[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 84 (Monday, May 1, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25300-25303]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-10371]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Bureau of the Census

[Docket Number 000410099-0099-01]

RIN 0607-ZA03


Expansion of Census Information Center Program

AGENCY: Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Program solicitation.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The purpose of this notice is to announce the expansion of the 
Census Information Center (CIC) Program, the community-based component 
of the Bureau of the Census' (Census Bureau's) Data Dissemination 
Network and to invite eligible organizations to submit a proposal to be 
considered for inclusion in the Program. The Census Bureau's Data 
Dissemination Network currently consists of 12 permanent Regional 
Offices, 1,800 state and local governmental organizations participating 
in the State Data Center Program, 1,400 public and university libraries 
designated as federal depository libraries, and 36 national, regional, 
and local nonprofit

[[Page 25301]]

organizations participating in the CIC Program. The CICs tailor census 
data to local communities and the local groups they serve. They 
interpret and explain what census data mean for local communities and 
neighborhoods, and they increase awareness, education, and 
understanding of the value and uses of census data. For their 
participation in the CIC Program, CICs receive free access to a wide 
variety of Census Bureau products, information, and services, including 
training from Census Bureau staff. The Census Bureau currently has a 
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with five national, non-profit 
organizations to disseminate census information and data to underserved 
communities and populations.
    We are seeking to add up to 60 organizations to the Program, 
subject to the availability of appropriations. The SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION section provides a detailed description of the CIC Program, 
eligibility, requirements, proposal format, content, submission 
instructions, review, evaluation, and notification processes.

DATES: Proposals must be received by June 30, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit proposals to Mr. Stanley J. Rolark, Chief, Customer 
Liaison Office, Census Bureau, 4700 Silver Hill Road, Room 3616, 
Federal Office Building 3, Washington, DC 20233.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anyone requesting additional 
information about the CIC Program, or wanting to submit written 
statements or questions, may contact Ms. Barbara A. Harris, Program 
Administrator, Customer Liaison Office, Census Bureau, 4700 Silver Hill 
Road, Room 3620, Federal Office Building 3, Washington, DC 20233 (or 
via the Internet to [email protected]>).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This section provides a discussion of the 
following items for the CIC Program: eligibility; program description; 
program requirements; proposal format, content, submission 
instructions; and the review, evaluation and notification process.

A. Eligibility

    National nonprofit organizations representing underserved 
communities are eligible to participate in the CIC Program. Some 
regional and local nonprofit organizations representing smaller 
population groups like American Indians and Alaska Natives and those 
representing minority serving institutions and local minority chambers 
of commerce are also eligible. Some of the types of organizations we 
are seeking to include are, but not limited to, minority serving 
colleges and universities, minority chambers of commerce, civil rights, 
social justice, social service, minority think tanks, research 
organizations, and organizations serving rural, children, and youth 
populations.

B. Census Information Center (CIC) Program Description

    The CIC Program was started in 1988 to add a community-based 
component to the Census Bureau's Data Dissemination Network. The CICs 
play a crucial role in the Data Dissemination Network by providing 
access and understanding of the value and uses of census data in 
underserved communities and neighborhoods. The Census Bureau provides 
the CICs free access to a wide variety of data products, information, 
and services. CICs also receive training and technical support from 
Census Bureau staff. In return, the CICs interpret and explain what 
census data mean for local communities. The current CIC participants 
have used census data in areas such as program planning, planning and 
analysis of service areas and scope of services, public policy 
development and impact, business development, and race and ethnic 
related research projects. Current participants are the National Urban 
League, National Council of La Raza, William C. Velasquez Institute, 
the Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum, the Native 
American Public Telecommunications, and 31 local affiliated 
organizations.
    The Customer Liaison Office (CLO) of the Census Bureau administers 
the CIC Program. All participants must sign a MOU with the Census 
Bureau. The MOU lists the specific services offered by the Census 
Bureau and the specific conditions that each CIC must meet.

C. CIC Program Requirements

    1. The Census Bureau provides the following services to a CIC 
through the CIC Program:
     Free access to a wide variety of Census Bureau products, 
information, and services for use in data access and dissemination 
activities. These products include, but are not limited to, printed 
reports, CD-ROM products, electronic files, Internet-based products 
(through the American Factfinder), subscriptions, documentation, 
guides, catalogs, statistical compendia, indexes, maps, mapping 
databases, and other reference materials. This does not include access 
to confidential data or custom tabulations. ]
     Training and technical support on Census Bureau data 
products and services. This includes, but is not limited to, training 
at Census Bureau headquarters, training sponsored by Census Bureau 
regional offices, or training via available technologies, such as 
teleconferencing, video presentations, and other training materials.
     Training and instruction on the use of the Census Bureau's 
web site and Internet delivery system, the American Factfinder.
     Periodic and timely communications with CICs through e-
mail, written correspondence, telephone conference calls, meetings, 
site visits, annual conference, and a Listserv maintained by the Census 
Bureau.
     Tools (e.g. brochures, booklets, directories, etc.) 
developed to assist in marketing the services of the CICs.
     A web site that provides information about the CIC Program 
and provides links to the web site of the CICs.
     A log for CICs to keep records of their CIC activities.
    2. A CIC provides the following services to the community through 
the CIC Program:
     Access to census statistics, data, and reports to 
underserved communities and data users who might not have access 
through the other components of the Census Bureau's Data Dissemination 
Network. CIC's provide access through media such as print, fax, 
newsletters, telephone, e-mail, community workshops and press releases.
     Census data packaged in ways (e.g. fact sheets and briefs) 
that make the data clearer and more appropriate for community and local 
use. They also will help local data users with limited knowledge of 
census data find the right data for their needs.
     Clear, nontechnical interpretation and explanation of what 
census data mean for local communities and neighborhoods.
     Technical assistance and consultation on the Census Bureau 
data products to data users and underserved populations by telephone, 
e-mail, fax, community workshops, etc.
     Reasonable walk-in access to census information 
(optional). Some organizations may not be set up for ``walk-in'' 
clients.
    3. A CIC provides the following items/services to the Census Bureau 
through the CIC Program:
     Copies of any CIC reports, fact sheets, briefs, and 
articles produced using census data.

[[Page 25302]]

     An annual report of activities, including an accounting of 
the recipients and users of these products.
     A record of inquires addressed.
     Maintains a web site that highlights the work of their CIC 
Program and links to Census Bureau web site.
     Participates in an annual CIC conference and Census Bureau 
sponsored training.
    4. The Census Bureau will conduct the following monitoring and 
evaluation activities under the CIC Program. The Census Bureau will:
     Make periodic site visits to CICs (budget permitting) as a 
means of evaluating how well CICs are meeting program requirements. 
CICs will provide an annual report with measurable evidence that they 
are meeting program requirements. This includes providing copies of 
reports, fact sheets, brief, articles, etc., produced using census 
data; an accounting of the recipients and users of these products; and 
a record of inquiries addressed.
     Maintain frequent contact and communication with the CICs 
by conducting periodic conference calls to continually assess the 
status of CIC participation and to share new information about programs 
or activities.
     Reserve the right to terminate the relationship if the 
CICs are not meeting the program requirements.

D. Suggested Proposal Format, Content, and Submission Instructions

    The suggested format below encourages applicants to describe their 
data dissemination plans, community outreach and record of service to 
underserved populations, research and data use capability and 
expertise, and past experience working with the Census Bureau. 
Applicants are not required, however, to use the suggested format.

1. Proposal Format

    The following is the suggested format, which should include the 
following information:
     Organizations should submit one original and one copy of 
their proposal in response to this solicitation. An original signature 
transmittal letter should be included at the beginning of the original 
proposal and proposal copy, transmitting the proposal to the official 
identified in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.
     Proposals should not exceed 10 pages. This does not 
include the transmittal letter.
     Proposals should be in English. Proposal pages should be 
submitted on 8\1/2\ by 11 inch paper with printing on only one side 
(single sided). The information should be double-spaced. The 
typewritten or printed letters should be Times New Roman or similar 
type, 12 point.

2. Proposal Content

    Each proposal should include the following: a description of your 
organization, program summary, and program requirements (4 components).
    a. Description of Your Organization: This section should include 
background information about your organization, including history, 
mission, programs, services, constituency, etc.
    b. Program Summary: The program summary should include a brief 
description of the opportunities and challenges, goals and objectives, 
and primary focus of your CIC Program. It also should detail how your 
organization will use census data to benefit underserved communities. 
The program summary should include a brief description of research or 
data products you are contemplating and any specific areas of 
application for your research, especially as it relates to underserved 
communities.
    c. Program Requirements: In this section, you should respond to 
each of the following components:
    i. Data Dissemination Plans: Describe how your organization will 
disseminate census data to underserved communities and populations. How 
will your organization make census information, data, and reports 
available to local communities and data users served by your 
organization? How will you provide data and information to data users 
without Internet access? How will you provide assistance to data users 
who need help interpreting and understanding the uses and/or 
implications of census data?
    ii. Community Outreach and Record of Service to Underserved 
Communities: Provide a brief statement of your organization's focus as 
it relates to underserved communities. What is the geographic focus of 
your organization? Be sure to cite specific locations where services 
are provided. Which underserved populations are serviced by your 
organization? What types of services do you provide to underserved 
communities? What is the number of persons served directly by your 
organization on an annual basis?
    iii. Research and Data Use Capability and Expertise: Describe your 
organization's specific capabilities and expertise in conducting 
research, using census data or other statistical data. Include 
information on your publications and current uses of census data. 
Describe how your organization has used or plans to use census data to 
benefit underserved communities, neighborhoods and populations. 
Describe what resources (staff, equipment, time) you will commit to 
your CIC Program. What plans do you have to obtain the necessary 
resources to run your CIC?
    iv. Past Experience: In what ways has your organization worked with 
the Census Bureau in the past?

3. Proposal Submission Instructions

    Proposals must be received by the date identified in the DATES 
section of this notice. Submit proposals to the official identified in 
the ADDRESSES section of this notice.

E. Review, Evaluation, and Notification Process

1. Review Process

    Census Bureau staff will initially screen all proposals received in 
response to this notice for timeliness (received by the due date), 
completeness (includes transmittal letter with signature and specified 
number of copies), and adequacy (includes proper format and content).
    Following the initial proposal screening process, remaining 
proposals will be evaluated, scored, and reviewed in the Evaluation 
Process.

2. Evaluation Process

    All proposals will be evaluated on the strength of the responses to 
the requirements in the content section. In evaluating proposals, the 
Census Bureau will give the highest consideration to an organization's 
data dissemination plans. We also will consider the geographic 
location, focus, and diversity of organizations to ensure that 
underserved communities in particular locations have access to census 
information. Proposals will be reviewed by an evaluation panel of five 
to seven members with at least three members from outside the Census 
Bureau who have knowledge and understanding of the CIC Program.
    The evaluation factors will be:
     Data dissemination plans (40 points).
     Research and data use capabilities and expertise (35 
points).
     Outreach and record of service to underserved communities 
(20 points).
     Past experience with the Census Bureau (5 points).
    A program officer assigned to the proposal review process will 
consider the advice of the Evaluation Panel and will formulate 
recommendations for the Selection Panel. The Selection Panel will make 
final decisions on who will be included in the CIC Program.

[[Page 25303]]

3. Notification Process

    Organizations selected to participate in the CIC Program will be 
notified in writing by August 31, 2000. The Census Bureau Program 
Office administering the program will advise organizations whose 
proposals are declined as promptly as possible.

4. New Participant Information

    New participants will be invited to attend a Census Bureau 
sponsored orientation and training conference tentatively scheduled for 
September 27-29, 2000.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required 
to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to, the requirements of 
the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information 
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. Send comments regarding 
the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of 
information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the 
Bureau of Census Desk Officer, Office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, D.C. 20503.

    Dated: April 20, 2000.
Kenneth Prewitt,
Director, Bureau of the Census.
[FR Doc. 00-10371 Filed 4-28-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P