The OGIS Library

Each department and agency has FOIA regulations, or rules, outlining the procedures governing the FOIA administrative process within that department or agency. The rules outline requirements for requesters seeking access to information and responsibilities the agency has to respond to requests, along with how fees are determined and how appeals are handled. FOIA contains two requirements for filing requests: (1) that the request reasonably describe the information sought and (2) that the requester follow the agency’s FOIA regulations when submitting the request. If a requester does not follow an agency’s FOIA regulations, the agency is not required to process the

All federal agencies are required to affirmatively disclose certain records proactively under section (a)(2) of the FOIA. The types of documents to be posted under (a)(2) (commonly referred to as “(a)(2) documents”) include final opinions and orders rendered in the adjudication of administrative cases, specific agency policy statements and certain administrative staff manuals that affect members of the public. The 1996 amendments to FOIA, often referred to as “e-FOIA,” directed agencies to begin posting certain records online in “reading rooms,” including final opinions, policy statements and staff manuals. The 1996 amendments also directed that agencies post frequently requested