DAF Form 4453: Request Air Force Survey Control Number (SCN) – If you need to conduct an attitude or opinion survey involving Department of the Air Force (DAF) personnel—such as questionnaires, focus groups, or interviews—you must obtain an official Survey Control Number (SCN). The primary tool for requesting this approval is DAF Form 4453, titled Request for Air Force Survey Control Number (SCN).
This form ensures surveys comply with Department of Defense (DoD) and DAF policies, including the Paperwork Reduction Act, while minimizing burden on Airmen and Guardians and protecting data integrity.
What Is a Survey Control Number (SCN)?
An SCN is a unique identifier assigned to approved surveys. It verifies that the survey has undergone official review for necessity, design quality, and compliance with regulations like DoDI 8910.01 (DoD Implementation of the Paperwork Reduction Act), DoDM 8910.01 Volume 2, and DoDI 1100.13 (DoD Surveys).
Only surveys with a valid SCN are authorized for distribution to DAF personnel. Unapproved surveys risk being canceled, and responses may not be usable for official purposes. Certain organizations, such as Air University for its internal program and institutional effectiveness surveys, may have exemptions.
Who Needs to Use DAF Form 4453?
DAF Form 4453 is required by DAF organizations, units, or authorized contractors planning to collect attitude or opinion data from Air Force or Space Force members. This includes:
- Command climate or feedback surveys
- Research projects involving surveys, interviews, or focus groups
- Functional or programmatic data collections seeking personnel insights
The Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC/DSYS) manages the DAF survey program. It reviews instruments, methods, and materials, then approves or denies requests and issues SCNs when appropriate.
Note: This process applies specifically to attitude/opinion surveys. Separate procedures exist for non-attitudinal assessments (which may use Assessment Control Numbers or ACNs).
How to Request a Survey Control Number Using DAF Form 4453?
According to DAFMAN 36-2664 (updated as of January 2025), the official request process begins with a completed DAF Form 4453 plus supporting materials, such as a draft of the survey instrument (typically in MS Word or PDF format).
Key steps include:
- Download the official form — Obtain the latest version directly from the Air Force e-Publishing site: DAF Form 4453 PDF.
- Complete the form — Fill out all required blocks accurately. The form typically captures details such as:
- Survey sponsor and point of contact information
- Survey title and purpose
- Target population and sample size
- Survey method (e.g., online, paper, interview)
- Estimated burden on respondents (time to complete)
- Data collection timeline and analysis plan
- Justification for the survey (how it supports DAF mission needs)
- Prepare supporting documents — Include a draft survey, any interview/focus group guides, and explanations of how the data will be used, protected, and reported.
- Submit through proper channels — Route the completed DAF Form 4453 and attachments according to current DAFMAN 36-2664 procedures (usually through your chain of command or directly to the AFPC/DSYS workflow as specified in the manual). Requests for renewal or extension of an existing SCN should be submitted at least 35 days in advance.
- Await review and approval — AFPC/DSYS coordinates the review per DoD policies. If approved, you will receive an SCN to include on all survey materials.
Always consult the most current version of DAFMAN 36-2664 for detailed submission instructions, as procedures can be updated.
Why Is Survey Approval Required?
The SCN process:
- Reduces survey fatigue among Airmen and Guardians
- Ensures surveys are well-designed and mission-relevant
- Complies with federal information collection laws
- Protects respondent privacy and data security
- Prevents unauthorized or duplicative data collections
Official guidance emphasizes that only approved surveys should be distributed. Airmen are encouraged to verify the presence of an SCN or other official indicators before participating.
Tips for a Successful DAF Form 4453 Submission
- Clearly articulate the survey’s purpose and how results will support DAF priorities.
- Minimize respondent burden (shorter surveys are more likely to gain approval and higher response rates).
- Ensure the draft instrument is professional, unbiased, and includes necessary privacy notices.
- Provide a strong justification tied to operational or policy needs.
- Double-check submission requirements in the latest DAFMAN 36-2664.
Where to Find Official Resources?
- Official Form Download: DAF Form 4453
- Governing Manual: DAFMAN 36-2664 (available on the Air Force e-Publishing website)
- Air Force e-Publishing: https://www.e-publishing.af.mil/ (search for forms and manuals)
- AFPC Survey Office: Contact via official channels for questions on the survey program.
For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance, always refer to official Department of the Air Force publications and your local chain of command or legal advisor. Policies and form versions can change, so verify the edition date on any document you use.
Need help? If you are preparing a survey request, start by downloading DAF Form 4453 and reviewing Chapter 5 of DAFMAN 36-2664 for the complete procedures.
This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available Department of the Air Force guidance as of 2025–2026. It is not a substitute for official instructions or legal advice.