Restricted Data
Initial Application for L.A.FANS Restricted Data
Researchers interested in using the L.A.FANS Restricted Data must first submit an initial application. This package should include a brief Research Proposal, a detailed Data Protection Plan, and a check to cover the fee for administrative and handling costs.
Research Proposal
Applications for all levels of restricted data begin with a preliminary application and must include a brief Research Proposal - no more than two pages — that includes the following points:
- Specific aims of the project;
- Scientific significance of the proposed research;
- Types of variables from L.A.FANS that the researcher intends to use for the proposed research;
- Justification of the need for the Restricted Data;
- An analysis plan;
- A proposed start date and end date for the project
Researchers applying for Version 3, click here »
Data Protection Plan
The Data Protection Plan is an important part of the signed agreement between RAND and the Restricted Data Investigator. If the agreement is executed, all members of the research team with access to the data are contractually obligated to follow all aspects of the Data Protection Plan. The fundamental goal of the protections outlined in this plan is to prevent persons who are not signatories to the Restricted Data Use Agreement or the Supplemental Agreement With Research Staff from gaining access to the data. RAND will not provide Restricted Data if the plan is not written with sufficient specificity, or if RAND does not deem the data protections to be adequate.
Researchers must provide a concise but detailed data protection plan as part of their application to receive L.A.FANS Restricted Data. To receive Version 3 of the Restricted Data, researchers must submit a detailed description of a secure data enclave in which the data will be stored and used (see below).
The Data Protection Plan applies to the original L.A.FANS data files received from RAND (regardless of its format), to any copies made by the research team, and to any new data derived solely or in part from the original L.A.FANS data files. The plan also should address how computer output derived from the data (for example, case listings), will be kept secure.
What a Version 1 Data Protection Plan should include
What a Version 2 Data Protection Plan should include
What a Version 3 Data Protection Plan should include
Application Fee
The fee to cover administrative and handling costs is $100 for Version 1, and $500 for Versions 2 and 3. Please note that the fee is non-refundable under any circumstances and that we cannot accept payment by credit card at this time. Checks should be made payable to RAND Corporation and should be mailed, along with the preliminary application, to:
L.A.FANS Database
RAND Corporation
1776 Main Street
P.O. Box 2138
Santa Monica, CA 90407-2138
Initial Application Checklist for Version 1
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