This guide is a simple explanation of how to use the FOIA to request records from the U.S. Government.
Before requesting records under the FOIA, look for it on the Internet. An extensive amount of information is available on government Web sites, with volumes more being added every day. Many agency websites can be found by entering www.[agencyname].gov (www.gsa.gov, www.usda.gov, etc.).
You may mail or fax requests for any records created by or in the possession of an agency. GSA accepts e-mail request as well.
Certain records are not releasable under a FOIA request if one or more of the following exemptions apply:
Classified defense and foreign policy information
Internal agency rules and practices
Information prohibited from disclosure under other laws
Trade secrets and confidential business practices
Inter or intra-agency communications protected under law
Information involving matters of personal privacy
Certain information regarding law enforcement
Information on supervision of financial institutions
FOIA requests may be made by letter, fax or by completing the online form.
If mailing, you should also mark both the letter and the outside of the envelope, "Freedom of Information Act Request", to speed its handling by the agency.
It is vital that you identify in the letter the information or records you want as clearly and specifically as possible.
By law, agencies must respond to FOIA requests within 20 working days of receipt. Agencies may extend this time if necessary, but they must send the requestor written notice of the extension.
The task orders are available from GSA only if GSA actually initiated the task order. Contracts awarded by GSA allow individual agencies to place delivery/task orders against/under these contracts to satisfy their requirements. To obtain a copy of a task order placed by another agency, you need to submit your request to the agency that issued the delivery/task order.