Project Development

Steps for Developing a Proposal Using Restricted Census Data

  1. Identify the datasets needed by visiting ResearchDataGov (https://www.researchdatagov.org/) or the FSRDC webpage (https://www.census.gov/topics/research/guidance/restricted-use-microdata.html). Additional guidance can be sought from a metadata file containing data sets used in recent project (https://www.census.gov/about/adrm/fsrdc/about/ongoing-projects.html).
  2. Send a brief email to the Atlanta FSRDC Administrator describing the research question and which datasets you anticipate needing for your project. The FSRDC administrator can provide additional guidance on proposal development and information on potential project fees.
  3. Work with the FSRDC Administrator over several months to develop a proposal according to the requirements of the U.S. Census Bureau. For additional information about this process, visit https://www.census.gov/topics/research/guidance/restricted-use-microdata/standard-application-process.html. Generally, each proposal is required to demonstrate:
    • Potential to benefit Census Bureau data programs
    • Scientific merit
    • Evidence of feasibility
    • Clear need for non-public data
    • Minimal risk of disclosure
  4. Obtain Special Sworn Status (SSS) which involves a detailed background clearance. To be eligible to apply for SSS, researchers must (a) be a US citizen or foreign national with 3 of the past 5 years residency in the US, and (b) currently live in the US and have a US institutional affiliation. The process takes several months. SSS application materials will be provided after the proposal has been approved.
  5. Work in the RDC lab to complete research. Research projects generally have a timeline of about two to five years.
  6. Submit results for disclosure avoidance review. Cleared results will be emailed to the researcher by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Steps for Developing a Proposal using Partner Agencies’ Restricted Data

  1. Visit the FSRDC webpage (https://www.census.gov/about/adrm/fsrdc/partner-and-collaborating-agencies.html) for a list of partner and collaborating agencies that make their restricted data available through the FSRDC network.
  2. Follow the links on the webpage for proposal development instructions and fees for the respective partner agency.
  3. Send a brief email to the Atlanta FSRDC Administrator inquiring about any lab fees that may be involved in using the partner agencies’ data in the FSRDC.
  4. Submit a proposal to the partner agency for review.
  5. Once approved, obtain Special Sworn Status (SSS) which involves a detailed background clearance. To be eligible to apply for SSS, researchers must (a) be a US citizen or foreign national with 3 of the past 5 years residency in the US, and (b) currently live in the US and have a US institutional affiliation. The process takes several months.
  6. Work in the RDC lab to complete research.
  7. Submit results for disclosure avoidance review. Cleared results will be emailed to the researcher by the partner agency.