Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552, the public may request copies of records in the possession of Federal agencies. Documents are released unless protected by one of the nine exemptions set forth in the FOIA. With some exceptions, SBA may charge fees to requesters in order to recover the direct costs of search, duplication, and review of the documents requested.

This is not a Freedom of Information Act service for the entire Federal Government. Our records are limited to SBA issues. If you are uncertain if SBA is the appropriate government agency to request the information you seek, please call us or e-mail us before you submit a FOIA request.

Note: Privacy Act requests are not accepted via e-mail or the online submission form. They must be in writing and sent to the FOI/PA Office or to the office in possession of the record(s) you seek. THE FOIA DOES NOT REQUIRE US TO ANSWER QUESTIONS. THEREFORE, WE WILL NOT RESPOND TO GENERAL INQUIRIES WHICH DO NOT CONSTITUTE PROPER FOIA REQUESTS.

You have several ways to submit your FOIA request for records in the possession of SBA:

Option 1: Mail via Postal Service to:

Chief, Freedom of Information/Privacy Acts Office
Small Business Administration
409 3rd St., S.W., 8th floor
Washington, DC 20416

Option 2: Facsimile: (202) 205-7059

Option 3: E-Mail: foia@sba.gov*

Should you use the e-mail form, facsimile, or e-mail, to submit a FOIA request, you do not need to mail a follow-up letter. When making a FOIA request, provide:

• Your name; your complete mailing address; your telephone number; and, specifics about the record(s) you are requesting such as the location of the business, the type of record, time periods, and any other information pertinent to your request.

• Indicate the format in which you wish to receive records.

• Include a statement regarding your willingness to pay statutory fees for the processing of the requested information and indicate the category of requester you are. SBA charges commercial users $30.00 per hour for search and for review. Our copy fee is $ .10 per page.

Call the FOIA/PA Office at (202)401-8203 if you have any questions. Much SBA information is available to the public without making a FOIA request.