[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 21 (Friday, January 31, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5460-5461]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-02028]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Bureau of Labor Statistics


Comment Request

AGENCY: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Labor.

ACTION: Notice of solicitation of comments.

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SUMMARY: In 2009, the Consumer Expenditure Surveys Division started the 
Gemini Project for the purpose of researching, developing, and 
implementing an improved survey design for the Consumer Expenditure 
Survey (CE). The objective of the redesign is to improve the quality of 
the survey estimates through a verifiable reduction in measurement 
error, with a particular focus on underreporting. While reducing 
measurement error, the new survey design would also combat the decline 
in response rates seen in recent years. In June 2013, a comprehensive 
redesign proposal was completed. As development, testing, and 
evaluation of the new CE survey proceeds, BLS would like feedback on 
the new survey design and the data that would be available from the 
survey from current data users and other interested parties.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the 
ADDRESSES section of this notice on or before April 1, 2014.

[[Page 5461]]


ADDRESSES: Send comments to Bill Passero, Division of Consumer 
Expenditure Surveys, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Room 3985, 2 
Massachusetts Avenue NE., Washington, DC 20212 or by email to: 
[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Passero, Division of Consumer 
Expenditure Surveys, Bureau of Labor Statistics, telephone number 202-
691-5126 (this is not a toll-free number), or by email to: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    The proposed CE redesign includes two waves of data collection set 
12 months apart. Each wave contains the same interview structure 
consisting of two visits and a 1-week diary. Visit 1 is an in-person 
interview made up of two parts. The first part identifies the roster of 
the household, while the second is a recall interview that collects 
large, easily-recalled household expenditures. Additionally, Visit 1 
incorporates instructions to collect relevant expenditure records for 
the Visit 2 records-based interview, as well as training for and 
placement of the electronic, individual diaries. Following Visit 1, an 
electronic web-based diary (accessible via PC, smartphone, or other 
mobile device) is maintained for one week by each household member 15 
years old and older. Visit 2 is an in-person, records-based interview 
on household expenditures that can reasonably be found in records such 
as receipts, utility bills, and bank statements.
    Incentives are provided to respondents to encourage participation 
in the CE. The proposed incentive structure for the new design includes 
a $2 prepaid cash incentive per household sent with an advance letter, 
a $20 household incentive (debit card) provided after Visit 1, a $20 
individual incentive (debit card) for each member who completes the 
diary, and a $20 or $30 household incentive (debit card) after Visit 2. 
Pending further research and discussion, the Visit 1 $20 household 
incentive may be provided with the advance letter and activated upon 
completion of the Visit 1 interview.
    With this redesign, the CE aims to create a survey that uses 
technology to encourage real-time data capture, individual diaries to 
reduce proxy reporting, shortened interview length to reduce respondent 
burden, record use to improve data quality, and incentives to address 
respondent motivation.

II. Further Information

    For further information about the proposed new CE design, please 
visit http://www.bls.gov/cex/geminiproject.htm. This Web page provides 
information on the history of the Gemini project, including vision and 
scope, an overview of the redesign, and links to presentations and 
papers related to the redesign.

III. Desired Focus of Comments

    Comments and recommendations are requested from the public on the 
proposed CE redesign. The proposed new design described here may change 
based on input from the public.
    The BLS welcomes comments on any aspect of the CE redesign but is 
especially interested in comments on:
     Enhancements or limitations the proposed new design will 
have on the use of the data.
     Features of the new design that are particularly appealing 
or problematic.
     Information and lead time that would be needed prior to 
the implementation of the new design to aid users in adapting to the 
new design.

    Signed at Washington, DC, this 28th day of January 2014.
Kimberley Hill,
Chief, Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
[FR Doc. 2014-02028 Filed 1-30-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-24-P