Project name:

Data Protection Toolkit: A Use Case Analysis

DPT-23-N001

Relevance to a Future National Secure Data System (NSDS):

The NSDS will include shared services and resources such as the DPT, which provides tools to promote access to federal data assets while protecting confidentiality. The DPT is located at 
https://nces.ed.gov/fcsm/dpt/.

Contractor:

NORC at the University of Chicago

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to identify successful uses and potential enhancements to the Toolkit, which is intended to support agencies in expanding access to federal datasets while protecting data confidentiality.

Methodology: 

NORC conducted 60-minute interviews with 15 individuals, nine of whom worked for federal agencies, and six of whom worked for state governments, universities, and research organizations. The interviews were conducted between September 22 and November 9, 2023. NORC conducted semi-structured interviews using a protocol that was developed in collaboration with NCSES. The interviews were conducted on Zoom with a primary interviewer leading the questioning and the secondary interviewer taking notes and asking follow-up questions as needed.

Lessons Learned:

  • Improve existing navigation and definitional tools, including adding a site map and glossary and adding refined searching capabilities.
  • Organize or filter the search for resources by level of user experience (new to data protection or an expert).
  • Add additional information to indicate which examples are for large versus small agencies, and which would work best in a non-federal context.
  • Conduct live webinars to publicize the Toolkit and explain its features and uses.
  • Add webinar recordings to the DPT website.
  • Provide opt-in email alerts when the Toolkit is updated.
  • Provide certificates of completion for formal Toolkit training.
  • Include examples of processes and methods that haven’t worked.
  • Add information on suggested resources for additional information.
  • Expand resources and examples for protection of establishment data.
  • Provide information on implementing a Disclosure Review Board in a non-federal context.

 

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Disclaimer: America’s DataHub Consortium (ADC), a public-private partnership, implements research opportunities that support the strategic objectives of the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) within the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). These results document research funded through ADC and is being shared to inform interested parties of ongoing activities and to encourage further discussion. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed above do not necessarily reflect the views of NCSES or NSF. Please send questions to ncsesweb@nsf.gov.