Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

RMA FOIA Contacts

Introduction to FOIA

Welcome to the RMA Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) home page. The FOIA (5 U.S.C. §552) was enacted in 1966 and provides that any person has the right to request access to Federal agency records or information, except to the extent that such records are protected from release by a FOIA exemption or exclusion. It is RMA policy to release information to the fullest extent of the law.

On October 2, 1996, the Electronic Freedom of Information Act Amendments of 1996 (E-FOIA) were signed into law. E-FOIA makes it possible for individuals to have electronic access to certain USDA information without having to make formal FOIA requests. To accommodate this requirement, we have established an RMA Electronic Reading Room to assist the public in obtaining information electronically. RMA only maintains electronic versions of these files. If you need assistance with the RMA electronic reading room, you may contact the RMA FOIA Service Center at 202-690-5701.

Requesting Records under FOIA from RMA

In order to receive the most efficient response, requestors may contact the FOIA Officer through several means of communication: post mail, commercial couriers, telephone, facsimile, or e-mail.

RMA FOIA Reports

• 2011 FOIA Annual Report (Nov 13, 2012)
• 2010 FOIA Annual Report (Feb 23, 2011)
• 2009 FOIA Annual Report (Jan 27, 2011)
• 2008 FOIA Annual Report (May 11, 2010)

FOIA Requests

• How to Make a FOIA Request
• FOIA Request Form
• FOIA Fees
• FOIA Exemptions
• Effective Filing Date and Response Time
• FOIA Appeals

Other FOIA Information

• RMA FOIA Reading Room
• Freedom of Information Act
• USDA FOIA page
• USDA FOIA Regulations
• USDA Annual FOIA Reports
• U.S. Department of Justice FOIA page

Contact Information

For more information, contact
Bill Crews, FOIA Officer
USDA-RMA-PSS
Stop 0821
1400 Independence Ave SW
Washington, D.C. 20250
Phone: 202-720-9507
Fax: 202-720-1162