U.S. Census Bureau Field Data Collection
Automation (FDCA) Program

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The U.S. Census Bureau Field Data Collection Automation (FDCA) program provided advanced, automated systems that streamlined the Decennial Census field operations. These operations included deploying over 500 interconnected, temporary, local Census offices, 12 Regional Census Offices, and over 500,000 mobile enumerators in the field. Harris Corporation served as the systems integrator, as well as providing overall program management for the FDCA program, as it delivered the following systems and services for the 2010 Decennial Census:

  • Mobile Computing—Applications and custom mobile computing hardware that enables data collection, GPS address verification, and administrative applications

  • Office Computing—Large, nationwide, reliable office and backoffice infrastructure deployment; geographically prioritized workforce management and operational status; automated decision workflow and dissemination

  • Security—Applications, procedures, and protocols necessary to secure confidential Census data

  • Telecommunications—Wireless and wireline connectivity to all Census offices and enumerators in the field

  • Support Services—Procuring, deploying, and maintaining all IT equipment

Application/Functionality Description

  • Enumerator (Field Worker)—Review and manage assignments, data collection questionnaires, time and expense entry, text messaging, verifying and updating address lists from maps and lists

  • Crew Leader (Field Manager)—Reviewing enumerator work and time and expense forms; case management (assign/reassign); view status reports; text messaging

  • Core System—Operating system, alerts, icons, security, communications, database, and data synchronization

  • Geographic and Map Processing—Displaying block/address data; capturing GPS points for addresses; updating street information via digital maps

  • Mobile Services—Mobile server applications that manage data synchronization; device management functions (e.g., software upgrades, asset management)

The FDCA Office Computing Environment (OCE) is user/missioncentric, extensible, and scalable, offering the Census Bureau a solution that can easily accommodate workload and requirements changes without redesign. The OCE provided the computing and communications infrastructure required to operate the Census Bureau’s 500+ temporary field offices and Data Processing Centers (DPCs) and to seamlessly interface with the Mobile Computing Environment. OCE applications supported recruiting, training, tasking, managing, and paying the field workforce in both English and Spanish. These applications provided the capability to control and status a large, diverse workforce and support all automated and paper-based operations. The OCE seamlessly integrated COTS, custom, legacy, and GFE applications into a cohesive system with common user interfaces, consolidated data, and optimized performance. Our user interfaces are designed to be intuitive and easy to use with minimal training.