Supporting Statement Part B GQAC v1.2

SUPPORTING STATEMENT B

U.S. Department of Commerce

U.S. Census Bureau

Group Quarters Advance Contact

OMB Control No. 0607-XXXX

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.

The 2026 Census Test Group Quarters Advance Contact (GQAC) will be fielded to 600 group quarters (GQ) facilities across two regional census areas that encompasses six test sites in Western Texas; Tribal Lands within Arizona; Colorado Springs, CO; Western North Carolina; Spartanburg, SC; and Huntsville, AL. The data collection period is February 2026 through March 2026. The Census Bureau will study the potential for using electronic instruments to conduct in-office and in-field GQAC for frame building and enumeration for the 2030 Census. Thresholds will be used as input to determine completeness and quality of GQ facility level data provided by the GQ administrators.

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.

During In-Office GQAC, office clerks will call GQ administrators (using the phone number on file for the case or researching it using the internet) to conduct interviews while capturing responses and making entries into the In-Office GQAC instrument. During the In-Field GQAC, field staff will follow-up with GQs that did not include pre-enumeration information such as contact information. Field staff will visit each identified GQ and conduct an in-person interview with the GQ administrator using an electronic device to capture the same information as the In-Office GQAC.

The responses collected will be used for statistical purposes only.

No sampling selection is needed as all GQ are in scope across the two regional census areas that encompasses the six test sites. All GQs of the GQ types that are in scope are subject to the test.

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 contact strategy to be applied for the In-Office GQAC is as follow:

• Three phone attempts: attempt 1, attempt 2, attempt 3 (final).

• After the 3rd (final) attempt, case(s) will be assigned to the Census Field Supervisor to conduct an In-Field GQAC.

The contact strategy to be applied for the In-Field GQAC is as follow:

• Three in-person visits

The follow up procedures and contact strategy above are implemented to maximize response rates and to deal with issues of non-response.

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.

During the years preceding the 2030 Census, the Census Bureau will pursue its commitment to follow cost control principles for conducting a decennial census while maintaining our commitment to quality. The Census Bureau will streamline data collection processes and implement new and improved methods to count the U.S. population for the 2030 Census. This includes improved methods for counting individuals residing in GQs (i.e., college/university student housing, residential treatment centers, nursing/skilled-nursing facilities and assistant living facilities, group homes, correctional facilities, hospitals, and military barracks.)

GQ Administrators play a vital role in data collection during GQAC. They provide critical updates about the facility and residents to prepare for the subsequent Group Quarters Enumeration (GQE). The 2026 Census Test will enable the Census Bureau to contact the GQ Administrators by phone or in person to collect information about the GQs such as to verify/update the GQ address, GQ type, contact person, and to select a method of enumeration for their residents. During GQAC, the specific data items include, collecting an enumeration method and depending on the method selected, an expected population for the GQ on Census Day, April 1, 2026, and scheduling an enumeration appointment.

As part of the 2030 Census research and assessment questions and methodology for the 2026 Census Test GQAC answers to the following questions will help to inform improvements to the GQAC in-office and in-field operation:

1. Can an improved automated In-Office GQAC phone data collection instrument used by office clerks improve efficiency and reduce cost for the GQAC operation?

2. Can an electronic device during In-Field GQAC provide efficiency and completeness/quality in the collection of data at the GQ level?

The systems and procedures supporting the 2026 Census Test GQAC are subject to a testing framework that includes user acceptance testing, integration testing, output testing, and operational readiness testing efforts that are reviewed as part of three significant phase gates: Test Readiness Review, Production Readiness Review, and Operational Readiness Review.

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.

For more information, contact Michael Snow, 301-763-9912, dcmd.pra@census.gov

Page | 2