Supporting Statement Part B

Supporting Statement – Part B

PART B. Collections 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.

This information collection does not employ sampling methods. This is a census survey of program performance statistics and financial data for the nutrition assistance programs. The population, maintained in FPRS, consists of 12,708 State agencies, Indian Tribal Organizations, and local agencies that enter into agreements with the Federal government to submit data to FNS related to the nutrition assistance programs. The expected response rate is 100% as FPRS is primarily used for compliance with regulations.

2. Describe the procedures for the collection of information including:

• Statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection,

A statistical methodology for sample collection will not be used. A census approach will be employed. The population consists of State agencies, Indian Tribal Organizations, and local agencies who participate in the nutrition assistance programs.

• Estimation procedure,

An estimation procedure will not be used.

• Degree of accuracy needed for the pur­pose described in the justification,

As FPRS is primarily used for compliance with regulations, accuracy is expected in the data reported.

• Unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures, and

N/A.

• Any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce burden.

As the primary purpose of the data collection is compliance with regulations, the frequency of data collection is determined by the regulations.

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 provid- ed for any collection that will not yield "reliable" data that can be generalized to the universe studied.

As the primary purpose of the data collection is compliance with regulations, the response rate is expected to be 100%.

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 forms being submitted for clearance under this FPRS collection have been previously cleared as independent collections. The FPRS collection serves to consolidate forms that have previously been in use. Regional, State, and local public and private organizations involved in various areas of reporting and compliance regularly have an opportunity to raise concerns at annual meetings. Using this feedback, the forms are updated as necessary.

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.

Tim Kreh

Chief, Program Data Branch, Budget Division

Financial Management

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), USDA

703-305-819-7423

Tim.Kreh@fns.usda.gov