Application Preparation
Potential researchers are encouraged to contact the NWFSRDC Administrator to discuss the feasibility of a project. While the NWFSRDC administrator can speak to various aspects of the proposal process and different data sets available for analysis, the bulk of proposal development is up to the researcher.
Please note that projects using data from NCHS or AHRQ have a separate application process. Please consult the NCHS or AHRQ websites for more information.
You should be familiar with the Federal Statistical Research Data Centers website at the Census Bureau, particularly the sections regarding Available Data, which explains how to apply to use specific datasets:
Submission Process and Review for Census Data
This section describes the application process to use Census data. Other federal agencies have different application procedures. Please consult the NWFSRDC administrator for details.
Researchers intending to use restricted-access Census data must prepare two separate but related documents: a proposal and a benefit to the Bureau statement, referred to as the Predominant Purpose Statement (PPS).
All research is conducted in a secure facility. Access is only given to qualified researchers with approved projects.
Proposals are submitted directly to the RDC Administrator. Proposals can be submitted any time throughout the year. Once the administrator receives the proposal and is deemed ready for submission, the proposal and PPS are sent out for review within and outside the Census. An additional review is then conducted by the Census Review board. The Census Bureau then contacts the researcher with the final decision. Review times are dependent upon the data sets used.
The Census reviews on the basis of five major criteria:
1. Scientific merit
2. Benefit to Census Bureau programs
3. Clear need for non-public data
4. Feasibility
5. Minimal risk of disclosure
Document I: Full proposal
The project proposal should be fairly detailed and should include the following elements listed below. These items can be thought of as headings in the research document.
• Introduction
• Methodology
• Data Sources
• Output/Disclosure Risk
• Project Duration – include a timeline with project milestones
• Benefits
• Conclusion
Two questions that must be answered are how the proposed research using restricted-access data will benefit the U.S. Census Bureau and push various scientific debates forward. The NWFSRDC administrator can help guide you in writing the proposal.
Document II: Predominant Purpose Statement (PPS)
Proposals must demonstrate that the research is likely to provide one or more Title 13 benefits to the Bureau. A research project must demonstrate that its predominant purpose is to benefit Census Bureau programs. The NWFSRDC administrator can help guide you in writing the PPS.
Additional Review and Confidentiality
Projects using business data, and some data about households and individuals, contain Federal Tax Information (FTI) and are subject to additional review by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Please consult the IRS Criteria Document on the review criteria.
The United States Census Bureau is operated under Title 13 of United States Code. Researchers using confidential data are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data. We take this very seriously and this is a non-trivial matter. Breaches in confidentially can result in fines up to $250,000 and or imprisonment.