81 FR 95561 - Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; 2018 End-to-End Census Test-Post-Enumeration Survey Independent Listing Operation

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
U.S. Census Bureau

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 249 (December 28, 2016)

Page Range		95561-95562
FR Document		2016-31410

The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 249 (Wednesday, December 28, 2016)

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 249 (Wednesday, December 28, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 95561-95562]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-31410]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

U.S. Census Bureau


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; 2018 End-to-End 
Census Test--Post-Enumeration Survey Independent Listing Operation

AGENCY: U.S. Census Bureau, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort 
to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public 
and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on 
proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

DATES: To ensure consideration, written comments must be submitted on 
or before February 27, 2017.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Jennifer Jessup, Departmental 
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th 
and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet 
at [email protected]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions 
should be directed to Beth Tyszka, U.S. Census Bureau, 4600 Silver Hill 
Road, Room 2K281J, Washington, DC 20233, 301-763-3066 (or via the 
Internet at [email protected]).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

I. Abstract

    During the years preceding the 2020 Census, the Census Bureau will 
pursue its commitment to reducing the costs of conducting a decennial 
census while maintaining our commitment to quality. In the 2018 Fiscal 
Year, the Census Bureau will be performing a 2018 End-to-End Census 
Test. This last major test before the 2020 Census has the stated 
purpose (1) to test and validate 2020 Census operations, procedures, 
systems, and field infrastructure together to ensure proper integration 
and conformance with functional and non-functional requirements, and 
(2) to produce a prototype of geographic and data products.
    As in previous censuses, the Post-Enumeration Survey for the 2020 
Census will be conducted to provide estimates of census net coverage 
error and components of census coverage (such as correct enumerations, 
omissions, and erroneous enumerations, including duplicates) for 
housing units and persons living in housing units (see Definition of 
Terms) for the United States (U.S.) and Puerto Rico, excluding remote 
Alaska. These coverage estimates provide insight into the quality and 
coverage of census results, which can be used to improve future 
censuses. Given that the Post-Enumeration Survey involves several field 
data collection activities on a sample basis and several matching 
activities between the survey and the 2020 Census during the 2020 
Census timeline, these Post-Enumeration Survey operations will also 
require testing during the 2018 End-to-End Census Test. It is also 
important to note that for the Post-Enumeration Survey methods, we need 
to ensure independence between the survey and census operations to 
prevent any of the programs affecting each other results.
    The Independent Listing operation, beginning in January of 2018, is 
the first Post-Enumeration Survey operation in the 2018 End-to-End 
Census Test. It will be conducted to obtain a complete inventory of all 
the housing unit addresses within the Post-Enumeration Survey sample of 
Basic Collection Units (BCUs) before the 2018 End-to-End Census Test 
enumeration commences.
    The following objectives are crucial to a successful Independent 
Listing operation:
     Test the automated listing and mapping capabilities 
required.
     Validate the creation of the Independent Listing workload.
     Conduct a listing quality control operation during the 
Independent Listing operation.
    The Post-Enumeration Survey Independent Listing operation for the 
2018 End-to-End Census Test will be conducted in selected survey sample 
areas in the specified sites listed below in the U.S. (excluding remote 
Alaska). The primary sampling unit is a BCU. The currently determined 
test sites are Pierce County, Washington; Providence County, Rhode 
Island; and the Bluefield-Beckley-Oak Hill, West Virginia area. As in 
the past, the Post-Enumeration Survey operations and activities will be 
conducted separate from and independent of the other 2018 End-to-End 
Census Test operations to prevent any potential contamination of census 
or Post-Enumeration Survey results.
    During the Independent Listing operation, field staff, referred to 
as listers, will canvass every street, road, or other place where 
people might live in their assigned BCUs and construct a list of 
housing units using an automated data collection instrument on a mobile 
device. The mobile device will contain the data collection instrument 
with digital maps of the area that needs to be canvassed. Listers will 
attempt to contact a member of each housing unit they encounter in 
their route. If someone answers, the lister will provide a 
Confidentiality Notice and ask about the address in order to collect 
the address information, as appropriate. To ensure all units at a 
multi-unit are properly listed, the lister will then ask if there are 
any additional vacant or occupied units in the structure or on the 
property. If there are additional units, the lister will collect and 
update that information. Multi-units are defined as apartment buildings 
or houses, condominiums, duplexes and triplexes, in addition to 
separate housing units with attached apartments, such as basement or 
garage, or similar apartments where people could be living on Census 
Day. To be classified as a separate unit, these must meet the housing 
unit definition requirement of having direct access from outside or 
through a common hallway, and must either have someone living there or 
be intended for occupancy, even if vacant at the time of the 
Independent Listing operation. Mobile homes and trailers, both in a 
park and not in a park, will also be listed, including any empty lots 
or pads in the parks in the BCU. Finally, any occupied camper, 
recreational vehicle, van, boat, tent or other location where people 
are living during the listing operation will also be listed as housing 
units.

[[Page 95562]]

    If the lister does not find anyone at home after several attempts, 
they will try to collect the information from a proxy or update the 
address list as best they can by observation as a last resort. Listers 
will also identify the location of each housing unit by collecting map 
spots on digital maps (i.e., Global Positioning System (GPS) 
coordinates). The lister will also collect information on the status of 
each housing unit, such as occupied, vacant, under construction, empty 
trailer park, etc., and collect the name and phone number of the 
respondent. Completed Independent Listing BCUs will be automatically 
reviewed for abnormal characteristics (such as GPS information 
indicating that the lister was far from the units they were listing). 
BCUs with unusual characteristics may be subject to a Dependent Quality 
Check (DQC) wherein DQC listers return to the field to check a portion 
of units to ensure that the work performed is of acceptable quality and 
to verify that the correct BCUs were visited. If the BCU fails the DQC, 
then the DQC lister reworks the entire BCU.
    Following the completion of listing for each BCU, the addresses are 
computer and clerically matched, on a flow basis, against the list of 
addresses considered valid for the census at the time of the matching 
operation for the same BCU. The addresses that remain unmatched or have 
unresolved address status after matching will be sent to the field 
during the next field operation of the Post-Enumeration Survey (Initial 
Housing Unit Followup) to collect additional information that might 
allow a resolution of any differences between the Independent Listing 
and census address list results. Cases will also be sent to the field 
to resolve potential duplicates and unresolved housing unit status. The 
questions and procedures to be used in the Initial Housing Unit 
Followup phase of the Post-Enumeration Survey in the 2018 End-to-End 
Census Test and all subsequent Post-Enumeration Survey phases will be 
published in several separate Federal Register Notices.

II. Method of Collection

    The Independent Listing operation will be conducted using in-field 
person-to-person interviews on an automated instrument on a mobile 
device. Listers will receive work assignments grouped by geography and 
in close proximity to the lister's residence (whenever possible). Field 
staff will use the Enterprise Census and Survey Enabling (ECaSE) 
platform's Listing and Mapping software.

Universe

    The 2018 End-to-End Census Test occurs in three sites within the 
continental United States: Pierce County, Washington; Providence 
County, Rhode Island; and the Bluefield-Beckley-Oak Hill, West Virginia 
area. For the Post-Enumeration Survey operations, a sample of 
approximately 21,000 housing units will be selected and divided evenly 
across the three sites included in the test; allocating 7,000 units to 
each of the sites. Independent Listing listers are expected to knock on 
every door over several spaced visits in their assigned BCUs to try to 
find a resident or proxy to ask about the units to be listed. The 
quality control operation will consist of 1,050 housing units.
Definition of Terms
    Components of Census Coverage--The components of census coverage 
includes Correct Enumerations, Erroneous Enumerations, Whole-Person 
Imputations, and Omissions. Correct enumerations are persons or housing 
units that were correctly enumerated in the census. Erroneous 
enumerations are persons or housing units that were enumerated in the 
census but should not have been. Examples of erroneous enumerations are 
duplicates, nonexistent housing units or persons, and persons or 
housing units that were enumerated in the wrong place. Omissions are 
persons and housing units that were not correctly enumerated in the 
census but should have been. Lastly, whole-person imputations are 
census records for which all of the demographic characteristics were 
imputed. Many of these imputations are persons for which we knew the 
count but did not obtain sufficient information.
    Net Coverage Error--Reflects the difference between the true 
population and the census count. If the census count was less than the 
actual number of persons or housing units in the population, then we 
say there was an undercount. If the census count was more than the 
actual number of persons or housing units in the population, then we 
say there was an over count.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0607-XXXX.
    Form Number: NA.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Individuals or Households.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 21,000 Housing Units (HUs) for 
Independent Listing and 1,050 HUs for Independent Listing Dependent 
Quality Control.
    Estimated Time per Response: 5 min.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 1,840 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost: The only cost to respondents is that 
of their time to respond.
    Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.
    Legal Authority: Title 13, U.S. Code, Section 141 and 193.

IV. Request for Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; 
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

 Sheleen Dumas,
PRA Departmental Lead, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2016-31410 Filed 12-27-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P

Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 249 / Wednesday, December 28, 2016 / Notices 95561

under the Commission on Civil Rights, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION • Conduct a listing quality control
Minnesota Advisory Committee link operation during the Independent
I. Abstract
(http://www.facadatabase.gov/ Listing operation.
committee/meetings.aspx?cid=256). During the years preceding the 2020 The Post-Enumeration Survey
Click on ‘‘meeting details’’ and then Census, the Census Bureau will pursue Independent Listing operation for the
‘‘documents’’ to download. Persons its commitment to reducing the costs of 2018 End-to-End Census Test will be
interested in the work of this Committee conducting a decennial census while conducted in selected survey sample
are directed to the Commission’s Web maintaining our commitment to quality. areas in the specified sites listed below
site, http://www.usccr.gov, or may In the 2018 Fiscal Year, the Census in the U.S. (excluding remote Alaska).
contact the Regional Programs Unit at Bureau will be performing a 2018 End- The primary sampling unit is a BCU.
the above email or street address. to-End Census Test. This last major test The currently determined test sites are
before the 2020 Census has the stated Pierce County, Washington; Providence
Agenda County, Rhode Island; and the
purpose (1) to test and validate 2020
Welcome and Introductions Census operations, procedures, systems, Bluefield-Beckley-Oak Hill, West
Discussion of Hearing Preparation: Civil and field infrastructure together to Virginia area. As in the past, the Post-
Rights and Policing Practices in ensure proper integration and Enumeration Survey operations and
Minnesota conformance with functional and non- activities will be conducted separate
Public Comment functional requirements, and (2) to from and independent of the other 2018
Future Plans and Actions produce a prototype of geographic and End-to-End Census Test operations to
Adjournment data products. prevent any potential contamination of
Dated: December 21, 2016. census or Post-Enumeration Survey
As in previous censuses, the Post- results.
David Mussatt, Enumeration Survey for the 2020 During the Independent Listing
Supervisory Chief, Regional Programs Unit. Census will be conducted to provide operation, field staff, referred to as
[FR Doc. 2016–31274 Filed 12–27–16; 8:45 am] estimates of census net coverage error listers, will canvass every street, road, or
BILLING CODE P and components of census coverage other place where people might live in
(such as correct enumerations, their assigned BCUs and construct a list
omissions, and erroneous enumerations, of housing units using an automated
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE including duplicates) for housing units data collection instrument on a mobile
and persons living in housing units (see device. The mobile device will contain
U.S. Census Bureau Definition of Terms) for the United the data collection instrument with
States (U.S.) and Puerto Rico, excluding digital maps of the area that needs to be
Proposed Information Collection; remote Alaska. These coverage estimates canvassed. Listers will attempt to
Comment Request; 2018 End-to-End provide insight into the quality and contact a member of each housing unit
Census Test—Post-Enumeration coverage of census results, which can be they encounter in their route. If
Survey Independent Listing Operation used to improve future censuses. Given someone answers, the lister will provide
AGENCY: U.S. Census Bureau, that the Post-Enumeration Survey a Confidentiality Notice and ask about
Commerce. involves several field data collection the address in order to collect the
activities on a sample basis and several address information, as appropriate. To
ACTION: Notice.
matching activities between the survey ensure all units at a multi-unit are
SUMMARY: The Department of and the 2020 Census during the 2020 properly listed, the lister will then ask
Commerce, as part of its continuing Census timeline, these Post- if there are any additional vacant or
effort to reduce paperwork and Enumeration Survey operations will occupied units in the structure or on the
respondent burden, invites the general also require testing during the 2018 property. If there are additional units,
public and other Federal agencies to End-to-End Census Test. It is also the lister will collect and update that
take this opportunity to comment on important to note that for the Post- information. Multi-units are defined as
proposed and/or continuing information Enumeration Survey methods, we need apartment buildings or houses,
collections, as required by the to ensure independence between the condominiums, duplexes and triplexes,
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. survey and census operations to prevent in addition to separate housing units
any of the programs affecting each other with attached apartments, such as
DATES: To ensure consideration, written
results. basement or garage, or similar
comments must be submitted on or
The Independent Listing operation, apartments where people could be
before February 27, 2017.
beginning in January of 2018, is the first living on Census Day. To be classified
ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments as a separate unit, these must meet the
Post-Enumeration Survey operation in
to Jennifer Jessup, Departmental housing unit definition requirement of
the 2018 End-to-End Census Test. It will
Paperwork Clearance Officer, having direct access from outside or
be conducted to obtain a complete
Department of Commerce, Room 6616, through a common hallway, and must
inventory of all the housing unit
14th and Constitution Avenue NW., either have someone living there or be
addresses within the Post-Enumeration
Washington, DC 20230 (or via the intended for occupancy, even if vacant
Survey sample of Basic Collection Units
Internet at jjessup@doc.gov). at the time of the Independent Listing
(BCUs) before the 2018 End-to-End
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Census Test enumeration commences. operation. Mobile homes and trailers,
Requests for additional information or
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES

both in a park and not in a park, will
copies of the information collection The following objectives are crucial to
also be listed, including any empty lots
instrument(s) and instructions should a successful Independent Listing or pads in the parks in the BCU. Finally,
be directed to Beth Tyszka, U.S. Census operation: any occupied camper, recreational
Bureau, 4600 Silver Hill Road, Room • Test the automated listing and vehicle, van, boat, tent or other location
2K281J, Washington, DC 20233, 301– mapping capabilities required. where people are living during the
763–3066 (or via the Internet at • Validate the creation of the listing operation will also be listed as
Beth.Clarke.Tyszka@census.gov). Independent Listing workload. housing units.

VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:54 Dec 27, 2016 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\28DEN1.SGM 28DEN1

Document Created: 2016-12-28 02:16:27
Document Modified: 2016-12-28 02:16:27

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Notices
Action		Notice.
Dates		To ensure consideration, written comments must be submitted on or before February 27, 2017.
Contact		Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions should be directed to Beth Tyszka, U.S. Census Bureau, 4600 Silver Hill Road, Room 2K281J, Washington, DC 20233, 301-763-3066 (or via the Internet at [email protected]).
FR Citation		81 FR 95561

81 FR 95561 - Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; 2018 End-to-End Census Test-Post-Enumeration Survey Independent Listing Operation

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCEU.S. Census Bureau

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 249 (December 28, 2016)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
U.S. Census Bureau