MRDC FAQ

How long will the proposal review process take?

You should expect the proposal review process to take anywhere from 3 months to 1 year.  This, of course, will vary depending on the datasets requested and the need for additional agency review.  Proposals requesting economic data will require IRS review and will typically take 1 year for approval.

Will I need to obtain security clearance?

Yes.  Anyone accessing data in the lab must have security clearance, Special Sworn Status, and a Census-issued badge.  We will assist you with the SSS application process.  The clearance process typically takes three months.

Can I access the data remotely?

In addition to physical enclave access, the FSRDCs make a  selected catalogue of data available for access remotely in cases where all eligibility conditions are met through their secure remote research environment.

Will I be allowed to bring in my own applications for statistical analysis?

No.  We provide several analysis packages including: SAS, Stata, Gauss, Matlab, R, and Sudaan.

Who is already using the data?

University of Michigan researchers using the data include faculty and students from the Ross School of Business, Economics Department, Ford School of Public Policy, School of Social Work, Sociology Department, Survey Methodology, School of Public Health, Population Studies Center, and more.  Michigan State University researchers also include faculty and students from a number of departments and schools.

What are the fees?

Access to the MRDC is provided at no charge to University of Michigan and Michigan State University faculty and graduate students.  Other researchers should inquire to the MRDC for fee and subsidy information.

Do I need to be a U.S. Citizen?

No.  U.S. Citizenship is not required but all researchers are required to reside within the U.S. In addition, all researchers are required to have lived in the U.S. for at least three of the last five years, though the years do not have to be continuous.

Should I first apply for a grant or contract or for MRDC access?

Many researchers will support their research at the MRDC through a grant or contract with a NIA, NSF, Federal agencies, or private foundations.  Should the researcher apply first for the grant or for MRDC access?  Given the potential for delay, researchers with a well-developed proposal may want to apply simultaneously. Contact us to set up a meeting to discuss the best approach for given circumstances.