Researchers interested in performing statistical analysis using restricted-use Census Bureau microdata must first complete a project proposal. The proposal will be submitted to the Census Bureau and an extensive review process that evaluates the project’s benefit to the Census Bureau, scientific merit, need for non-public data, feasibility, and potential risk of disclosure will take place.
Proposal Process for Census Projects
1. Identify your research idea and datasets
Please use the available resources in the Standard Application Process (SAP) website to discover any relevant information that would pertain to your project.
The entire proposal development process can be found in the guidelines below.
2. Email the Administrator and copy the Executive Director
Send us a couple of paragraphs describing your research topic and the potential datasets you are interested in using. Also, feel free to suggest a time that would work best for a video call.
3. Work with the Administrator to draft a Full Proposal
Using the Research Proposal Guidelines, the researcher will draft all of the items needed for a proposal with the help and guidance of the RDC Administrator.
4. Submit to Proposal through the Standard Application Process portal
Once the proposal document items are in a good spot, the researcher will submit the application through the SAP portal.
6. Special Sworn Status security clearance upon Census approval of proposal
This clearance will take around 2-3 months. Non U.S. citizens should expect an additional month for clearance. The security clearance process can start as soon as a proposal receives approval from Census. If requesting data from the IRS, this security clearance will run in tandem with IRS review.