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Freedom
of Information Act (FOIA)
and Privacy Act
National Science Foundation policy is to make the fullest possible
disclosure of information, subject to restrictions imposed by the
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act, to any person
who requests information, without unnecessary expense or delay.
Information is provided here on how to make FOIA and Privacy Act
requests for NSF records and how to contact the FOIA and Privacy
Act offices at NSF.
Most NSF documents are readily available to the public. The NSF
Library (Reading Room) is located on the second floor (Rm 225)
at the agency location of 4201 Wilson Blvd, Arlington VA. Please
check our link to Documents
Online to browse, search, and retrieve electronic copies of
available NSF publications. Among the documents available online
are program announcements, policy statements, agency bulletins,
administrative staff manuals, and other instructions that affect
the public. Press releases, text of speeches, and other public
affairs documents are available from the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs.
Abstracts of all NSF awards made since 1989 are available through FastLane or through the Search Awards page. Information
about older awards may be available (after a certain period of
time records are transferred to the ownership of National Archives
and Records Administration). Contact the appropriate program office
or the FOIA Officer. Copies of awarded proposals are available
upon request, there may be applicable fees. Personal and proprietary
information will be removed from the proposal documents before
they are released.
MAKING A FOIA REQUEST
If you wish to make a FOIA request for records, NSF regulations
(published at 45 CFR, Part
612) describe the agency policies in detail. At a minimum, requests
should:
- be in writing, (regular mail, electronic mail, and
facsimile requests are accepted);
- be clearly identified as a FOIA request, (this should
be indicated in the text, and on the envelope if the request
is sent by regular mail);
- clearly describe the records sought, (the more information
provided - name(s), date(s), specific subject area(s) - the easier
it will be to determine if the records you are seeking exist;
more specific and limited requests generally result in quicker
responses and lower (or no) fees); and
- state willingness to pay applicable fees (fees for
search, review and duplication may be applicable, depending upon
the identity of the requester).
Include the mailing address to which records should be sent. If
you include your telephone number, we can contact you if there
is any question about the scope of your request, possible fees,
etc.. You will not be charged if applicable fees are less than
$25, but you may wish to include a maximum dollar amount you are
willing to pay.
Please remember that the FOIA applies only to existing agency
records. It does not require agencies to create records, or to
answer questions. However, NSF will attempt, in all cases, to provide
the information desired.
| Mail: |
National
Science Foundation
FOIA Officer (Rm 1265)
4201 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, VA 22230 |
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| Email: |
foia@nsf.gov |
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| Phone: |
(703) 292-8060 |
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| Fax: |
(703) 292-9041 |
MAKING A PRIVACY ACT REQUEST
If you wish to make a Privacy Act request for personal information
about yourself, NSF regulations (published at 45 CFR 613)
describe the the agency policies in detail.
Requests should be in writing, and either notarized, or submitted
under 28 USC 1746 (Unsworn
declarations under the penalty of perjury).
| Mail: |
National
Science Foundation
Privacy Act Officer (Rm
1265)
4201 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, VA 22230 |
|
| Phone: |
(703) 292-8060 |
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REFERENCE MATERIALS
FREQUENTLY REQUESTED RECORDS
Contracts
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