21.  PUBLIC ACCESS TO INFORMATION.

a.  The Freedom of Information Act, as amended, and the DOE implementing regulations (10 CFR 1004), require DOE to release certain documents and records regarding grants to any person who provides a written request.  The intended use of the information will not be a criterion for release.  These requirements apply to information held by DOE and do not require grantees, their subgrantees, or their contractors to permit public access to their records.

b.  Records maintained by DOE with respect to grants are subject to the provisions of the Privacy Act and the DOE implementing regulations (10 CFR 1008) if those records constitute a “system of records” as defined in the Act and the regulations.  Generally, records maintained by grantees, their subgrantees, or their contractors are not subject to these requirements.