JULY 22, 2016 — The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that it selected the sites for its largest and most advanced systems and operations test in preparation for the 2020 Census. The 2018 End-to-End Census Test will take place in three locations, covering more than 700,000 housing units. The test locations are Pierce County, Wash.; Providence County, R.I.; and the Bluefield-Beckley-Oak Hill, W.Va., area.

• To test and validate 2020 Census operations, procedures, systems and field infrastructure to ensure proper integration and conformance with functional and non-functional requirements.
• To produce a prototype of geographic and data products.
• To validate the 2020 Census design and cost estimate.

The 2018 End-to-End Census Test is the culmination of extensive research and testing conducted throughout the decade. The primary objective of the test is to confirm key technologies, data collection methods, outreach and promotional strategies, and management and response processes that will be deployed in support of the 2020 Census.

Online response for the 2018 End-to-End Census Test will begin in March 2018, when approximately 330,000 housing units in Pierce County, Wash.; 265,000 housing units in Providence County, R.I.; and 175,000 housing units in the Bluefield-Beckley-Oak Hill, W.Va., area will receive information about the test.

Specific characteristics of the test areas include:

• A mix of areas with varying types of addresses, such as conventional addresses, rural addresses and addresses with unique characteristics.
• A diverse population with varying demographic characteristics, such as age, race and language spoken at home.
• Areas with a variety of housing types, including group quarters, vacant units, multiunits and mobile homes.
• Varying levels of internet access and usage.

Starting in October 2016, the Census Bureau will begin recruiting for temporary full- and part-time positions in support of the 2018 End-to-End Census Test. Positions will be available in Pierce County, Wash.; Providence County, R.I.; and the Bluefield-Beckley-Oak Hill, W.Va., area. More information will be available at that time.

The 2018 End-to-End Census Test supports the goal of the 2020 Census, which is to count everyone once, only once and in the right place. As 2020 Census operations move forward, the Census Bureau will continue to improve the use of mobile technology, administrative records, geospatial data and self-response via the internet. This test will provide insights and guide our planning to ensure an accurate census.

For more information, see the 2020 Census Operational Plan and visit <www.census.gov>.

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