Open Government FOIA
This information about how GSA handles Freedom of Information Act requests helps promote participation, collaboration and transparency about the agency's processes as part of President Barack Obama’s Open Government Initiative.
How to Make a Request for Information
Any person can submit a request for information from GSA via:
Mailing or hand-delivering requests
General Services Administration
FOIA Requester Service Center (ACMC)
1800 F St. NW, Room 3116
Washington, DC 20405Fax: 202-501-2727
Email: gsa.foia@gsa.gov
Online: FOIA request
When we receive requests for information, our Freedom of Information Act staff members analyze and send them to the appropriate contact for a thorough response. We take no more than 20 working days to respond to your request. Our staff carefully assesses inquiries and works closely with you to define the scope of information needed. After determining the nature of the request, FOIA staff coordinates with the best points of contact to develop quick, accurate and thorough responses.
Exceptions: There are cases when we are exempt from providing the requested information. Examples of information that may be withheld include:
- Technical designs
- Research data
- Resumes of company employees
- Internal operating procedures and staffing patterns
- Overhead and operating costs
- Quality control system information
- Unsuccessful bids (protected by a federal statute)
- Pricing costs (Some pricing is released)
How GSA Supports FOIA
We have three full-time and 10 part-time Freedom of Information Act staff members throughout the United States. GSA’s FOIA team receives oversight and guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice and supports transparency through the publication of the annual FOIA report on gsa.gov.
Anticipated Reforms
Our FOIA staff continues to explore ways to improve operations and better serve the needs of citizens. The staff is considering innovative technologies to help quickly and effectively post content to gsa.gov, leading to increased transparency and accessibility of key agency information.
