Supporting Statement B CPS Contingent Work Supplement

Contingent Work Supplement (CWS) to the Current Population Survey (CPS)

OMB Control Number: 1220-0153

OMB Expiration Date: Reinstatement with change

SUPPORTING STATEMENT FOR

CONTINGENT WORK SUPPLEMENT TO THE CURRENT POPULATION SURVEY

OMB CONTROL NO. 1220-0153

2. COLLECTIONS 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. 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 universe for the CPS is about 128 million households. From their Master Address File, the Census Bureau selects approximately 70,000 households each month. Of these, approximately 60,000 households are eligible for interviews. (Note: ‘Eligible’ can be simplistically defined as an occupied housing unit having at least one person in the civilian noninstitutional population.) The Census Bureau actually interviews about 48,000 households each month. This sample includes about 10,000 eligible housing units from the monthly supplementary sample to improve state-level estimates of health insurance coverage for low-income children, also known as the CHIP expansion. This supplementary sample has been part of the official CPS since July 2001. Thirty-two states plus the District of Columbia contain this supplementary sample each month.

The items in the Contingent Work Supplement are asked, as appropriate, of employed members of the households.

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 May 2025 CPS. The statistical properties of these supplemental items will fall within those associated with the CPS itself.

For information on the design of and preparation of the CPS sample, see Chapter 2-2 of “Current Population Survey Design and Methodology: Technical Paper 77” (Attachment H). Weighting and estimation are discussed in Chapter 2-3.

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.

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. In 2023, the CPS response rate averaged about 70 percent. For additional information, see “Current Population Survey Design and Methodology: Technical Paper 77” (Attachment H). The organization and training of interviewers is detailed in Chapter 3-5, and reinterview design and methodology is described in Chapter 4-2.

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 CWS is subject to the same testing procedures as the monthly CPS. This includes instrument testing, output testing, and systems testing. Attachment J discusses the reliability of the estimates produced from the May 2017 Contingent Work Supplement.

The May 2025 CWS will add three new questions about digital labor platform work. These questions will provide more information about the platforms, including whether the app controls the price or pay and how the app is used to get work. Attachment I discusses findings from 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

CPS Lead Scientist

Demographic Statistical Methods Division

Bureau of the Census

(301) 763-0465

Statistical Analysis:

Nicholas Johnson

Division Chief

Office of Employment and Unemployment Statistics

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Washington, D.C. 20212

(202) 691-7870

Data Collection/Survey Design:

Kyra Linse

CPS Survey Director

Associate Directorate for Demographic Programs

Bureau of the Census

(301) 763-9280

Attachments:

1. Contingent Work Supplement Questionnaire

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

3. Contingent and Alternative Employment Arrangement News Release 2023

4. CPS Advance Letter (MIS 1)

5. CPS Advance Letter (MIS 5)

6. Census Confidentiality Brochure 2018

7. Title 13, United States Code

8. Current Population Survey Design and Methodology: Technical Paper 77

9. CWS Cognitive Testing Report on CWS platform work items 2025

10. CWS Source and accuracy statement May 2017

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