How To Make a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request

Below is information about requesting records from the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (OAWP). For more information, contact the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act team at the FOIA site.

Criteria

Your Freedom of Information Act request for the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection has to meet the following criteria before we can take action:

  • It must be in writing and signed by the person making the request;
  • It must state that the request is being made pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act;
  • It must reasonably describe the records being requested;
  • It must contain an agreement to pay fees (minimum of $25.00) that might be incurred; or a request that such fees be waived or reduced and a justification for such request;
  • It must state whether a copy of the records is desired;
  • It must be addressed to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection.

Fees

Upon receipt of a FOIA request, an analyst will determine the requester’s fee category and assess whether the request can be processed within 20 work days. If the analyst can process the request within 20 work days, fees will be assessed in accordance with the applicable fee category. If the total calculated fee is $25 or less, no fees will be assessed.

See the complete list of Freedom of Information Act Frequently Asked Questions.