Random Number Selection

8.4.4.2 - Random Number Selection (Rev. 906; Issued: 09-26-19; Effective: 01-02-19; Implementation: 01-02-19) The contractor shall identify the source of the random numbers used to select the individual sampling units, if used. The contractor shall also document the program and its algorithm or table, when available, that is used; this documentation becomes part of the record of the sampling and must be available for review. The contractor shall document any starting point if using a random number table or drawing a systematic sample. In addition, the contractor shall document the known seed value if a computer algorithm is used. The contractor shall document all steps taken in the random selection process exactly as done to ensure that the necessary information is available for anyone attempting to replicate the sample selection. There are a number of well-known, reputable software statistical packages (SPSS, SAS, etc.) and tables that may be used for generating a sample. One such package is RAT- STATS, available through the HHS-OIG website. It is emphasized that the different packages offer a variety of programs for sample generation and do not all contain the same program features or the same ease in operation. For any particular problem, the contractor’s statistician or systems programmer shall determine which package is best suited to the problem being reviewed.