American Community Survey (ACS)

The American Community Survey is conducted using three methods of data collection to contact households:

1. Mail:  Self-enumeration through mail-out/mail-back:
2. Telephone:  Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI); and
3. Personal Visits:  Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI).

Self-enumeration through mail-out/mail-back methodology -- The self-enumeration procedure uses several mailing pieces:

• a prenotice letter,
• the American Community Survey questionnaire,
• a reminder card,
• and a replacement questionnaire if the original questionnaire is not returned in a timely manner.

Sample Addresses that do not respond by mail may be contacted using the follow-up procedures CATI, CAPI, or both.

Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) -- The CATI operation is conducted approximately six weeks after the American Community Survey questionnaire is mailed. We will attempt to obtain telephone numbers and conduct telephone interviews for all households that have not responded by mail during the six-week period. Census Bureau telephone interviewing staff will conduct these interviews.

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) -- Following the CATI operation, a sample will be taken from the addresses which remain uninterviewed. These addresses are visited by Census Bureau field representatives, who will conduct personal interviews.

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