Census Inquiry Supporting Statement Part B FINAL

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

U.S. Department of Commerce

U.S. Census Bureau

Form BC-170, Census Employment Inquiry

OMB Control No. 0607-0139

B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods

1. Universe and Respondent Selection

The Census Bureau does not use sampling methods in the Census Employment Inquiry program. The BC-170A, BC-170B and BC-170D are the forms the Census Bureau uses to collect information from job applicants such as personal data and work experience. Selecting officials review the information shown on the form to evaluate an applicant’s eligibility for employment and to determine the best-qualified applicants to fill Census jobs.

2.         Procedures for Collecting Information

People interested in applying for a temporary Census job use the BC-170A, BC170B or BC-170D to apply. People interested working in the current surveys the Census Bureau conducts, such as the Current Population Survey (CPS) or the American Community Survey (ACS), use the BC-170A to apply for these positions. People interested in applying for a Special Census position use the BC-170B. People interested in applying for a Decennial Census Test or the 2020 Census position use the BC-170D.

The Regional Office provides these forms to applicants to complete and return to the Regional Office. These forms are also available online where applicants can complete the form and bring it with them or send it to the Regional Office. The Census Bureau plans to have an automated version of the BC-170D for applicants to complete and submit the application online. The online version of the BC-170D will be available for the 2017 Census Test.

Completion of the forms is required by applicants in order to receive consideration for employment. Selecting officials will review the information on the form completed by applicants and determine the applicant’s employment suitability.

3. Methods to Maximize Response

Not applicable

4. Tests of Procedures or Methods

The Census Bureau has used a similar version of these forms, approved by the OMB, since the 1970s. These forms request from an applicant the minimum information necessary to hire temporary workers. These forms have demonstrated to be less burdensome than the forms used for candidates applying for a permanent position with the Census Bureau.

For the upcoming 2017 Census Test, the Census Bureau plans to test and use an online version of the BC-170D. People interested in applying for temporary positions in the 2017 Census Test will be able to apply online by providing the information included in the BC-170D.

5. Contacts for Statistical Aspects and Data Collection

For information regarding the statistical aspects and/or data collection for the Census Employment Inquiry Program, contact Mr. Richard Liquorie, Decennial Administration Branch, Field Division, Census Bureau. He can be reached at (301) 763-4899.