Who has to comply with FOIA?

Federal agencies are required to disclose any information requested under the FOIA unless it falls under one of nine exemptions which protect interests such as personal privacy, national security, and law enforcement.

What is a FOIA officer?

The FOIA Officer, Deputy FOIA Officer, and Assistant Deputy FOIA Officer are responsible for receiving and responding to requests for public records. The FOIA Officer, Deputy FOIA Officer, and Assistant Deputy FOIA Officer determine which department(s) will supply the records based on the request.

Are personnel files subject to FOIA?

Most information in a Federal (non-archival) Official Personnel Folder (OPF) is not releasable to the general public without the written consent of the individual whose record is involved. The Freedom of Information Act does allow, however, for certain information to be released without the individual’s consent.

How does an agency respond to a FOIA request?

If the agency requires additional information before it can begin to process your request, it will contact you. The agency will typically search for records in response to your request and then review those records to determine which – and what parts of each – can be released.

Which is the best website for FOIA information?

FOIA.gov serves as the government’s comprehensive FOIA website for all information on the FOIA. Among many other features, FOIA.gov provides a central resource for the public to understand the FOIA, to locate records that are already available online, and to make a request for information that is not yet publicly available.

How much does it cost to file a FOIA request?

If an agency estimates that the total fees for processing your request will exceed $25, it will notify you in writing of the estimate and offer you an opportunity to narrow your request in order to reduce the fees.

Are there any exemptions to the Freedom of Information Act?

Federal agencies are required to disclose any information requested under the FOIA unless it falls under one of nine exemptions which protect interests such as personal privacy, national security, and law enforcement. What is the FOIA?

How to make a FOIA request for a federal agency?

See the list of federal agencies for the individual contact information for each agency. There is no specific form that must be used to make a request. A FOIA request can be made for any agency record. You can also specify the format in which you wish to receive the records (for example, printed or electronic form).

FOIA.gov serves as the government’s comprehensive FOIA website for all information on the FOIA. Among many other features, FOIA.gov provides a central resource for the public to understand the FOIA, to locate records that are already available online, and to make a request for information that is not yet publicly available.

What is the FOIA Handbook for the Department of Defense?

This handbook is intended to assist you in making Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for Department of Defense (DoD) records. It will get you started and provide you with a brief description of your rights and the manner in which DoD will respond to your requests.

What can the FOIA Public Liaison do for You?

The FOIA Public Liaison is available to assist in reducing delays, increasing transparency; increasing understanding of the status of requests and assists with resolving disputes.