Title: FOIA
Headings: FOIA
FOIA
General FOIA information
Background
Definition of a record
Agencies that are subject to the FOIA
Entities not subject to the FOIA
Public information
How to make a FOIA request
Reasons for non-disclosure
Records protected by the nine FOIA exemptions
Response time
Expedited handling of FOIA requests
Fees
Submit a request
SBA guide to public information
Information generally exempt from disclosure and information generally releasable
FOIA resources
Frequently requested records

Content: Any person, except a fugitive from the law, has a right to request access to federal agency records. FOIA provides two levels of administrative review, initial and appellate. Upon the exhaustion of administrative remedies, a requester may seek judicial review. Definition of a record
A record is a data compilation, such as books, papers, maps, and photographs, machine readable, electronic format, or other documents regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received by an agency of the United States government and in their possession and control at the time a FOIA request is received. In response to requests, the FOIA does not require agencies to create records, conduct investigations, render opinions, provide subjective evaluations, answer questions or develop information. Agencies that are subject to the FOIA
The FOIA applies to records created by or in the possession of executive branch agencies, including: Cabinet agencies
Military branches
Government corporations
Government-controlled corporations
Independent regulatory agencies
Other executive branch offices
Commissions
Entities not subject to the FOIA
The FOIA does not apply to records created by or in the possession of the following entities: Executive Office of the President
Any elected official of the U.S. government (i.e. Congress)
Officers of the federal Judiciary branch (i.e. judges)
Private citizens
Private companies or associations
Government contractors
Government grant holders
State or local governments
Public information
Many documents and information are readily available from this website. There is no need to file a formal FOIA request to obtain access to this information. Examples are: