Objective 3.1: Reporting Burden & Cost

Minimize reporting burden and cost to taxpayers by acquiring and developing high-quality data from sources maintained by other government and commercial entities

Other Information:

The Census Bureau acquires records collected and maintained by other government or commercial entities, in addition to the data collected directly. The Census Bureau is obligated by law to use existing information, whenever possible, instead of asking for it directly. The use of these administrative records enhances the quality of the Census Bureau’s own data collections and permits the development of timely, rich, and relevant products. Most importantly, the use of administrative records saves taxpayer dollars and minimizes reporting burden. While administrative records are a tremendous resource, the Census Bureau also recognizes the particular responsibilities and sensitivities inherent in their use. The Census Bureau must continue to develop the appropriate infrastructure, policies, and safeguards necessary to ensure that administrative records are used appropriately, securely, and with the utmost respect for the confidentiality of the data and any restrictions established by the agencies supplying them. Strategies and means: * Conduct administrative records research directed toward improving and enhancing the Census Bureau’s processes and products. * Develop a Census Bureau-wide plan on the role of administrative records in censuses and surveys. * Develop and disseminate Census Bureau-wide policy guidance and security/disclosure avoidance procedures that ensure both the appropriate acquisition and use of administrative records and the delivery of products that incorporate administrative record information. * Establish and maintain relationships with administrative record source agencies, program sponsors, the statistical community, and the general public that support the Census Bureau’s expanded use of administrative records to produce timely, high quality, low-cost statistics. Measuring performance: * Milestones met or exceeded for the research and development of uses of administrative records to minimize respondent burden and cost. * Number of new and relevant data products developed without increased data collection costs.

Stakeholder(s):

• Taxpayers


• Commercial Entitities

Indicator(s):

Indicator:1

Content