Focusing your request
It is very important to figure out what you are seeking from the federal government under FOIA. The more general the request the longer it will take (Wilson, 2002).
Figure out what you want:
You may need to look a little closer at the agency website and read aobut its mission or regulations. If you aren't sure what documents to ask for, you also might call the agency to ask if they have suggestions on how to ask for the information (Wilson, 2002). Depending on what you are looking for, write down any dates, names, subjects, or other information that will help the agency narrow its search (Wilson, 2002).
Talk about it
If you are struggling with how to focus your FOIA request, ask around. Ask the agency for the names of the reports or forms with the information you seek (Wilson, 2002). If you know someone who has written a successful FOIA request, talk to him or her or ask that person to look over your request before you send it.
Small bites
If you have a request that is going to take more than the 20 days allowed by law, the agency will ask you if you want to limit the scope of your request. Consider narrowing the request to get some information faster, and then filing a future request for the rest of the information you sought (Wilson, 2002).
Figure out what you want:
You may need to look a little closer at the agency website and read aobut its mission or regulations. If you aren't sure what documents to ask for, you also might call the agency to ask if they have suggestions on how to ask for the information (Wilson, 2002). Depending on what you are looking for, write down any dates, names, subjects, or other information that will help the agency narrow its search (Wilson, 2002).
Talk about it
If you are struggling with how to focus your FOIA request, ask around. Ask the agency for the names of the reports or forms with the information you seek (Wilson, 2002). If you know someone who has written a successful FOIA request, talk to him or her or ask that person to look over your request before you send it.
Small bites
If you have a request that is going to take more than the 20 days allowed by law, the agency will ask you if you want to limit the scope of your request. Consider narrowing the request to get some information faster, and then filing a future request for the rest of the information you sought (Wilson, 2002).