Current Population Survey (CPS) 2026 Field Test

Forms and Documents

Document	Type	Status	Availability
Form Att. A: Instrument Instrument Questions 2026	Form	Modified	Available
CPS 2026 Field Test_SupportingStatementA (1) (4).docx	Supporting Statement A	Uploaded 2026-06-02	Available
Attachment C1 - PAA APC (1).pdf	Supplementary Document	Uploaded 2026-05-28	Available
Attachment B - Contact Materials (1).pdf	Supplementary Document	Uploaded 2026-05-28	Available
Attachment C2- Letter of Support (1).pdf	Supplementary Document	Uploaded 2026-05-28	Available
CPS 2026 Field Test_SupportingStatementB (1) (2).docx	Supporting Statement B	Uploaded 2026-05-28	Available

IC Document Collections

IC ID	Collection	Type	Status	Form
274099	Current Population Survey (CPS) 2026 Field Test	Form	Modified	Instrument Questions 2026

ICR Details

OMB Control No: 0607-1032	ICR Reference No: 202605-0607-004
Status: Received in OIRA	Previous ICR Reference No: 202502-0607-004
Agency/Subagency: DOC/CENSUS	Agency Tracking No: 0607-1032
Title: Current Population Survey (CPS) 2026 Field Test
Type of Information Collection: Reinstatement with change of a previously approved collection	Common Form ICR:  No
Type of Review Request: Regular	Date Submitted to OIRA: 06/09/2026

	Requested	Previously Approved
Expiration Date	36 Months From Approved
Responses	48,000	0
Time Burden (Hours)	8,000	0
Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	0

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Abstract: The CPS faces intensifying headwinds as the costs of data collection increase and it becomes more difficult to reach respondents who are reluctant to participate. Over the last several years, BLS and Census have taken numerous measures to ensure the survey stays within budget, but there is serious risk that further cuts to operations will impact the quality of the survey. Because of this, BLS and Census has launched an effort to modernize CPS by adding an Internet Self Response option with the goal of easing response rates declining by providing another method to respond that is more cost efficient. As CPS is an input to a key economic indicator, testing the changes is necessary. The goal of the 2026 Field Test is to build on the 2025 field test on the use of an internet self-response mode, and to measure its success as a possible method of contact and interviewing with the goal of review accuracy, reporting, and representativeness. The first field test was successful as proof of concept that adding a web mode could work within CPS. This test will be used to refine the data collection methods and workloads. This is the 2nd of two field tests with the first complete in September 2025.

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Authorizing Statute(s): US Code: 13 USC 8b, 141, 182
  

Citations for New Statutory Requirements: None

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Associated Rulemaking Information
RIN:	Stage of Rulemaking:	Federal Register Citation:	Date:
	Not associated with rulemaking

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Federal Register Notices & Comments
60-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	91 FR 10794	03/05/2026
30-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	91 FR 34215	06/05/2026
Did the Agency receive public comments on this ICR? No

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Number of Information Collection (IC) in this ICR: 1

IC Title	Form No.	Form Name
Current Population Survey (CPS) 2026 Field Test	Att. A: Instrument Questions 2026	Instrument Questions 2026

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ICR Summary of Burden

	Total Request	Previously Approved	Change Due to New Statute	Change Due to Agency Discretion	Change Due to Adjustment in Estimate	Change Due to Potential Violation of the PRA
Annual Number of Responses	48,000	0	0	48,000	0	0
Annual Time Burden (Hours)	8,000	0	0	8,000	0	0
Annual Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	0	0	0	0	0

Burden increases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: Yes

Burden Increase Due to: Miscellaneous Actions

Burden decreases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: No

Burden Reduction Due to:

Short Statement: New sample

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Annual Cost to Federal Government: $2,500,000

Does this IC contain surveys, censuses, or employ statistical methods? No

Does this ICR request any personally identifiable information (see OMB Circular No. A-130 for an explanation of this term)? Please consult with your agency's privacy program when making this determination.     Yes

Does this ICR include a form that requires a Privacy Act Statement (see 5 U.S.C. §552a(e)(3))? Please consult with your agency's privacy program when making this determination.     Yes

Is this ICR related to the Affordable Care Act [Pub. L. 111-148 & 111-152]? No

Is this ICR related to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, [Pub. L. 111-203]? No

Is this ICR related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)? No

Is this ICR related to the Pandemic Response? No

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Common Form ICR:  No

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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:

(a) It is necessary for the proper performance of agency functions;

(b) It avoids unnecessary duplication;

(c) It reduces burden on small entities;

(d) It uses plain, coherent, and unambiguous language that is understandable to respondents;

(e) Its implementation will be consistent and compatible with current reporting and recordkeeping practices;

(f) It indicates the retention periods for recordkeeping requirements;

(g) It informs respondents of the information called for under 5 CFR 1320.8 (b)(3) about:

(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;

(h) It was developed by an office that has planned and allocated resources for the efficient and effective management and use of the information to be collected.

(i) It uses effective and efficient statistical survey methodology (if applicable); and

(j) It makes appropriate use of information technology.

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.

Certification Date: 06/09/2026

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