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Freedom of Information Act, Office of Privacy and Open Government, U.S. Department of Commerce

Freedom of Information Act

	The Freedom of Information Act The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) generally provides that any person has the right to request access to federal agency records or information except to the extent the records are protected from disclosure by any of nine exemptions contained in the law or by one of three special law enforcement record exclusions. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) FOIA Exemptions Law Enforecement and National Security Exclusions FOIA Office Contact Information Please Note: The FOIA applies only to federal agencies and does not create a right of access to records held by Congress, the courts, or by state or local government agencies. The FOIA does not require agencies to: conduct research for you, analyze data, answer written questions, or create records (such as lists or statistics).
	FOIA Requests A FOIA request is a request submitted to a federal agency asking for access to agency records on any topic. A FOIA request can generally be made by any person, to any federal agency, and only requires that requesters reasonably describe the records they are seeking and comply with agency regulations for making such requests. Under the FOIA, you may make a written request for any Department of Commerce (Department) records. The FOIAonline system is also available for you to submit your requests electronically. The Department is required to provide records requested in writing by any person or organization, unless the records are covered by one of nine exemptions or three special law enforcement record exclusions. How to File a FOIA Request What Information to Include in Your FOIA Request Sample FOIA Request Letter FOIA Fee Categories FOIA Fee Schedule Requesting FOIA Fee Waivers Processing Times for a FOIA Request Expediting a FOIA Request How to Appeal the Decision of a FOIA Request Response
	Electronic FOIA Library FOIA amendments signed into law in 1994 added a requirement that agencies must establish an Electronic FOIA (EFOIA) Library. The Library contains such materials as certain agency manuals, specific agency policy statements, and opinions developed in the adjudication of cases. The information you are requesting may be located in our EFOIA Library. Please check the Library before submitting a FOIA request. PIA PIA Statement Systems or Information Collections Requiring PIA Statement Systems or Information Collections Excluded from PIA Statement PIA and Commerce IT Security Program Policy PIA, the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) and the Privacy Act PIA Process and Records Management PIA Statement and Exhibit 300 PIA Process for Review and Publication Privacy Threshold Analysis (PTA) BOU PIA PIA Template PTA Template PIA Brochure
	FOIA Reports All agencies are required by law to report to the Department of Justice on their FOIA compliance through submission of Annual FOIA Reports and Chief FOIA Officer Reports. All agencies are also required to provide quarterly reporting of four key FOIA statistics to the Department of Justice that will be posted on FOIA.gov. Annual Reports Quarterly Reports Chief FOIA Officer Reports
	Resources Available FOIA-related information, such as the Department of Commerce FOIA regulations. FOIA Resources FOIA Office Contact Information
	Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Third Party tools (social media/links to other websites)

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