Instructions

The FOIA request
A request to MSC can be mailed directly, or sent by facsimile or internet. Submit questions by email: contact MSCHQ-FOIA@navy.mil. The 20 working day time limit for a response does not include Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays. It begins when the activity holding the record(s) receives your request. Records must exist at the time a request is submitted. Your request will be assigned a control number for tracking purposes.

Privacy Act requests
Privacy Act requests cannot be submitted by way of the web, or the on-line request. Privacy Act requests must be submitted in writing and signed by the requester and sent to the command address and noted Attn: FOIA.

How to write the request for MSC documents:

• Mark "FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUEST," on the request. If you send a written request, mark it on the envelope as well.
• Describe the specific record(s) you are seeking. Give enough detail so a knowledgeable official of the activity may locate the record with a reasonable amount of effort. Give a time frame for the search. Navy does not have a central location for records and most records are not retained permanently. When more pertinent details are given to help guide a search for records, there is a quicker determination of where records can be found or whether they still exist.
• Give a statement of your willingness to pay
(1) in an appropriate fee category,
(2) up to a specified amount, or
(3) provide a justification to support a fee waiver.

An agreement to pay fees is considered to be up to $250, unless another amount is specified. Fees are charged for searching for data, and duplication costs. Commercial requesters are charged for FOIA review. The Navy fee schedule is found at enclosure (3) of SECNAVINST 5720.42F.

A requester should be certain to include a return address. A telephone number, facsimile number and e-mail address can help us contact a requester when it may be necessary to discuss processing the request.

Submitting Your Request to Military Sealift Command

1. ~ by post office to:
   Military Sealift Command
   ATTN: FOIA
   914 Charles Morris Court, SE
   Washington Navy Yard, DC 20398-5540

2. ~ by FAX to (202) 685-5515.

3. ~ by MSC's On-Line FOIA Request

Comments or Questions can be directed to: Margaret G. Sprague, Coordinator, Freedom of Information and Privacy Act Program, Military Sealift Command. Phone number (202) 685-5853.