[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 24 (Monday, February 5, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8929-8930]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-2943]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Census Bureau


Feasibility Study for Conducting the American Community Survey in 
Puerto Rico

ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request.

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

SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort 
to reduce paper work and respondent burden, invites the general public 
and other federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on 
proposed 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 April 6, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Madeleine Clayton, 
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 
6086, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via 
the Internet at [email protected]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions 
should be directed to Don Fischer, U. S. Census Bureau, Demographic 
Surveys Division, Washington, DC 20233. His telephone number is (301) 
457-8048.

[[Page 8930]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The Census Bureau plans to conduct a feasibility study to assess 
the operational implications of using the American Community Survey 
data collection methods in Puerto Rico. The American Community Survey, 
which the Census Bureau initiated in November 1995, is an ongoing, 
continuous monthly household survey that provides data which were 
historically collected via the decennial census long-form 
questionnaire. We are currently in the comparison phase (1999-2002) of 
the American Community Survey in which we are comparing American 
Community Survey data with data collected during Census 2000.
    In 2003, the Census Bureau plans to begin conducting the American 
Community Survey in every county in the United States and also in 
Puerto Rico. This feasibility study is necessary to determine whether 
the current data collection procedures are appropriate for use in 
Puerto Rico.
    The current design of the American Community Survey relies on three 
methods of data collection: mailout/mailback, computer-assisted 
telephone interviewing (CATI), and computer-assisted personal 
interviewing (CAPI). During Census 2000, the Census Bureau used update/
leave/mailback methods in Puerto Rico. This feasibility study will 
allow us to determine whether we can successfully mail questionnaires 
to households in Puerto Rico and whether we can conduct CATI and CAPI 
interviews with households that do not return the mailed form. In 
addition, we will be able to estimate CATI and CAPI work loads in 
Puerto Rico in 2003 based on the mail response rates in the study and 
our ability to obtain telephone numbers for use in the CATI operation.

II. Method of Collection

    The Census Bureau will mail a modified and translated version of 
the American Community Survey questionnaire to approximately 10,000 
households in Puerto Rico. For households that do not return a 
questionnaire, the Census Bureau staff will attempt to conduct 
interviews by CATI or CAPI.
    The Census Bureau staff will provide telephone questionnaire 
assistance.

III. Data

    OMB Number: Not available.
    Form Number: ACS-1(2000) PR.
    Type of Review: Regular.
    Affected Public: Individuals and households.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: During the period of July 2001 
through October 2001, we plan to contact 10,000 households for this 
feasibility study.
    Estimated Time Per Response: Estimates are 38 minutes per 
household.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: The estimate is an annual 
average of 6,333 burden hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost: Except for their time, there is no 
cost to respondents.
    Respondent Obligation: Mandatory.
    Authority: Title 13, United States Code, Section 182.

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 collections techniques or others forms of information 
technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and included in the request for the OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: January 30, 2001.
Madeleine Clayton,
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information 
Officer.
[FR Doc. 01-2943 Filed 2-2-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P