Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
The DHRA Headquarters has staff assigned to support DHRA Components with timely and accurate processing of FOIA and Privacy Act requests.
How to make a FOIA request
FOIA requests may be submitted through the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of the Secretary of Defense/Joint Staff FOIA Requester Service Center.
Review an index and description of the available DoD FOIA request resources and citizen-centric tools at the U.S. DoD Official Web site.
What to include in your FOIA request
- A full description of the records you are seeking. (If known, include: the date or general time frame the record was created, the name of the creating activity, what caused the record to be created, or any other details that will allow us to retrieve the documents of interest.)
- State your willingness to pay any fees involved or set a dollar limit. You will be notified if actual costs will exceed any limit you set. Where fees total $15 or less, they will be automatically waived. The rates are $20 per hour for clerical search and review; $44 per hour for professional search and review; and $.15 per page for duplication. Additional fee rates have been established for special services.
- Include the words "FOIA Request" on the letter and envelope.
- If you are asking for personal information about yourself, you may need to provide certification of your true identity.
The FOIA has established nine broad categories of information that may require protection from the public. They include:
- Information affecting National security
- Internal rules and practices
- Information prohibited from release by other laws
- Commercial business information submitted in confidence
- Privileged internal information
- Information affecting personal privacy
- Law enforcement records
- Bank regulation documents
- Information pertaining to wills
General information
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American Society for Access Professionals (ASAP) Web site
ASAP is a nongovernmental, independent, educational, not-for-profit association, offering seminars and training on FOIA and Privacy Act issues. Site provides information about ASAP, job announcements, an online membership application, the latest ASAP Newsletter, and more. -
U.S. DoD Official Web site (FOIA Office)
Information on FOIA issues, including instructions for making an electronic FOIA request, FOIA news, and key FOIA contacts. -
Department of Justice—FOIA Web site
General information about FOIA, guides to making FOIA requests, key FOIA contacts, and more.
For more information, please speak with your component contact or email the DHRA Headquarters.
