1028-0059_Part_B

Supporting Statement B for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions

OMB Control Number 1028-0059

Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (1 form: 9-4040-A)

Terms of Clearance: None

B. Collection of Information Employing Statistical Methods

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.

The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) canvass (USGS Form 9-4040-A) 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 2,100 establishments. No sampling is performed.

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 non-respondents 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.

Data for small non-respondent operations are assumed to be zero, and data for larger non-respondent 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 Department of Defense, as is specified in the Memorandum of Agreement (Supplemental Documentation – Enclosure 2). Periodic consultation with this agency is performed to ensure that the data collected are meeting its needs. 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, Scott F. Sibley, Chief, Mineral Commodities Section, 703-648-4976, ssibley@usgs.gov, or Carleen Kostick, Chief, Data Collection and Coordination Section, 703-648-7940.

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