Census Bureau Seeks Feedback on Keeping Data Safe
Published Date: 7/7/2026
Notice
Summary
The Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis want to keep your confidential data super safe! They’re asking for public feedback on their data security rules before renewing them. If you handle sensitive info, this affects you—comments are open until September 8, 2026, with no new costs involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory forms and trainings to access data
If you get approved to access Census Bureau or BEA confidential data, you must complete a set of required forms and annual trainings. Required items listed include forms such as Form BC-1759 (Special Sworn Status), OF-306 (Declaration for Federal Employment), Fair Credit Release, Selective Service Form, BC-4002/BC-4003/BC-4004, BEA Sworn Statement of Nondisclosure for Consultants, and annual trainings (e.g., Data Stewardship & Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), Title 13 and Title 26 awareness, cybersecurity, records management, and various BEA safety and records trainings).
Time burden, respondents, and cost to public
The Census Bureau and BEA estimate 900 respondents with an average response time of 57 minutes for BEA and 433 minutes for the Census Bureau; they estimate 300 positive SAP Portal determinations will lead to data-security submissions, an average annual burden of 2,450 hours (7,350 hours across a three-year OMB clearance), and an estimated total annual monetary cost to the public of $0. Comments on this collection are due by September 8, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20249, Notice of Data Sharing Activity
Starting October 2, 2026, the Census Bureau will share some business survey data with the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) to help make U.S. economic stats more accurate and efficient. This affects businesses that voluntarily provide info in Census surveys, with no legal pressure to share. Only trusted BEA staff sworn to keep data secret will see the info, and there’s no cost impact for businesses.
2026-20153, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Quarterly Services Survey (QSS)
The U.S. Census Bureau wants to keep running the Quarterly Services Survey for three more years without changes. This survey asks certain U.S. service businesses for info to help track the economy. If you’re involved, you can comment by November 30, 2026, but there’s no new cost or extra paperwork planned.
2026-20155, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (LEHD)
The Census Bureau wants to keep collecting data for the Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (LEHD) program, which helps track jobs and workers over time. They’re asking the public to comment by November 30, 2026, before they get final approval from the Office of Management and Budget. This keeps the data flowing without adding extra hassle or cost to businesses and workers.
2026-20167, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; DOC-Census Workforce Development Collection
The Census Bureau is asking for approval to collect info from 230 workforce training groups linked to Manufacturing USA and two grant programs. This new data will help track how well these training programs work by connecting participant info with Census data. The goal? To make smarter decisions about future workforce investments without adding too much extra work—each group spends just 1-2 hours a year on this.
2026-19301, Proposed Data Sharing Activity
The Census Bureau wants to share some business data with the Bureau of Economic Analysis to help improve economic reports. This change affects businesses whose data is collected and aims to make government info more useful without extra costs. People have until November 23, 2026, to share their thoughts on this plan.
2026-18481, Decennial Census of the Population of Americans; Proposed Residence Criteria and Proposed Regulations for Demographic Questions
The Census Bureau is proposing to add two new parts to the Code of Federal Regulations governing the decennial census of population and housing. First, the Census Bureau is proposing to add a part outlining the residence criteria used for identifying each person's "usual residence," as needed to determine whether and where to count them in the census of the population throughout the United States. Second, the Census Bureau is proposing to add a part establishing standards and restrictions for the inclusion of certain demographic questions on the decennial census short-form questionnaire and any other questionnaire used for the enumeration of the population. The Census Bureau is considering these two additions to better prioritize and fulfill its Constitutional mandate to count for apportionment the "whole number of persons in each State" based on the concept of "usual residence"--a process that factors in an element of allegiance but otherwise should be colorblind and should not be distorted in any way by questions about immaterial personal characteristics, such as race. Although these two parts are somewhat related and complementary, each is being proposed independently based on its own merits. These proposals are intended to ensure fidelity to the Constitution, improve and protect the core decennial census data, and promote efficiency.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-13664, 30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Brokering Approval (License)
The Department of State wants to keep collecting info from people who broker defense deals, like trading military stuff internationally. They’re asking for public feedback by August 6, 2026, to make sure the process is clear and not too time-consuming. About 170 folks spend around 2 hours each on this, so no big money changes, just a smooth update to keep things running right.
Next: 2026-13670, Interest Rate Paid on Cash Deposited To Secure U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Immigration Bonds
Starting July 1, 2026, through September 30, 2026, the interest rate on cash held for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement immigration bonds is set at 3%. This affects anyone who deposits money to secure these bonds, ensuring they earn interest up to a maximum of 3% per year. The rate updates every quarter, so keep an eye out for changes!