Census Geography (11.003)
Program
11.003 Census Geography
Federal Agency
BUREAU OF THE CENSUS, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Authorization
Act of August 31, 1954, Public Law 83-740, 13 U.S.C. 8.
Program Number
11.003
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To provide a computer generated set of maps for use in conducting censuses and surveys and for showing their results geographically; determine names and current boundaries of selected statistical areas; show these entities on a variety of maps; develop geographic code schemes; develop computer files of area measurements, geographic boundaries, and map features with address ranges.
Types of Assistance
Provision of Specialized Services; Dissemination of Technical Information.
Uses and Use Restrictions
The Bureau of the Census prepares base maps that are used in the planning and conduct of its various censuses and surveys. The Census Bureau also prepares for publication detailed maps showing States and State equivalents (i.e., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the several U.S. territories and possessions), counties and county equivalents, Congressional districts, county subdivisions, places, American Indian reservations, urbanized areas, metropolitan areas, census tracts, block-numbered areas, blocks, and other geographic units. Some of these maps show roads and other physical features, others show only area outlines and related identifiers. The Census Bureau also issues U.S. maps showing boundaries (e.g., States and metropolitan areas) and sometimes data set of maps. For the 2000 Decennial Census, an automated geographic data base, called the TIGER system was used to generate maps, geographic base files, and other geographic products. In addition, the Census Bureau, in conjunction with State and local governments, maintains records of changes in legally-defined areas, delimits the boundaries of most statistical areas, and develops geographic code systems that are used in the electronic data processing of the information.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Interested persons, organizations, or government agencies.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Interested persons, organizations, or government agencies.
Credentials/Documentation
Not applicable.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
By written request.
Award Procedure
Not applicable.
Deadlines
Not applicable.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
Not applicable.
Renewals
Not applicable.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Not applicable.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Not applicable.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
None.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
None.
Program Accomplishments
The Census Bureau maintains the MAF/TIGER data bases and related applications software to support the various censuses and household surveys managed by the Census Bureau with geographic products including geographic files and maps. Geographic base files, called TIGER/Line files, are available for the entire U.S. and its possessions. TIGER/Line files, are available for the whole country on computer tape and CD-ROM. Additionally the MAF/TIGER data bases serve as the mapping base for many different automated, printed, and plotted map types required by the Census Bureau's programs. The Census Bureau's Internet site (address: http://www.census.gov/) includes mapping features and data displayed on maps.
Financial Information
Account Identification
13-0450-0-1-376.
Obligations
FY 02 $37,624,000; FY 03 est $39,072,000; and FY 04 est $41,865,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Not applicable. The Census Bureau is only an "information source" and not a fund granting agency; i.e., our assistance is limited to helping people understand what data are available to use in their analysis.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Maps and More: Your Guide to Census Geography, free; Census Catalog and Guide available on the web site or on CD-ROM; Bureau of the Census order forms for maps, geographic reports, and files, no charge. Please contact Customer Services, (301) 457-4100 for ordering information, or check "Product Catalog" on the Internet site (http://www.census.gov).
Related Programs
11.001, Census Bureau Data Products; 11.002, Census Customer Services; 11.004, Census Intergovernmental Services; 11.005, Census Special Tabulations and Services.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
See list of 12 Bureau of the Census Regional Offices listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog, or http://www.census.gov/field/www/.
Headquarters Office
Geography Division, Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20233-7400. Telephone: (301) 457-1128. Use the same number for FTS. For more information on maps and other geographic products, contact Customer Services, Bureau of the Census, Washington, DC 20233. Telephone: (301) 457-4100. Use the same number for FTS. Published maps are generally sold by Superintendent of Documents. Unpublished maps are sold by Customer Services.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
Not applicable.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Not applicable.
