Manual Search Time

Search time includes all time spent looking for requested documents, including a page-by-page or line-by-line identification of material in a document to determine if it, or portions thereof, are responsive to the request. Manual search fees are assessed at $12, $25, or $45 per hour, depending on the rate of pay of the individual actually conducting the search. The $25 rate usually applies, except for such routine requests as locating a contract when the requester supplies the contract number.

Computer Search Time

Computer search is based on the direct cost of the central processing unit, input-output devices, and memory capacity of the computer configuration. The cost of the computer operator/programmer's time in determining how to conduct and subsequently execute the search is charged at the rate of a manual search.

Review Time

Review time refers to examining documents responsive to a FOIA request to determine whether one or more of the statutory exemptions permit withholding the document or portions thereof. It also includes processing the documents for disclosure, such as excising them for release. Review does not include time spent resolving general legal or policy issues on application of the exemptions. Review time is assessed at $12, $25, or $45 per hour, depending on the rate of pay of the individuals conducting the review. The $25 rate usually applies.

Duplication

Duplication refers to the process of making a copy of a document in response to a FOIA request. Every effort is made to ensure that the copy provided is in a reasonably usable form. If the best available copies are not usable, the master copy can be made available for review upon appointment. Paper office copies are 15 cents per page. Costs for other types of records are based on the actual cost of duplication, including the operator's time and cost of materials. Duplication fees are only assessed for pages actually released, in whole or in part.

Minimum Fees

When the billable fees are under $15, they are normally waived.