Supporting Statment B_1220-0102 CPS Veterans revision 2021

Veterans Supplement to the Current Population Survey

OMB Control Number 1220-0102

OMB Expiration Date: 7/31/2022

SUPPORTING STATEMENT FOR

VETERANS SUPPLEMENT TO THE CURRENT POPULATION SURVEY

OMB CONTROL NO. 1220-0102

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 annual supplement will be conducted one month each year in conjunction with the CPS, for which the universe is 128 million households. From this universe, the Census Bureau selects a sample of approximately 70,000 households each month, of which approximately 60,000 households are eligible for interviews. The Census Bureau actually interviews about 50,000 households each month. The items in the supplement are asked, as appropriate, of members of the households. The response rate for the August 2019 supplement was 86 percent, and a similar response rate is expected in August 2021.

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 is a supplemental survey associated with the CPS one month each year (August 2021, August 2022, and August 2023). The statistical properties of these supplemental items will fall within those associated with the CPS itself (see Attachment J.) Specifically, sample design and selection are detailed in Chapter 2-2 of “Current Population Survey Design and Methodology: Technical Paper 77” (available in Attachment I or online at https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/cps/methodology/CPS-Tech-Paper-77.pdf.)

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.

For the August 2019 basic CPS, the household–level nonresponse rate was 16.4 percent. The person-level nonresponse rate for the Veterans supplement was an additional 13.9 percent. Since the basic CPS nonresponse rate is a household-level rate and the Veterans supplement nonresponse rate is a person-level rate, we cannot combine these rates to derive and overall nonresponse rate. Nonresponding households may have fewer persons than interviewed ones, so combining these rates may lead to an overestimate of the true overall nonresponse rate for persons for the Veterans supplement.

Response rates and data accuracy for the CPS are maintained at high levels through internal consistency edits in the computerized instrument, interviewer instructions, training, and close monitoring of these data. For additional information, see “Current Population Survey Design and Methodology: Technical Paper 77” (organization and training of interviewers is detailed in Chapter 3-5, and reinterview design and methodology is described in Chapter 4-1), available in Attachment I or at https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/cps/methodology/CPS-Tech-Paper-77.pdf.

For additional information on the design of and preparation of the CPS sample, Chapter 2-2 of “Current Population Survey Design and Methodology: Technical Paper 77” (available in Attachment I or online at https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/cps/methodology/CPS-Tech-Paper-77.pdf. Weighting and estimation are discussed in Chapter 2-3.)

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.

The Veterans Supplement is subject to the same testing procedures as the monthly CPS. This includes instrument testing, output testing, and systems testing. Attachment I discusses the reliability of the estimates produced from the August 2019 Veterans Supplement.

The August 2021 Veterans Supplement was redesigned in order to provide more useful information for the supplement sponsors, VETS and VA. The result of the redesign was to eliminate some questions that were deemed to provide less useful data and adding some questions to collect data that the sponsors felt would be more relevant. These questions underwent cognitive testing and expert review. Attachment K discusses the findings from the cognitive testing.

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 person(s) who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.

The following individuals may be consulted concerning the statistical data collection and analysis operation:

Statistical Design:

Tim Trudell

Demographic Statistical Methods Division

Bureau of the Census

(301) 763-0465

Statistical Analysis:

Dorinda Allard

Office of Employment and Unemployment Statistics

Division of Labor Force Statistics

Bureau of Labor Statistics

(202) 691-6470

Data Collection/Survey Design:

Kyra Linse

Associate Director Demographic Programs

Bureau of the Census

kyra.m.linse@census.gov

(301) 763-9280

Attachments

1. Supplement Questionnaire

2. Questions Removed from Redesigned Veterans Supplement Questionnaire

3. Veterans Supplement Laws

4. Title 29, United States Code, Sections 1 through 9

5. News release from August 2019 survey

6. CPS Advance letter

7. 2019 Confidentiality Brochure

8. Title 13, United States Code

9. CPS Tech Paper 77

10. Source and Accuracy Statement for the Veteran Supplement August 2019

11. Veterans Supplement Redesign Cognitive Testing Report

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