FOIA:
How to Make a FOIA Request
When making a request to the OCC for records, keep the following tips in mind. Requests should:
- be in writing, signed by the person making the request, and state that it is being made pursuant to the FOIA, 5 USC 552.
- be mailed or delivered to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Disclosure Officer, Mailstop 3-2, Washington, DC 20219, faxed to (202) 874-5274, or e-mailed to FOIA-PA@occ.treas.gov. Requests should be filed by any one of these methods. Please do not send the same request via different methods, e.g., mail and by fax.
- fully describe the records you seek. FOIA provides access to records; it is not a way to answer open-ended questions.
- provide a full mailing address and telephone number so that you may be contacted if we need additional information. The mailing address will also be used to contact you with our decision of whether or not your request will be granted.
- specify whether you want copies of the requested materials or whether you would like to make other arrangements to review the records.
- contain an agreement to pay fees associated with the processing of your request. If your request has potential to produce a huge amount of responsive documents, you will be notified. Some requests may require prepayment.
Upon receipt of the request, the OCC will generate an acknowledgment letter that summarizes the request, provides a case number, assigns an approximate due date, identifies the staff member assigned to the case, and the fee schedule associated with processing FOIA requests.
Time Frames
The 1996 amendments to the FOIA require agencies to determine if agency records can be released within 20 working days from the date the request was received in the office responsible for responding to such requests. The amendments also do away with the "first in, first out" concept and allow for multiple tracks for processing.
Typically, the OCC responds to all requests within 10 working days. In cases where the OCC requires additional time, appropriate negotiations are made with the requester.
If you have questions you can call (202) 874-4700 or send an e-mail to FOIA-PA@occ.treas.gov.
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