Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was established by Congress to provide the public with a right of access to federal government records. The FOIA permits individuals to request access to records from the Executive Branch of the government. In turn, agencies are required to provide copies of those records
unless they are protected from mandatory disclosure by specific legal exemptions.Congress established protections for information that, if released, would invade personal privacy, reveal confidential commercial information, impede law enforcement proceedings, or disclose privileged communications. Additionally, the FOIA requires agencies to proactively disclose certain categories of records,
including those that are frequently requested.
Scope of Access
The FOIA applies specifically to records maintained by the Executive Branch of the
federal government. It does not provide access to records held by Congress, the
federal courts, or private businesses. Public access to state or local government
records is governed by state-specific statutes; inquiries for such records should
be directed to the respective state agencies.
Submit a FOIA Records Request
A FOIA request may be submitted for any agency record. You may specify the
format in which you wish to receive the materials. Please note that the FOIA
requires agencies to provide existing records but does not require agencies to
perform new research, analyze data, answer written questions, or create new
records in response to a request.
Upon receipt of your request, the Agency will provide an acknowledgment letter
containing a unique tracking number. If further clarification is required to begin
processing, the FOIA Office will contact you directly. The FOIA Response Team
and the FOIA Public Liaison are available to assist you in understanding the
process and providing updates on the status of your inquiry
Privacy Act
The Agency's Privacy Program is based on the Privacy Act of 1974, the Government Act of 2002, and applicable federal policies. The objective of the
program is to balance the operational needs of the Agency with the privacy rights
of individuals regarding the collection and maintenance of personal information.
Program Responsibilities
The Privacy Program management team performs several critical functions,
including:
- Developing and implementing agency-wide privacy policies.
- Providing guidance to ensure the protection of personally identifiable
information (PII).
- Reviewing regulations and policies that impact individual privacy.
- Coordinating the publication of Privacy Act System of Records Notices
(SORNs).
- Reviewing and adjudicating Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs).
- Ensuring compliance with the Privacy Act and related statutory
requirements
Submit a Privacy Act Request
Under the Privacy Act (PA), individuals may seek access to records that are
retrieved by their name or another personal identifier (such as a Social Security
number or employee ID). These records will be made available unless they fall
within the specific exemptions permitted by the Privacy Act or the FOIA. Detailed
information regarding the Agency's policies and procedures for accessing
information is maintained in the Agency's official regulatory documentation.
