Submitting a FOIA request
From Peace Corps Wiki
Do you have a interesting question to ask Peace Corps about something that may or may not be in their records?
Filing is a request is dead simple:
Contents |
Thinking about your request
- Try to request things you know exist
- Remember you can resubmit more requests at any time
Formatting your request
The following is a simple version:
Dear FOIA Officer,
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552).
I am requesting the following information:
From Peace Corps Headquarters:
1. Under the current administration......
2. Please send any correspondence concerning this issue including email, memos, and letters.....
3. (additional details)
An electronic fulfillment of this request would be ideal for both parties. You are welcome to contact me with any questions or concerns you might have in fulfilling this request. Please let me know if the charges exceed $100 before continuing.
Thank you,
-(your name and contact info)
Getting the nerve to send it
It's as easy as clicking the send button on your email program [email protected] call them if you don't get a response (202) 692- 2167
If they still don't respond
Try to appeal based on time (very common)
(Title email with assigned FOIA # issued by Peace Corps FOIA office) Example: FOIA Appeal #10-000
Dear FOIA,
This is an appeal under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552.
It has been WELL over 20 business days since my request was received by your agency on (Date Received). This period clearly exceeds the 20 days provided by the statute, thus I deem my request denied. A copy of my correspondence and the email form showing receipt by your office with be forwarded.
The information which I have requested is clearly releasable under FOIA and in my opinion, may not validly be protected by any of the Act’s exemptions. I trust that upon re-consideration, you will reverse the decision denying me access to this material and grant my original request.
As I have made this request in the capacity of a (scholar/news service/interested member of public/etc) and this information is of timely value, I would appreciate your expediting the consideration of my appeal in every way possible.
Thank you for your assistance.
Regards,
(Your name and contact info)
If they STILL don't respond
This has happened too... now it's time to go the your congressman. Drop us a line at PCW we maybe able to help info (at) peacecorpswiki (dot) org