2026 Operational Test in Support of the 2030 Census
No material or nonsubstantive change to a currently approved collection
No
Regular
Approved with change
04/10/2026
02/04/2026
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
06/30/2028
06/30/2028
06/30/2028
338,667
0
338,667
221,333
0
221,333
0
0
0
As part of the Decennial Census Program, the American Community Survey provides an opportunity to research and test elements of survey data collection that relate to the decennial census. As such, the ACS Methods Panel can serve as a testbed for the decennial census. The 2026 Operational Test in Support of the 2030 Census is an American Community Survey test using the ACS Methods Panel Tests framework that is planned to help the Census Bureau prepare for the 2030 Census. The 2026 Operational Test in Support of the 2030 Census (hereafter, the "Test") is not an end-to-end test of all operational work. Instead, it is a scaled-down version of the selected aspects of the census. The Test will be conducted in two test sites - Spartanburg, SC and Huntsville, AL - which allows for testing in real world situations and on a larger scale than research simulations allow. The Test will test the viability of new and revamped systems and methods researched and developed for the census; to identify, document, and address potential challenges. Additionally, the Test will evaluate and assess the use of United States Postal Service (USPS) staff to increase efficiency in various capacities typically performed by temporary Census Bureau field workers.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
ACS Methods Panel Test