Do You F.O.I.A.?

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a federal law that gives individuals the right to request access to records from any federal agency. This law allows citizens to hold the government accountable by providing transparency and openness in decision-making.

Submitting a FOIA request may seem daunting at first, but it is a straightforward process that anyone can do. Here are the steps to follow to submit a FOIA request:

Step 1: Identify the Agency

The first step is to identify the agency with your desired information. Federal agencies must make many of their records available online, so it is a good idea to start by searching the agency's website. If you can't find the information you need, you can contact the agency's FOIA office to ask for help identifying the records you're looking for.

Step 2: Draft Your Request

Once you have identified the agency, the next step is to draft your FOIA request. Your request should be as specific as possible and include the following information:

• Your name and contact information
• A description of the records you are seeking
• The timeframe for the records you are seeking
• Any relevant background information that will help the agency locate the records you are seeking

It is important to remember that the agency may charge you a fee for processing your request, so be sure to indicate whether you are willing to pay any associated costs.

Step 3: Submit Your Request

You can submit your FOIA request online, by mail, or by email. The agency's website should provide instructions on how to submit a FOIA request. If you send your request by mail, could you send it to the agency's FOIA office and not to the agency's general mailing address?

Step 4: Track Your Request

Once you have submitted your FOIA request, you can track its progress by contacting the agency's FOIA office. The agency will need to get you a response within 20 business days, although this timeline may be extended under certain circumstances.

Step 5: Review the Agency's Response

When the agency responds to your FOIA request, they will either provide you with the requested records or explain why they withhold the information. If the agency denies your request, they must provide a legal justification for doing so.

Submitting a FOIA request is a simple and essential way to hold the government accountable and ensure transparency in the decision-making process. By following these steps, high school students can easily submit a FOIA request and access the necessary information.

Sources for the information provided:

• "About FOIA." FOIA.gov, www.foia.gov/about.html.
• "Making a FOIA Request." FOIA.gov, www.foia.gov/how-to.html.
• "Frequently Asked Questions." FOIA.gov, www.foia.gov/faq.html.

These sources provide information on the Freedom of Information Act, the steps to follow to submit a FOIA request, and the general process for obtaining government records through FOIA.