The Electronic FOIA (E-FOIA) Amendments signed into law in 1996 amended the Freedom of Information Act, adding a requirement that agencies had to establish an electronic reading room. The reading room must include agency policy manuals, opinions made in the adjudication of cases, and an index of records released by FOIA that are likely to become the subject of subsequent FOIA requests.

1. Extends from 10 to 20 business days (excluding holidays) the time agencies have to respond to requests for information

2. Requires agencies to make reasonable efforts to make records available in the form desired by requesters

3. Requires agencies to submit the USDA FOIA Report by the fiscal year

4. Requires agencies to make the reports available to the public by computer telecommunications or other electronic means

5. Requires agencies to list their major information systems record locator system and a reference guide or guide for obtaining information

6. Requires that the provisions of the E-FOIA be implemented by specific dates

The system is the online repository of all USDA Department Manuals, Regulations, Notices, and Memoranda.

• Policy Manuals

Each agency has their own electronic reading room containing frequently requested FOIA's and index.

• USDA Adjudicatory Opinions, Summary of Decisions
• Government Information Locator System
• USDA Purchase Card Cardholders
• USDA Contracts/Purchase Orders Awarded to Public Relations & Advertising Firms (2001-2005)
• Hurricane Katrina Contracts by Agency

• 1996
• 1997
• 1998
• 1999
• 2000
• 2001
• 2002
• 2003
• 2004 (PDF) 108 KB
• 2004 (DOC)
• 2005 (PDF) 5.24 KB