[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 224 (Monday, November 22, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 63785]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-30349]



[[Page 63785]]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Census Bureau


Census 2000 Web Site and Questionnaire Customer Satisfaction 
Survey

ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort 
to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public 
and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on 
proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before January 21, 
2000.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Linda Engelmeier, 
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 
5027, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230 (or via 
the Internet at LE[email protected]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions 
should be directed to Courtney Stapleton, Bureau of the Census, PRED, 
Mailstop 9200, Washington, DC 20233-0001, (301)457-4142.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

I. Abstract

    The Census Bureau plans to administer customer satisfaction surveys 
to a sample of people who (1) Fill out their census form on the 
Internet or (2) Go to the Internet Census 2000 help screens. The 
surveys will be self administered, self-selected and will be completed 
and submitted via the Internet. The surveys evaluate various aspects of 
Internet Data Collection (IDC) and Internet Questionnaire Assistance 
(IQA). Specific help topics and overall satisfaction will also be 
evaluated.
    This evaluation is unique, given it is the first time the Census 
Bureau has attempted an Internet data collection within the decennial 
census. This evaluation will serve as an indicator of the success of 
the project as measured by customer satisfaction. It will provide 
substantial feedback for future Census Internet products.
    Of those who submit their census form via the Internet, a sample 
will be selected by digits located in the 22 digit Census ID. Once in 
the sample, those people will be asked if they would like to fill out 
the customer satisfaction survey while they are online. The respondent 
then must choose to participate by clicking on the link to the survey. 
Of those who visit the Internet Census 2000 help screens, a sample will 
be asked if they would like to fill out the customer satisfaction 
survey during pre-selected times. The respondent then must choose to 
participate by clicking on the link to the survey while online. We 
anticipate 1,500 responses from each survey.
    Additionally, there are 7,500 households that are a part of the 
Response Mode and Incentive Experiment (RMIE). These households will be 
specifically asked to fill out their census forms via the Internet. 
These households will receive a letter giving them the Internet address 
of the Census Internet Form. Some of these respondents will be offered 
an incentive of a 30 minute pre-paid phone card if they do in fact 
complete their census form via the Internet. We expect that the use of 
the incentive and advance letter will increase response rates to the 
customer satisfaction survey. We anticipate 4,500 responses.

II. Method of Collection

    The customer satisfaction surveys will be online self-administered 
surveys. Respondents who are selected to be a part of the sample will 
have to self select by clicking on a hypertext link to complete the 
survey. Once completed, the respondent will submit the survey online.

III. Data

    OMB Number: Forthcoming.
    Form Number: This electronic questionnaire will have no form 
number.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Those who receive Census short forms or update/
leave (US and Puerto Rico) and have access to the Internet.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,500 (IQA)+ 1,500 (IDC)+ 4,500 
(RMIE) = 7,500.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 2 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 250.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost: There is no cost to the respondent 
other than the time taken to complete the survey.
    Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary (self-selected).
    Legal Authority: Title 13, United States Code, Sections 141 and 
193.

IV. Request for Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) The accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; 
(c) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and (d) Ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: November 16. 1999.
Linda Engelmeier,
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information 
Officer.
[FR Doc. 99-30349 Filed 11-19-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P