CIAO DATE: 02/04

The Field Directorate of the Bureau of the Census

Summary

The Field Directorate is the Census Bureau’s principal operating arm, responsible for the collection and dissemination of data for decennial censuses and for a wide variety of surveys conducted during decennial and intercensal years (i.e., those years between decennial censuses). The Census Bureau conducts non-decennial surveys using its own funds and those received on a reimbursable basis, primarily for other federal agencies. These economic and demographic surveys are a major source of work and funding for the Bureau and the Field Directorate during intercensal years. Presently, the largest and most visible one is the Current Population Survey, a monthly demographic survey of about 70,000 households, conducted for the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

To review and improve operations, the Field Directorate periodically conducts a self-assessment of its activities. The Field Directorate asked the Academy to assist its internal self-assessment efforts by independently reviewing three broad areas:

• the mission and organization of the Field Directorate
• the adequacy of management systems and business practices in establishing accountability and helping fulfill Field Directorate missions
• the effectiveness and efficiency of the Field Directorate’s operations and performance, including use of feedback and performance measures

The study included the Directorate’s headquarters and regional functions, but did not include the National Processing Center or operations related to the decennial census.

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