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We Encourage Your Feedback
Got questions or suggestions, or need additional information? Check our Quick
Links below for resources on specific issues. Or, use the web form below
to tell us what you think about this tool, what works/doesn't work
(technically or from a usability perspective)—and feel free to suggest
additional features for consideration.
Quick Links
E-mail Us
Help Us Improve the Survey Instrument
To recommend questions for inclusion in the ARMS survey, use the web form or
directly contact Bob Dubman, Data and Survey Coordinator, Office of the Director,
Resource Economics Division, ERS:
- write: Room 4193-S, 1800 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036-5831
- phone: (202)
694-5506
- e-mail: bdubman@ers.usda.gov
Before this tool was built, customers occasionally needed more detailed information
from ARMS beyond what ERS tabulated/published. While we believe this online
data delivery tool will address those needs, mechanisms are still in place
to help you make the most of ARMS information to supplement or extend research:
Special Tabulations of ARMS Data
On occasion, users may need special tabulations of ARMS data—beyond that
available in published reports/tabulations—requiring the knowledge
and expertise of agency staff. An ERS policy provides for reimbursement of
agency
expenses, when appropriate, for such special tabulations, and ensures consistent
and fair treatment of individuals, institutions, and businesses requesting
ERS help in providing these tabulations. ERS will consider requests for special
tabulations if all of the following conditions are met:
- The request can be serviced in a reasonable time without affecting work
on priority agency projects;
- The tabulation cannot be done from published agency information and data;
and
- The data requested meet agency conditions for the dissemination of statistical
information, including conditions on the release of tabulations of micro
data when appropriate.
- To request special tabulations of ARMS data, contact Bob Dubman, Data and
Survey Coordinator, ERS Resource Economics Division, by phone (202) 694-5506
or e-mail Bdubman@ers.usda.gov
Procedures for Access to ARMS Data
ARMS data can be made available to researchers and other government agencies
who have
collaborative projects with ERS or NASS that contribute to USDA's public sector
mission. These projects must be formally administered through a cooperative
research relationship between ERS and a responsible research organization.
The following steps are required to get approval to access ARMS data:
- Complete a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between ERS/NASS and your
organization, which grants access to ARMS data exclusively for statistical
purposes under
a pledge of confidentiality
-
Amend the MOU with a Project Agreement, for each individual research
project that will access ARMS, that provides a brief project description
and objective,
a detailed description of the data needed, and the planned uses of
the data.
-
Obtain, review, and sign the NASS Agreement of Confidentiality for use
of ARMS data (required for all individuals prior to accessing any unpublished
information)
Once formal agreements have been signed, access to ARMS data is provided at
ERS or NASS headquarters or at a NASS State statistical office, depending on
availability of office and computer resources. Users must participate in a
Security Briefing on the security and confidentiality requirements of using
ARMS data.
The level of disaggregation
of data available for access depends on the project specifics. That is, ERS
and NASS staff will review the proposed project to determine the level of aggregation
that can meet the research demand, whether there are adequate samples available
to support the analysis, and whether the analysis accounts for the complex
ARMS survey design. ERS will attempt to meet data needs with publishable aggregations
whenever possible.
Please note: ARMS data may be used for statistical purposes only; they may
not be used for nonstatistical purposes, such as regulatory or enforcement
purposes or release under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). In addition,
all reports, publications, and releases based on ARMS survey data must pass
strict nondisclosure reviews. Entities and individuals outside USDA with access
to confidential survey data are subject to the same Federal statutes that apply
to USDA and its employees. Under these statutes, individuals who unlawfully
disclose confidential data are subject to fines and other penalties. Understand
your responsibilities—see Important
Notes for Users for more details.
- To request access to the detailed micro data, contact Bob Dubman,
Data and Survey Coordinator, ERS Resource Economics Division, by phone (202)
694-5506 or e-mail Bdubman@ers.usda.gov
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