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National Science Foundation policy is to make the fullest
possible disclosure of information, subject to restrictions
imposed by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and
Privacy Act, to any person who requests information,
without unnecessary expense or delay. Information
is provided here on how to make FOIA and Privacy Act
requests for NSF records and how to contact the FOIA
and Privacy Act offices at NSF.
Most NSF documents are readily available to the public.
The NSF Library (Reading Room) is located on the second
floor (Rm 225) at the agency location of 4201 Wilson
Blvd, Arlington VA. Please check our link to Documents
Online to browse, search, and retrieve electronic
copies of available NSF publications. Among the documents
available online are program announcements, policy
statements, agency bulletins, administrative staff
manuals, and other instructions that affect the public.
Press releases, text of speeches, and other public
affairs documents are available from the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs.
Abstracts of all NSF awards made since 1989 are available
through FastLane or through the Grants and Awards page. Information about older awards
may be available (after a certain period of time records
are transferred to the ownership of National Archives
and Records Administration). Contact the appropriate
program office or the FOIA Officer. Copies of awarded
proposals are available upon request, there may be
applicable fees. Personal and proprietary information
will be removed from the proposal documents before
they are released.
Contracts and other financial records are available
upon request from the Office
of Budget, Finance & Award Management, subject
to the restrictions of the FOIA and Privacy Act, and
other relevant regulations.
Making a FOIA Request
If you wish to make a FOIA request for records, NSF
regulations (published at 45 CFR, Part
612) describe the agency policies in detail. At a
minimum, requests should:
- be in writing, (regular mail, electronic
mail, and facsimile requests are accepted);
- be clearly identified as a FOIA request,
this should be indicated in the text, and on the
envelope if the request is sent by regular mail);
- clearly describe the records sought,
the more information provided - name(s), date(s),
specific subject area(s) - the easier it will
be to determine if the records you are seeking
exist; more specific and limited requests generally
result in quicker responses and lower (or no)
fees); and
- state willingness to pay applicable fees
(fees for search, review and duplication may be
applicable, depending upon the identity of the
requester).
Include the mailing address to which records should
be sent. If you include your telephone number, we
can contact you if there is any question about the
scope of your request, possible fees, etc.. You will
not be charged if applicable fees are less than $25,
but you may wish to include a maximum dollar amount
you are willing to pay.
Please remember that the FOIA applies only to existing
agency records. It does not require agencies to create
records, or to answer questions. However, NSF will
attempt, in all cases, to provide the information
desired.
Mail:
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National Science Foundation
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Phone:
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FOIA Officer (Rm 1265)
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(703) 292-8060
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4201 Wilson Blvd
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Fax:
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Arlington, VA 22230
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(703) 292-9041
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Email:
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foia@nsf.gov
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Making a Privacy Act Request
If you wish to make a Privacy Act request for personal
information about yourself, NSF regulations (published
at 45 CFR 613) describe
the the agency policies in detail.
Requests should be in writing, and either notarized,
or submitted under 28 USC
1746 (Unsworn declarations under the penalty of perjury).
Mail:
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National Science Foundation
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Phone:
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Privacy Act Officer (Rm 1265)
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(703) 292-8060
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4201 Wilson Blvd
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Arlington, VA 22230
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Reference Materials
Back to Web and Other Policies
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