2026-04382 2026 CPS Field Test

Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Current Population Survey (CPS) 2026 Field Test

DATES:

To ensure consideration, comments regarding this proposed information collection must be received on or before May 4, 2026.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

The Census Bureau plans to request clearance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the collection of information related to a field test of the Current Population Survey (CPS) in calendar year 2026.

The CPS has been the source of official government statistics on employment and unemployment since 1942. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Census Bureau jointly sponsor the basic monthly survey. The Census Bureau also prepares and conducts all the field work. The CPS collects labor force information for the civilian noninstitutional population including employment status, number of hours worked, job search activities, earnings, duration of unemployment, and the industry and occupation classification of the job held the previous week. Data for the CPS are currently collected by Census field interviewers via in-person interviews or by telephone.

The 2026 Field Test's goal is to test the use of an internet self-response method to measure its success as a possible method of contact and interviewing with the goal of review accuracy, reporting, and representativeness. In addition, should it prove as a viable response method, the goal is to experiment with timing and contacts in order to refine procedures that best fit the needs of CPS. This is the second of two major field tests with the first completed in 2025, and an ultimate goal to phase in changes to the survey in 2027 through 2028.

This 60-day Notice is to reinstate the OMB Control No. 0607-1032 for the 2026 CPS Field Test, that was previously used for the 2025 CPS Field Test, after proper submission of a discontinue request to OMB given the expiration date of April 2026.

II. Method of Collection

The 2026 field test is planned for July 2026 until October 2026. The goal is to replicate the expected mode interaction of adding a self-response mode as close as possible to a production environment. The first interview will be conducted via computer-assisted person interview (CAPI) mode, and most cases will be followed up for three months with a mix of internet Self Response and CAPI follow-up based on the previous month's interview results and data reported. All cases will be in sample for up to four months. In addition, some cases were interviewed in the 2025 cases and will be contacted again to replicate the longitudinal nature of the current CPS. In addition, we will conduct experiments such as question wording, contact methods, and mode interaction measure the best method to encourage response by internet mode and the best quality data for both modes.

III. Data

OMB Control Number: 0607-1032.

Form Number(s): None.

Type of Review: Regular submission, Reinstatement with Change of a Previously Approved Collection for Which Approval has Expired.

Affected Public: Households.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 50,000.

Estimated Time per Response: 10 minutes.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 33,333 hours.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0.

Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.

Legal Authority: Title 13 U.S.C. 8(b), 141, and 182; Title 29, United States Code, Section 2.

IV. Request for Comments

We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department/Bureau to: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) Evaluate ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of public record. We will include, or summarize, each comment in our request to OMB to approve this ICR. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment-including your personal identifying information-may be made publicly available at any time. While you may ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.