2026 Operational Test in Support of the 2030 Census

As part of the Decennial Census Program, the American Community Survey provides an opportunity to research and test elements of survey data collection that relate to the decennial census. As such, the ACS Methods Panel can serve as a testbed for the decennial census. The 2026 Operational Test in Support of the 2030 Census is an American Community Survey test using the ACS Methods Panel Tests framework that is planned to help the Census Bureau prepare for the 2030 Census. The 2026 Operational Test in Support of the 2030 Census (hereafter, the "Test") is not an end-to-end test of all operational work. Instead, it is a scaled-down version of the selected aspects of the census. The Test will be conducted in two test sites - Spartanburg, SC and Huntsville, AL - which allows for testing in real world situations and on a larger scale than research simulations allow. The Test will test the viability of new and revamped systems and methods researched and developed for the census; to identify, document, and address potential challenges. Additionally, the Test will evaluate and assess the use of United States Postal Service (USPS) staff to increase efficiency in various capacities typically performed by temporary Census Bureau field workers.

The latest form for 2026 Operational Test in Support of the 2030 Census expires 2028-06-30 and can be found here.