Supporting Statement Part B 4_2_2025

SUPPORTING STATEMENT B

U.S. Department of Commerce

U.S. Census Bureau

Decennial Census, Temporary Intermittent Applicant Information

OMB Control No. 0607-XXXX

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 Census Bureau does not use sampling methods for the Decennial Census Temporary, Intermittent Applicant Information collection. The job application information section of the collection contains information used determine each applicant’s eligibility for jobs and to match applicants to available positions. The supplemental voluntary applicant information section of the collection is not used to make determinations of eligibility or qualifications for job. This section includes questions found on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC’s) common use form 3046-0046, Demographic Information on Applicants for Federal Employment, developed to support EEOC Management Directive 715 (MD 715). In addition, it collects applicant education and recruiting source, to help improve future recruiting efforts.

The other two components of the collection include the applicant assessments/tests and the self-response interview questionnaires. The combined information provided via the applicant assessments/tests and the job application information are used to place applicants on selection certificates. The self-response interview questionnaires are used to verify applicants are still interested in the job and position, ensure they agree to the conditions of employment, and gather information about additional job experience. Selecting officials use this information to make decisions on job offers.

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 Census Bureau does not use statistical methodology or sample selection for this collection. Individuals interested in applying for temporary, intermittent Census jobs for a decennial census test or the decennial census, participate voluntarily in this collection by responding to advertisements or outreach about census jobs. To be considered for a job, respondent applicants must complete the job application information, complete the non-supervisory assessment/test, and may complete the supervisory assessment/test. Applicants may skip the supplemental voluntary applicant information and still be considered. Finally, applicants under consideration must complete the self-response interview questionnaires to receive further consideration.

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.

The collection does not maximize response rates in a traditional sense. The Census Bureau executes a paid recruiting advertisement campaign and in-person outreach may also be conducted to provide potential job seekers with information about the available jobs. Recruiting goals are set by geographic area where the work will be conducted to ensure enough applicants are recruited to fill available positions. Applicants under consideration for a job, who are asked to complete the self-response interview questionnaires, will receive messages via e-mail and/or text reminding them to respond by the deadline.

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 Census Bureau has used similar job application collections in the past for the Decennial Census Program field staff, for Current Survey Programs field staff, and for Special Census Program field staff. The most recent similar collection was approved under OMB Control No. 0607-0139, for the 2020 Census. These collections ask each applicant the minimum information necessary to determine eligibility and qualify applicants for field jobs. For the 2018 Census Test, the Census Bureau collected application data for temporary, intermittent decennial field positions electronically online for the first time. Lessons learned were collected by observing applicants completing the online process and by reviewing the accuracy of the information collected and adjustments were made to improve the collection for the 2020 Census.

Beginning October 1, 2025, the Census Bureau plans to electronically collect the job application information, supplemental voluntary applicant information, assessments/tests, and the self-response interview questionnaires for the 2026 Census Test. The collection was updated, based on lessons learned and changes to business processes from the 2020 Census experience.

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.

Because this collection does not have a statistical design, no persons or groups were consulted on statistical design, sample from, or statistical methods.

The Census Bureau’s Field Division will collect information from applicants and will use the job application information, applicant assessments/tests, and self-response interview questionnaires to make employment selection decisions. The supplemental voluntary applicant information is not used for hiring decisions. Data on recruiting sources and the education levels of applicants will be used to improve the efficiency of the recruiting program for decennial census operations.

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