2026 Operational Test in Support of the 2030 Census

The 2026 Operational Test in Support of the 2030 Census (hereafter, “Test”) is an American Community Survey (ACS) test using the ACS Methods Panel that is planned to help the Census Bureau prepare for the 2030 Census. The Test is not an end-to-end test of all operational work. Instead, it is a scaled-down version with appropriate adjustments of the selected aspects of the census. The Test will be conducted in two test sites - Spartanburg, SC and Huntsville, AL - which allows for testing in real world situations and on a larger scale than research simulations allow. The Test will test the viability of new and revamped systems and methods researched and developed for the census; to identify, document, and address potential challenges. Additionally, the Test will evaluate and assess the use of United States Postal Service (USPS) staff to increase efficiency in various capacities typically performed by temporary Census Bureau field workers.