Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests must be submitted in writing by U.S. postal mail or other delivery service, e-mail, fax, or through our Public Access Link (PAL) portal. The PAL allows you to submit a FOIA request online, as well as receive confirmations and updates on your pending request.
(Online requests require use of an access account. Click here to create your account.)
If sent by U.S. postal mail or other delivery service, your letter should clearly be marked "FOIA Request" and be addressed to:
FOIA Officer
U.S. Office of Special Counsel
1730 M St., N.W. (Suite 218)
Washington, DC 20036-4505
If sending by fax, include a cover sheet clearly marked "FOIA Request" and send to: (202) 254-3711. If sending by e-mail, "FOIA Request" should be used as the subject of the e-mail.
Whether sent by mail, email or fax, your FOIA request will not be considered to have been received by OSC until it reaches the agency’s FOIA Office.
You should also be aware that making a FOIA request will be considered to be an agreement by you to pay all fees chargeable under the FOIA, up to and including $25.00, unless you ask for and receive a waiver of fees.
Please see OSC's
FOIA Handbook for more information.
FOIA Library/Electronic Reading Room
Revision of Regulations Governing Freedom of Information Act Requests and Appeals, and Revision of Touhy Regulations Governing Release of Information in Response to Legal Proceedings
Policy Statement on Disclosure of Information from Program Files
Policy Statement on Disclosure of Information about Prohibited Personnel Practice Complaints
Annual FOIA Reports to Department of Justice
[+]Annual Report of Chief FOIA Officer (February 23, 2016)
Annual Report of Chief FOIA Officer (April 1, 2015)
Annual Report of Chief FOIA Officer (March 27, 2014)
Annual Report of Chief FOIA Officer (March 11, 2013)
Annual Report of Chief FOIA Officer (March 12, 2012)
Annual Report of Chief FOIA Officer (March 8, 2011)
Fiscal Year 2015 - Fourth Quarter
Fiscal Year 2007 Improvement Plan
FOIA Implementation Plan (January 15, 2008) under Executive Order No. 13392, as modified
FOIA Improvement Plan Modification Transmittal (February 27, 2007)
Backlog Reduction Goals (2008 to 2010)