The Wasatch Front Research Data Center bring the opportunity for qualified researchers to utilize restricted-use microdata from a variety of statistical agencies to address important research questions.

Potential researchers are encouraged to contact the WFRDC Administrator to discuss the feasibility of a project. While the WFRDC administrator can speak to various aspects of the proposal process, timeframe, and different data sets available for analysis, the bulk of proposal development is up to the researcher.

The best proposals come from researchers who have familiarized themselves with the available data. See links below for more information and contact the admin for best strategies to familiarize yourself with the data.

Investigators with US Census approved access to the Wasatch Front Research Data Center (WFRDC) for studies exclusively using data available through the Federal Statistical Research Data Center (FSRDC) are not required to apply for IRB approval from the University of Utah since no identifiable data leave the restricted WFRDC environment.  Investigators linking data from other sources to restricted FSRDC data sets should consult with their IRB to obtain any necessary approvals.

Census Bureau Site|Restricted-Use Data |Federal Partners
Additional Resources

TO SEARCH FOR RESTRICTED FEDERAL STATISTICAL DATA AVAILABLE IN THE RDC 
(FOR APPROVED PROJECTS/INVESTIGATORS)

RESEARCH DATA GOV

(it is an early release and new links are being added – if you don’t see the data you were looking for please contact the WFRDC)

 

Researchers intending to use the restricted-access data must prepare a proposal following certain outlined criteria. Proposals are submitted to the RDC administrator and can be submitted at any time throughout the year. 
Your proposal must address the following questions: 
How does using the restricted-access data benefit the Census Bureau? 
How does it further scientific debates?

Census reviews on the following criteria, each of which will be covered in detail with the administrator:

·         Benefit to the Census Bureau

·         Academic merit

·         Need for non-public microdata

·         Feasibility of the project

·         Risk of disclosure

 

Full Proposal

The proposal should include the following elements

·         Introduction

·         Benefits to Census following outlined criterion

·         Methodology

·         Risk of Disclosure

·         Project Duration

·         Conclusion

Predominant Purpose Statement

The second portion of the proposal is the Predominant Purpose Statement (PPS). Proposals must demonstrate a clear benefit to Census as outlined in Title 13. There are predetermined benefit criteria that the proposal must meet. This is very important and the RDC administrator will assist in writing the PPS.

Fees

Please contact the WFRDC Director, Lori Kowaleski-Jones, for information about WFRDC fees.