Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Sample FOIA Request Letter

[Date]

[Return Address]

Carl-Martin Ruiz
Director, Office of Adjudication/USDA
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250-9410

Dear Mr. Ruiz:
Under the Freedom of Information Act, I am requesting access to [identify the records as clearly and specifically as possible. Include the time period applicable to the records you seek, i.e., 1 month, 2 years, etc.].

[Specify if you are a commercial requester, are representing an educational institution or a noncommercial scientific institution, are a member of the news media or a public interest group, or other.] Please supply the records without informing me of the cost if the fees do not exceed [$_____], which I agree to pay. [OR, if there are any fees charged for searching for or duplication of records, please let me know before you fill my request. NOTE: This option may delay the processing of your request if the cost exceeds $25. We must receive in writing your willingness to pay fees before we begin processing your request.]

If you deny any part of this request, please cite each specific exemption that you rely on to justify your refusal to release the information and notify me of appeal procedures available under the law.

If you have any questions concerning this request, you may contact me at the following telephone number [number].

Sincerely,

[your signature]