How To Submit A Request

How to prepare your ONRR FOIA request

  • Please put your request in writing and include a fee Opens in new browser authorization. State the maximum amount you are willing to pay. See 43 CFR § 2.16 Opens in new browser for further information on costs.

    • If you are requesting a fee waiver, cite the specific FOIA fee waiver for which you qualify and state how the request meets the waiver requirements. The criteria that DOI uses in deciding whether to grant a fee waiver may be found in DOI’s FOIA regulations at 43 CFR § 2.19 Opens in new browser.

    • Specify your fee category: commercial use, news media, educational institution/noncommercial scientific institution, or other. (See 43 CFR § 2.17)  Opens in new browser

  • Specify the format in which you want the information provided, i.e., hard copy, magnetic tape, tape cartridge, diskette, compact disk. Provide a contact name and telephone number. Specify documents and reports by name and/or number, if you know this information.

  • In general, describe the requested records in enough detail so that they can be located with a reasonable amount of effort. Be as specific as possible in identifying the records you are seeking. Any facts or clues which you can furnish about the time, place, persons, events, subject(s), or other details of the information or records you seek will be helpful to our personnel in deciding where to search and which records are responsive to your request. We also recommend including the words "FOIA REQUEST" on the request letter and the envelope. The ONRR does not require a special form for submitting a FOIA request.

  • Lease numbers and Accounting Identification Numbers (AID) are particularly relevant to many ONRR record searches. Include these, if you know them.

  • The suggestions can save you and the ONRR time and money, as well as improve your prospects for getting the information you request.

  • DOI FOIA regulations, which govern ONRR FOIA releases, can be found at 43 CFR Part 2. Opens in new browser

Fees

In accordance with 43 CFR § 2.16 Opens in new browser, we assess user fees to fulfill a FOIA request. Personnel charges cover our costs to conduct document searches and to review, identify, and delete privileged and confidential information. Other charges cover the direct costs of providing the material. For information on FOIA fees go  to:  "Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Accessing Records Opens in new browser".

          Managerial = All employees at GS-13 and above
          Professional = All employees at GS-8 through GS-12
          Clerical = All employees at GS-7 and below

Fees for overdue bills include a $35 administrative charge plus interest at the prevailing Treasury rate.

How to send/mail a FOIA Request to ONRR:

Please mail your request to:

ONRR FOIA Office
Denver Federal Center 6th and Kipling B85A
PO Box 25163, MS 60433A
Denver, CO 80225-0165

For electronic requests send to: ONRRFOIA@ONRR.GOV

Sample Letter

You may also fax your request to us at (303) 445-4288.  or
You may fill out the FOIA Request Form

Please remember to write "FOIA Request" on the envelope or
fax cover sheet.