The U.S. Department of Commerce welcomes comments from public on data collection methods and sources called StatVentures. StatVentures scouts technology through collaborations with innovators outside government to ensure the Census Bureau provides quality data more efficiently, creatively and effectively.

Traditionally, the Census Bureau has sought out technologies that improve its existing data collection methods. The new program will hold multi-phased competitions to reinvent and improve datasets – specifically those that have been earmarked by the Census Bureau as ripe for innovation.

The initiative gives participants from outside the government the opportunity to submit a concept on ways to significantly improve Census Bureau data. They can develop it to the point of testing and receive periodic feedback and award money. Their concepts may eventually be adopted by the Census Bureau.

If you wish to attend an information session on November 17 click on: https://statventuresinfosession.splashthat.com/ to RSVP.

To read more see: https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2022/11/public-help-data-collection-methods.html

Jan Meisels Allen

Chairperson, IAJGS Public Records Access Monitoring Committee