Freedom of Information Act
Technology Transfer
The NIEHS Office of Technology Transfer (NIEHS-OTT) is the point of contact for researchers wishing to obtain NIEHS-created research tools and data (Materials), or to share their Materials with NIEHS researchers, and enable NIEHS intramural researchers to more effectively interact with their counterparts — in academia, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector.
Enacted in 1966, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) established for the first time an effective statutory right of access to government information. FOIA generally provides that any person has a right, enforceable in court, of access to federal agency records, except to the extent that such records (or portions thereof) are protected from disclosure by one of nine exemptions.
Before submitting a request under FOIA, individuals should try to determine whether the information sought is already in the public domain. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has a wealth of information available in both published and electronic formats. A search of NIEHS' website, www.niehs.nih.gov, can be helpful in locating information.
It is important to note that FOIA allows agencies to recover part of the costs associated with responding to requests. Department of Health and Human Services regulations describe specific rules for fees and requesting a fee waiver.
How to Submit a FOIA Request
If the information you are interested in is not in the public domain, please follow the suggestions listed below when preparing your FOIA request:
- Identify specific records requested and include as much information about those records as possible, for example: grant number and principal investigator's name, subject matter of the records, dates, originating office, etc.
- Include a statement that indicates the records are requested under the Freedom of Information Act.
- Provide your contact information including address, telephone number, and email address, in case our office needs additional information.
- Mail, fax, or email the request to the FOIA coordinator (see below). Or use the automated request via this Web site, by clicking: Contact NIEHS FOIA.
- If you are requesting data produced under an NIH grant under the provisions of OMB Revised Circular A110, you will be charged a reasonable fee equaling the full incremental cost of obtaining the data. This fee will reflect the costs incurred by NIH, the grantee institution and the grantee investigator. These fees will be in addition to any fees assessed by NIH under the FOIA. More information: NIH FOIA Fees
Contact
For overnight shipments:
111 T.W. Alexander Dr.
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
Delivery Instructions
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Shevon E. Johnson, M.S.
FOIA Coordinator -
Tel (919) 541-3411
Fax (301) 451-5479
shevon.johnson@nih.gov -
P.O. Box 12233
Mail Drop K3-16
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Delivery | Postal
Delivery Instructions
Questions About a FOIA Request
All questions about a FOIA request, including those about the status of a pending request, may be directed to the FOIA Coordinator. However, if a requester wants to speak to a supervisor or has questions or concerns not addressed through discussion with the FOIA Coordinator, the requester may contact the FOIA Public Liaison. The FOIA Public Liaison assists with many aspects of the NIEHS FOIA Program, including increasing transparency, reducing delays, and resolving disputes.
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Regina J. Stabile, J.D.
FOIA Public Liaison and Privacy Act Coordinator -
Tel (919) 541-3365
regina.stabile@nih.gov -
P.O. Box 12233
Mail Drop K3-16
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Delivery | Postal
Delivery Instructions
