0712-lmsa_ssb

SUPPORTING STATEMENT USMC MARINE CORPS SAFETY NEEDS ASSESSMENT – PART B

B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS

If the collection of information employs statistical methods, the following information should be provided in this Supporting Statement:

1. Description of the Activity

In order to examine this trend and gather relevant baseline data on awareness and how current LMS programs are being received by Marines, CNA, in conjunction with the Marine Corps Marine and Family Programs Division (MFP), propose the information collection, “Marine Corps Safety Needs Assessment” survey. This voluntary survey examines current LMS program awareness, preferences for safety devices and locations, and the perceived place of safety in Marine Corps culture. This survey will assist MFP in identifying, from the perspective of Marines, the reach of current LMS efforts and the perceived acceptability of potential LMS activities. The results of the survey will be used by MFP and DSPO to better understand current LMS program awareness and which LMS activities and messages resonate with Marines, as well as serve as contributory data for future LMS activity effectiveness evaluations in accordance with the standards of practice framework prescribed by DoD Instruction 6490.16.

2. Procedures for the Collection of Information

Describe any of the following if they are used in the collection of information:

1. Statistical methodologies for stratification and sample selection;

This is a new data collection intended as baseline data to inform the development of future Marine and Family Programs (MFP) LMS communication programming and is available to active-duty Marines. The survey will be distributed to a convenience sample via QR code or link via recruiting email, posters, social media, Marine Corps bulletins and adding the existing recruiting materials to slides presented during regular Marine Corps training. Using the methods described above, we plan to target 5 percent of active-duty Marines. The following table shows the total population as well as expected number of respondents based on a 5 percent sample.

	Total population		Expected sample
	Male	Female		Male	Female
Total	164,810	16,148		8241	807

2. Estimation procedures;

Estimation procedures will not be employed.

3. Degree of accuracy needed for the Purpose discussed in the justification;

The purpose of this data collection is to obtain a current snapshot of LMS messaging across the Marine Corps. Given the focus on suicide reduction, we anticipate accurate information provided by the active-duty stakeholders listed above. Accurate data is imperative to inform the Marine and Family Programs Division (MFP) and DSPO of the current reach LMS efforts within the Marine Corps.

4. Unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures;

There are no unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures.

The survey will be administered periodically. MFP will need time to develop training and messaging and implement the new programming prior to initiating another collection. This time frame is not expected to be less than two years.

5. Use of periodic or cyclical data collections to reduce respondent burden;

The survey will be administered periodically. MFP will need time to develop training

and messaging and implement the new programming prior to initiating another collection. This time frame is not expected to be less than two years.

3. Maximization of Response Rates, Non-response, and Reliability

MFP will employ several methods to distribute the link and QR code for the survey: social media posts, posters, publishing Marine Corps bulletins, and adding the existing recruiting materials to slides presented during regular Marine Corps training. We will not recruit subjects through direct solicitation. In cases where there is a lack of responses in specific groups of interest, we will request commands to increase exposure to social media posts, posters, bulletins, and slides.

4. Tests of Procedures

CNA will pilot test the survey internally with employees that are not members of the study team. Where possible, our test pool will include staff that are former Marines.

5. Statistical Consultation and Information Analysis

There was no consultation on the study design outside of the CNA and MFP study team.

Provide name and organization of person(s) who will actually collect and analyze the collected information.

Linda Pikulin, CNA, will be the lead analyst responsible for developing the Qualtrics data collection instrument and analyzing data.

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