In the 2013 Census Test we were examining the operational feasibility of the use of existing government data sources to reduce nonresponse followup (NRFU) workload and a modified strategy for case assignments to increase NRFU productivity. Preliminary results were factored into the 2014 Census Test.

The methods explored in the 2013 Census Test included: 1) using existing government data sources (records already provided to the government) to reduce the NRFU workload; 2) reducing the number of contact attempts to try to obtain a census response; 3) using a more flexible case management strategy to control personal visits to households to obtain a response; and 4) using telephone to make initial contact attempts to obtain a census response. These methods were tested in an experimental design that permitted comparisons of different kinds of existing government data sources use, number of contacts, case management, and telephone contacts.