General Information
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), enacted in 1966, is the established right of any person to seek access to agency records. Although "person" refers to U.S. citizens, foreign citizens, commercial enterprises, or foreign governments; it does not extend to other federal agencies or fugitives from justice. Recognizing that disclosure of all government information would not be in the best interest of our Country or the general public, Congress included in the Act nine categories of documents that are not always subject to disclosure.
Marine Corps Base, Quantico processes in excess of 200 requests annually. Upon submission of your request, you will receive an acknowledgement letter. We generally process requests in the order they are received. If we are unable to respond to your requests within the 20-work day mandate, we will notify you via letter. To submit a FOIA request to Marine Corps Base, Quantico; contact our FOIA Coordinator via, fax, or U.S. mail. Ensure that your request meets the minimum requirements outlined below.
Minimum Requirements for a FOIA Request
In whatever form (written, electronic, or fax) you submit your request:
- Label your request "FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUEST," on the request (and also on the envelope, if you use a written request).
- Describe the specific record(s) you are seeking with enough detail so that a knowledgeable official of the activity may locate the record with a reasonable amount of effort. Such detail should include descriptive information, time frame to be searched, etc. Because most Marine Corps records are not retained permanently, the more information provided, the better opportunity there is to determine if the records would still exist and where. The FOIA clearly states that records must exist at the time the request is submitted to be considered. Blanket requests for "any and all information" will not be honored.
- Must contain a statement regarding your willingness to pay all fees or those up to a specified amount or provide a justification to support a fee waiver. Agreements to pay fees are considered to be up to $250, unless another amount is specified. Currently we charge search, review (for commercial requesters only), and duplication costs. (Our fee schedule is provided at enclosure (3) of Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5720.42F).
- Include your name, address, phone number, and email address in case we need to contact you to clarify your request.
Electronic Reading Room and FOIA Links
Frequently requested information may be accessed by clicking on the document desired.