Reviews the status of key activities that the Census Bureau plans to test as part of its dress rehearsal for the 2000 Census. In concept, the 1998 dress rehearsal for the 2000 Census should test almost all of the various operations and procedures planned for the decennial census under as close to census-like conditions as possible. This report reviews the results to date of the Bureau's efforts to create a complete and accurate address list; increase the mail response rate through outreach and promotion; staff its operations with an adequate workforce; and reduce costs and improve accuracy through sampling and statistical estimation methods.

Issued by the Panel to Evaluate Alternative Census Methodologies, Committee on National Statistics, Commission on Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, National Research Council, the report reaffirms the conclusion of its first Interim report regarding sampling. (Appendix includes: Sampling in the 2000 census : interim report I). In addition to sampling, the report discusses geographic work (including its Master Address File and TIGER map data base), survey methods, and use of administrative records.

This report reviews the funding of 2000 Census planning and development efforts and the impact it had on census operations. With the escalating costs from the 1990 to the 2000 Census, the experience of the U.S. Census Bureau in preparing for the 2000 Census offers valuable insights for the planning and development effort now occurring for the 2010 Census. This review focused on the planning and development phase of the 2000 Census and (1) the funding requested, received, and obligated, with funding received and obligated by major planning category, (2) funding and other factors that affected planning efforts, and (3) lessons learned for the 2010 Census. Charts and tables. Also includes a 20-page GAO Report, "2000 Census: Refinements to Full Count Review Program Could Improve Future Data Quality" (July 2002).