The Bureau of Labor Statistics sought to modernize a legacy data-sharing system.

Arguably the most influential federal agency on economic decision-making, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) wanted to improve the efficiency and security of its data-access system to better support research that relies on its critical data. The BLS needed a solution that would enable the sharing of its most sensitive restricted-use data and optimize the researcher experience in a secure virtual environment.  

The BLS legacy system lacked enhancements in its data-sharing methods as well as in its compliance with federal security standards, including NIST 800-171. The agency envisioned a modern, user-centric platform where authorized researchers could effectively access and analyze sensitive BLS datasets. The initiative directly supports the agency’s mission of disseminating essential economic information that underpins public and private decision-making.

The NORC Data Enclave^® serves as a secure, collaborative virtual environment for BLS data analysis.

NORC’s Advanced Data Solutions team collaborated with the BLS to modernize the agency’s data management processes in tandem with adopting the NORC Data Enclave as its new virtual research environment. Called the BLS Virtual Data Enclave, this platform enables researchers to access and analyze restricted confidential datasets using statistical software hosted in the Data Enclave while meeting federal security standards. 

With this project, BLS maintains the confidentiality of sensitive data while optimizing the accessibility and utility of crucial labor market statistics, clearing the way for impactful social science research.