Attachment_1.docx

PROCEDURES FOR FILING A

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA)/PRIVACY ACT (PA) REQUEST

with Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA)

1. If you send your FOIA/PA request/s via the facsimile, you may not use Government equipment to file your request (considered a misuse of Government equipment because the FOIA/PA are personal requests.)

1. You may fax your request to Mrs. Mary Wiley using fax number (703) 588-3701.

1. Only documents under the control of DoDEA are subject to the FOIA. If you have a request for documents other than DoDEA (Army, Inspector General, etc.), you should forward your request directly to the agency that owns the documents.

1. Under the rules of the FOIA, we do not create documents, answer questions, or settle disputes. The FOIA is strictly a document release mechanism. Documents must already be in existence.

1. Clearly state the documents that you are requesting - do not use acronyms.

1. State your name and mailing address. Your telephone number is optional, but requested in case there’s a need to contact you for clarification of your FOIA/PA.

1. Private requesters are given 2 hours of search time and 100 pages of copying free of charge. Your request must include a statement that you are willing to pay expenses (if there are any beyond your free allotment).

1. Commercial requesters are charged for all searches, review, and copying. The request must include a statement of willingness to pay expenses to a stated amount --- perhaps $10.00 or $20.00.

1. Under the rules of the FOIA/PA, agencies are given 20 working days to respond to simple requests.

1. You must sign your FOIA/PA request/s and include your Social Security Number (SSN). SSNs are for privacy act information only. Do not include SSN if filing a FOIA request.

1. If someone else is submitting a FOIA on your behalf, include a statement authorizing the release of the documents to them and sign the statement.

If you have any further questions, you may call the FOIA Office Mrs. Mary Wiley on (703) 588-3204 or Ms. Norma Conroy, on (703) 588-3207.

Sample FOIA/PA Request Letter

Department of Defense Education Activity FOIA Requester Service Center/PA Officer 4040 North Fairfax Drive Arlington, VA 22203-1635

Dear FOIA Requester Service Center/PA Officer:

This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). (or This is a request under the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a). I request that a copy of the following document(s) be provided to me: [Identify the documents as specifically as possible].

In order to help you determine my status for the purpose of assessing fees, you should know that I am [insert one of the descriptions below]

an individual seeking information for personal use and not for a commercial use.

I am willing to pay fees for this request up to a maximum of $_____. If you estimate that the fees will exceed this limit, please inform me first.

[optional] I request a waiver of fees for this request because disclosure of the requested information to me is in the public interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of the DoD and is not primarily in my commercial interest. [Include details about how the requested information will be disseminated by you to the general public.]

[optional, but would be very helpful in case we need to contact you for additional information to expedite your request] I also include a telephone number at which I can be contacted if necessary to discuss any aspect of my request.

Sincerely, (Signature)