Records Retrieval Services

Federal Records Centers process over 13 million reference requests for Federal agencies each year. That's more than 100 requests every minute!

The links below will guide you to resources that will help you request your records whether you are using the new ARCIS System, the legacy CIPS System or the OF 11 form.

Requesting Your Records from the FRC

Request your records using ARCIS

If your records are in the Philadelphia Federal Records Center, you may use the new ARCIS system to request your records. Visit the ARCIS web page for resources including:

• ARCIS Manual
• ARCIS Training
• ARCIS FAQs

ARCIS will deploy at other FRCs over the next year.

Check the schedule to see when ARCIS is coming to your center.

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Request your records using CIPS

If your records are in any FRC other than the Philadelphia FRC, you may use CIPS to request your records. CIPS is the FRC legacy online system for requesting records. It will be phased out as ARCIS deploys in FY 2009. Visit the CIPS web page for resources including:

• CIPS Registration Form
• CIPS Manual

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Request your records using an OF 11 form

All FRCs accept reference requests via OF 11. If you would like to use the OF 11 form to request your records, you may download the form and submit it to your FRC via mail, fax, or e-mail. Step-by-step instructions on how to fill out the OF 11 can be found in the reference section of the FRC Toolkit.

Expedited Delivery Services

If you need your records quickly, the FRC can deliver original records to your desk or e-mail you scanned images of your records, often the same business day. Expedited delivery is available whether you use ARCIS, CIPS or an OF 11 to request your records.

SmartScan

Get same-day electronic delivery of your records with FRC SmartScan service. Your reference request is researched, scanned by records center staff, and e-mailed that same business day directly to your computer in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). SmartScan eliminates outbound and return shipping costs and is therefore ideal for both small jobs and urgent requests.

FRC Metro Courier Service

Most FRC locations provide courier service for delivery of requested records to agencies located within driving distance. Metro Courier service can be provided each business day or on an as-needed basis. Charges for Metro Courier service are based on the urgency of request.