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Which agency do you need?
In 2009, federal agencies were required by executive order to improve access (E.O. 13,392), and have been moving toward improving access (The National Archive, 2011). As a result, FOIA.gov, an office in the Department of Justice, has become a portal for agencies' online FOIA resources. However, there are a few agencies, such as the armed services' commisaries that do not have the ability to accept electronic FOIA requests.
Although not perfect, many agencies' FOIA web sites offer sample letters, easy to find contacts, tips for research, and links to frequently requested information. Some agencies, such as the Department of State, explain how records are declassified and even post information that has been recently declassified.
FOIA.gov offers a number of helpful links, including:
Once you find the federal agency’s FOIA site, look it over. There should be contact name and an address, fax, and an e-mail for you to send your request. A printable or an electronic form may be posted online, though use is not required.
Often agencies post guides and explinations. Read or skim them because that information can be helpful. For example, records at the Defense Department are sent to the National Archives after 25 years. The FBI has a 43-page guide to help historians and jouranlists with research. It also may be helpful for laypersons.
Each agency is required to post documents that is frequently requested. So by skimming over the website and looking in the agencies' online FIOA libraries or electronic reading rooms, you may find what you are looking for. At the very least this will help you narrow down what sort of records you might need to ask for.
This website includes contact information for the five agencies that receive the most FOIA requests:
If you aren't sure what agency, it might help to look at a diagram of the three branches of government, including the agencies of the executive branch of government.
The search engine USA.gov’s offers a breakdown of the executive branch with hyperlinks to the various departments and cabinet level agencies. You may need to poke around to find an agency's FOIA page. Sometimes it’s under the tabs or sections titled: public affairs, frequently asked questions, or about.
Once you have figured out what agency and find its FIOA contact information, you'll need to focus your request.
Although not perfect, many agencies' FOIA web sites offer sample letters, easy to find contacts, tips for research, and links to frequently requested information. Some agencies, such as the Department of State, explain how records are declassified and even post information that has been recently declassified.
FOIA.gov offers a number of helpful links, including:
- Glossary: http://www.foia.gov/glossary.html
- Agency portal to various FOIA pages: http://www.foia.gov/report-makerequest.html
- Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.foia.gov/faq.html
- How-to videos with explanations and tips: http://www.foia.gov/how-to.html
Once you find the federal agency’s FOIA site, look it over. There should be contact name and an address, fax, and an e-mail for you to send your request. A printable or an electronic form may be posted online, though use is not required.
Often agencies post guides and explinations. Read or skim them because that information can be helpful. For example, records at the Defense Department are sent to the National Archives after 25 years. The FBI has a 43-page guide to help historians and jouranlists with research. It also may be helpful for laypersons.
Each agency is required to post documents that is frequently requested. So by skimming over the website and looking in the agencies' online FIOA libraries or electronic reading rooms, you may find what you are looking for. At the very least this will help you narrow down what sort of records you might need to ask for.
This website includes contact information for the five agencies that receive the most FOIA requests:
- Department of Defense
- Department of Justice
- Department of State
- Health and Human Services
- Homeland Security
If you aren't sure what agency, it might help to look at a diagram of the three branches of government, including the agencies of the executive branch of government.
The search engine USA.gov’s offers a breakdown of the executive branch with hyperlinks to the various departments and cabinet level agencies. You may need to poke around to find an agency's FOIA page. Sometimes it’s under the tabs or sections titled: public affairs, frequently asked questions, or about.
Once you have figured out what agency and find its FIOA contact information, you'll need to focus your request.