The HQ U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requester Service Center is designed to assist the public in making FOIA requests for USNORTHCOM records. The information obtained herein is not intended to be definitive or exhaustive. The FOIA, which is known by its legal cite as  Title 5 U.S.C. § 552, along with the Department of Defense (DOD) Regulation 5400.7-R, governs how requests will be processed within USNORTHCOM.

The USNORTHCOM FOIA Requester Service Center is the central point of processing of FOIA initial requests from the general public, and consultations from other DOD and Executive Branch Agencies and Departments to include support of all actions related to FOIA requests submitted by the public for access to records under the control of USNORTHCOM.

Contact the USNORTHCOM FOIA Requester Service Center
 Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM,  (Mountain Time)
 Phone: 719-554-7185
 Facsimile: 719-554-2619
 Email:  n-nc.peterson.n-ncspecialstaff.mbx.cska-foia-omb@mail.mil
or
 HQ USNORTHCOM/CS
 ATTN:  FOIA Requester Service Center
 250 Vandenberg Street Suite B016
Peterson Air Force Base CO 80914-3801

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Freedom of Information Act?
The Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. § 552) provides the public with a means of access to records maintained by the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government. The FOIA is a disclosure statute, but does allow for the withholding of certain types of information contained in agency records. The FOIA also gives requesters specific legal rights and provides administrative and judicial remedies when access to records or portions of records is denied.
How do I submit a FOIA request to the USNORTHCOM FOIA Requester Service Center?
You must submit a FOIA request in writing either electronically or by regular mail.
How do I obtain the status of my FOIA request? Call the FOIA Requester Service Center at 719-554-7185, or send an email to
n-nc.peterson.n-ncspecialstaff.mbx.cska-foia-omb@mail.mil and reference your assigned FOIA case number.

Sample of a FOIA request letter:

HQ USNORTHCOM/CS FOIA Officer
250 Vandenberg Street Suite B016
Peterson AFB CO 80914-3804

Dear FOIA Officer,

I am requesting records on identify the subject(s) or record(s) as clearly and specifically as possible.

If there are any fees for searching, reviewing, or copying the records, please let me know before you task my request. [or, please supply the records without informing me of the cost if the fees do not exceed a certain dollar amount, which I will agree to pay.]

If you deny all or any part of this request, please cite each specific exemption you think justifies your refusal to release the information and notify me of appeal procedures available under the law.

Optional: If you have any questions about this request, you may call me at (home phone) or at my (office phone).

Sincerely,

Name
Address
What are the essential elements of a FOIA request:
 - Provide full name and address
 - Provide a reasonable description of the record(s) requested
 - Provide a statement of your fee category and willingness to pay applicable fees
 - Send the letter to the following address:

HQ USNORTHCOM/CS
ATTN:  FOIA Requester Service Center
250 Vandenberg Street Suite B016
Peterson Air Force Base CO 80914-3801

Do I have to pay any fees to have a FOIA request processed?
For certain types of request, the FOIA allows for the charging of fees for search, review and duplication. Requesters are not required to pay in advance as a matter of practice; however, if assessable fees exceed $250.00, we may ask for advance payment from requesters without an established payment history. All fees paid as a result of processing a FOIA request are paid directly to the Department of the Treasury.

How long will it take to process my request?
This is entirely dependent on the complexity of your request, the availability of the records, the volume of responsive records, and the need for consultation. Requests are processed on a first-in, first-out basis.
What format will be used to provide any documents produced as a result of my request?
We generally provide responsive documents via email when possible.
What can I do if I am not satisfied with the response that I receive regarding my FOIA request?
If you are not satisfied with any adverse FOIA action, you have the right to appeal to the appellate authority Ms. Joo Chung, Director of Oversight and Compliance, Office of the Secretary of Defense. The appellate address is: 


 ODCMO Directorate for Oversight and Compliance

4800 Mark Center Drive
Attn: DPCLTD, FOIA Appeals, Mailbox #24
Alexandria, VA  22350-1700

As an alternative you may use the OSD FOIA request portal at http://pal.whs.mil/palMain.aspx or email your appeal to OSD.FOIAPolicy@mail.mil. If you use email, please have the words "FOIA Appeal" in the subject of the email. Your appeal should cite our case number, be postmarked within 90 calendar days of the date of this response and be clearly marked "Freedom of Information Act Appeal" on the request. Lastly, you may seek dispute resolution services by contacting USNORTHCOM's FOIA Public Liaison, Mr. Jim Hogan at (571) 372-0462 or OSD.FOIALiaison@mail.mil.

If you are concerned with the service provided by USNORTHCOM FOIA Request Service Center whom can I turn to?
FOIA requesters who have any questions concerning the processing of their requests within the USNORTHCOM FOIA Requester Service Center should contact: Mr. Jim Hogan, FOIA Liaison Officer for assistance at (571) 372-0462 or mail to:

Mr. Jim Hogan

      Chief, DoD FOIA Policy
                Office of the Deputy Chief Management Officer
            910 Defense Pentagon
              Washington, DC 20301-1155