Generic Clearance for Census Bureau Field Tests and Evaluations_Supporting Statement Part B_20220920

SUPPORTING STATEMENT B

U.S. Department of Commerce

U.S. Census Bureau

Generic Clearance for Census Bureau Field Tests and Evaluations

OMB Control No. 0607-0971

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 data collected will be used for questionnaire and program evaluation activities rather than to produce estimates about populations. Some of the testing activities undertaken as part of this clearance will involve nonprobability with respondents who self-select to participate in the survey or test or are otherwise sampled by convenience. In other instances, a probability sample may be drawn that would permit statistical inferences between relevant demographic groups. A description of the plans for selecting respondents for each individual test will be provided to the Office of Management and Budget at the time the individual activity request is submitted.

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.

Data will be collected via the Internet, telephone, mail and in-person studies. Statistical results will include response rates, item nonresponse rates, frequency distributions of data items, and analysis of opinion data. Data collection conducted under this clearance could include experimental manipulation of respondent invitations, reminders, Web or mail surveys and/or telephone follow up. Data collection may employ telephone, mobile computing devices, such as tablets, smartphones, or laptops to capture the data collected. More specific information about data collection procedures will be contained in the description provided to OMB at the time the individual activity request is submitted.

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.

In general, additional contacts will be used to maximize participation rates, usually by electronic or phone contact, but occasionally also by personal visit. More information that is specific to individual tests will be contained in the activity description provided to OMB at the time the activity request is submitted.

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.

Generally, the data collection materials used for this testing will have been pretested according to the Census Bureau’s Pretesting Policy prior to fielding. This entire submission consists of testing and evaluating data collection strategies, instruments, devices, applications, and software. All of the studies conducted under this clearance continue to will inform the Census Bureau on methodology to improve production data collection activities, reduce costs, improve quality, and lead to reduced respondent burden.

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.

Jennifer Childs (202-603-4827) served as the general methodological consultant for this project. Additional advice on statistical aspects of each individual survey will be sought as the testing program proceeds. Depending on the nature of the research, staff from subject-matter divisions, operational divisions, and the research and methodology area will have primary responsibility for data collection and analysis. The specific research project will also determine whether the data will be collected by the Census Bureau or through a contractor. Jennifer Childs is the contact person for general questions about data collection and analysis. Other contact persons for questions regarding data collection and statistical aspects of the design will be provided to OMB at the time the questionnaires are submitted.

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