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SUPPORTING STATEMENT PART B

FOR PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT SUBMISSION

B. Collection of Information Employing Statistical Methods

The agency should be prepared to justify its decision not to use statistical methods in 

any case where such methods might reduce burden or improve accuracy of results. 

The following documentation should be provided with the Supporting Statement Part A 

to the extent that it applies to the methods proposed. For further information, please 

consult OMB’s Standards and Guidelines for Statistical Surveys.

1. Describe the potential respondent universe (including a numerical estimate) 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 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.

For each customer or topic survey FSA will describe the universe (the targeted customers) and give a rough 

estimate of the size of the group. FSA will describe component subgroups of the respondent universe as 

appropriate. FSA will describe how they will try to reach the respondent universe, i.e. through a general 

mailing, electronic format, on-site conference evaluations. FSA will discuss the sampling rate, the response 

rate, or, in other cases, the absolute number of responses FSA seeks to achieve. The types of customer or topic 

survey collections may include website visitors, focus groups, mail surveys, and conference evaluations.

2. Describe the procedures for the collection of information, including:

 Statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection.

FSA or their contractors will perform data processing and analysis.

 Estimation procedure.

Given the population or identified segments of the population of consumers of a product, FSA will provide 

estimates of the total population and each subgroup of the population. FSA will then provide a description 

of the number of respondents they hope to achieve in the total and each subgroup, as appropriate. 

 Degree of accuracy needed for the purpose described in the justification.

 Unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures, and
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 Any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce 

burden.

No unusual problems are anticipated. As discussed, approximately 30 customer satisfaction segmented 

surveys are anticipated throughout the year.

3. Describe methods to maximize response 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.

FSA or their contractor shall complete all surveys consistent with the objectives and constraints outlined in 

the contract, including the requirement to resolve any readiness and/or data problems, including nonresponse, as appropriate. 

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.

FSA or their contractor shall conduct tests of the web-based material checking that the survey flows 

appropriately for each potential path. 

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 persons who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.

Christine Wyatt 202-377-4364.