Getting Started

Contact MDI

Discuss your idea with the lab administrator: Email GURDC

Abstract & Proposal Process

Develop your research idea into an abstract: GURDC Template Proposal

Upon approval from Federal Statistical Research Data Center (FSRDC) Research Project Coordination staff, meet with the lab administrator to plan your proposal development process.  This is a lengthy and rigorous process involving close collaboration with the GURDC administrator and executive director.  We are here to help answer questions on data availability and to support proposal preparation and submission.

Timelines

It is not uncommon for the proposal process to take at least 4-6 months for NCHS projects, and 6-9 months for Census projects, and sometimes longer if the project requires multi-agency review.  Interested graduate students should consult with their advisor and the lab administrator prior to beginning the proposal process.

For projects using data from the Census Bureau – economic, demographic, or mixed data:

• Discuss your idea with the GURDC administrator
• Read through the FSRDC proposal directions
• Prepare a short (1-2 page) proposal abstract that includes: (1) your main research idea/question, (2) GURDC datasets you want to use, and (3) any external datasets you plan to bring into the lab.
• After your proposal abstract is approved by FSRDC reviewers, work with the GURDC administrator to develop your proposal using the template outlined in the proposal instructions.  Census approves project that:
  • (i) Provide benefit to Census Bureau programs;
  • (ii) Demonstrate scientific merit;
  • (iii) Require non-public data;
  • (iv) Be feasible given the data; and
  • (v) Pose no risk of disclosure
• The GURDC administrator will submit your proposal for Census review.
• Once approved by the Census Bureau, there may be additional agency reviews, depending on the specific datasets you have requested.
• Work with the GURDC administrator to obtain Special Sworn Status (SSS), which requires a background check commitment to protect respondent confidentiality for life. With SSS, you are a temporary uncompensated employee of the Census Bureau who can use the RDC network.

For projects using NCHS data, the steps include: 

• Contact the GURDC administrator to let them know you are developing a NCHS health data project.
• Follow the directions for NCHS data projects.
• Once approved by NCHS, contact the GURDC administrator, forwarding the approved proposal and the notification that it was approved.
• Work with the GURDC administrator to obtain Special Sworn Status (SSS), which requires a background check commitment to protect respondent confidentiality for life. With SSS, you are a temporary uncompensated employee of the Census Bureau who can use the RDC network.

For projects using AHRQ data, the steps include:

• Contact the GURDC administrator to let them know you are developing an AHRQ health data project.
• Follow the Application Procedure and Form found on the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) website.
• Once approved by AHRQ, contact the GURDC administrator, forwarding the approved proposal and the notification that it was approved.
• Work with the GURDC administrator to obtain Special Sworn Status (SSS), which requires a background check commitment to protect respondent confidentiality for life. With SSS, you are a temporary uncompensated employee of the Census Bureau who can use the RDC network.

For projects using BLS data, the steps include: 

• Contact the GURDC administrator to let them know you are developing a BLS data project.
• Follow the directions for BLS data projects.
• BLS approves projects that:
  • (i) Are entirely statistical in nature;
  • (ii) Have technical merit;
  • (iii) Have significant interest to BLS; and
  • (iv) Further the mission of the BLS.
• Once approved by BLS, contact the GURDC administrator, forwarding the approved proposal and the notification that it was approved.
• Work with the GURDC administrator to obtain Special Sworn Status (SSS), which requires a background check commitment to protect respondent confidentiality for life. With SSS, you are a temporary uncompensated employee of the Census Bureau who can use the RDC network.
• Inform the BLS Project Coordinator once your SSS clearance is approved and your Census account has been created. It is important to keep your BLS Project Coordinator aware of where you are in the process.

For projects using BEA data, the steps include:

• Contact the GURDC administrator to let them know you are developing a BEA data project.
• Follow the directions found on the BEA website about the Special Sworn Researcher Program.
• BEA projects must:
  • (i) Show promise to advance the goals of the International Investment and Trade in Services Survey; and
  • (ii) Further the mission of the BEA.
• Work with the GURDC administrator to obtain Special Sworn Status (SSS), which requires a background check commitment to protect respondent confidentiality for life. With SSS, you are a temporary uncompensated employee of the Census Bureau who can use the RDC network.

Additional resources

RDC Researcher Handbook

This manual published by the Census Bureau in 2009 provides extensive information about the process of developing proposals, obtaining special sworn status, confidentiality, and other legal information.

CES Annual Reports (2000-2018) list approved projects, abstracts, and have articles featuring successful RDC research projects.