Justification B for OMB 1140-0058 (ATF Form 8620.7) 9.25.2020

Supporting Statement Part B, OMB 1140-0058
Response to OMB’s Request for Additional Information Relating to
Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods
Relating to Investigator Quality Survey - ATF Form 8620.7
1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any sampling or
other respondent selection methods 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 potential respondent universe for the Investigator Quality Survey - ATF Form 8620.7, is
established based on the total number of new and updated background investigations (BIs) conducted
during each month. The universe is further defined by the number of investigations each ATF Special
Investigator (SI) received and completed in their assigned geographical area within the U.S., during the
identified month. However, not all SIs receive assignments each month due to the location of the
investigative leads and the SI’s geographical proximity to the location. As a result, the scope of the
universe is ever changing based on the number, and location of the BIs assigned during any given
month.
Responses are on a voluntary basis and there is no follow-up conducted when forms are not returned.
Based on the Personnel Security Division's (PSD's) historical data, approximately 46% of the targeted
respondents are unresponsive to this survey.
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.
The following steps are completed when establishing the monthly universe for transmission of ATF
Forms 8620.7:
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Identify each SI who received one or more BI assignments during the specific month.
Review up to two SI completed BI reports to determine if any source interviews were
conducted.
Send ATF Forms 8620.7 to up to two individuals who were interviewed by the SI in
conjunction with up to two of his/her completed report(s).

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.

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N/A - ATF Forms 8620.7 are electronically sent to source interviewees requesting their response.
Responses are on a voluntary basis and there is no follow-up conducted when forms are not returned.
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 test may be submitted for approval separately or in combination with the main
collection of information.
N/A - No testing has been conducted on the information collected.
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.
There were no consultations with individuals on the statistical aspects of the design of ATF F 8620.7.
Collection and analysis of information is conducted by the following ATF personnel:
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Lakisha Gregory, Deputy Chief, Personnel Security Division (202-648-9260)
Niki Wiltshire, Chief, Investigations Branch (202-648-9260)

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