Freedom of Information Act Requests
FOIA Document Requests
How do I file a FOIA request?
Label your request "Freedom of Information Act Request," preferably within the subject line or in the first line of your written request. You may send your request directly to the NOAA FOIA office via:
- E-mail: FOIA@noaa.gov
- Fax: (301) 713-1169
- Mail: Freedom of Information Act Request
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Public Reference Facility (OFA56)
1315 East West Highway (SSMC3), Room 10730
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
NOAA Fisheries line offices accept e-mail requests; however, your request is not officially received until the request is received at NOAA FOIA for official assignment to the appropriate line office . A list of agency component web pages may be found at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/mb/foia/foia_contacts.htm.
How do I compose a FOIA request?
State your willingness to pay applicable fees. If you seek a fee waiver, provide a justification for such a waiver. For additional information on FOIA Fees and Fee Waiver go to: http://www.rdc.noaa.gov/~foia/15-cfr.html.
Describe the specific records you are requesting in enough detail so that they can be located with a reasonable amount of effort. Generally, a record is reasonably described when the description contains sufficient file-related information (type of document, title, subject area, dates of creation of the project or record, office of record, originator, etc.); or the request contains enough event-related information (date and circumstances surrounding the event the record covers) to permit agency line offices to conduct an organized, non-random search.
Can I ask questions under the FOIA?
The FOIA does not require Federal Agencies to answer questions, render opinions, or provide subjective evaluations. Requesters must ask for existing records.
