Chief FOIA Officers Council Meets & OIP Updates Sample Language

OIP has updated the sample language accompanying its Guidance on New Requirements for FOIA Response Letters to more clearly distinguish between the various entities that are required to be identified in certain communications with requesters. The FOIA Improvement Act of 2016 requires agencies to notify requesters of the services provided by FOIA Public Liaisons and the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS) at various stages throughout the request process. The Guidance on New Requirements for FOIA Response Letters summarizes these new requirements and provides sample language for agencies to use in their response letters.

OIP’s Director discussed proposed updates to the language at the third meeting of the Chief FOIA Officers Council held on July 27, 2017, and welcomed feedback from attendees. During the meeting, the audience heard from a panel of agency and requester representatives on ways to maximize the services provided by FOIA Requester Service Centers, FOIA Public Liaisons and OGIS.

The updated sample language and the accompanying guidance, along with all other guidance issued by OIP, is available on the OIP Guidance page. Information regarding the Chief FOIA Officers Council is available on OIP’s Chief FOIA Officers Council page. If you have any questions regarding this guidance, please contact OIP’s FOIA Counselor Service at (202) 514-FOIA (3642).