2026 Operational Test in Support of the 2030 Census

OMB Control No: 0607-0936	ICR Reference No: 202601-0607-004
Status: Active	Previous ICR Reference No: 202504-0607-002
Agency/Subagency: DOC/CENSUS	Agency Tracking No:
Title: 2026 Operational Test in Support of the 2030 Census
Type of Information Collection: No material or nonsubstantive change to a currently approved collection	Common Form ICR:  No
Type of Review Request: Regular
OIRA Conclusion Action: Approved with change	Conclusion Date: 04/10/2026
Retrieve Notice of Action (NOA)	Date Received in OIRA: 02/04/2026
Terms of Clearance:

	Inventory as of this Action	Requested	Previously Approved
Expiration Date	06/30/2028	06/30/2028	06/30/2028
Responses	338,667	0	338,667
Time Burden (Hours)	221,333	0	221,333
Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	0	0

---

Abstract: As part of the Decennial Census Program, the American Community Survey provides an opportunity to research and test elements of survey data collection that relate to the decennial census. As such, the ACS Methods Panel can serve as a testbed for the decennial census. The 2026 Operational Test in Support of the 2030 Census is an American Community Survey test using the ACS Methods Panel Tests framework that is planned to help the Census Bureau prepare for the 2030 Census. The 2026 Operational Test in Support of the 2030 Census (hereafter, the "Test") is not an end-to-end test of all operational work. Instead, it is a scaled-down version of the selected aspects of the census. The Test will be conducted in two test sites - Spartanburg, SC and Huntsville, AL - which allows for testing in real world situations and on a larger scale than research simulations allow. The Test will test the viability of new and revamped systems and methods researched and developed for the census; to identify, document, and address potential challenges. Additionally, the Test will evaluate and assess the use of United States Postal Service (USPS) staff to increase efficiency in various capacities typically performed by temporary Census Bureau field workers.

---

Authorizing Statute(s): US Code: 13 USC 23(c),141, 193, and 221

Citations for New Statutory Requirements: None

---

Associated Rulemaking Information
RIN:	Stage of Rulemaking:	Federal Register Citation:	Date:
	Not associated with rulemaking

---

Federal Register Notices & Comments
60-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	89 FR 84526	10/23/2024
30-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	90 FR 16496	04/18/2025
Did the Agency receive public comments on this ICR? Yes

---

Number of Information Collection (IC) in this ICR: 1

IC Title Form No. Form Name ACS Methods Panel Test ACS-1(2025) (02-28-2024) ACS Methods Panel Paper Questionnaire

---

ICR Summary of Burden

	Total Approved	Previously Approved	Change Due to New Statute	Change Due to Agency Discretion	Change Due to Adjustment in Estimate	Change Due to Potential Violation of the PRA
Annual Number of Responses	338,667	338,667	0	0	0	0
Annual Time Burden (Hours)	221,333	221,333	0	0	0	0
Annual Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	0	0	0	0	0

Burden increases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: No

Burden Increase Due to:

Burden decreases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: No

Burden Reduction Due to:

Short Statement:

---

Annual Cost to Federal Government: $4,500,000

Does this IC contain surveys, censuses, or employ statistical methods? Yes Part B of Supporting Statement

Does this ICR request any personally identifiable information (see OMB Circular No. A-130 for an explanation of this term)? Please consult with your agency's privacy program when making this determination.     Yes

Does this ICR include a form that requires a Privacy Act Statement (see 5 U.S.C. §552a(e)(3))? Please consult with your agency's privacy program when making this determination.     Yes

Is this ICR related to the Affordable Care Act [Pub. L. 111-148 & 111-152]? No

Is this ICR related to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, [Pub. L. 111-203]? No

Is this ICR related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)? No

Is this ICR related to the Pandemic Response? No

Agency Contact: Michael Snow 301 763-9912 [email protected]

---

Common Form ICR:  No

---

On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
		(a) It is necessary for the proper performance of agency functions;
		(b) It avoids unnecessary duplication;
		(c) It reduces burden on small entities;
		(d) It uses plain, coherent, and unambiguous language that is understandable to respondents;
		(e) Its implementation will be consistent and compatible with current reporting and recordkeeping practices;
		(f) It indicates the retention periods for recordkeeping requirements;
		(g) It informs respondents of the information called for under 5 CFR 1320.8 (b)(3) about:
			(i) Why the information is being collected;
			(ii) Use of information;
			(iii) Burden estimate;
			(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
			(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
			(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
		(h) It was developed by an office that has planned and allocated resources for the efficient and effective management and use of the information to be collected.
		(i) It uses effective and efficient statistical survey methodology (if applicable); and
		(j) It makes appropriate use of information technology.
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Certification Date: 02/04/2026

---