How do I make a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request?
Write to: FOIA Officer
Policy Office
Room 2430-FB3
U.S. Census Bureau
Washington, DC 20233-3700
Fax to: FOIA Officer
(301)
457-2654
E-mail: Gerald.W.Gates@census.gov
with cc to: Thomas.A.Jones@census.gov
For Hand Delivery or Federal Express Mail to: FOIA Officer, U.S. Census Bureau
Policy Office, Room 2430-FB3
4700 Silver Hill Road
Suitland, MD 20746
What do I include in my FOIA request?
1. Clearly state that you are requesting documents under the Freedom of Information Act.
2. Regardless of whether you make your request by mail, fax, or e-mail, please provide your mailing address. It also helps to include your daytime telephone number in case staff need to contact you for clarification about your request.
3. Be as specific as possible about the records you are requesting. (NOTE: The FOIA does not require agencies to create new records; therefore, please be sure you are requesting existing records.) Include information such as the subject matter and date and any other information that will help us search for documents.
4. Click here for a SAMPLE LETTER.
Will I be charged a fee for processing a FOIA request?
There is a possibility you will be charged a fee for the search, review, and duplication of records. Please indicate your willingness and ability to pay applicable fees. If you believe you cannot pay the fee, submit a justification for a fee waiver. Below are the chargeable services that apply to each of four categories of requesters.
1. Commercial Use Requesters--can be charged for search, review, and duplication.
2. Requesters from Educational and Noncommercial Scientific Institutions--can be charged for duplication (excluding the cost of the first 100 pages).
3. Representatives of the News Media--can be charged for duplication (excluding the cost of the first 100 pages).
4. All Other Requesters--can be charged for search and duplication (excluding the cost of the first 2 hours of search and the first 100 pages of duplication).
Are there some documents I may not be able to obtain upon request?
It is the policy of the Census Bureau to make records available to the public to the greatest extent possible, in keeping with the spirit of the FOIA, while at the same time protecting sensitive information that may be withheld under one of the FOIA's exemptions. The FOIA exempts certain types of records from disclosure pursuant to nine specified exemptions, and it is sometimes necessary to apply one or more of these exemptions when responding to a request. For example, exemption b(3) exempts from disclosure under FOIA records that are protected by statute. When the Census Bureau collects information from individuals or businesses during its censuses or surveys, the Census Bureau is required by law to maintain the confidentiality of the records. Therefore, any request for such information that is required by law to be kept confidential would be denied, citing exemption b(3). For a discussion of all nine FOIA exemptions, please visit the Commerce Department's website at http://www.osec.doc.gov/oebam/exemptions.htm.
When will I receive a response to my FOIA request?
Under FOIA, you have a right to a response within 20 business days of
official receipt of your inquiry. The Census Bureau makes every effort to
meet this schedule. Under certain circumstances, this period may be extended
by an additional 10 business days (up to a total of 30.)
Go to: Census Bureau FOIA Homepage
/ Census Bureau Home Page
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Policy Office
