From May 7 to June 24, census enumerators in Fayetteville, N.C., and Stockton, Calif., will utilize 1,400 unique, Harris-developed handheld devices with GPS technology and biometric security to directly capture address canvassing information. The enumerators will then have the ability to securely and wirelessly transmit the information to Field Data Collection Automation (FDCA) database designed and supported by Harris. This means near real-time data will be available in the Fayetteville and Stockton Local Census Offices, as well as the Charlotte and Seattle Regional Offices.
Address canvassing is conducted to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the address list and maps used for the 2010 Census to deliver questionnaires and conduct subsequent data collection operations. Address canvassing involves field verification, update and/or correction of addresses for living quarters and street features.
The dress rehearsal is a significant milestone and highlights how the automated collection and management of field data will enable the first virtually paperless conduct of the massive address canvassing and non-response follow-up operation of the 2010 Census. Past census field data collection was handled primarily through paper address lists, maps and questionnaires. The automated systems that will be used for the 2010 Census will reduce the need for paper-based processing, increase operational efficiency, improve accuracy and reduce costs.
At the peak of data collection operations during the actual 2010 Census, which begins in March 2010 with the delivery of the census questionnaires, it is anticipated that the new system will support about 500 local offices and will maximize the efficiency and productivity of more than 500,000 temporary staff deployed throughout the country.
The Charlotte Regional Office will support the activities in Fayetteville, which was selected as one of the test sites due to its diversity of residents and living situations, including military bases and colleges. The Fayetteville Local Census Office was opened April 12 to help support the dress rehearsal activities.
In 2002, Harris also was selected by the U.S. Census Bureau for an eight- year, $210 million program to integrate and improve the accuracy of the Bureau's topological database.
Members of the Harris FDCA team include Accenture LLP, Unisys Corporation, Dell Computer Corporation, High Tech Computer Corporation, Sprint, Oracle, Client Network Services, Inc., AuthenTec, and Headstrong.
