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Freedom of Information Act

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How to file a FOIA Request

The Four Essential Elements of a Request Letter

  1. Write the Information and Privacy Coordinator, Central Intelligence Agency, Washington, D.C. 20505.
    Transmission via facsimile is also acceptable. The facsimile number is (703)613-3007
  2. Provide a reasonable description of the record(s) requested.
  3. Provide your full name and address.
  4. Provide a statement about your fee category and your willingness to pay applicable fees.

Sample FOIA Request Letter

Date
Information and Privacy Coordinator
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D.C. 20505

Dear Coordinator:

Under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. subsection 552, I am requesting information or records on [identify the subject(s) or record(s) as clearly and specifically as possible --for example, all previously released National Intelligence Estimates (NIEs) on the former Soviet Union's space program].

If there are any fees for searching for, reviewing, or copying the records, please let me know before you task my request. [or, please supply the records without informing me of the cost if the fees do not exceed a certain dollar amount, which I agree to pay.]

If you deny all or any part of this request, please cite each specific exemption you think justifies your refusal to release the information and notify me of appeal procedures available under the law.

Optional: If you have any questions about handling this request, you may telephone me at (home phone) or at my (office phone).

Sincerely,

Name
Address