Time for Response
Freedom of Information Act
We have three methods for responding to your FOIA request. The methods, which have different response times, are regular processing, expedited processing, and extended response time processing. A request is deemed to have been received by the OIG for purposes of computing time for response at the time is actually received by the FOIA Officer.
Regular Processing
Once your FOIA request is received, a determination will be made within twenty days (excluding Saturday, Sundays, and legal public holidays) whether to disclose or deny the records sought.
Expedited Processing
You may be entitled to expedited processing of your FOIA request if you certify that you have a compelling need. A compelling need may be a threat to someone's life or physical safety. You may also have a compelling need if you are primarily engaged in disseminating information to the public and the information is urgently needed to inform the public concerning actual or alleged Federal Government activity. The request for expedited processing must include your reasons why your request should be expedited. You should also certify that your reasons are true and correct. Within ten days after receiving your request, you will be notified regarding the decision to expedite your request. If we decide to expedite your request, it will be processed as soon as practicable. If we deny your request for expedited processing, you have the right to submit an appeal, which we will handle expeditiously.
Extended Response Time Processing
Under the FOIA, we may extend the response time for an additional ten business days based upon unusual circumstances involved in the request, such as the volume of records sought.
Helpful Reference Materials
- U.S. Postal Service Freedom of Information Act Regulations (39 C.F.R. § 265)
- U.S. Postal Service Privacy Act Regulations (39 C.F.R. § 266)
- U.S. Department of Justice FOIA and Privacy Act Web Pages
(Includes the text of the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act as well as several useful guides)
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