At Federal Statistical Research Data Centers (FSRDCs), qualified researchers can access restricted-use microdata from a variety of statistical agencies to address important research questions. Federal and state statistical agencies collaborate with the Census Bureau to provide microdata to approved researchers in the secure FSRDC environment. Currently, seven federal partner agencies provide data directly through the FSRDCs. Many other agencies who sponsor surveys or collect administrative data collaborate with the FSRDC program by making available the data collected from respondents or program participants. A list of partner and collaboration agencies, with links to the data they make available, is provided below.
You may apply for access to restricted-use microdata in the FSRDCs via the Standard Application Process (SAP) Portal at sap.nsf.gov. Information about applying for access to restricted-use Census Bureau microdata in the FSRDCs using the SAP portal is available on the Census Bureau’s Standard Application Process website.
Note: the SAP Portal has the definitive list of restricted-use Census Bureau datasets available to potential FSRDC researchers. Datasets are added and removed from the SAP portal as their availability status changes.
Assistance from an FSRDC administrator will greatly reduce the need for future revisions to your application. If you are unsure which FSRDC to contact or have a general question, please reach out to the Census Bureau at [email protected].
We strongly encourage researchers to cite all underlying datasets used in research, including restricted-use datasets. Guidance on citing restricted-use datasets can be found on our Citations for Restricted-Use Data page.
The FSRDC program is a partnership of federal statistical agencies who provide access to restricted-use data to qualified researchers on approved projects throughout the country. These agencies also participate in the governance and oversight of the program. Explore the sections below to learn more about the data each agency makes available, proposal requirements, and applicable fees charged by each agency to access their data.
Many additional federal agencies make their survey and administrative data available through the FSRDCs. Explore the links below to learn more about the data each agency makes available.