[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 60 (Wednesday, March 28, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18790-18791]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-7431]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

U.S. Census Bureau


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Generic 
Clearance for the 2020 Census Field Tests

AGENCY: U.S. Census Bureau, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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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: To ensure consideration, written comments must be submitted on 
or before May 29, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Jennifer Jessup, Departmental 
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th 
and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230, (202) 482-0336 (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 Erin Love, Census Bureau, HQ-3H468E, Washington, 
DC 20233; (301) 763-2034 (or via the Internet at 
[email protected]).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Abstract

    The U.S. Census Bureau is committed to conducting research towards 
a 2020 Census that costs less while maintaining high quality results. 
The Census Bureau plans to conduct a series of small-scale tests to 
research and evaluate how the use of automation can improve field data 
collection activities. These tests will explore how the Census Bureau 
can use automated processes to improve efficiency, improve data 
quality, and reduce respondent burden. Examples of census operations 
that might be included are: mapping and address listing; enumeration; 
and quality control checks.
    This information collection will operate as a generic clearance. 
The estimated number of respondents and annual reporting hours 
requested cover both the known and yet to be determined tests. A 
generic clearance is needed for these tests because though each share 
similar methodology, the exact number of tests and the explicit details 
of each test to be performed has yet to be determined. The Census 
Bureau plans to conduct each test in small geographic areas. Once 
information collection plans are defined, they will be submitted on an 
individual basis in order to keep OMB informed as these tests progress.
    The Census Bureau plans to test the use of mobile computing devices 
and applications in field data collection tasks. Field data collection 
tasks can include: Address listing and mapping, enumeration functions 
(including the administration of a questionnaire, scheduling of visits, 
collecting housing unit status, and adding new households); and quality 
control functions for both listing and enumeration.

Address Listing and Mapping Tasks

    The scope of these tests will research using a mobile computing 
device and applications to: Create, add, delete, and correct an address 
list; load work assignments; measure production, record GPS 
coordinates; transmit and download data; and use geographic information 
obtained from other data sources. The overall goal of the tests is to 
improve accuracy and productivity in field activities while collecting 
the necessary data. Address and feature information will be primarily 
collected by observation. In cases where address or feature information 
is not observable or verifiable, a household or other knowledgeable 
respondent may be contacted to collect this information.

Enumeration Functions

    The enumeration functions research will focus on using various 
applications and mobile computing devices to enumerate households and 
persons. The research and evaluation may include: developing an 
automated enumeration questionnaire, usability issues; conducting 
interviews; scheduling return visits; recording contact outcomes, 
recording the status of a housing unit (such as occupied or vacant); 
adding addresses; making work assignments; measuring production; 
ability to toggle to a Spanish instrument; enumerator routing; and 
transmission of data. To test enumeration functions, the Census Bureau 
may conduct the enumeration directly with a household member or 
knowledgeable respondent. The Census Bureau has not yet determined the 
questions to ask households or knowledgeable respondents but will 
inform OMB as tests are developed.

Quality Control Functions

    The quality control functions research is to test quality control 
functions and applications on different mobile computing devices for 
both listing and enumeration. The scope of the tests may include: 
revisiting areas and households to verify information collected in 
previous operations; correcting and adding map features, addresses, and 
households; apply pass/fail requirements; and to use and record map 
spots in GPS and manual modes. The Census Bureau has not yet determined 
the questions to ask households or knowledgeable respondents to test 
quality control functions but will inform OMB as tests are developed.

II. Method of Collection

    The information will be collected on mobile computing devices 
through observations, face-face interviews, and/or telephone 
interviews.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: None.
    Form Number: Not yet determined.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 13,000 total.
    Estimated Time per Response: 10 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 723 hours annual average, 
total estimate of 2,167.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost: There is no cost to the respondent 
other than time to answer the information request.
    Respondents Obligation: Mandatory.
    Legal Authority: Title 13 U.S.C. 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

[[Page 18791]]

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: March 23, 2012.
Glenna Mickelson,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2012-7431 Filed 3-27-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P