Proposal Guidelines

Preparing a Census Proposal

Researchers interested in using restricted access Census Bureau Data will first meet with the RDC administrator to discuss their project and then they will begin preparing their proposal. This page provides documents useful in the proposal process.

To learn more about the proposal process, read the Census Bureau’s Research Proposal Guidelines
Review MRDC frequently asked questions, MRDC FAQ
To learn more about the Standard Application Process, SAP, view the Standard Application Process Video
To view the required content of a Census proposal, download the Standard Application Process (SAP) Template (.docx, 137KB)
To learn about methodological topics the Census Bureau considers a priority, download Census Methodological Topics (PDF, 100KB)
To learn about preparing a benefit statement, download Writing Benefits Statements (PDF, 67KB)
For guidance with completing an IRB application, download a Sample IRB Application (PDF, 133KB)

Researchers requesting data from partnering federal statistical agencies should consult resources from that agency for proposal information specific to that agency. Information on these partnering agencies and their available data can be found by visiting the Census Bureau’s Partner and Collaborating Agencies website.

Proposal Guidelines

Preparing a Census Proposal

Using the MRDC