2020CQR_SupportingStatementB_121021

SUPPORTING STATEMENT B

U.S. Department of Commerce

U.S. Census Bureau

2020 Census Count Question Resolution Operation (CQR)

OMB Control No. 0607-0879

B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods

There are no statistical methods involved in the collection of this information.

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.

Though the universe of eligible governmental units for the 2020 Census CQR is approximately 40,000, the Census Bureau estimates the number of respondents to be 1,500. The Census Bureau estimates the time to respond is 5.2 hours (based on 40 records per case). See Supporting Statement A for more information on expected respondents and burden hours.

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

   • Statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection is not applicable.

   • Estimation procedure is not applicable.

   • Degree of accuracy needed for the purpose described in the justification is not applicable.

   • Unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures is not applicable.

   • Any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce burden is not applicable.

The Census Bureau announces the 2020 Census CQR by sending an email or letter to all eligible governmental units. This initial announcement communication includes the operational timeframe, an informational flyer, and the CQR website address. The CQR website serves to disseminate the operational materials, instructions, and software used to participate. Upon request, the Census Bureau can send DVDs with the operational software, data, or any other electronic materials to participants unable to utilize the internet.

The Census Bureau collects information for the operation electronically by using the internet as a means for participants to send their cases. Procedures for using the Census Bureau’s Secure Web Incoming Module (SWIM) are in the participant guides. Participants unable to make their submission using the SWIM may make their submission in paper. Procedures for submitting a case using paper materials are in the participant guides.

For all participants that submit a case, the Census Bureau provides feedback regarding their findings in the form of letters that are distributed by email or hard copy. Telephone and email communication may occur as the Census Bureau processes a participant’s case. The operation closes on June 30, 2023, without additional communication.

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.

The 2020 Census CQR is a voluntary operation with no requirement to participate. The Census Bureau distributes an introductory email (or letter by United States Postal Service if an email address is not available for the governmental unit) and a flyer in December 2021 to all eligible governmental units about the operation and its timeframe (January 3, 2022 – June 30, 2023). This introductory communication includes instructions to download materials from the 2020 Census CQR website should the governmental unit decide to participate. No follow-up communication will be distributed to request participation.

The 2020 Census Count Question Resolution Operation (CQR) provides a mechanism for tribal, state, and local governmental units in the United States and Puerto Rico, or their designated representatives, to request that the Census Bureau review their boundaries and/or housing counts by block to correct any in-scope error(s) affecting the inclusion and/or geographic allocation of housing and population. The term “housing” refers to individual housing units and group quarters.

The Census Bureau will conduct CQR case research by examining the 2020 Census records for the 2020 tabulation block(s) identified in the CQR case. All boundaries in the published 2020 Census results are current as of January 1, 2020, and all housing and population counts are current as of April 1, 2020; therefore, any changes to boundaries or housing that occurred past those dates are out of scope. No new data will be collected, and no new Census information products will be created by the 2020 Census CQR. This includes no revisions to 2020 Census information products such as the apportionment counts delivered to the President for apportionment or the 2020 Census Public Law 94-171 Redistricting Data Files and Geographic Products.

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 Census Bureau does not conduct a test phase or test sampling for 2020 Census CQR.

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 are no statistical aspects of the operation. However, several individuals provided comments during the review period for the 60-day Federal Register Notice related to the design of the operation. Those individuals, their questions, and the Census Bureau’s answers to those questions are documented in Question 8 of the Supporting Statement Part A.

For a contact within the agency, please note the 2020 Census CQR is managed by the Census Bureau’s Count Question Resolution Branch within the Decennial Census Management Division. The operational point of contact is Matthew Frates, Chief of the Count Question Resolution Branch. He can be reached by email at <Matthew.Frates@census.gov> by phone at 301-763-1541.

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