DPRA designs and implements major studies and surveys for our clients when they seek to improve operations, organizational effectiveness, or performance. We assist our clients in complying with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) by preparing Information Collection Requests (ICR) for submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Our Experience

  • Small Business Analysis: US EPA’s Office of Site Remediation Enforcement (OSRE) was dissatisfied with a study conducted by the RAND Corporation and needed a way to evaluate the impact of various small business liability exemption proposals on the Superfund enforcement program. DPRA modified a methodology that we had created for Superfund reauthorization analyses and added Dun & Bradstreet and PRP volumetric contribution data to the analysis to meet OSRE’s research needs. We determined that proposed exemptions would release between 22% and 59% of PRPs from liability and effect between 16% and 26% of the liability in the enforcement program. The Small Business Analysis was used by OSRE in legislative negotiations for the Small Business Liability Relief & Brownfields Revitalization Act.

  • Superfund Enforcement Reform Evaluations: US EPA’s Office of Site Remediation Enforcement (OSRE) was asked by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate three of three of the Superfund enforcement reforms it implemented in the mid-90's. DPRA designed survey methodologies for these evaluations and determined that extensive pre-tests would need to be conducted in order to evaluate the survey instruments and develop accurate burden estimates. DPRA developed an innovative cognitive interviewing strategy to pre-test the surveys and compile information for the burden estimate. OMB approved this strategy, enabling OSRE to develop a compliant ICR submission.

  • Organizational Review for the Chatham Kent Women’s Center: The Chatham Kent Women’s Center, a shelter for abused women and children, retained DPRA to perform an operational review to determine the affect of recent changes on its policies and procedures, management, and governance structures. DPRA reviewed relevant documents, such as the board manual, policies and procedures, and job descriptions, and conducted confidential interviews with staff and board members. We prepared and submitted a report to the board that summarized our findings and provided recommendations for improving organizational effectiveness. The Women’s Center retained DPRA to implement its proposed recommendations and help the organization transition to a more effective organizational structure.