block Maps and how do we use them? ............................... 4

3.6

What are the 2020 Census Block-based Work Maps and how do we use them?........... 5

3.7

What are the CQR Block Count List Files and how do we use them? ............................. 5

3.8

What is the Address List Template File and how do we use it? ...................................... 5

Section 4
4.1

Preparing a 2020 CQR Case .................................................................................. 6

How does our governmental unit review 2020 Census results to determine if we need
to prepare a 2020 CQR case?........................................................................................... 6

U.S. Census Bureau

2020 Census CQR: Frequently Asked Questions

ii

4.2

What local data sources are suitable for preparing a 2020 CQR case?........................... 6

4.3

What must a boundary case include? ............................................................................. 6

4.4

What must a housing count case include? ...................................................................... 7

4.5

What does supporting documentation include? ............................................................. 7

4.6

How do we report an incorrect boundary for our governmental unit that does not
affect our housing or population counts? ....................................................................... 8

4.7

How do we certify the existence of housing as of April 1, 2020 in our governmental
unit? 8

4.8

How do we submit our 2020 CQR case to the Census Bureau? ...................................... 9

4.9

What is the deadline to submit a 2020 CQR case? .......................................................... 9

Section 5

Processing Cases and Providing Results ............................................................. 10

5.1

How does the Census Bureau review a 2020 CQR case? .............................................. 10

5.2

Does our governmental unit receive feedback regarding our 2020 CQR case?............ 10

5.3

If the Census Bureau issues revised counts because of 2020 CQR, in what data will
those revisions appear? ................................................................................................. 10

5.4

If the Census Bureau corrects a governmental unit’s legal boundary during 2020 CQR,
in what material will the correction appear? ................................................................ 11

5.5

Will the Census Bureau notify our governmental unit if they do not revise our counts
or make a boundary correction in 2020 CQR? .............................................................. 11

Section 6

Geographic Update Partnership Software (GUPS) .............................................. 12

6.1

What is GUPS? ............................................................................................................... 12

6.2

Who does the Census Bureau recommend use GUPS for 2020 CQR? .......................... 12

6.3

Are there specific hardware or system requirements to install and use GUPS? .......... 12

6.4

Can our governmental unit use a previous version of GUPS for 2020 CQR? ................ 13

6.5

Our governmental unit has downloaded GUPS from the CQR website, but cannot
install it. What should we do? ....................................................................................... 13

6.6

Our governmental unit prohibits downloading .zip files from an external website onto
its network. How can we obtain the new GUPS version? ............................................. 13

6.7

Where does GUPS save the exported .zip file(s) of our 2020 CQR case?...................... 13

Section 7

Secure Web Incoming Module (SWIM)............................................................... 14

7.1

What is SWIM?............................................................................................................... 14

7.2

What internet browsers support the use of SWIM? ..................................................... 14

7.3

Can I use an existing SWIM account for 2020 CQR?...................................................... 14

7.4

How do I determine if I have an existing SWIM account?............................................. 14

7.5

How do I resolve problems logging into SWIM? ........................................................... 14

U.S. Census Bureau

2020 Census CQR: Frequently Asked Questions

iii

7.6

How do I reset my SWIM password? ............................................................................. 15

7.7

How do I upload our governmental unit’s 2020 CQR case using SWIM?...................... 15

7.8

How do I resolve SWIM issues encountered when attempting to upload our
governmental unit’s 2020 CQR case? ............................................................................ 15

U.S. Census Bureau

2020 Census CQR: Frequently Asked Questions

iv

SECTION 1
1.1

INTRODUCTION

What is the 2020 Census Count Question Resolution operation (CQR)?

The 2020 Census CQR provides a mechanism for tribal, state, and local governmental units to
request that the Census Bureau review their 2020 Census results. Specifically, tribal
chairpersons and the highest elected officials (or their representative) from state and local
governmental units in the United States and Puerto Rico can submit a 2020 CQR case to request
review of their official 2020 Census count of housing, and/or to correct boundary and housing
count issues.
Through this formal process, the Census Bureau reviews cases received to determine whether
certain geographic or processing errors affected the 2020 Census count of housing and
population. Count corrections made by this operation will result in the issuance of new, official
2020 Census counts to the tribal chairperson or highest elected official of all affected GUs.
The revised counts are integrated into all population estimates released after the 2020 CQR
case is closed. The Census Bureau will not incorporate CQR revisions into the 2020 Census data
summary files and tables or re-tabulate any of the other 2020 Census data products.

1.2

When does 2020 CQR occur?

The 2020 CQR occurs between January 3, 2022 and June 30, 2023.

1.3

What is new for 2020 CQR?

The Geographic Update Partnership Software (GUPS) for use in preparing a digital case and the
Secure Web Incoming Module (SWIM) for use in submitting a case digitally for review and
processing are new for 2020 CQR. Additionally, you are only required to include a count of
addresses by 2020 census tabulation blocks where you believe there are incorrect address
counts. You won’t need to submit a list of addresses for each block.
If you are requesting a review of your boundary(s), please provide a list of residential geocoded
addresses for the blocks affected by the boundary correction, and a map showing the boundary
in question. Address lists and maps may be prepared using GUPS, local GIS, or paper.

1.4

What type of cases are acceptable for 2020 CQR?

The Census Bureau accepts two case types for 2020 CQR.
1. Boundary cases are requests for a Census Bureau review of legal boundaries in effect as
of January 1, 2020, and the associated addresses affected by the boundaries. Boundary
cases may correct the inaccurate recording of legal boundaries in effect on January 1,
2020 and update the housing counts for the blocks affected by the boundary
correction(s) if you supply the required individual, residential address records for the
affected blocks.

U.S. Census Bureau

2020 Census CQR: Frequently Asked Questions

1

2. Housing count cases are requests for a Census Bureau review of the geographic
locations or placement of housing within your specified 2020 census tabulation blocks,
as well as a review of the census records in specified 2020 census tabulation blocks for
completeness of the housing inventory as of April 1, 2020.
A 2020 CQR case can include any combination of these case types (e.g., boundary case and/or
housing count case). The Census Bureau requests that you include appropriate supporting
documentation for your case type(s) with your submission.

1.5

What is a housing unit?

A housing unit may be a single-family home, townhouse, condominium, mobile home, trailer,
apartment, group of rooms, or a single room occupied as a separate living quarters or, if vacant,
intended for occupancy as a separate living quarters.

1.6

What is a group quarters?

A group quarters is a place where people live or stay, in a group living arrangement, owned or
managed by an entity or organization providing housing and/or services for the residents.
These services may include custodial or medical care as well as other types of assistance, and
residency is commonly restricted to those receiving these services. People living in group
quarters are usually not related to each other. This is not a typical household-type living
arrangement.
Group quarters include such places as college residence halls, residential treatment centers,
skilled nursing facilities, group homes, military barracks, correctional facilities, and workers’
dormitories.

1.7

Can 2020 CQR correct the population count if we believe the Census
Bureau missed people?

No, 2020 CQR cannot correct the population count without identifying certain geographic or
processing errors. The scope of 2020 CQR does not include a review of population within
existing housing (e.g., housing units and group quarters) or a review of occupancy status (i.e.,
whether housing was vacant or occupied).
The Census Bureau cannot research whether the respondents or census enumerators made an
incorrect determination of individual housing size or occupancy status. You must provide
documentation with your case indicating that the Census Bureau missed housing, not simply
missed population, during 2020 Census enumeration.

1.8

When must housing have been in existence for inclusion in the 2020
Census?

If the housing existed on April 1, 2020, it is included in the census count of housing, whether
vacant or occupied.

U.S. Census Bureau

2020 Census CQR: Frequently Asked Questions

2

1.9

Will the Census Bureau publish a list of 2020 CQR case submissions?

The Census Bureau will post the list of governmental units that submitted a 2020 CQR case on
the CQR website. While the Census Bureau is unable to provide specific details about individual
cases, as processing begins in January of 2022, the 2020 CQR case corrections will be available
in errata data posted on the CQR website.

1.10

Will we receive notification of the outcome of our 2020 CQR case?

Yes, the Census Bureau will notify all governmental units of the outcome of their case in an
official determination letter, even if the case is out of scope for 2020 CQR.

U.S. Census Bureau

2020 Census CQR: Frequently Asked Questions

3

SECTION 2
2.1

REGISTRATION AND PARTICIPATION

Is there a registration process for 2020 CQR?

No, there is no formal registration process.

2.2

Who can participate in 2020 CQR?

The Census Bureau will review, and if necessary, correct the housing counts for the following
governmental units.
•

•
•
•
•
•

Tribal areas, including federally recognized American Indian tribes with reservation
and/or off-reservation trust lands, Alaska Native Regional Corporations, and Alaska
Native villages.
States and equivalent entities.
Counties and equivalent entities.
Minor civil divisions (e.g., townships).
Consolidated cities.
Incorporated places (e.g., villages, towns, cities).

The Census Bureau will not accept cases from any other type of statistical or legally defined
areas other than those listed above.

2.3

Who can initiate a 2020 CQR case?

The Census Bureau will only accept cases that initiate from the highest elected or appointed
official of tribal, state, and local governmental units (GUs), or their designated representative.
Regardless of who makes the case submission, the Census Bureau must receive notification
from the highest elected or appointed official of the GU that indicates they want the Census
Bureau to review their census data through the CQR process. This level of notification assures
the Census Bureau that the highest level of leadership is informed and in agreement with filing
a case on behalf of the GU. The notification can accompany the supporting documentation
submitted with the case or be provided separately through email or letter.

2.4

What are the options to participate in 2020 CQR?

The Census Bureau strongly encourages governmental units (GUs) participating in 2020 CQR to
submit their case inquiry digitally. GUs participating digitally may either use the Census
Bureau’s Geographic Update Partnership Software (GUPS) or prepare their own files to submit
their case. Please refer to the participant guides for specific instructions.
If you are unable to download materials, please contact us by phone at 1-888-369-3617 to
discuss participation options.

U.S. Census Bureau

2020 Census CQR: Frequently Asked Questions

1

2.5

To help us determine if we should participate, how did the Census
Bureau count persons in various living situations?

The Census Bureau applies residence criteria during the 2020 Census to determine how and
where to count people in various living situations. Documented within the criteria are specific
residence situations to illustrate how the criteria are applied.
To learn more about residence criteria, also known as residence rules, review the content here.

2.6

Is training available for 2020 CQR?

No; however, you can contact us by phone at 1-888-369-3617 if you have any specific
questions.

U.S. Census Bureau

2020 Census CQR: Frequently Asked Questions

2

SECTION 3
3.1

MATERIALS

How does the Census Bureau distribute 2020 CQR materials?

Please download the materials (e.g., instructions, files, maps, software, etc.) from the CQR
website. If you are unable to download materials, please contact us by phone at
1-888-369-3617 to discuss participation options.

3.2

What type of material is available for use in 2020 CQR?

Governmental units (GUs) must use a combination of data and map materials to review their
2020 Census results, specifically their housing counts and legal boundaries, to determine if they
need to participate in 2020 CQR.
GUs can locate detailed 2020 Census data housing counts by 2020 census tabulation block
within the CQR Block Count List Files.
GUs use maps with the CQR Block Count List Files to visualize their legal boundary and housing
counts at the 2020 census tabulation block level. They may use these materials to prepare
boundary corrections in a boundary case. Housing count cases do not require submission of
updated map materials. Maps provided by the Census Bureau to support 2020 CQR include:
•

2021 Partnership Shapefiles.

•

2020 Census Block Maps.

•

2020 Census Work Maps (available if other map scale prohibits viewing blocks/boundaries
and only upon request after discussing situation with the Census Bureau).

Should it be necessary for a GU to file a 2020 CQR case, the Census Bureau makes additional
material available for use in creating a case.
•

Geographic Update Partnership Software (GUPS).

•

Address List Template File.

•

CQR Block Count List Files, previously mentioned as a source for reviewing the counts.

All materials listed above have more detail in the participant guides.

3.3

What is the Address Count Listing Files Viewer and how do we use it?

The Address Count Listing Files Viewer is an interactive web-based map that shows the total
number of residential addresses in the Master Address File (MAF) and the total number of
addresses identified as group quarters in the MAF by census block. These numbers may not
equate exactly with the CQR Block Count List Files because of the coding and summarization of
the MAF, but the viewer is a useful tool while conducting research of the housing counts by
census block.
The Address Count Listing Files Viewer is available here.

U.S. Census Bureau

2020 Census CQR: Frequently Asked Questions

3

3.4

What are the 2021 Partnership shapefiles and how do we use them?

The 2021 Partnership shapefiles are extracts of selected geographic and cartographic
information from the Master Address File/Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and
Referencing (MAF/TIGER) database. The version used for 2020 CQR, version 2 (PVS_20_v2),
includes the geographical boundaries as of January 1, 2020 for the United States, the District of
Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Island Areas. They include polygon features including
boundaries of legal and statistical geographic areas, linear features including roads and
hydrography, and point features including landmarks. The version 2 vintage is the first
partnership shapefile source to include the 2020 census tabulation geography (i.e., the 2020
census tracts and 2020 census tabulation blocks).
IMPORTANT:

Regardless of the year (e.g., 2022-2023) the GU chooses to review the 2020 Census
results and prepare a case; the 2021 Partnership shapefiles (e.g., the PVS_20_v2 file
naming convention) is the version of shapefiles required for 2020 CQR. This version
contains the official boundaries as of January 1, 2020, and the 2020 census tabulation
blocks without any subsequent year’s edits. Using a different version of shapefiles will
prevent processing of your case.

They do not include demographic data, but they do contain geographic entity codes (e.g.,
GEOIDs) that can be used to link to the block level demographic data in a geographic
information system (GIS) software. After spatially joining (linking) the 2021 Partnership
shapefiles to the block level housing data from the CQR Block Count List File, GUs can review
their housing counts and perform comparisons/analyses with their own locally sourced data to
determine if filing a case is necessary. A link to these files is available from the CQR website.
For participants using a GIS to generate their 2020 CQR case materials, updated spatial data is
only needed for boundary cases. Spatial updates are not required for housing count cases.
Participants using the Geographic Update Partnership Software (GUPS) to prepare a case use
these shapefiles. Rather than downloading the shapefiles locally onto their computer, GUPS
streamlines the process by uploading these files directly from the internet by using the “Census
Web” option upon launch of the software. GUPS handles all the tasks necessary to prepare a
valid case submission. It takes the guesswork out of using these shapefiles.

3.5

What are the 2020 Census Block Maps and how do we use them?

The 2020 Census Block Maps are large-scale, GU-based maps produced to support the
decennial census data release. They are large format (36”x32”), in Adobe Portable Document
File (PDF) format. The Census Bureau recommends using them with the CQR Block Count List
File to review housing counts at the block level because they display the 2020 census tabulation
blocks and the legal boundaries in effect as of January 1, 2020.
These are available from a link on the CQR website. If you are unable to download materials,
please contact us by phone at 1-888-369-3617 to discuss participation options.

U.S. Census Bureau

2020 Census CQR: Frequently Asked Questions

4

3.6

What are the 2020 Census Block-based Work Maps and how do we use
them?

The 2020 Census Block Work Maps are small-scale, small format (11”x17”), individual blockbased maps in Adobe Portable Document File (PDF) format available for all 2020 census
tabulation blocks within a given county. These materials are only available upon request.
Governmental units only need these maps if the scale of the other available map materials
prevents a review of the legal boundaries or blocks. If you are unable to download materials,
please contact us by phone at 1-888-369-3617 to discuss participation options.

3.7

What are the CQR Block Count List Files and how do we use them?

The CQR Block Count List Files are the recommended material for reviewing housing counts and
are the material used to generate a 2020 CQR housing count case. These files are state-based,
comma-delimited text files that include two additional blank fields for entering corrected block
count information. One field (CQRHU) is for providing the corrected CQR block count of housing
units while the other is for providing the corrected CQR block count of group quarters (CQRGQ).
This file automatically loads into the Geographic Update Partnership Software (GUPS) for use by
participants. If a GU does not wish to use GUPS, the file is available for download from the CQR
website. If you are unable to download materials, please contact us by phone at 1-888-3693617 to discuss participation options.

3.8

What is the Address List Template File and how do we use it?

The Address List Template File is a pre-formatted template for governments to use to submit
individual residential addresses affected by a CQR boundary case. The template is available as a
comma-separated value (.csv) file (i.e., comma-delimited text file) or as a Microsoft Excel
workbook (.xls) file from the CQR website. It contains a header row with 25 fields of
information formatted as text, and is described in the CQR participant guides.
The GUPS includes the User Address List which mimics the fields in this template. If a GU
chooses to create their own file and not use this material, the locally created file must follow
the structure of the Address List Template File exactly. The Census Bureau will not accept
addresses in the incorrect format or with inadequate information.
If you are unable to download materials, please contact us by phone at 1-888-369-3617 to
discuss participation options.

U.S. Census Bureau

2020 Census CQR: Frequently Asked Questions

5

SECTION 4
4.1

PREPARING A 2020 CQR CASE

How does our governmental unit review 2020 Census results to
determine if we need to prepare a 2020 CQR case?

Governmental units (GUs) use the Census Bureau’s data.census.gov website to review their
total population and total housing counts from the 2020 Census. If those totals differ from local
expectations, then GUs use the CQR Block Count List Files or the Address Count Listing Files
Viewer to determine the housing counts at the 2020 census tabulation block level.
GUs may use the 2021 Partnership shapefiles in a geographic information system (GIS) software
to review their legal boundaries and perform their own analysis using the CQR Block Count List
Files.
For those who do not have a GIS, they may use online PDF maps from the CQR website to
review their legal boundaries and view the location of the 2020 census tabulation blocks. They
would still need to compare the housing count information by block to the maps to see a
complete picture of the distribution of housing counts within their GU. Review the participant
guides for detailed instructions on using all these tools.
If you are unable to review maps online, please contact us by phone at 1-888-369-3617 for
assistance.

4.2

What local data sources are suitable for preparing a 2020 CQR case?

Some examples of suitable sources for use in preparing a 2020 CQR case include the following:
•

A list of residential addresses by 2020 census tabulation block.

•

Annexation records.

•

Assessment/Parcel files or tax records (residential)

•

Building permits, occupancy permits, or housing inspection records.

•

Driver license files.

•

E-911 address files.

•

Imagery files (current as of April 1, 2020).

•

School enrollment records.

•

Utility records.

•

Voter registration files.

4.3

What must a boundary case include?

A boundary case must include the following:
•

U.S. Census Bureau

A map (digital or hard copy) indicating the portion of the boundary that the Census Bureau
potentially depicted incorrectly, as well as depicting the corrected boundary as of January 1,
2020.
o Locally created maps must include the 2020 census tabulation blocks and block numbers
associated with the boundary correction.
2020 Census CQR: Frequently Asked Questions

6

o

GUs must follow boundary correction guidance as described in the appropriate
Boundary and Annexation Survey (BAS) Respondent Guides.

•

A list (digital or hard copy) of residential addresses in the 2020 census tabulation blocks
affected by the incorrect boundary, indicating their correct coordinates or location in
relationship to the boundary. This list must follow the style from the Address List Template
File provided by the Census Bureau.

•

Supporting documentation, which may include legal documentation for certain
circumstances. Details on what this entails are in FAQ 4.5 and in the participant guide.

4.4

What must a housing count case include?

A housing count case must include the following:

4.5

•

A list (digital or hard copy) that includes the contested 2020 census tabulation blocks in their
GU, their current housing counts, and the corrected housing counts for both housing units
and group quarters as of April 1, 2020. This list must follow the style used within the CQR
Block Count List Files provided by the Census Bureau.

•

Supporting documentation. Details on what this entails are in FAQ 4.5 and in the participant
guide.

What does supporting documentation include?

Supporting documentation differs depending on whether a GU is submitting a boundary or housing
count case. If a case includes both boundary and housing count components, the supporting
documentation for both components must be included with the CQR submission.
Supporting documentation for a boundary case includes:
• Written correspondence from the highest elected or appointed official, or their designated
representative, that:
o Specifies the case disputes the location of a legal boundary within the GU. If the case
also disputes the housing count, then review the information below that outlines the
supporting documentation for a housing count case.
 Consider inclusion of a summary that confirms the contents of the submission,
i.e., like an inventory of the case.
o Discusses and certifies the accuracy and validity of the source materials used to prepare
the case by including information on the creation date/timeframe, usual use, and
maintenance cycle.
 Source(s) must include the legal boundary in effect as of January 1, 2020 and
the addresses affected by the boundary correction as of April 1, 2020. More
recent source material must include a way to determine the boundary and
addresses that were valid on January 1, 2020 and April 1, 2020, respectively.
• Confirmation the boundary was legally in effect as of January 1, 2020.
o If required by state law, the GU must provide evidence the required state agency
approved the boundary change and provide a statement that the boundary is not under
litigation.
• Legal documentation describing legal boundary changes to the GU, which may include
annexations, incorporations, etc. Local laws, ordinances, or other types of legal documentation
would fulfill this requirement.
o Legal documentation is only required if it is applicable for the boundary correction
submitted for CQR. It may not apply in all instances of boundary cases.
U.S. Census Bureau

2020 Census CQR: Frequently Asked Questions

7

Legal documentation, as cited in the Boundary and Annexation Survey materials,
includes change type (e.g., annexation, deannexation, boundary correction, and other),
authorization type (e.g., ordinance, resolution, local law, state level action, and other),
documentation number, and effective date (i.e., month, date, year).
Confirmation the individual addresses included in the Address List Template are residential and
were available for occupancy on April 1, 2020.
o

•

Supporting documentation for a housing count case includes:
• Written correspondence from the highest elected or appointed official, or their designated
representative, that:
o Specifies the case disputes the housing counts for one or more 2020 census tabulation
blocks within the GU and includes details, if known, about the suspected housing count
error(s). If the case also disputes a GU boundary, review the information above that
outlines the supporting documentation for a boundary case.
 Provide as much detail as possible about the housing count discrepancy to assist
the Census Bureau with its research of your GU’s case. Examples of valid details
to include might be information about the conversion of a commercial building
into residential housing units prior to April 1, 2020, or an incorrect geocode of
an address to the incorrect side of the street.
 Consider inclusion of a summary that confirms the contents of the submission,
i.e., like an inventory of the case.
o Discusses and certifies the accuracy and validity of the source materials used to prepare
the case by including information on the creation date/timeframe, usual use, and
maintenance cycle.
 Source(s) to revise the housing counts must include the addresses as of April 1,
2020. More recent source material must include a way to determine the
addresses that were valid on April 1,2020.
• Confirmation that the updated count information includes only residential addresses that
existed and were available for occupancy on April 1, 2020.

4.6

How do we report an incorrect boundary for our governmental unit that
does not affect our housing or population counts?

Boundary inaccuracies that do not affect housing or population counts are out of scope for
2020 CQR. This is a Boundary and Annexation Survey (BAS) matter. More information about the
BAS is available here.

4.7

How do we certify the existence of housing as of April 1, 2020 in our
governmental unit?

The highest elected or appointed official, or their designated representative, prepares a written
statement that the housing included in the 2020 CQR case existed and was available for
occupancy on April 1, 2020. This written statement serves as the certification of existence.

U.S. Census Bureau

2020 Census CQR: Frequently Asked Questions

8

4.8

How do we submit our 2020 CQR case to the Census Bureau?

Governmental units use the Census Bureau’s Secure Web Incoming Module (SWIM) to submit
either their GUPS generated .zip file or their own digitally created .zip file for 2020 CQR to the
Census Bureau. Refer to the participant guide for instruction.
If you cannot use SWIM, please ship your submission to the following address:
U.S. Census Bureau
National Processing Center
ATTN: CQR Geography Bldg 63E
1201 E 10th St
Jeffersonville, IN 47132
The Census Bureau recommends using a method of shipping that offers a tracing capability and
provides a tracking number. Refer to the participant guide for detailed packaging instructions to
protect any individual address or map spot information.

4.9

What is the deadline to submit a 2020 CQR case?

The Census Bureau will accept 2020 CQR cases through June 30, 2023. If submitting a case by
mail, ensure the postmark is no later than June 30, 2023.

U.S. Census Bureau

2020 Census CQR: Frequently Asked Questions

9

SECTION 5
5.1

PROCESSING CASES AND PROVIDING RESULTS

How does the Census Bureau review a 2020 CQR case?

Upon receipt of a case, Census Bureau staff determine if the case is within the scope of 2020
CQR. If the case is out of scope, the Census Bureau notifies the governmental unit (GU) through
a letter of determination. If in scope, staff use the case materials to establish the universe of
blocks and/or boundaries to research. The nature of the research depends on the type of case
(e.g., boundary and/or count) and the documentation that accompanied the case in support of
the request for review.
Staff review the legal boundary of the GU and/or the 2020 Census records against the
documentation provided with the case and correct certain errors in the census data. Upon
completion of research and any correction, the Census Bureau prepares a determination letter
for the GU that submitted the case, as well as other GUs affected by the corrections.
If warranted based on the corrections, staff prepare revised count data to post on the CQR
website, and update our records for use in the annual postcensal estimates released for the
years after a decennial census.

5.2

Does our governmental unit receive feedback regarding our 2020 CQR
case?

Yes, in several forms of communication. For digital submissions, the Secure Web Incoming
Module (SWIM) generates a message on-screen indicating a successful transmission of the CQR
.zip file. For paper submissions, and to further confirm a digital submission, the Census Bureau
intends to send a separate email confirming receipt of the case. If questions or problems arise
with the case, the Census Bureau will reach out to you by phone or email for clarification.
The Census Bureau will respond to all cases in writing, even if the case is out of scope, and will
notify all affected governmental units (GUs) of any correction to their official counts resulting
from a CQR decision by issuing determination letters.
For GUs submitting a boundary case, the Census Bureau seeks acceptance of the proposed
correction(s) before finalization. They do so by distributing a verification map product for the
GU to review the correction. If they agree with the work, the Census Bureau moves forward
with finalizing the boundary correction in the census spatial data. If they disagree, the two
groups work closely to capture the correction accurately.

5.3

If the Census Bureau issues revised counts because of 2020 CQR, in what
data will those revisions appear?

Revisions, or errata, from 2020 CQR case corrections will be available from the CQR website as
cases are processed. The revised counts are integrated into all population estimates released
after the case is closed. The American Community Survey (ACS) uses population totals from the
Population Estimates Program at the incorporated place, minor civil division, and county level
U.S. Census Bureau

2020 Census CQR: Frequently Asked Questions

10

to adjust the population totals published by the survey. Thus, to the extent that population
estimates incorporate the 2020 CQR results, the ACS will also reflect those revisions. The
Census Bureau will not incorporate CQR revisions into the 2020 Census data summary files and
tables or re-tabulate any of the other 2020 Census data products.

5.4

If the Census Bureau corrects a governmental unit’s legal boundary
during 2020 CQR, in what material will the correction appear?

Prior to finalizing boundary corrections in the census spatial data, the Census Bureau prepares a
verification map product to distribute to the governmental unit (GU) for agreement that the
Census Bureau made the correction(s) to their satisfaction. This is the first product where the
proposed boundary correction appears. If the GU agrees, the Census Bureau moves forward
with finalizing the correction.
Corrected boundaries become the current boundaries in Census Bureau generated shapefiles.
The version of shapefiles in which they appear depends on the timing of receipt of the
submission and completion of Census Bureau processing. The earliest the updated boundaries
could appear is 2022 and the latest in which they would first appear is 2024. Once corrected,
they will appear in all subsequent Census Bureau (e.g., TIGER/Line and Partnership) shapefile
releases unless modified further with the annual Boundary and Annexation Survey.

5.5

Will the Census Bureau notify our governmental unit if they do not
revise our counts or make a boundary correction in 2020 CQR?

Yes, the Census Bureau will provide determination letters to all governmental units that
submitted a 2020 CQR case, regardless of whether they made a count revision or boundary
correction.

U.S. Census Bureau

2020 Census CQR: Frequently Asked Questions

11

SECTION 6
6.1

GEOGRAPHIC UPDATE PARTNERSHIP SOFTWARE
(GUPS)

What is GUPS?

The Geographic Update Partnership Software, or GUPS, is a self-contained, customized
geographic information system (GIS) software application provided to participants by the
Census Bureau for use in completing many of their geographic programs and operations. Each
geographic program supported by GUPS includes a unique set of tools built to run within the
QGIS environment. For CQR GUPS is programmed with all the components needed to prepare a
case, including built-in access to the TIGER partnership shapefiles used for CQR through a
“Census Web” Map Management option.
Designed with the user in mind, GUPS is user-friendly. It includes a review tool requiring the
validation of the data to the program criteria before creating a 2020 CQR case .zip file. GUPS
ensures the case is valid and allows for easier processing once received by the Census Bureau.
GUPS does not require an internet connection to function, but one is necessary to use the
recommended “Census Web” option and the built-in imagery server.
GUPS allows governmental units to add external geospatial data (e.g., shapefiles, geodatabases,
and imagery) and tabular data (e.g., text files in the .txt or .csv format) for comparison and
update purposes.

6.2

Who does the Census Bureau recommend use GUPS for 2020 CQR?

GUPS can be used by all eligible governmental units (GUs); however, the GUPS organizes work
by county-level geography. As a result, tribal or incorporated place GUs that extend into more
than one county may not wish to use the GUPS to prepare their case because they will have to
work each portion of their GU by county. Larger (both geographically and population-wise) GUs
may also find GUPS cumbersome to use as they prepare their case.
The Census Bureau believes GUPS is the best choice for smaller GUs (both geographically and
population-wise) and for GUs within a single county who are submitting a boundary and/or
housing count case.

6.3

Are there specific hardware or system requirements to install and use
GUPS?

GUPS can be installed on both Windows® and Apple® operating systems. GUPS requires a
minimum of 4 gigabytes (GB) of disk space and a minimum of 4 GB of RAM (8 GB preferred for
optimal performance) to run. Disk space to store shapefiles varies by size of the shapefiles.
Instructions for installation are in the GUPS Guide.

U.S. Census Bureau

2020 Census CQR: Frequently Asked Questions

12

6.4

Can our governmental unit use a previous version of GUPS for 2020
CQR?

No, you must install an updated version of GUPS to participate in 2020 CQR. The updated
version is available from the CQR website. Confirm the version installed by using the
GUPSAbout GUPS menu.

6.5

Our governmental unit has downloaded GUPS from the CQR website,
but cannot install it. What should we do?

Many agencies/organizations require certain security privileges to download and install
external software. Work with your local Information Technology (IT) staff person to gain those
rights or ask they assist with installation. Refer to the GUPS Guide for installation guidance.
If you are still having problems, please call us at 1-888-369-3617 to discuss participation
options.

6.6

Our governmental unit prohibits downloading .zip files from an external
website onto its network. How can we obtain the new GUPS version?

If you are unable to download GUPS from our website, please call us at 1-888-369-3617 to
discuss participation options.

6.7

Where does GUPS save the exported .zip file(s) of our 2020 CQR case?

GUPS saves the exported CQR .zip file(s) to C:\GUPSGIS\gupsdata\CQR20\output. Please note
the drive label (e.g., C:\) may differ on your machine if the default installation directory
changed during the installation process.
The file naming convention for the GUPS exported CQR .zip file begins with “cqr20_” and ends
with “return.zip”. If you cannot locate the file, perform a file search for “cqr20_*.zip”.

U.S. Census Bureau

2020 Census CQR: Frequently Asked Questions

13

SECTION 7
7.1

SECURE WEB INCOMING MODULE (SWIM)

What is SWIM?

The Secure Web Incoming Module, also known as SWIM, is the official web portal for secure
upload of partnership materials to the Census Bureau. Because of Census Bureau IT Security
policies, governmental units use SWIM to provide digital case submissions to the Census
Bureau. Access SWIM here.

7.2

What internet browsers support the use of SWIM?

SWIM runs on the two most recent versions of each of the four major internet browsers (e.g.,
Internet Explorer®, Google Chrome®, Mozilla Firefox®, and Apple Safari®). If you encounter
issues with using SWIM, confirm the browser version and update it if it is not one of the latest
two versions.

7.3

Can I use an existing SWIM account for 2020 CQR?

Yes, individuals can use existing SWIM accounts for 2020 CQR. SWIM accounts are for
individuals, not GUs or for specific programs.

7.4

How do I determine if I have an existing SWIM account?

To determine whether a SWIM account exists, click the “Forgot your password” link on the
main SWIM page and enter the email address to check for account existence. If SWIM does not
locate an account associated with the email address, it will return the following message, “No
account registered for this email. Go to Account Registration.” Choosing the ‘Account
Registration’ link opens a window to establish a new SWIM account.
To establish a new account, a SWIM token is required. If you need one, please call us at
1-888-369-3617 to obtain a SWIM token.

7.5

How do I resolve problems logging into SWIM?

First, the email and password components of the SWIM system accounts are case-sensitive. If
you have forgotten the case-sensitive format used when establishing the SWIM account, this
may be the source of your login problems.
SWIM allows four attempts to login before it temporarily locks your account for 15 minutes. If
you have attempted to login four times, after the 15-minute lock expires, try to login again
using different case sensitive combinations for your email address. If you have simply forgotten
your password, you may reset your password using the ‘Forgot your password’ link on the login
page. This functionality works in the same manner as other online websites; however, if you
cannot remember the case-sensitive format used for the email address, this password reset
functionality will not work. To attempt to reset your password, follow the prompts for entering
your case-sensitive email address and providing your security answer. If the security answer is

U.S. Census Bureau

2020 Census CQR: Frequently Asked Questions

14

correct, the SWIM system will send a password reset link to the email account for use in
resetting the password.
If you are still having issues, please call us at 1-888-369-3617 for assistance.

7.6

How do I reset my SWIM password?

If you have forgotten your SWIM password, you can reset your password on the SWIM website
by selecting “Forgot your password?” on the login page. SWIM allows you to reset your
password information and security question.
Once selected, follow the prompts to enter your email address and provide your security
answer. If the security answer is correct, the SWIM system sends a password reset link to the
email account for use in resetting the password.
Once logged into SWIM, users can modify their password and security answer by selecting the
‘Change Security’ link at the top, right-hand side of the page.
If you are still having issues, please call us at 1-888-369-3617 for assistance.

7.7

How do I upload our governmental unit’s 2020 CQR case using SWIM?

Access SWIM from the following website: and follow the screen
instructions to choose the operation and type of entity being reported as well as the actual
entity and file location information. Refer to the participant guide for examples of the SWIM
screens and overall submission process.

7.8

How do I resolve SWIM issues encountered when attempting to upload
our governmental unit’s 2020 CQR case?

Three of the most common issues with SWIM involve the web browser, the file extension, and
the file size. SWIM supports the two most recent versions of Internet Explorer, Google Chrome,
Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari. If your version is older, upgrade to a newer browser version
and try uploading again.
SWIM only recognizes “.zip” file extensions, so ensure the file you are attempting to submit is in
the .zip file format. If you attempt to post a file that is not in .zip file format, you will receive the
following error message, “Error uploading file. Reason: File is not a .zip file.” Additionally, the
.zip file must not contain another .zip file as part of its components.
Lastly, SWIM currently has a size limitation of 250 megabytes for .zip files. If your .zip file is
larger than 250 megabytes, ensure to only include spatial data and address records for the
blocks affected by the boundary case and that the block counts file only includes blocks in
question for the housing count case. Most submissions will easily fall beneath the 250
megabytes size limitation if they only include the necessary/edited information.
If your file is larger than 250 megabytes, please call us at 1-888-369-3617 for assistance.

U.S. Census Bureau

2020 Census CQR: Frequently Asked Questions

15