RMS (Random Moment Sampling) is a statistical sampling method used to estimate total worker effort. It is the only federally approved alternative to timesheets for carrying out this process. The statistics gathered by sampling a random selection of positions at specific random moments in time are used to fairly allocate costs between all State and Federal programs. Federal agencies reimburse the Commonwealth for their share of the administrative costs (Bud Lines 855, 858, 847, 849, and 843) based on the application of these RMS statistics in the cost allocation process.
Proper reimbursement to localities of staff and operational costs related State and Federal programs is critically dependent on the willingness and ability of each staff person included in the sample to accurately characterize and report the program work they are performing at the randomly selected moment. Each moment observed can route up to $21,000.
For more information, refer to Section 3.30 Supporting Documentation for Local Staff Time in the FGM.