Filing a Freedom of Information Request is fairly straightforward if you can specifically identify what you want from the governmental entity that your filing it with. Sometimes it can be more difficult to get a timely response if your request is broadly worded such as a request for “any and all records”. Sometimes such a broadly worded request is necessary when the nature of the records sought is unclear. Just expect the request to take more than the 20 days that the law gives federal agencies. Its also important to specifically identify yourself as a requester, and whether the request is on behalf of you as an individual or you are making the request on behalf of an organization or corporation. Specify if the request is on behalf of a for profit corporation or a non profit corporation. If the request is on behalf of the latter then there is an argument to be made that a fee waiver should apply, and you’ll want to add critical fee waiver language to your request. If you are not making a fee waiver request then you should specify the minimum amount of money you are willing to spend on the request.

If you are requesting a fee waiver you should state how disclosure of the requested information is in the public interest since it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of the government–and is not primarily in my commercial interest. [Include specific details, including how the requested information will be disseminated by the requester for public benefit.] You’ll want to be specific about fee waivers because many agencies are real sticklers on showing how effective you’ll be on disseminating information to the public. You’ll want to talk about your newsletter or website when it comes to this issue. If you need the information real quickly you could ask for an expedited request but again be specific as to the compelling need for why you need the information so quickly. Email me with any questions or if you want examples of FOIA requests.