Proposals to use the data in an FSRDC are subject to very specific standards and the approval process can be time-consuming. Researchers should begin with a meeting with the WiscRDC administrator, a Census Bureau employee who is trained to provide guidance to researchers on both proposal preparation and the suitability of FSRDC data for a particular project.
The Census Bureau will not approve a proposal that fails to satisfy the following criteria. The proposed project must:
1. Provide benefit to Census Bureau programs.
2. Demonstrate scientific merit.
3. Require data that is available only in the FSRDC.
4. Be feasible given the nature and coverage of data available in the FSRDC.
5. Pose no risk of disclosure of confidential information.
Please contact Robert Thomas, the current WiscRDC administrator, or read the following guide from the Census Bureau, on developing and submitting a research proposal.