Integrating Federal Surveys: Data Modernization Efforts on NCSES's Workforce Surveys

Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center 

Like many federal agencies, the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) within the U.S. National Science Foundation is facing growing challenges in administering its workforce surveys, including declining response rates, rising costs, and reduced operational resources. In response, NCSES and agencies across the federal government are reexamining their survey portfolios to identify opportunities for improving efficiency and effectiveness through innovation. This could be accomplished by shifting from traditional, survey-only data collection methods toward hybrid approaches that incorporate alternative data sources that meet data quality standards while aiming to reduce respondent burden.

Federal initiatives are reinforcing this shift. The Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-435) promotes data sharing for evidence building, while ongoing modernization efforts across agencies emphasize improving survey efficiency, reducing duplicity, and facilitating greater use of alternative data.

This study explores the integration of NCSES's three flagship workforce surveys—the National Training, Education, and Workforce Survey (NTEWS), the National Survey of College Graduates (NSCG), and the Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR). The goal is to develop a single, integrated workforce survey that delivers high-quality policy relevant data in a more cost-effective and resource-efficient manner.

In parallel, NCSES is assessing the potential of using alternative data sources to supplement or partially replace data currently collected through these surveys. This presentation will share findings and lessons learned from this initiative, offering insights that may serve as a model for other federal agencies considering similar approaches to survey modernization and data integration.

Data collection

Data linkage

Questionnaire design