Executive Summary

The American Community Survey, designed by the Census Bureau to replace and improve long form data collection, has demonstrated a key advantage over its predecessor. Operational quality can be improved gradually by using and fine-tuning a continuous process. During 2001 and 2002, as staff and management gained experience, the American Community Survey continuously improved and sustained its already high levels of operational quality. This study shows that the American Community Survey is operationally feasible for full sample implementation in July 2004. Rather than occurring as part of the 2010 census, demographic, housing, and socioeconomic data will be produced throughout the decade by means of the American Community Survey.

Key results of the American Community Survey research and testing program are being published. This is the second report on operational feasibility. “Report 1: Demonstrating Operational Feasibility” focused on the operational feasibility of the American Community Survey during the year 2000.1 In that year, the implementation of the Census 2000 Supplementary Survey placed the American Community Survey in more than 1,200 counties nationwide. In 2001-2002, the American Community Survey continued to test operational feasibility. This report updates Report 1 and provides evidence of improved operational quality from the more than adequate levels achieved during the year 2000. The new challenge will be to maintain this current high level of operational success during full implementation beginning in July 2004.