SS part B

Supporting Statement for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions

OMB Control Number 1028-0059

Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty

Expiration Date: April 30, 2007—USGS Form 9-4040-A

Terms of Clearance: None

General Instructions

A Supporting Statement, including the text of the notice to the public required by 5 CFR 1320.5(a)(i)(iv) and its actual or estimated date of publication in the Federal Register, must accompany each request for approval of a collection of information. The Supporting Statement must be prepared in the format described below, and must contain the information specified in Section A below. If an item is not applicable, provide a brief explanation. When Item 17 of the OMB Form 83-I is checked "Yes", Section B of the Supporting Statement must be completed. OMB reserves the right to require the submission of additional information with respect to any request for approval.

Specific Instructions

B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods

The agency should be prepared to justify its decision not to use statistical methods in any case where such methods might reduce burden or improve accuracy of results. When Item 17 on the OMB Form 83-I is checked "Yes", the following documentation should be included in the Supporting Statement to the extent that it applies to the methods proposed:

1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any sampling or other respondent selection method to be used. Data on the number of entities (e.g., establishments, State and local government units, households, or persons) in the universe covered by the collection and in the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular form for the universe as a whole and for each of the strata in the proposed sample. Indicate expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection had been conducted previously, include the actual response rate achieved during the last collection.

This information collection is conducted as a complete census. The potential universe includes all establishments that may have detonated chemical explosions of 300 metric tons or more TNT-equivalent at some time during the year. The total frame for this canvass is approximately 3,000 establishments. No sampling is performed. On average, 60% of establishments respond.

2. Describe the procedures for the collection of information including:

* Statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection,

* Estimation procedure,

* Degree of accuracy needed for the purpose described in the justification,

* Unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures, and

* Any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce burden.

This canvass does not employ sampling techniques. Because the canvass is designed to match specific blasts with specific locations, sampling techniques are not appropriate for this canvass. According to the CTBT, because the data must be updated annually, they cannot be collected less frequently. Estimation procedures for nonrespondents are described in (3) below.

3. Describe methods to maximize response rates and to deal with issues of non-response. The accuracy and reliability of information collected must be shown to be adequate for intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be provided for any collection that will not yield "reliable" data that can be generalized to the universe studied.

Two weeks after the initial request, establishments not responding receive a second request for information. Those establishments that still do not respond are contacted by telephone; if possible, this is done concurrently with other data collection from the same establishment to minimize any burden to the respondent. For the larger establishments that do not reply, special efforts are made to elicit a response. Data for small nonrespondent operations are assumed to be zero, and data for larger nonrespondent operations are imputed from the establishment’s prior reported data for large mine blasts or prior reported data for production.

4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Testing is encouraged as an effective means of refining collections of information to minimize burden and improve utility. Tests must be approved if they call for answers to identical questions from 10 or more respondents. A proposed test or set of tests may be submitted for approval separately or in combination with the main collection of information.

The sole customer for this data is the DOD, as is specified in the MOA. Periodic consultation with this agency is performed to ensure that the data collected are meeting its needs. In addition, suggested changes to USGS data-collection methods that might facilitate or ease the respondent’s burden are sought as a part of nonresponse follow-up telephone contacts. At present, no formal tests are in progress that would require clearance.

5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on statistical aspects of the design and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), grantee(s), or other person(s) who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.

For further information concerning this information collection, please contact:

Jeffrey P. Busse, Statistician, 703-648-4914, jbusse@usgs.gov or Deborah A. Kramer, Commodity Specialist, Industrial Minerals Section, Minerals Information Team, 703-648-7719, dkramer@usgs.gov

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