2020 NCFO Supporting Statement (Section B) (003)

BUREAU OF TRANSPORTATION STATISTICS
OMB CLEARANCE PACKAGE

For
CLEARANCE TO UPDATE THE NATIONAL FERRY
CENSUS QUESTIONNAIRE
National Census of Ferry Operators
(OMB Control Number - 2139-0009)
Prepared by
Office of Data Development and Standards
Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
May 23, 2019

Table of Contents
A.
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JUSTIFICATION
Need for the Information Collection
Use of Information
Use of Improved Information Technology
Efforts to Avoid Duplication
Methods Used to Minimize Burden on Small Entities
Consequences of Not Collecting the Information
Special Circumstances
Agency 60-Day Federal Register Notice and Consultations Outside the Agency
Payment to Respondents
Assurance of Confidentiality
Sensitive Questions
Estimates of Response Burden and Annual Cost to Respondents
Estimates of Cost Burden for Collection of Information.
Estimates of Annual Cost to the Federal Government.
Changes in Burden
Publication Plans/Time Schedule
Approval Not to Display Expiration Date
Exceptions to the Certification Statement

B.
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COLLECTION OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS
Description of Activity
Procedures for the Collection of Information
Non-response, Maximization of Response Rates, Accuracy and Reliability
Test of Procedures
Personnel/Organizations Responsible for Design, Collection, or Analysis of the Information

Attachment I:

The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA–21) (P.L. 105-178),
section 1207(c)
Attachment II:
The Safe, Accountable, Flexible Efficient Transportation Equity Act—A
Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) Public Law 109-59, Section 1801(e)
Attachment III: Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (P.L. 112-141)
Attachment IV: Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) Public Law 114-94,
Section 1112
Attachment V:
TITLE 5 United States Code 552(b)(4)
Attachment VI: TITLE 18 United States Code 1905
Attachment VII: 60- Day Ferry Federal Register Notice
Attachment VIII: 30- Day Ferry Federal Register Notice
Attachment IX: Title 49 C.F.R. 7.17
Attachment X:
2020 NCFO Cover Letter
Attachment XI: 2020 NCFO Questionnaire (draft) including the ICR statement

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B. COLLECTION OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS
1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any
sampling or other respondent selection methods to be used. 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 survey will be a census of all known ferry boat operators within the United States. Current
enumerations have provided an estimate of 250 operators. All known ferry operators will be
encouraged to participate. Since this is a census of establishments, each ferry operator will be
asked to select the person or persons who are most knowledgeable about the operation to complete
the questionnaire.
The following table represents response rates for the National Census of Ferry Operators (NCFO)
data collection.
Table 1: NCFO Response Rates
SURVEY YEAR

RESPONSE RATE

2006

89%

2008

88%

2010

84%

2014

60%

2016

71%

2018

81%

Respondents to the survey who are eligible for funding are more likely to complete the survey as
shown in Table 2. Ninety-five percent of those eligible for funding respond to the survey,
compared to 19% who are not eligible for funding and did respond.
Table 2: NCFO 2018 Operators by Public Funding Eligibility
Response
Non-response
Total

Eligible
184 (95%)

Not Eligible
9 (19%)

Total
193 (81%)

5 (5%)

39 (81%)

44 (19%)

189 (100%)

48 (100%)

237 (100%)

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

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specialized sampling procedures, and any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data
collection cycles to reduce burden.
As the NCFO is a census of all known ferry operations in the United States, no sampling or
stratification procedures will be employed. All operations will be asked to participate. Given the
difference in operating cycles among operations (some only operate seasonally), it is estimated
that the data collection period for this survey will last up to 6 months. This will allow responses
to be received from ferry companies that do not operate year round. As previously noted, statute
requires that the census data be updated every two years.
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.
Techniques used to maximize response rates will include the use of an advance letter to inform
operators about the census as well as articles in industry related publications, announcements at
conferences, a notification banner on the NCFO website, a toll-free number for respondents to call
if they have questions about the survey, as well as an email address. Telephone follow-up will
also be used as needed to increase response rate.
In 2010, the questionnaire was also made available online to decrease respondent burden and
simplify the data collection process. This resulted in a cooperation rate of about 84%. A web
based questionnaire was also used in 2018, in addition to a paper questionnaire option. This
resulted in a response rate of 81%. These census years achieved amongst the highest response
rates in the history of the census. In 2020, a web based 2018 questionnaire will be used with some
additional improvements to decrease burden and maximize response.
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.
The content of the survey was established by the legislation requiring the data collection. The
survey was modified and reviewed by the Office of Data Development and Standards using
feedback from a number of United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) staff affiliated
with the 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018 studies. The national ferry database questionnaire was
reviewed by staff within the Maritime Administration (MARAD), FHWA, the Federal Transit
Administration (FTA), the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Ferry Committee, and the
Passenger Vessel Association (PVA). There are no experimental conditions built into the NCFO
data collection itself. To ensure that the NCFO is consistent with the National Transit Database
(NTD), a review of NTD and the forms used to collect the data were reviewed. Where appropriate,
items were revised within the NCFO questionnaire to maximize content validity and
constructability.

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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.
The data entry and follow up phoning will be conducted by BTS. The questionnaire design
specifications, specifications for data collection, questionnaire content, and data production are
under the supervision of BTS. BTS is solely responsible for the review of the final survey
questionnaire, data, and technical documentation. The points-of-contact at BTS are:
Janine McFadden
janine.mcfadden@dot.gov
202-366-2468
Mike Sprung
michael.sprung@dot.gov
202-366-9047
Both are located at:
Department of Transportation
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
Bureau of Transportation Statistics
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590

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