In 2003 the Census Bureau conducted research to assess cost and workload implications of a voluntary versus mandatory implementation of the American Community Survey (ACS). U.S. Census Bureau (2003) and U.S. Census Bureau (2004) document key findings from that test. In 2011 additional analyses of data from that test led to updated cost and workload projections (U.S. Census Bureau, 2011). The recent ACS sample expansion and the plans to implement an Internet response option in 2013 will have important effects on the costs and workloads for both mandatory and voluntary implementations. This report provides our best estimates of the costs and workloads that may be associated with a voluntary ACS based on the design and methods planned for 2013.

Others in Series

Working Paper

Testing of Modified ACS Envelopes/Letters for Use During 2010 Census

May 31, 2013

Documents findings from cognitive testing in 2009 of ACS envelopes and letters modified for use during the 2010 Census advertising environment.

Working Paper

Evaluation of Multiple Responses

November 02, 2011

Assesses respondents' multiple responses to questions requiring a single response and if ACS should continue to blank multiple responses in the mail mode.

Working Paper

Testing of the 2020 American Community Survey Mailing Materials

November 03, 2021

Testing of mailing materials designed to distinguish the ACS from the 2020 Census and communicating that response to both is mandatory.

Page Last Revised - October 8, 2021

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