82 FR 51472 - Renewal of Currently Approved Information Collection: Comment Request for Customer Satisfaction and Opinion Surveys, and Focus Group Interviews

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
United States Mint

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 213 (November 6, 2017)

The United States Mint, a bureau of the Department of the Treasury, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on currently approved information collection 1525-0012, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, The United States Mint is soliciting comments on the United States Mint customer satisfaction and opinion surveys, and focus group interviews.

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 213 (Monday, November 6, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51472-51475]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-24087]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

United States Mint


Renewal of Currently Approved Information Collection: Comment 
Request for Customer Satisfaction and Opinion Surveys, and Focus Group 
Interviews

AGENCY: United States Mint, Treasury.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The United States Mint, a bureau of the Department of the 
Treasury, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take 
this opportunity to comment on currently approved information 
collection 1525-0012, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995, The United States Mint is soliciting comments on the United 
States Mint customer satisfaction and opinion surveys, and focus group 
interviews.

DATES: Written comments should be received on or before November 30, 
2017, to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Mary Ann Scharbrough, Records 
Officer, Office of the Director; United States Mint; 801 9th Street 
NW., Washington, DC 20220; (202) 384-5805 (this is not a toll-free 
number); [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection package should be directed to Mary 
Ann Scharbrough, Records Officer, Office of the Director; United States 
Mint; 801 9th Street NW.; Washington, DC 20220; (202) 384-5805 (this is 
not a toll-free number); [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Title: United States Mint Customer Satisfaction and Opinion 
Surveys, and Focus Group Interviews.
    OMB Number: 1525 0012.
    Abstract: The proposed customer satisfaction and opinion surveys 
and focus group interviews will allow the United States Mint to assess 
the acceptance of, potential demand for, and barriers to acceptance/
increased demand for current and future products, and the needs and 
desires of customers for more efficient, economical services.
    Current Actions: The United States Mint conducts customer 
satisfaction and opinion surveys, and focus group interviews to measure 
customer opinion and assess acceptance of, the potential demand for, 
and barriers to acceptance/increased demand for United States Mint 
products, and to determine the level of satisfaction of United States 
Mint customers and the general public.
    Type of Review: Renewal of a currently approved information 
collection.
    Affected Public: The affected public includes serious and casual 
numismatic collectors, dealers, and persons in the numismatic business, 
and the general public.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: The estimated number of annual 
respondents is 50,136.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: The estimated number of annual 
burden hours is 15,564.
    Requests for Comments: Comments submitted in response to this 
notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for Office of 
Management and Budget approval. All comments will become a matter of 
public record. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the 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 of the 
collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, 
and clarity of the information to be collected; (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; and (e) estimates of capital or start-up costs 
and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to 
provide information.

    Authority:  Pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 5111, 5112, 5135, 5136, and 31 
CFR 92.

Jean Gentry,
Chief Counsel, United States Mint.

SUPPORTING STATEMENT A

UNITED STATES MINT GENERIC CLEARANCE

(December 1, 2017-December 1, 2020) 1525-0012

A. JUSTIFICATION

A1. CIRCUMSTANCES NECESSITATING THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION
This is a request for a three-year generic clearance to conduct 
customer satisfaction and opinion surveys, and focus group interviews. 
This clearance will allow the United States Mint to comply with 
Executive Order 12862 and assist the United States Mint in fulfilling 
its mission.
    The mission of the United States Mint is to serve the American 
people by manufacturing and distributing the highest quality 
circulating coinage and national medals for the Nation to conduct its 
trade and commerce, and providing security over assets entrusted to the 
United States Mint.
    The United States Mint is responsible for producing proof, 
uncirculated, circulated and commemorative coins, and medals, and 
platinum, gold and silver bullion coins in response to programs 
legislated by Congress in support of domestic trade and commerce, 
civic, philanthropic, and national organizations.
    To effectively accomplish the goals of these programs, it is 
crucial for the United States Mint to know and maintain awareness of 
customer preferences and needs by continually monitoring customer 
satisfaction.
    However, because the time period between program authorization, 
production, and product shipment is often short, the United States Mint 
has not always had adequate time to obtain needed information about 
customer preferences and market conditions.
    Therefore, the use of generic clearance to conduct customer 
satisfaction and opinion surveys, and focus group interviews will allow 
the United States Mint to quickly obtain useful data to create more 
profitable programs and to provide better service and products to the 
American public.
    The Supporting Statement contains authorization under which these 
data collections efforts are implemented. Supporting Statement B 
contains a list of anticipated projects that may be submitted for 
approval through the generic clearance process between

[[Page 51473]]

November 1, 2017 and November 1, 2020.
    This clearance covers data collection efforts by the United States 
Mint Directorates. An internal review of all proposed data collections 
will be performed to ensure the following:

 Consistency with United States Mint mission and strategic 
objectives.
 Appropriate priority within United States Mint's Strategic 
Plan and/or United States Mint annual business plan.
 Technical adequacy in issues such as frame, sample selection, 
response rates, quality control in data gathering, recording, and 
analysis.
 Minimizes burden on respondents.
 Confidentiality of individual responses.
 Consistency with this generic clearance.
 Consistency with applicable laws and regulations.
A2. USE OF DATA
A variety of data collection methods will be employed, including web-
based surveys, telephone CATI systems (computer-assisted telephone 
interviews), focus group interviews, and other appropriate means. The 
information will be used to:
 Determine customer opinions about the quality of products, 
pricing, delivery, and other services provided by the United States 
Mint.
 Determine customer needs and wants in regard to future 
products and services.
 Define the next steps/actions plans to improving customer 
satisfaction and United State Mint sales operations.
A3. USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TO REDUCE BURDEN
 In past instances, the United States Mint has used CATI 
systems and web-based surveys (both provided by contractors) for data 
collection efforts. The CTI systems and web-based surveys increase 
efficiency and validity of surveys and decrease the time required for 
each interview and, consequently, the overall burden on respondents. 
These methodologies allow the computer to perform a number of critical 
quality assurance routines that are monitored by survey supervisors. 
These include tracking average interview length and refusal and 
termination rate.
A4. EFFORTS TO IDENTIFY DUPLICATION
Survey questions will address United States Mint related products and 
do not duplicate the efforts of other agencies/organizations. Our 
internal review and approval process ensures that duplication of data 
gathering within the United States Mint is eliminated.
    Additionally, no other organization can conduct a survey of the 
United States Mint customers because our customer list is unique and 
secured by the United States Mint.
A5. METHODS TO MINIMIZE BURDEN ON SMALL BUSINESSES OR OTHER SMALL 
ENTITIES
The data collections for the most part will be targeted to individuals. 
Although some customers are coin and hobby dealers that may operate a 
small business, all information requests will be voluntary. In 
addition, respondents will rarely be required to consult or access 
their records for detailed factual information.
A6. CONSEQUENCES OF LESS FREQUENT COLLECTION ON FEDERAL PROGRAMS OR 
POLICY ACTIVITIES
The United States Mint would not be in compliance with Executive Order 
12862 if some of the collection efforts were not undertaken. Also, with 
the United States Mint operating as a self-funding agency, the 
information and the changes resulting from data collections are crucial 
to United States Mint numismatic sales efforts.
A7. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCE REQUIRING DATA COLLECTION TO BE INCONSISTENT 
WITH GUIDELINES IN 5 CFR 1320.6
No special circumstances require the collection to be conducted in a 
manner inconsistent with the guidelines in 5 CFR 1320.6.
A8. CONSULTATION WITH INDIVIDUALS OUTSIDE OF THE AGENCY ON AVAILABILITY 
OF DATA, FREQUENCY OF COLLECTION, CLARITY OF INSTRUCTION AND FORMS, AND 
DATA ELEMENTS
The United States Mint collaborates with professional marketing firms 
and contractors with expertise in marketing research, statistical 
analysis, and customer driven marketing. Their assistance is utilized 
in development, administration, and analysis research.
A9. EXPLANATION OF DECISION TO PROVIDE PAYMENT OR GIFT TO RESPONDENTS
The United States Mint has compensated respondents only when it was 
necessary as an incentive for their extensive time or expertise. 
Specific justification has accompanied such requests. In the future, 
the United States Mint will use compensation for respondents only when 
it is deemed necessary.
A10. ASSURANCE OF CONFIDENTIALITY OF RESPONSES
Survey respondents contacted by mail, fax, Internet, or some other form 
of written communication will be advised on the survey form, cover 
letter, or other accompanying document that participation is voluntary 
and that the data provided will be secured. As part of the introduction 
to a data gathering effort during telephone or personal interviews, the 
interviewer will inform the respondents that the survey is voluntary 
and that each individual's responses will be secured. Focus group 
participants will verbally receive similar assurances during opening 
statements of the interview session.
A11. JUSTIFICATION OF SENSITIVE QUESTIONS
Not applicable. Sensitive information is not collected.
A12. ESTIMATED BURDEN OF INFORMATION COLLECTION
The following table is a breakdown of the estimated number of hours for 
a three-year generic clearance and estimated number of respondents for 
a three-year generic clearance.
    However, due to changes in the market and possible new coin 
programs legislated by Congress, this figure could increase.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Estimated       Estimated
                                             number of       number of
                Research                     hours (3     respondents (3
                                              years)          years)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naxion (Formally known as ``Nat'l                  5,451          12,000
 Analysts Worldwide'') Customer
 Acquisition Research...................
Naxion (Formally known as ``Nat'l                  3,357          25,200
 Analysts Worldwide'') General Analytics
 Research...............................

[[Page 51474]]

 
Naxion (Formally known as ``Nat'l                  2,700          10,800
 Analysts Worldwide'') Customer
 Satisfaction Tracking Research.........
Naxion (Formally known as ``Nat'l                  3,840           1,920
 Analysts Worldwide'') Focus Group
 Research...............................
Web Usability Research..................             216             216
                                         -------------------------------
    Total...............................          15,564          50,136
------------------------------------------------------------------------

A13. ESTIMATED TOTAL ANNUAL COST BURDEN TO RESPONDENTS
Estimates of the cost burden to respondents is unknown at this time.
A14. ESTIMATED ANNUALIZED COST TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
The following table is a breakdown of the estimated cost to the United 
States Mint based on previous experience.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Total
                Research                      Annual       estimated-- 3
                                          estimated cost       years
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naxion (Formally known as ``Nat'l               $399,000      $1,197,000
 Analysts Worldwide'') Customer
 Acquisition Research...................
Naxion (Formally known as ``Nat'l                400,000       1,200,000
 Analysts Worldwide'') General Analytics
 Research...............................
Naxion (Formally known as ``Nat'l                240,000         720,000
 Analysts Worldwide'') Customer
 Satisfaction Tracking Research.........
Naxion (Formally known as ``Nat'l                415,000       1,245,000
 Analysts Worldwide'') Focus Group
 Research...............................
Web Usability Research..................         100,000         300,000
                                         -------------------------------
    Total...............................       1,554,000       4,662,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

A15. REASON FOR CHANGE IN BURDEN
There is no change.
A16. PLANS FOR TABULATION STATISTICAL ANALYSIS AND PUBLICATION
Information from data collection will not be published for statistical 
purposes.
A17. REASONS WHY DISPLAYING THE OMB EXPIRATION DATE IS INAPPROPRIATE
Displaying the expiration date may cause problems with respondents for 
data collection programs that overlap the three-year authorization 
periods. In addition, respondents might be declined to refuse to 
participate if the form carries an authorization date that is expired 
or soon to expire.
A18. EXCEPTIONS TO THE CERTIFICATION STATEMENT ON OMB FORM 83-1
Not applicable. There are no exceptions for certification.

SUPPORTING STATEMENT B

UNITED STATES MINT GENERIC CLEARANCE

(December 1, 2017-December 1, 2020) 1525-0012

B. COLLECTION OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS

B1. UNIVERSE AND RESPONDENT SELECTION
Surveys covered under this generic clearance will vary with regard to 
the universe and respondent selection. The potential universe for some 
surveys will include our active and inactive customers, while others 
may include far fewer.
    However, because the United States Mint is attempting to expand its 
numismatic markets and practically all Americans are users of 
circulating coinage, the universe for some surveys may include the 
entire United States population base, with a statistically valid sample 
selected for research.
B2. PROCEDURES FOR COLLECTING INFORMATION
The specific method of data collection for each survey will be provided 
to OMB before each survey is conducted.
B3. METHODS TO MAXIMIZE RESPONSE
The United States Mint has found that by sending an advance notice 
letter to those customers participating in a telephone survey the rate 
of response can be increased and will employ this technically when 
possible and cost effective. The United States Mint will employ 
procedures to review and test questions by survey experts to ensure 
that questions and instructions are clear, relevant, and unambiguous. 
Surveys employing non-response follow-up techniques will use multiple 
contacts by telephone and/or additional mailing of the questionnaire to 
ensure an adequate response.
B4. TESTING OF PROCEDURES
In most cases, a pretest of the data collection instruments will be 
conducted prior to its use. Pretests will include review by 
knowledgeable United States Mint staff and consultants. In the case of 
telephone surveys, the pretest will include monitoring of interviewers 
and respondents by United States Mint staff and/or consultants prior to 
the actual survey. No pretest will include provisions for contacting 
more than nine respondents.
B5. CONTACTS FOR STATISTICAL ASPECTS AND DATA COLLECTION
The contact person for questions regarding any statistical aspects 
employed or data collection procedures used will be provided to OMB 
before each survey. Administrative questions regarding the Mint use of 
this generic clearance should be directed to Manoj Pillai; Numismatic 
and Bullion

[[Page 51475]]

Directorate, 5th Floor; United States Mint; 801 9th Street NW.; 
Washington, DC 20220.

[FR Doc. 2017-24087 Filed 11-3-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4810-37-P