BY ORDER OF THE DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 SECRETARY

BY ORDER OF THE DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302

SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE

27 APRIL 2018

Communications and Information

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM

COMPLIANCE WITH THIS PUBLICATION IS MANDATORY

ACCESSIBILITY: Publications and forms are available on the e-Publishing website at www.e-

publishing.af.mil for downloading or ordering.

RELEASABILITY: There are no releasability restrictions on this publication.

OPR: SAF/CIO A6XA Certified by: SAF/CIO A6X

(Ms. Bao-Anh Trinh)

Supersedes: DOD5400.7-R_AFMAN33-302, 21 October 2010 Pages: 82

This Air Force Manual (AFMAN) implements DoD Manual 5400.07, DoD Freedom of Information

Act (FOIA) Program, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 286 of Title 32, and Air Force Policy

Directive (AFPD) 33-3, Air Force Information Management. It applies to all Regular Air Force

military, civilians; contractors in the performance of their duties to an Air Force contract; the Air

Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and Civil Air Patrol when performing functions for the Air

Force, and in accordance with DoD Directive (DoDD) 5100.3, Support of the Headquarters of

Combatant and Subordinate Unified Commands. In the case of a conflict, this AFMAN takes

precedence over any Air Force publication that addresses disclosure of Air Force records to the

public. Commands may not change the basic procedures in this AFMAN. Use of the term “Major

Command” (MAJCOM) throughout this AFMAN includes MAJCOMs, Field Operating Agency’s

(FOAs), Direct Reporting Units (DRUs), and the Air Force Installation Mission Support Center

(AFIMSC). This AFMAN requires the collection and or maintenance of information protected by

the Privacy Act of 1974 authorized by Title 10, United States Code, Section 8013 and the

Personnel Data System (PDS). The applicable Air Force Privacy System of Records Notices

(SORN) F033 AF A, Information Request-Freedom of Information Act. Send recommended

changes or comments to Air Force FOIA Public Liaison office (SAF/CIO A6XA), 1800 Air Force

Pentagon, Washington DC 20330-1800, through appropriate channels, using Air Force (AF) Form

847, Recommendation for Change of Publication. The authorities to waive wing/unit level

requirements in this publication are identified with a Tier (“T-0, T-1, T-2, T-3”) number following

the compliance statement. See Air Force Instruction (AFI) 33-360, Publications and Forms

Management, for a description of the authorities associated with the Tier numbers. Ensure that

all records created as a result of processes prescribed in this publication are maintained IAW

AFMAN (AFMAN) 33-363, Management of Records, and disposed of In Accordance With the Air

Force Records Disposition Schedule (RDS) in the Air Force Records Information Management

System (AFRIMS).

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

This publication has been substantially revised and needs to be completely reviewed. Major changes

include rescinded DOD5400.7-R because of the renumbering to DoDM 5400.07, and updated AF

guidance.

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

DOD MANUAL 5400.07

OD FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA) PROGRAM

Originating Component: Office of the Deputy Chief Management Officer of the Department of

Defense

Effective: Month Day, Year

Releasability: Cleared for public release. Available from the DoD Issuances Website at

http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives.

Incorporates and Cancels: DoD 5400.7-R, “DoD Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Program,”

September 4, 1998

Approved by: David Tillotson III, Assistant Deputy Chief Management Officer

(Added) (AF) Approved by: BRADFORD J. SHWEDO, Lt Gen, USAF, Chief, Information,

Dominance and Chief Information Officer

Purpose: This issuance:

• Implements the DoD FOIA Program pursuant to DoD Directive (DoDD) 5400.07, in accordance

with the authority in DoDD 5105.53, DoDD 5105.82, and the July 11, 2014, Deputy Secretary of

Defense Memorandum.

• Supplements Part 286 of Title 32, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

• Incorporates the provisions of the OPEN Government Act of 2007 and the FOIA Improvement Act

of 2016.

• Promotes uniformity in the DoD FOIA Program by taking precedence over all DoD Component

issuances that supplement and implement the DoD FOIA Program.

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1: GENERAL ISSUANCE INFORMATION .............................................................................. 6

1.1. Applicability. .................................................................................................................... 6

1.2. Information Collections. ................................................................................................... 6

SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES ......................................................................................................... 7

SECTION 3: GENERAL PROVISIONS ................................................................................................ 14

3.1. Public Access to DoD information. ................................................................................ 14

3.2. DoD Components............................................................................................................ 14

3.3. FOIA RSCs. .................................................................................................................... 16

3.4. FOIA Public Liaisons. .................................................................................................... 18

3.5. Unofficial Release of DoD Records. .............................................................................. 18

3.6. Description of Requested Record. .................................................................................. 18

3.7. Combatant Commands. ................................................................................................... 19

3.8. Security Clearances and Access...................................................................................... 19

3.9. Relationship Between the FOIA and the Privacy Act. ................................................... 19

3.10. Use of Contractors in FOIA Administration. ................................................................ 20

3.11. Non-Responsive Information. ....................................................................................... 21

3.12. Honoring Form or Format Requests. ............................................................................ 21

3.13. FOIA Annual Report..................................................................................................... 22

3.14. Significant FOIA Requests. .......................................................................................... 22

SECTION 4: FOIA LIBRARIES ........................................................................................................ 24

4.1. Requirements. ................................................................................................................. 24

4.2. Record Availability. ........................................................................................................ 26

4.3. Indexes. ........................................................................................................................... 26

4.4. FOIA Section (a)(1) Records. ......................................................................................... 26

SECTION 5: EXEMPTIONS ............................................................................................................... 27

5.1. General Provisions. ......................................................................................................... 27

5.2. Applying the FOIA Exemptions. .................................................................................... 28

SECTION 6: FOIA REQUEST PROCESSING ...................................................................................... 37

6.1. General Provisions. ......................................................................................................... 37

6.2. Processing Procedures. ................................................................................................... 38

6.3. Initial Determinations. .................................................................................................... 44

6.4. Consultations, Referrals, and Coordinations. ................................................................. 46

6.5. Appeals. .......................................................................................................................... 49

6.6. Fee Schedule. .................................................................................................................. 49

6.7. FOIA Litigation. ............................................................................................................. 49

SECTION 7: EDUCATION AND TRAINING ........................................................................................ 51

7.1. General. ........................................................................................................................... 51

7.2. Procedures. ...................................................................................................................... 51

7.3. Scope and Principles. ...................................................................................................... 51

7.4. Implementation. .............................................................................................................. 52

GLOSSARY ..................................................................................................................................... 53

G.1. Acronyms. ...................................................................................................................... 53

G.2. Definitions. ..................................................................................................................... 53

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS 5

REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................. 58

(Added)(AF) Appendix 1: Samples, Air Force FOIA Processing Documents 60

(Added)(AF) Appendix 2: Administrative Processing of Air Force FOIA Requests 71

(Added)(AF) Appendix 3: Requirements of Title 5 United States Code Section 552(b)(4) to 81

Submitters of Nongovernment Contract Related Information

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

SECTION 1: GENERAL ISSUANCE INFORMATION 6

SECTION 1: GENERAL ISSUANCE INFORMATION

1.1. APPLICABILITY. This issuance applies to OSD, the Military Departments, the Office of

the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands, the

Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, the Defense Agencies, the DoD

Field Activities, and all other organizational entities within the DoD (referred to collectively in

this issuance as the “DoD Components”).

1.2. INFORMATION COLLECTIONS. The DoD Annual FOIA Report to the U.S. Attorney

General, referred to in Paragraphs 3.13., 6.2.a.(1)(b), and 6.3.b., has been assigned report control

symbol DD-DCMO(A)1365 in accordance with the procedures in Volume 1 of DoD Manual

(DoDM) 8910.01.

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES 7

SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES

The DoD Component heads implement the procedures prescribed in this issuance and ensure that

any supplemental guidance and procedures are in accordance with Part 286 of Title 32, CFR, and

DoDD 5400.07.

2.1 (Added)(AF) Responsibilities. The Air Force Chief Information Officer (SAF/CIO A6)

has overall responsibility for the Air Force FOIA Program (FOIA). The Air Force FOIA

Public Liaison (SAF/CIO A6XA) administers the procedures necessary to implement the

Air Force FOIA Program, submits reports to Directorate for Oversight and Compliance

(DO&C), and provides guidance and instructions to AF FOIA Requester Service Centers

(RSCs). Responsibilities of other Air Force elements follow.

2.1.1. (Added)(AF) SAF/GCA is the Air Force FOIA Appellate Authority, which makes

final decisions on FOIA administrative appeals. AFLOA/JACL serves as legal advisor to

the Air Force FOIA Appeal Authority.

2.1.2. (Added)(AF) AF/JA, through AF/JAA and base legal offices, and AFIMSC/JA,

provides all required administrative legal reviews.

2.1.3. (Added)(AF) At the HQ USAF and Secretary of the Air Force level, Initial Denial

Authority (IDA) are GS-15/O-6 or above.

2.1.4. Added)(AF) Outside of the HQ USAF and Secretary of the Air Force level,

commanders or vice commanders appoint IDA’s within their organizations. MAJCOM

IGs and Directors of Inquiries (IGQ) appoint IDA’s within the IG for IG-held records. An

IDA is GS-13/O-4 or above.

2.1.5. (Added)(AF) FOIA Managers (through MAJCOM FOIA RSC) must notify

SAF/CIO A6XA in writing of IDA position titles. Send position titles only-no names.

SAF/CIO A6XA provides SAF/IGQ a courtesy copy of correspondence designating IDA

positions for IG records. When the commander changes the IDA designee position,

MAJCOM FOIA IDA managers will immediately advise SAF/CIO A6XA. In the absence

of the designated IDA, the individual filling/assuming the designated IDA’s Air Force duty

position acts as the IDA. (T-1).

2.1.6. (Added)(AF) Installation/Agency commanders:

2.1.6.1. (Added)(AF) Comply with FOIA Library requirements by establishing

FOIA home page on installation public websites, to include the FOIA RSC and AF FOIA

Public Liaison contact information (organizational mailing and email address, and phone

number), with a link to the Air Force FOIA web page, http://www.foia.af.mil and the

Public Access Link to submit request online, https://www.efoia.milcloud/App/Home.aspx.

(T-1).

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES 8

2.1.6.2. (Added) (AF) Implement this instruction in their commands/agencies and

appoint a FOIA Manager in writing (through MAJCOM FOIA RSC). May appoint FOIA

Monitor at the unit to serve as the Point of Contacts for the FOIA Managers to task the

Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR) to locate records responsive to FOIA requests and

respond to FOIA appeals. Send the name, phone number, office symbol, and e-mail

address of a FOIA Manager to SAF/CIO A6XA, 1800 Air Force Pentagon, Washington

DC 20330-1800 or via e-mail to usaf.pentagon.saf-cio[email protected]. (T-1).

2.1.6.3. (Added)(AF) Assign legal review responsibilities for FOIA requested

records. Air Force attorneys will review and provide written legal reviews for all FOIA

responses, as well as provide all legal advice to the OPR, disclosure authorities, Initial

Denial Authorities and FOIA Managers. Air Force attorneys ensure factual and legal

issues raised by appellants are considered by the IDA prior to sending the FOIA appeal

files to the Secretary of the Air Force’s designee for final action. The responsibility for

ensuring IDA’s consider factual and legal issues rests with either the IDA, OPR, or the

FOIA Manager. All attorney legal reviews will be documented to show hours and costs

incurred and this information will be provided to the FOIA Managers. (T-1).

2.1.6.4. (Added)(AF) Ensure IDA’s apply the policies and guidance in this

instruction, along with the written recommendations provided by staff elements, when

considering what decisions to make on pending FOIA actions. Where any responsive

records are denied, the FOIA RSC, on behalf of the IDA, informs the requester in writing

(response letters) of the nature of records or information denied, the FOIA exemption (see

Section 5 for FOIA exemptions) supporting the denial, the reasons the records were not

released, and gives the requester the appeal procedures. In addition, on partial releases,

FOIA RSC’s must ensure requesters can see the placement and general length of

redactions with the applicable exemption indicated in Section 5. This procedure applies to

all media, including electronic records. Providing placement and general length of redacted

information is not required if doing so would harm an interest protected by a FOIA

exemption. When working FOIA appeal actions for the appellate authority review:

2.1.6.4.1. (Added)(AF) Ensure that on appeals, prior to an appeal being

forwarded to the Air Force appellate authority for final action, IDA’s review the appeal

and grant or deny (in full or in part) the requester’s appeal of the earlier withholding of

responsive records, or other adverse determination. If the IDA does not grant the appeal

in full as requested by the requester, that portion of the appeal not granted is forwarded to

the Air Force Appeal Authority for final action. (T-1).

2.1.6.4.2. (Added)(AF) When an IDA denies any appellate action sought by

a FOIA requester, the IDA, or FOIA Managers (for no record, fee, fee estimates, or fee

category appeals) will indicate in writing that the issues raised in the FOIA appeal were

considered and rejected (in full or in part). Include this written statement in the file sent to

the Secretary of the Air Force in the course of a FOIA appeal action. Send all appeal

actions through the MAJCOM FOIA RSC. (T-1).

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES 9

2.1.6.4.3. (Added)(AF) Ensure only the FOIA key players (FOIA Managers,

OPR’s, legal office, and IDA’s) are involved with the coordination and review of FOIA

actions. (T-1).

2.1.6.4.4. (Added)(AF) FOIA Managers must coordinate through MAJCOM

FOIA RSC and provide SAF/CIO A6XA with an annual backlog reduction plan by 30

October each year and are sending the monthly status report for those units not meeting

the 10% reduction goal. (T-1).

2.1.6.4.5. (Added)(AF) FOIA Managers must establish organizational

mailboxes to assist FOIA requesters seeking information concerning the status of their

FOIA request. (T-1).

2.1.7. (Added)(AF) Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR):

2.1.7.1. (Added)(AF) Provide requested records. Indicate/Redact withheld parts of

records annotated with a FOIA exemption. Ensure requesters can see the placement and

general length of redactions. This procedure applies to all media, including electronic

records. Providing placement and general length of redacted information is not required if

doing so would harm an interest protected by a FOIA exemption. (T-0).

2.1.7.2. (Added)(AF) Coordinate the release or denial of records requested under

the FOIA with the IDA, servicing FOIA RSC and servicing legal office. (T-1).

2.1.7.3. (Added)(AF) Provide written recommendations to the IDA to determine

whether or not to release records, and act as declassification authority when appropriate.

(T-1).

2.1.7.4. (Added)(AF) Make frequently requested records [FOIA (a)(2)(D)] available

to the public in the FOIA Library website via FOIA RSC. The OPR must request

clearance of these records with their Public Affairs and coordinate with JA and FOIA RSC

prior to posting as required by AFIs 17-100, Air Force Information Technology (IT) Service

Management, and AFI 35-101, Public Affairs Responsibilities and Management, and AFI 35-

102, Security Policy and Review Process. The FOIA Manager, in coordination with the

functional OPR or the owner of the records, will determine qualifying records and assist

with posting. (T-1).

2.1.8. (Added)(AF) FOIA Managers:

2.1.8.1. (Added)(AF) Process FOIA requests and ensure administrative correctness

of all FOIA actions processed. Note, see Appendix 1-3. (T-1).

2.1.8.2. (Added)(AF) Obtain/Review recommendations from the OPR for requested

records and assist with redaction as needed using Electronic FOIA (eFOIA) and authorized

redaction tools. If using any other electronic redacting software FOIA Managers are

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES 10

required to print and rescan in accordance with DoD policy (“New Redaction Policy”).

Before releasing to the public, all documents will be converted to Portable Document

Format (PDF) or scanned image (i.e., JPEG, TIFF, etc.). Note, do not release document to

the public in native format (i.e., Word, Excel, etc.) unless specifically requested and

approved by the FOIA Manager – consult with SAF/A6XA as necessary. (T-1).

2.1.8.3. (Added)(AF) Prepare/Coordinate on all proposed replies to the requester

and sign response letters to requesters when IDA approve the total release of records. (T-

1).

2.1.8.4. (Added)(AF) Make determinations as to whether or not the nature of

requests are simple or complex where multitrack FOIA request processing queues exist.

(T-1).

2.1.8.5. (Added)(AF) Approve or deny any requests for expedited processing. (T-1).

2.1.8.6. (Added)(AF) Provide status update to the requester on a routine basis. (T-

1).

2.1.8.7. (Add)(AF) Provide the requester with an estimated completion date when

specifically requested by the requester. (T-1).

2.1.8.8. (Added)(AF) Provide training to IDA’s and record OPR’s. (T-1).

2.1.8.9. (Added)(AF) Review publications/forms for compliance with this AFMAN.

(T-1).

2.1.8.10. (Added)(AF) Conduct periodic program reviews with leadership. (T-1).

2.1.8.11. (Added)(AF) Approve or deny fee waiver requests and collect fees. (T-1).

2.1.8.12. (Added)(AF) Send extension notices. (T-1).

2.1.8.13. (Added)(AF) Sign “no record” responses. A no record response is an

adverse determination that is commonly appealed to the appeal authority. Note, the FOIA

Manager may decide at their discretion that a legal review should be completed.

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES 11

2.1.8.14. (Added)(AF) Provide the requester the basis for any adverse

Determination (i.e., no records, fee denials, fee category determinations, etc.) in enough

detail to permit the requester to make a decision whether or not to appeal the decision, and

provide the requester with appeal rights in all final response letters. Interim response

letters should not include appeal rights. (T-1).

2.1.8.15. (Added)(AF) Document costs incurred, invoice requesters, and track/

validate delinquent requesters in eFOIA to ensure payments and invoices have been

applied accordingly. If payment has not been received after 30 days from the invoice date

or final response date, ensure the requester is added to the Delinquent Requester list in

eFOIA. Note, do not processed future requests until payment is received. No checks are to

be uploaded into eFOIA; only apply the payment amount. (T-1).

2.1.8.16. (Added)(AF) Ensure that all time expended on FOIA cases (e.g., OPR/legal

office hours and costs, etc.) is accounted for on DD Form 2086 and entered into eFOIA.

2.1.8.17. (Added)(AF) Validate and confirm that all data entered into eFOIA are

accurate, to include the requester letter, DD Form 2086. The MAJCOM FOIA Managers

are required to review the data from their base FOIA RSC entered into eFOIA is accurate,

to include the requesters letter, received date, DD Form 2086, correspondence, etc. (T-1).

2.1.8.18. (Added)(AF) Must inform requesters of their appeal rights on adverse

determination and provide contact information for Air Force FOIA Public Liaison officer

and Office of Government Information Services on responses, including “no records”

responses, full or partial denial of records, clarify or limit the scope of the request, denial of

requests for expedited processing or a fee waiver. Include contact information for Air

Force FOIA Public Liaison Officer on all responses. The requester has ninety (90) days

from the date of the final response letter to file an appeal. Requesters may appeal a

decision in writing to the Secretary of the Air Force through the FOIA RSC that provided

them with the final decision, or submit an appeal online at the Air Force Public Access

Link: https://www.efoia.milcloud/App/Home.aspx. The requester must be specific as to

why they are submitting the appeal and provide any additional information. (T-1).

2.1.8.19. (Added)(AF) Work with public affairs, OPR, and commanders to

proactively post records that are likely to be of public interest (see 4.1.(6). Submit records

for publishing to the Library via eFOIA. SAF/CIO A6XA will make a determination

whether to post them to the Library.

2.1.8.20. (Added)(AF) Keep FOIA website current. (T-1).

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES 12

2.1.8.21. (Added)(AF) Provide SAF/CIO A6XA (through MAJCOM) with an

annual backlog reduction plan by 30 October of each year for not meeting the 10%

reduction goal as well as submit a monthly status report on progress toward meeting the

goal. Include specific actions (i.e., review your current operations, procedures and staffing

to fine tune your office, improve training, leadership commitment/engagement, etc.),

estimated completion date, and status to close out backlog cases and 10 oldest cases (FOIA ,

appeal, and consultation). (T-1).

2.1.8.22. (Added)(AF) May make the decision to release requested records if the

only information withheld from an Air Force record is a name under DoD’s policy to

normally withhold (applying the applicable balancing test) lists of names of current DoD

personnel under the O-7 rank or civilian equivalent.

2.1.8.23. (Added)(AF) Initially deny fee category claims, requests for expedited

processing, waiver or reduction of fees; and review fee and determine estimates. (T-1).

2.1.9. (Added)(AF) On appeals, FOIA Managers:

2.1.9.1. (Added)(AF) May reassess a fee category and/or fee estimate, overturning

or confirming the initial determination. If appeal not granted in full, must forward appeal

to Air Force Appeal Authority.

2.1.9.2. (Added)(AF) May reassess a request for expedited processing due to

demonstrated compelling need, overturning or confirming the initial determination. If

appeal not granted in full, must forward appeal to Air Force Appeal Authority.

2.1.9.3. (Added)(AF) May reassess a request for a waiver or reduction of fees,

overturning or confirming the initial determination. If appeal not granted in full, must

forward appeal to Air Force Appeal Authority.

2.1.10. (Added) (AF) FOIA monitors:

2.1.10.1 (Added)(AF) Serve as the Point of Contacts for the FOIA Managers to task

the OPR to locate records responsive to FOIA Requests and respond to FOIA appeals. (T-

1).

2.1.10.2. (Added)(AF) Assist OPR in reviewing all requested records to determine

whether records are responsive to the request. Monitors also assist with redactions in

consultation with the FOIA Manager, as appropriate. (T-1).

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES 13

2.1.10.3. (Added)(AF) Ensure that a thorough search for records has been

conducted by the OPR which will also complete the no records certification when records

are not located for the request. (T-1).

2.1.10.4. (Added)(AF) Ensure all time expended on FOIA cases (i.e., OPR, IDA,

legal office hours) is accounted for on DD Form 2086 and sent to the FOIA Manager with

the responsive records. (T-1).

2.1.10.5. (Added)(AF) Ensure that any misdirected FOIA requests are immediately

forwarded to the FOIA Manager for action. (T-1).

2.1.10.6. (Added)(AF) Promptly forward any records that are likely to be of public

interest to the Air Force Library via the servicing FOIA RSC ahead of receiving a request.

(T-1).

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

SECTION : GENERAL PROVISIONS 14

SECTION 3: GENERAL PROVISIONS

3.1. PUBLIC ACCESS TO DOD INFORMATION.

a. Pursuant to the FOIA, the public has the right to access agency records concerning U.S.

Government activities. An agency record requested by a member of the public in accordance

with Part 286 of Title 32, CFR, and this issuance must not be withheld in whole or in part unless

the FOIA exempts the record, or parts of it, from disclosure.

b. The Directorate for Oversight and Compliance (DO&C), Office of the Deputy Chief

Management Officer, maintains a DoD FOIA Handbook for the public to use in obtaining

information from the DoD, as required by the FOIA. This handbook is a short, simple

explanation of the FOIA and how the public can use it to access agency records. This handbook

is posted on the FOIA section of the DoD Open Government Website at

http://open.defense.gov/Transparency/FOIA/FOIAHandbook.aspx.

c. Individuals seeking DoD records should address their FOIA requests to a FOIA Requester

Service Center (RSC) listed in Paragraph 3.2.a. or 3.2.b.. Addresses and contact information for

the FOIA RSCs are available at the FOIA.gov Website, http://www.foia.gov/report-

makerequest.html.

3.2. DOD COMPONENTS. The DoD Components listed in Paragraph 3.2.a. and 3.2.b. are

referred to in this issuance as “DoD FOIA Program Components.”

a. The following DoD Components have their own FOIA programs, including a FOIA

appellate authority.

(1) Office of the Secretary of Defense/Joint Staff (OSD/JS).

(2) Department of the Army.

(3) Department of the Navy.

(4) Department of the Air Force.

(5) Defense Commissary Agency.

(6) Defense Contract Audit Agency.

(7) Defense Contract Management Agency.

(8) Defense Finance and Accounting Service.

(9) Defense Health Agency.

(10) Defense Information Systems Agency.

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

SECTION : GENERAL PROVISIONS 15

(11) Defense Intelligence Agency.

(12) Defense Logistics Agency.

(13) Defense Security Service.

(14) Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

(15) DoD Education Activity.

(16) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

(17) National Reconnaissance Office.

(18) National Security Agency/Central Security Service.

(19) Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense.

b. The following DoD Components have their own FOIA programs; however, their FOIA

appellate authority is the FOIA appellate authority for the OSD/JS as assigned in DoDD 5400.07.

(1) Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals.

(2) Defense Technical Information Center.

(3) Joint Personnel Recovery Agency.

(4) National Guard Bureau.

(5) United States Africa Command.

(6) United States European Command.

(7) United States Central Command.

(8) United States Northern Command.

(9) United States Pacific Command.

(10) United States Special Operations Command.

(11) United States Southern Command.

(12) United States Strategic Command.

(13) United States Transportation Command.

c. The OSD/JS FOIA RSC processes requests for the following DoD Components:

(1) Defense Acquisition University.

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

SECTION : GENERAL PROVISIONS 16

(2) Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

(3) Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute.

(4) Defense Legal Services Agency.

(5) Defense Microelectronics Activity.

(6) Defense Media Activity.

(7) Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

(8) Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

(9) Defense Technology Security Administration.

(10) Defense Travel Management Office.

(11) DoD Human Resources Activity.

(12) DoD Test Resource Management Center.

(13) Joint Improvised-Threat Defeat Agency.

(14) Missile Defense Agency.

(15) National Defense University.

(16) Office of Economic Adjustment.

(17) Office of Military Commissions.

(18) Pentagon Force Protection Agency.

(19) Uniform Services University of the Health Sciences.

(20) Washington Headquarters Services.

(21) White House Military Office.

3.3. FOIA RSCS.

a. Each DoD FOIA Program Component listed in Paragraphs 3.2.a. and 3.2.b. of this

issuance must establish one or more FOIA RSCs.

(1). (Added)(AF) The Department of the Air Force provides a list of Air Force FOIA

RSC and contact information that is available on the Air Force FOIA website at

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SECTION : GENERAL PROVISIONS 17

http://www.foia.af.mil. Note, realignment of Air Force elements is frequent; addresses

listed on the FOIA website are subject to change.

(2). (Added)(AF) The Department of the Air Force does not have a central

repository for Air Force records. FOIA requests are addressed to the appropriate Air

Force RSC that support in processing the requests or has custody of the record desired. In

answering inquiries regarding FOIA requests, Air Force RSC will assist requesters in

determining the correct Air Force RSC to address their requests. If there is uncertainty as

to the ownership of the record desired, refer the requester to the Air Force RSC that is

most likely to have the record.

b. Each FOIA RSC will have a website that serves to educate the public on the FOIA

process. These websites will comply with DoD Instruction (DoDI) 8550.01. At a minimum,

each website will provide:

(1) The address, telephone number, facsimile number, and organizational e-mail address

to which the public can send FOIA requests.

(2) Name of the DoD FOIA Program Component’s FOIA point of contact.

(3) A link to the DoD FOIA Handbook.

(4) A description of the types of records that can be requested from the DoD FOIA

Program Component.

(5) The name and contact information for each of the DoD FOIA Program Component’s

FOIA Public Liaisons.

(6) Information on how a FOIA requester can obtain the status of their FOIA request

(either by telephone or through the FOIA RSC website).

(7) A FOIA library as described in Section 4 or a link to the DoD FOIA Program

Component’s FOIA library, if the library is centralized.

c. The websites of DoD FOIA Program Component headquarters FOIA RSCs will link to the

websites of the other FOIA RSCs within their Components.

d. The Internet home page of every DoD Component will link to the FOIA RSC for that

DoD Component.

e. (Added)(AF) SAF/CIO A6XA will cover the requirements of section 3.3 on the Air

Force FOIA website at http://www.foia.af.mil. Each FOIA RSC is required to establish a

FOIA home page on installation public websites, as outlined in paragraph 2.1.6.1. (T-1).

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SECTION : GENERAL PROVISIONS 18

3.4. FOIA PUBLIC LIAISONS. The DoD Components listed in Paragraph 3.2.a. will submit

to the DO&C the names of personnel to serve as FOIA Public Liaisons. Each DoD FOIA

Program Component will have at least one FOIA Public Liaison.

a. The FOIA Public Liaisons will:

(1) Ensure that the FOIA RSCs’ websites comply with the requirements in Paragraph

3.3.b.

(2) Assist in the reduction of any delays in responding to requests.

(3) Increase transparency and understanding of request statuses.

(4) Assist in dispute resolution.

b. The FOIA Public Liaison for the DoD Components listed in Paragraph 3.2.b., the

OSD/JS, and the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals is in the DO&C.

c. (Add)(AF) SAF/CIO A6XA is the Air Force FOIA Public Liaison office.

3.5. UNOFFICIAL RELEASE OF DOD RECORDS. Records are considered part of the

public domain when released to the public in response to a FOIA request or under circumstances

in which a DoD official with the appropriate authority has authorized their release (e.g., a release

under the DoD Mandatory Declassification Review Program, pursuant to DoD 5230.30-M). The

disclosure of exempt records, without authorization by an appropriate DoD official, is not an

official release of information. Such a release does not waive the authority of the DoD to assert

FOIA exemptions to withhold the same records in response to a FOIA request.

3.6. DESCRIPTION OF REQUESTED RECORD. The requester is responsible for

providing a reasonable description of the desired record that will enable the DoD Component to

locate the record with a reasonable amount of effort.

a. A reasonable description contains sufficient information to permit an organized, non-

random search for the record based on the DoD Component’s filing arrangements and existing

retrieval systems. If filing arrangement details are unknown, then the requester should provide

sufficient event-related details, to include the circumstances that resulted in the record being

created or the date and circumstances surrounding the event the record covers, to permit a person

familiar with the DoD Component’s filing arrangements to reasonably identify where such

records would be located. The DoD Component’s decision on the reasonableness of the

description must be based on knowledge of its files, not on the potential volume of records that

may be located and the concurrent review effort to determine releasability.

b. The fact that a FOIA request appears broad or burdensome (e.g., contains a large volume

of potentially responsive information) does not, by itself, entitle the DoD Component to deny the

FOIA request on the grounds that it does not reasonably describe the record sought.

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SECTION : GENERAL PROVISIONS 19

c. (Added)(AF) Air Force elements must make reasonable efforts to find the records

described in FOIA requests. Reasonable efforts means searching all activities and

locations most likely to have the records, and includes staged or retired records, as well

as complete and thorough searches of relevant electronic records, such as databases,

word processing, and electronic mail files. (T-0).

3.7. COMBATANT COMMANDS. The Combatant Commands’ FOIA programs are placed

under OSD jurisdiction instead of the administering Military Department or the Chairman of the

Joint Chiefs of Staff. This is an exception to DoDD 5100.03 in that it authorizes and requires the

Combatant Commands to process FOIA requests in accordance with Part 286 of Title 32, CFR,

and this issuance.

a. Documents originated by the Military Service components of the Combatant Commands

while acting in a headquarters capacity for joint exercises or operations under Combatant

Command authority are joint in nature and are under the cognizance of the Combatant

Commands.

b. Documents created for a Combatant Command, yet located within a Defense Criminal

Investigative Organization or Military Department Counterintelligence Organization or accident

investigation file at the Military Service component, are Military Service records and the release,

initial denial, and appellate authorities remain with the Military Service. However, the Military

Service component will consult with the responsible Combatant Command during the review

process.

c. Documents created by the Military Service components of the Combatant Commands

below the headquarters level are considered Military Service records. Examples would include

base support, personnel, and logistical records.

3.8. SECURITY CLEARANCES AND ACCESS. Due to the nature of their duties and

responsibilities, FOIA personnel require access to all records requested through their respective

activities, regardless of the sensitivity or classification of the information. The DoD

Components must ensure that FOIA personnel have the appropriate clearances and access to

perform their duties and are provided the appropriate electronic equipment to process and

transmit classified records.

3.9. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE FOIA AND THE PRIVACY ACT.

a. Requesters seeking records about themselves contained only in a Privacy Act system of

records will have their requests processed pursuant to Section 552a of Title 5, U.S.C. (also

known as the “Privacy Act of 1974,” as amended, and referred to as the “Privacy Act” in this

issuance) and implemented within the DoD by DoD 5400.11-R.

(1) If the Privacy Act system of records is exempt from the access provisions of Section

(d)(1) of the Privacy Act, and if the records or any portion thereof are exempt pursuant to FOIA,

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

SECTION : GENERAL PROVISIONS 20

the DoD Component will advise of the appropriate Privacy Act and FOIA exemption(s) in its

response. Appeals must be processed pursuant to both the FOIA and the Privacy Act.

(2) If the Privacy Act system of records is not exempt from the access provisions of

Section (d)(1) of the Privacy Act, a DoD Component cannot claim a FOIA exemption on the

information and must release all information to the first-party requester. However, the DoD

Component may withhold from such requester privacy-related information about another

individual within the requester’s Privacy Act file. When this is the case, the DoD Component

will advise the first-party requester that information was withheld because “a portion of the

record you requested contains privacy-related information about a party other than yourself.”

b. Requesters seeking records about themselves not in a Privacy Act system of records who

cite or imply the Privacy Act will have their requests processed pursuant to the FOIA, since the

Privacy Act does not apply to these records. Appeals must be processed pursuant to the FOIA.

c. Requesters seeking records about themselves in a Privacy Act system of records and

outside a Privacy Act system of records will have their requests processed pursuant to both the

Privacy Act and the FOIA.

d. DoD Components will advise first-party requesters in the final response letter which

Privacy Act and FOIA statutory authorities were used, inclusive of appeal rights.

3.10. USE OF CONTRACTORS IN FOIA ADMINISTRATION. Pursuant to DoDI

1100.22, Office of Management and Budget Circular No. A-76, and Office of Federal

Procurement Policy Letter 11-01, DoD Components may not use contract support for certain

functions known as “inherently governmental activities” (e.g., “governmental FOIA functions”).

a. Inherently governmental FOIA functions include:

(1) Formulating or approving FOIA policies and procedures.

(2) Making final determinations regarding whether to treat an incoming correspondence

as a FOIA or Privacy Act request.

(3) Making denial or release determinations of information requested pursuant to the

FOIA.

(4) Deciding any issues regarding the scope or interpretation of a FOIA request.

(5) Determining the appropriateness of claimed exemptions.

(6) Approving the approach taken in negotiations or discussions with the FOIA

requester.

(7) Deciding administrative appeals.

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SECTION : GENERAL PROVISIONS 21

(8) Conducting a final review of all outgoing final determination correspondence,

memoranda, and release packages.

(9) Making final determinations on requests for expedited processing, fee category, and

fee waivers.

(10) Executing documents for filing in litigation pursuant to the FOIA if the documents

assert an official position of the DoD, any DoD Components, or any other federal agencies.

Contractors may prepare and execute documents describing their own actions while processing

FOIA requests.

b. Office of Federal Procurement Policy Letter 11-01 identifies the preparation of responses

to FOIA requests as a function closely associated with inherently governmental functions.

Examples of FOIA functions and duties that contractors may perform in the preparation of

responses to FOIA requests include, but are not limited to:

(1) Making redactions to documents under the direction of an initial denial authority

(IDA).

(2) Preparing correspondence for signature by a U.S. Government official.

(3) Communicating with a FOIA requester concerning the status of the FOIA request.

(4) Recommending information to be denied.

(5) Entering relevant information into the DoD Component’s FOIA tracking system.

3.11. NON-RESPONSIVE INFORMATION. It is not uncommon for a DoD Component,

when processing records in response to a FOIA request, to locate records that deal with multiple

subjects, and only one of these subjects pertain to the FOIA request. In most of these cases the

DoD Components should release non-responsive information that is not exempt from the FOIA.

However, if it is determined that processing the non-responsive information may cause a burden

to the DoD Component or is not in the best interests of the FOIA requester, the DoD Component

will consult with the FOIA requester and seek their concurrence to the redaction of the non-

responsive information without a FOIA exemption. If the FOIA requester agrees, the responsive

record will contain the annotation “non-responsive” at this redaction, and this concurrence will

be documented in the response letter. For further information, consult the Department of Justice

guidance on this topic at https://www.justice.gov/oip/blog/foia-update-oip-guidance-

determining-scope-foia-request

3.12. HONORING FORM OR FORMAT REQUESTS.

a. The DoD Components will make reasonable efforts to:

(1) Provide the record in any form or format requested if the record is readily

reproducible in that form or format in the Component’s automated system.

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SECTION : GENERAL PROVISIONS 22

(2) Provide records in a form that is reasonably usable.

(3) Maintain records in forms and formats that are reproducible.

b. A record is not considered readily reproducible if the DoD Component does not have the

reproduction capability or if significant resources must be expended to reproduce it into the

requested format. In responding to FOIA requests for records, the DoD Components will make

reasonable efforts to search for records in electronic form or format if maintained in automated

systems, except when such efforts would significantly interfere with the operation of the

automated systems. The DoD Components will make such determinations on a case-by-case

basis.

3.13. FOIA ANNUAL REPORT. The DoD FOIA Annual Report to the United States

Attorney General and the Director of Office of Government Information Services is mandated by

Section (e)(1) of the FOIA and completed on a fiscal-year basis. Due to the magnitude of the

requested statistics and the need for accuracy, the DoD FOIA Program Components will track

the annual report data as FOIA requests are processed. This facilitates accurate compilation of

the statistics in completing the report. Each September, the DO&C provides instructions to the

DoD FOIA Program Components concerning Component input for the annual report. Using the

current edition of DD Form 2564, “Annual Freedom of Information Act Report,” the DoD

Components will forward their reports to the DO&C no later than October 31. In turn, the

DO&C submits a consolidated report to the Attorney General by February 1 of each year, and

places a copy of this report in the FOIA section of the DoD Open Government Website.

3.13.1 (Added)(AF) FOIA Managers (through MAJCOM FOIA RSC) and

AFLOA/JACL must validate and consolidate the report for the fiscal year on DD Form

2564, Annual Report Freedom of Information Act in eFOIA, and send to SAF/CIO A6XA

by 15 October via e-mail. AFLOA/JACL will prepare the appeals and litigation costs

sections of the report. SAF/CIO A6XA will submit a consolidated report to the DO&C and

make the AF report available on the AF FOIA website. (T-1).

3.14. SIGNIFICANT FOIA REQUESTS. DoD FOIA Program Components receiving a

FOIA request for records, the release of which may be of interest to DoD leadership, will contact

DO&C for further guidance. DO&C will coordinate expeditiously the responses with DoD

leadership; however, it will not act as the IDA for any denial of information.

3.15. (Added)(AF) A significant FOIA request is one where, in the Component’s judgment,

the subject matter of the request/any releasable documents is or may generate media

interest and/or may be of interest or potential interest to DoD senior leadership for other

reasons, (i.e., a FOIA request involving a sexual assault, actions or conduct of Secretary of

Air Force, Chief of Staff, etc.). Any requests involving the current administration, previous

administrations, Members of Congress (correspondence, travel, or otherwise), or conduct

of current or previous DoD senior leadership (Secretary), will always be considered a

potentially significant FOIA request for which SAF/CIO A6XA is notified.

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SECTION : GENERAL PROVISIONS 23

3.15.1. (Added)(AF) FOIA RSC will inform SAF/CIO A6XA immediately (through

MAJCOM FOIA RSC) upon receipt of any significant FOIA request(s) received by the

FOIA RSC. Upon notification, SAF/CIO A6XA will determine whether HQ USAF and/or

DoD/SAF-PA review is necessary prior to any release determination by the servicing IDA.

If the package requires coordination, the FOIA RSC must send a copy of the proposed

final release letter, a copy of the releasable documents (redacted), and a copy of the request

letter. Note, the case is not to be placed on hold at any time during the coordination

process and FOIA Managers must not release the records until SAF/CIO A6XA informs

that the case has been cleared for release. (T-1).

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

SECTION 4: FOIA LIBRARIES 24

SECTION 4: FOIA LIBRARIES

4.1. REQUIREMENTS.

a. General. The FOIA requires agency records described in Section (a)(2) of the FOIA and

created on or after November 1, 1996, to be available for public inspection in an electronic

format. To meet this requirement, each DoD FOIA Program Component will maintain an online

FOIA library. In addition to these records, the DoD FOIA Program Components may elect to

place other agency records of public interest in their FOIA libraries.

b. DoD FOIA Program Component FOIA Libraries. Each DoD Component will

establish one or more FOIA libraries. The DoD Components that have only one FOIA RSC will

meet this requirement by having a FOIA library on its FOIA website. The DoD Components

with more than one FOIA RSC will meet this requirement by either having one FOIA library on

its primary FOIA website or having a FOIA library on each FOIA RSC website.

(1) Final Opinions. Section (a)(2)(A) of the FOIA requires agencies to make final

opinions available to the public. This requirement can be met by the public availability of DoD

Component websites such as the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals and Armed Services

Board of Contract Appeals. DoD FOIA Program Components are not required to also post or

link to these otherwise publically available documents in their FOIA libraries.

(2) Statements of Policy. Section (a)(2)(B) of the FOIA requires agencies to make

statements of policy and interpretations that have been adopted by the agencies and are not

published in the Federal Register available to the public. This requirement can be met by the

publication of DoD issuances on the DoD Issuances Website. DoD FOIA Program Components

are not required to post or link to these documents in their FOIA libraries.

(3) Administrative Staff Manuals or Instructions. Section (a)(2)(C) of the FOIA requires

agencies to make administrative staff manuals and instructions that establish policy or

interpretations that affect the public available to the public. Each DoD FOIA Program

Component FOIA library must link to its respective Component’s publicly available issuance

publication web page. For example, the Air Force FOIA Website will link to the Air Force e-

Publishing Website, and the OSD/Joint Staff FOIA RSC will link to the DoD Issuances Website.

(4) Frequently Requested Records.

(a) Each FOIA Program DoD Component FOIA library must meet the requirements

of Section (a)(2)(D) of the FOIA by making available to the public records that:

1. Have been released under the FOIA; and

2. Are or are likely to become the subject of subsequent FOIA requests; or

3. Have been requested three or more times.

(b) These types of documents will not be posted in FOIA Libraries.

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SECTION 4: FOIA LIBRARIES 25

1. Documents requested by a person that would be exempt from release to any

other requester pursuant to Exemptions 6 or 7(C) because they contain personally identifiable

information about the requester. This commonly occurs when a requester makes a first party

request for their own information; however, it could arise in other situations.

2. Documents requested by a commercial entity that would be exempt from

release to any other requester pursuant to Exemption 4 because they contain trade secrets or

commercial or financial information concerning the requester.

(5) Index. Section (a)(2)(E) of the FOIA requires the libraries to provide an index of the

documents posted in accordance with Section (a)(2)(D). DoD FOIA Program Components can

meet this requirement by arranging these documents in their FOIA libraries by topical or

descriptive words, rather than by case name or numbering system, so that the public can readily

locate material. Case name and numbering arrangements may also be included for DoD FOIA

Program Component convenience.

(6) Proactive Releases. DoD FOIA Program Components may post other documents in

their FOIA libraries, such as proactive releases, documents released in accordance with the

Mandatory Declassification Review program, and other documents released in accordance with

the FOIA. This section also may contain links to other DoD FOIA Program Component offices

proactively releasing documents. DoD Components must not proactively release documents that

are contained within a Privacy Act system of records unless the published system of records

notice specifically allows for proactive releases in the routine uses section.

c. Exemptions. DoD FOIA Program Components will redact from all records in FOIA

libraries all information that qualifies for withholding pursuant to one or more of the FOIA

exemptions described in Section 5.

d. (Add)(AF) SAF/CIO A6XA will make the traditional (a)(2) materials (Title 5 U.S.C.

552(a)(2)(A), (B), (C) and (D)) available to the public on the Air Force FOIA Library

website. Each FOIA RSC must make Title 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(2)(D) records available to the

public in a Library by sending it to SAF/CIO A6XA for posting via eFOIA. (T-1).

SAF/CIO A6XA will determine whether or not the release records are qualified for posting

to the Air Force FOIA Library website.

e. (Add)(AF) FOIA RSCs will consider any requested record that has been previously

partially or fully released as a frequently requested record (FOIA - processed (a)(2)(D)

record) and make it publicly available electronically as outlined in paragraph 4.1.b.(4). (T-

1). Posted records must be redacted in a manner where anyone in the world may have

access to that record except for senior official (above the O-6 grade or civilian equivalent)

investigative Inspector General report that were substantiated against the senior official.

(T-1). FOIA records requested only by a first party requester for their own Privacy Act

records will NOT be posted to the Library. (T-0).

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

SECTION 4: FOIA LIBRARIES 26

4.2. RECORD AVAILABILITY. The DoD FOIA Program Components should consider

enhancing their FOIA libraries with search engines and document categories to provide the

public easier access.

4.3. INDEXES. Sections (g)(1) and (2) of the FOIA require agencies to make available for

public inspection in an electronic format an index of all major information systems and a

description of major information and record locator systems publicly available.

a. Major Information System. The FOIA section of the DoD Open Government Website

satisfies this requirement for the DoD. The DoD FOIA Program Components are not required to

post or link to this index in their FOIA libraries.

b. Record Locator System. The FOIA section of the DoD Open Government Website

satisfies this requirement for the DoD. The FOIA Program DoD Components are not required to

post or link to this index in their FOIA libraries.

4.4. FOIA SECTION (A)(1) RECORDS.

a. Although FOIA Section (a)(1) records need not be made available in response to FOIA

requests or in FOIA libraries, they must be made publicly available. Examples of (a)(1) records

include:

(1) Descriptions of an agency’s central and field organization and, to the extent they

affect the public, rules of procedure.

(2) Descriptions of forms available.

(3) Instructions as to the scope and contents of papers, reports, or examinations.

(4) Any amendments, revisions, or reports of the aforementioned records.

b. In accordance with Section (a)(1) of the FOIA, each DoD Component will disclose,

through publication in the Federal Register, information describing its organization, functions,

procedures, substantive rules, and statements of general policy.

c. (Added)(AF) SAF/CIO A6XA makes the appropriate (a)(1) materials available

for the Air Force.

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

SECTION 5: EXEMPTIONS 27

SECTION 5: EXEMPTIONS

5.1. GENERAL PROVISIONS.

a. This section is not a thorough or exhaustive explanation of the applicability of the FOIA

exemptions. For more detailed explanations, the DoD Components may consult the Department

of Justice Guide to the Freedom of Information Act (available at http://www.usdoj.gov/oip/foia-

guide.html).

b. Information responsive to a FOIA request will be withheld only if the DoD Component

reasonably foresees that disclosure would harm an interest protected by one or more of the FOIA

exemptions, or disclosure is prohibited by law. Under this standard, the content of a particular

record should be reviewed and a determination made as to whether the DoD Component

reasonably foresees that disclosing it, given its age, content, and character, would harm an

interest protected by the applicable exemption. Mere speculative or abstract fears, or fear of

embarrassment, are an insufficient basis for withholding information.

c. As described in this section, nine types of exempt information in records may be withheld,

in whole or in part, from public disclosure unless otherwise prescribed by law. In general, a

release of a record to one FOIA requester prevents the withholding of the same record pursuant

to a FOIA exemption if the record is later requested by someone else.

d. In applying exemptions, the identity of the FOIA requester and the purpose for the FOIA

request are irrelevant; however, an exemption may not be invoked when the particular interest to

be protected is the FOIA requester’s interest. For example, privacy information concerning an

individual would not be withheld from that individual if they were to request it under the FOIA

unless another FOIA exemption applies.

e. When a DoD Component determines that information contained within a record is exempt

from release, it will consider whether a partial release of the record is possible by taking

reasonable steps to conduct a line-by-line review to segregate and release nonexempt information

contained within the record.

f. If admitting the fact of the existence or nonexistence of a record responsive to a FOIA

request would itself reveal information protected from release by one of the nine exemptions, the

DoD Components must neither confirm nor deny the existence or nonexistence of the requested

record.

(1) This is commonly called a “Glomar” response (for detailed guidance on using this

type of response, see the Department of Justice Guide to the Freedom of Information Act), and

the appropriate exemption must be cited by the DoD Component in the response. This situation

most commonly arises with Exemptions 1, 6, and 7(C); however, it could arise with other

exemptions.

(2) A “refusal to confirm or deny” response must be used consistently by the DoD

Components, not only when a record exists, but also when a record does not exist. If not used

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

SECTION 5: EXEMPTIONS 28

consistently, the pattern of a “no record” response when a record does not exist, and a “refusal to

confirm or deny” when a record does exist, risks disclosing exempt information.

5.2. APPLYING THE FOIA EXEMPTIONS. This paragraph describes the nine types of

exempt information in records and the procedures for applying them.

a. Exemption 1. Pursuant to section (b)(1) of the FOIA, records properly and currently

classified in the interest of national defense or foreign policy, pursuant to an existing Executive

order, are exempt from disclosure. If the responsive information is not marked as classified

when the FOIA request is submitted, the DoD Component may undertake a classification review

in accordance with Volume 1 of DoDM 5200.01 to determine whether the information should be

classified. The FOIA requester will be advised as to which sections of an Executive order apply

in determining that the information is classified. Exemption 1 also is invoked when:

(1) Individual items of unclassified information, when compiled, reveal additional

associations or relationships that meet the standard for classification pursuant to an existing

Executive order and Volume 1 of DoDM 5200.01, and are not otherwise revealed in the

individual items of information. This is known as the “mosaic” or “compilation” approach.

(2) The fact of the existence or nonexistence of a responsive record would itself reveal

information containing classified information. In this situation, the DoD Components must

provide a Glomar response and cite Exemption 1.

(3) (Add)(AF) No FOIA classified release decision should be made without the FOIA

package containing the recommendation/ decision on declassification of the requested classified

record completed by proper Air Force authority. Prior to forwarding to the

FOIA IDA for a

final release decision, declassification reviews of

FOIA requested classified documents will

follow the procedures in AFI 16-1404, Air Force Information Security Program and DoDM

5200.01, DoD Information Security Program, as well other applicable regulation. Further, AFI

16-1404, paragraph 3.5.3., states that if an Air Force organization that was responsible for

classifying an historical document no longer exists, the organization that inherited the function

of the originating organization will determine appropriate declassification action. If the

functions of the originating organization were dispersed to more than one organization, it

cannot be determined which organization should inherit the function, or the organizations

ceased to exist, the Air Force Declassification Office works with the Senior Agency Official

(SAF/AA) to determine the declassification action to be taken. (T-1).

b. Exemption 2. Pursuant to section (b)(2) of the FOIA, records related solely to the

internal personnel rules and practices of the DoD or any of the DoD Components are exempt

from disclosure.

c. Exemption 3. Pursuant to section (b)(3) of the FOIA, records concerning matters that

another statute specifically establishes criteria for withholding are exempt from disclosure.

(1) This exemption allows for the withholding of information because its release is

prohibited by another statute only if one of two disjunctive requirements concerning the statute is

met:

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

SECTION 5: EXEMPTIONS 29

(a) The statute requires that the information be withheld from the public in such a

manner as to leave no discretion on the issue; or

(b) The statute establishes particular criteria for withholding or refers to particular

types of matters to be withheld.

(2) For any statute enacted after October 28, 2009, in order to qualify as an Exemption 3

statute under this paragraph, it must cite to section (b)(3) of the FOIA. The DO&C maintains a

list of Exemption 3 information and statutes used within the DoD on the FOIA section of the

DoD Open Government Website, including, but not limited to:

(a) Personally Identifying Information of DoD Personnel. Section 130b of Title 10,

U.S.C., authorizes the withholding of names, ranks, duty addresses, official titles, and pay

information of DoD personnel (civilian and military) in overseas, sensitive, or routinely

deployable units when this information is requested pursuant to the FOIA. The United States

Special Operations Command and the United States Cyber Command and their components

qualify as sensitive units pursuant to Section 130b of Title 10, U.S.C. Information withheld

pursuant to Exemption 3 and this statute also should be withheld pursuant to Exemption 6.

1. The DoD Components may make discretionary releases of names and duty

information of personnel in overseas, sensitive, or routinely deployable units who, by the nature

of their position and duties, frequently interact with the public. Officials whose identities may be

released include general and flag officers, public affairs officers, other personnel designated as

official command spokespersons, and other senior officials whose identities are known to the

public through the performance of their duties.

(a) (Added)(AF) Each Air Force installation will establish a system and

assign an OPR to identify United States-based units qualifying for the “sensitive or

routinely deployable unit” designation, under this exemption. Appropriate OPR could

include directors of operations, plans and programs, and personnel. (T-1).

(b) (Added)(AF) FOIA Managers will ensure the list of sensitive and

routinely deployable units is reviewed in January and July, and validate the current list or

provide a revised listing based on the current status of deployed units at that time to

SAF/CIO A6XA through MAJCOM FOIA RSC. FOIA RSC will use it to determine the

units to which 10 U.S.C. 130b applies for the purpose of asserting Exemption 3. (T-1).

2. The provision in Paragraph 5.2.c.(2)(a), does not change DoD issuances for

public affairs officers and the rules used by public affairs offices to release information to the

general public and the media. Public affairs offices should continue to release information in

accordance with current DoD issuances, Privacy Act restrictions, and security classifications.

(b) Sensitive Information of Foreign Governments and International Organizations.

Section 130c of Title 10, U.S.C., authorizes the withholding of unclassified sensitive information

of a foreign government or international organization (e.g., the North Atlantic Treaty

Organization, the United Nations, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, the Inter-

American Defense Board, or the International Committee of the Red Cross). DoD Component

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

SECTION 5: EXEMPTIONS 30

IDAs must withhold this information pursuant to Exemption 3 (for procedural instructions, see

Paragraph 6.2.f.(2)) when they make all three of these determinations concerning the requested

information:

1. The information was provided to the DoD by (or produced in cooperation

with) a foreign government or international organization.

2. The information is withheld from public disclosure by the foreign government

or international organization and the foreign government or international organization has made

this representation in writing.

3. Any of these three conditions are met:

a. The foreign government or international organization requests, in writing,

that the information be withheld.

b. The foreign government or international organization provides the

information to the U.S. Government on the condition that it is not released to the public.

c. DoD regulations specify the release of the requested information would

have an adverse effect on the ability of the U.S. Government to obtain the same or similar

information in the future.

130e of Title 10, U.S.C., the Secretary of Defense and the Director of Administration (DA),

Office of the Deputy Chief Management Officer, may exempt CISI from release under the FOIA.

The s asserting the exemption must obtain a written determination from the DA in accordance

with the procedures in Paragraph 6.2.j. before withholding CISI from a FOIA requester. If the

IDA asserting the exemption is from a consulted DoD Component, that DoD Component must

obtain the written DA determination before responding to an closing the consultation.

(d) Military Flight Operations Quality Assurance (MFOQA) System Data File. In

accordance with Section 2254a of Title 10, U.S.C., the Secretary of Defense and the DA may

exempt MFOQA system data files from release under the FOIA. The IDAs asserting the

exemption must obtain a written determination from the DA in accordance with the procedures

in Paragraph 6.2.j. before withholding MFOQA system data file information from a FOIA

requester.

d. Exemption 4. Pursuant to Section (b)(4) of the FOIA, certain non-government financial

information is exempt from disclosure.

(1) This exemption protects:

(a) Trade secrets; or

(b) Information that is:

1. Commercial or financial;

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

SECTION 5: EXEMPTIONS 31

2. Obtained from a person or entity outside of the U.S. Government; and

3. Privileged or confidential.

(2) Commercial or financial information that is voluntarily submitted to the U.S.

Government, absent any exercised authority prescribing criteria for submission, may be

categorically protected, provided it is not customarily disclosed to the public by the submitter.

Examples of exercised authorities prescribing criteria for submission include statutes, Executive

orders, regulations, invitations for bids, requests for proposals, and contracts. DoD Components

should analyze submission of information pursuant to these authorities in accordance with Part

286 of Title 32, CFR.

(3) Commercial or financial information that is not voluntarily provided to the U.S.

Government is considered “confidential” for Exemption 4 if its disclosure is likely to:

(a) Impair the U.S. Government’s ability to obtain necessary information in the

future (known as the “impairment prong”);

(b) Harm an identifiable private or governmental interest; or

information.

(4) Examples of information that may be protected by Exemption 4 include:

(a) Commercial or financial information received in connection with loans, bids,

contracts, or proposals.

(b) Statistical data and commercial or financial information concerning contract

performance, income, profits, losses, and expenditures.

(d) Financial data provided by private employers in connection with locality wage

surveys that are used to fix and adjust pay schedules applicable to the prevailing wage rate of

DoD employees.

(e) Scientific and manufacturing processes or developments concerning technical or

scientific data or other information submitted with applications for research grants or with a

report while research is in progress.

(f) Technical or scientific data developed by a contractor or subcontractor

exclusively at private expense, or developed in part with federal funds and in part at private

expense. The contractor or subcontractor must retain legitimate proprietary interests in such

data, in accordance with Sections 2320 and 2321 of Title 10, U.S.C., and Parts 227.71 and

227.72 of Title 48, CFR. Technical data developed exclusively with federal funds may be

withheld pursuant to Exemption 3 if it meets the criteria of Section 130 of Title 10, U.S.C., and

Parts 227.71 and 227.72 of Title 48, CFR.

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

SECTION 5: EXEMPTIONS 32

(g) Information copyrighted pursuant to Section 106 of Title 17, U.S.C., if release of

copyrighted material otherwise meets the standards of Exemption 4.

(5) When the DoD Components receive FOIA requests for information that could be

protected by this exemption, they will notify the submitter of the information in accordance with

the procedures in Subpart 286.10 of Title 32, CFR.

e. Exemption 5. Pursuant to Section (b)(5) of the FOIA, inter- or intra-agency memoranda

or letters containing information considered privileged in civil litigation are exempt from

disclosure. Merely being an internal record is an insufficient basis for withholding pursuant to

this exemption. To qualify as exempt pursuant to Exemption 5, the document must meet a

particular threshold and must be privileged in the civil discovery context.

(1) Threshold. A document must meet the threshold requirement of being an inter- or

intra-agency document before the proper privilege can be identified in any given case. Because

the U.S. Government may seek expert advice from external entities (or consultants) in many

instances, it is possible that an external entity may qualify as an “agency” for this exemption.

See the Department of Justice Guide to the Freedom of Information Act for further discussion on

this subject.

(2) Privileges. The privileges and types of information protected by Exemption 5

include, but are not limited to:

(a) Deliberative Process Privilege.

1. To qualify for this privilege, the information must be deliberative and pre-

decisional. DoD Components cannot withhold factual information from a FOIA requester

pursuant to this privilege, except when:

a. The author of a document deliberately selects specific facts out of a larger

group of facts and uses only this subset of facts to make a decision, thereby revealing the

author’s internal thought processes; or

b. The factual information is so inextricably connected to the deliberative

material that its disclosure would expose or cause harm to the agency’s deliberations.

2. A direction or order from a superior to a subordinate usually does not qualify

as a deliberative process document if it constitutes guidance on a departmental policy or a

decision. However, correspondence from a superior to a subordinate may qualify if it discusses

preliminary matters or requests information or advice relied upon in the decision-making

process.

3. An agency’s final decision and post-decisional documents related to the

decision cannot be withheld pursuant to the deliberative process privilege.

4. Examples of deliberative process documents include:

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SECTION 5: EXEMPTIONS 33

a. Staff papers, including after-action reports, inspection reports, lessons

learned, and situation reports containing staff evaluations, advice, opinions, or suggestions.

b. Advice, suggestions, or evaluations prepared on behalf of the DoD by

individual consultants or by internal boards, committees, councils, groups, panels, conferences,

commissions, task forces, or other similar groups that are formed for obtaining advice and

recommendations.

c. Drafts of final records.

d. Information of a speculative, tentative, or evaluative nature, or such

matters as proposed plans to procure, lease, or otherwise acquire and dispose of materials, real

estate, facilities, or functions, when such information would provide undue or unfair competitive

advantage to private personal interests or would impede legitimate U.S. Government functions.

e. Agency documents underlying the President’s budget decisions, as

described in Office of Management and Budget Circular No. A-11. This includes planning,

programming, and budgetary information that is involved in the defense planning and resource

allocation process and out-year discretionary data.

5. The deliberative process privilege does not apply to records created 25 years or

more prior to the date of the FOIA request.

(b) Attorney-Client Privilege. This privilege protects confidential communications

between an attorney and a client (or multiple clients that share a common interest) relating to

legal matters for which the client has sought professional advice. The information that the client

supplies to the attorney, the legal advice that the attorney gives to the client in return, and

communications between attorneys that involve client-supplied information are protected by this

privilege. Unlike the deliberative process privilege, the attorney-client privilege mandates the

withholding of all the information, including the facts, unless the client waives the privilege.

an attorney or at an attorney’s direction in reasonable anticipation of litigation. Unlike the

deliberative process privilege, the attorney work product privilege mandates the withholding of

all the information, including the facts. This privilege still can be used after the litigation is

complete.

(d) Government Trade Secret Privilege. This privilege protects trade secrets or other

confidential research, development, or commercial information owned by the U.S. Government,

premature release of which is likely to affect the U.S. Government’s negotiating position or other

commercial interest.

(e) Safety Investigation Privilege. This privilege protects privileged safety

information, as defined in DoDI 6055.07.

(f) Presidential Communications Privilege. This privilege protects communications

among the President and Presidential advisors created to assist the President in the exercise of

non-delegable constitutional duties.

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

SECTION 5: EXEMPTIONS 34

f. Exemption 6. Pursuant to Section (b)(6) of the FOIA, information in personnel and

medical files and similar files, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted

invasion of personal privacy, is exempt from disclosure. If the information qualifies as

Exemption 6 information, there is no discretion in its release.

(1) When considering applying this exemption, the DoD Component must balance the

public interest in disclosure against the individual’s privacy interest. When there is no public

interest in the requested information, the DoD Component may withhold the information even if

there is only a negligible privacy interest. In determining the public interest, the DoD

Component should only consider whether the information sheds light on the operations or

activities of the U.S. Government. The FOIA requester has the burden of showing a public

interest in disclosure.

(2) A privacy interest may exist in personal information even though the information was

previously disclosed but may no longer be in the public’s eye and has faded from memory. This

is known as the concept of “practical obscurity.” In this case, the privacy interest in this type of

situation may have increased over time and the public interest may have decreased over time;

therefore, the DoD Component should now withhold the once-public information, if the balance

of interests has shifted in favor of privacy.

(3) This exemption usually protects home addresses, telephone numbers, and private

e-mail addresses. This includes home addresses and military quarters addresses not associated

with the occupants’ names.

(4) This exemption must not be used in an attempt to protect the privacy of a deceased

person. It may be used to protect the privacy of the deceased person’s surviving family members

if disclosure would rekindle grief, anguish, pain, embarrassment, or result in a disruption of their

peace of mind.

(5) This exemption also applies when the fact of the existence or nonexistence of a

responsive record would itself reveal information containing a privacy interest, and the public

interest in disclosure does not outweigh the privacy interest. In this situation, the DoD

Components must provide a Glomar response and cite Exemption 6.

(6) If a FOIA requester requests information that is about that FOIA requester,

Exemption 6 may not be used to deny privacy information about that individual. However, if

another FOIA requester requests the same information, it should be denied under Exemption 6.

g. Exemption 7. Pursuant to Section (b)(7) of the FOIA, records or information compiled

for law enforcement purposes are exempt from disclosure upon the identification of one of the

six conditions delineated in this paragraph. Law enforcement purposes include civil, criminal,

military, and regulatory/administrative purposes, including the implementation of Executive

orders or regulations issued pursuant to law. A DoD Component may invoke this exemption to

prevent disclosure of documents not originally created, but later gathered, for law enforcement

purposes.

(1) Conditions Where Exemption 7 Applies.

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SECTION 5: EXEMPTIONS 35

(a) Exemption 7(A). Section (b)(7)(A) of the FOIA applies to records compiled for

law enforcement purposes when disclosure could reasonably be expected to interfere with

enforcement proceedings. Determining the applicability of Exemption 7(A) requires a two-step

analysis.

1. DoD Components must identify an ongoing, pending, or prospective law

enforcement proceeding. This would include any subsequent or pending proceedings resulting

from the original proceeding. This exemption cannot be used if an investigation is terminated or

complete.

2. DoD Components must determine whether release of the information could

cause some articulable harm to the law enforcement proceeding. In order to satisfy the

“articulable harm” requirement of Exemption 7(A), there must be some distinct harm that could

reasonably be expected to result if the record or information requested were disclosed.

(b) Exemption 7(B). Section (b)(7)(B) of the FOIA applies to records compiled for

law enforcement purposes when disclosure would deprive a person of the right to a fair trial or to

an impartial adjudication.

law enforcement purposes when disclosure could reasonably be expected to constitute an

unwarranted invasion of the personal privacy of a living person, including surviving family

members of an individual identified in such a record. This exemption also applies when the fact

of the existence or nonexistence of a responsive record would itself reveal information

containing a privacy interest, and the public interest in disclosure does not outweigh the privacy

interest. In this situation, the DoD Components must provide a Glomar response and cite

Exemption 6.

(d) Exemption 7(D). Section (b)(7)(D) of the FOIA applies to records compiled for

law enforcement purposes when disclosure could reasonably be expected to disclose:

1. The identity of a confidential source, including:

a. A source within the DoD;

b. A State, local, or foreign agency or authority; or

c. Any private institution that furnishes the information on a confidential

basis.

2. Information furnished from a confidential source and obtained by a criminal

law enforcement authority in a criminal investigation or by an agency conducting a lawful

national security intelligence investigation.

(e) Exemption 7(E). Section (b)(7)(E) of the FOIA applies to records compiled for

law enforcement purposes when disclosure would reveal:

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

SECTION 5: EXEMPTIONS 36

1. Non-obvious techniques and procedures for law enforcement investigations or

prosecutions; or

2. Guidelines for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions, if such

disclosure could reasonably be expected to risk circumvention of the law.

(f) Exemption 7(F). Section (b)(7)(F) of the FOIA applies to records compiled for

law enforcement purposes when disclosure could reasonably be expected to endanger the life or

physical safety of any individual.

(2) Examples of Exemption 7 Applications.

(a) Statements of witnesses and other material developed during the course of an

investigation and all materials prepared in connection with related government litigation or

adjudicative proceedings may be exempt from disclosure pursuant to Exemptions 7(A), 7(C), and

7(D).

(b) The identity of firms or individuals being investigated for alleged irregularities in

contracting with the DoD, when the United States has obtained no indictment or filed any civil

action against them, may be exempt from disclosure pursuant to Exemptions 7(A) and 7(C).

investigation by a criminal law enforcement activity or a lawful national security intelligence

investigation may be exempt from disclosure pursuant to Exemptions 7(A), 7(C), and 7(D).

National security intelligence investigations include background security investigations and

those investigations conducted to obtain affirmative or counterintelligence information.

(d) Emergency action plans, guidelines for response to terrorist attacks, analyses of

security procedures, and other sensitive information that could prove deadly if obtained by those

seeking to do harm to the public on a large scale may be exempt from disclosure pursuant to

Exemptions 7(E) and 7(F).

h. Exemption 8. Pursuant to Section (b)(8) of the FOIA, records in or related to

examination, operation, or condition reports prepared by, on behalf of, or for the use of any

agency responsible for the regulation or supervision of financial institutions are exempt from

disclosure.

i. Exemption 9. Pursuant to Section (b)(9) of the FOIA, records containing geological and

geophysical information and data (including maps) concerning wells are exempt from disclosure.

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

SECTION 6: FOIA REQUEST PROCESSING 37

SECTION 6: FOIA REQUEST PROCESSING

6.1. GENERAL PROVISIONS.

a. Requests From Private Parties. A FOIA request may be made by any person. It may

not be used by federal agencies seeking official information.

b. Requests From Local or State Government Officials, Congress, and Foreign

Governments.

(1) Local or State government officials, foreign officials requesting on behalf of their

governments, foreign individuals, or foreign organizations requesting DoD Component records

pursuant to the FOIA are treated the same as any other FOIA requester.

(2) The FOIA does not apply to the records of a DoD Component that is an element of

the intelligence community, as defined in Section 401a(4) of Title 50, U.S.C., if the FOIA

request is from an entity or representative of a foreign government.

(3) Requests from members of Congress who are not seeking records on behalf of a

congressional committee or subcommittee, or on behalf of the House of Representatives or the

Senate sitting as a whole, are not FOIA requests and should not be processed through FOIA

channels. However, any release of information will be consistent with a release to any individual

pursuant to the FOIA and its withholding exemptions. In these cases, the member will not be

provided with FOIA appeal rights.

(4) Requests submitted by members of Congress on behalf of a congressional committee

or subcommittee, or on behalf of the House of Representatives or the Senate sitting as a whole,

that are received by a FOIA RSC are referred to the appropriate office that handles legislative

inquiries for processing pursuant to DoDI 5400.04 or supplementing DoD Component issuances.

Such requests are not processed pursuant to the FOIA and withholding exemptions may not

apply.

(5) If a member of Congress chooses to request records pursuant to the FOIA, then the

provisions of Part 286 of Title 32, CFR, and this issuance apply.

(6) Constituent requests for records that are forwarded by members of Congress are

processed as FOIA or Privacy Act requests, as applicable. The member forwarding the request

will be advised of these circumstances.

(7) Requests from officials of foreign governments that do not invoke the FOIA are

referred by the FOIA RSC to the appropriate office authorized to disclose official DoD

information to foreign governments, and the requester is so notified.

(8) (Added)(AF) Requests for records from individual members of Congress are not

normally processed formally under the FOIA (i.e., assigned a FOIA number with

subsequent appeal rights), but are responded to by applying FOIA procedures consistent

with this Manual and AFI 90-401, Air Force Relations With Congress.

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SECTION 6: FOIA REQUEST PROCESSING 38

(9) (Added)(AF) Air Force-affiliated requesters, to include military and civilian

employees, do not use government equipment, supplies, stationery, postage, telephones, or

official mail channels to make FOIA requests. Doing so creates confusion as to whether or

not the request is a personal FOIA request or a functional request. Requests made by an

organization or business must provide a name of their representative when submitting a

request. (T-1).

(10) (Added)(AF) Requests that do not cite the FOIA are also known as

“functional” requests. Air Force elements may receive requests for government

information or records from the public that do not refer to the FOIA. Often these requests

are sent to a Public Affairs Office (PAO), legislative affairs or a specific unit by the media.

All releases of information from Air Force records to the public, whether the requester

cites the FOIA or not, must comply with the principles of the FOIA exemptions. When

responding to requests that do not refer to the FOIA, if the responding element fully or

partially denies the release of information from Air Force records, inform the requester of

the basis for the denial of information but do not formally assert FOIA exemptions. For

example, if redacting personal information, state that information of individuals is

redacted to protect personal information that, if released, would constitute a clearly

unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. In the event the requester asks about how to

contest the withholding of the information, advise the person that a formal FOIA request

can be filed through the appropriate FOIA RSC. (T-1).

(11) (Added)(AF)

FOIA Managers are highly recommended to inform the requester of

the option to accept “clearly releasable” records and define its meaning. Explain to the

requester any information that will be withheld in compliance with the principles of the

FOIA

exemptions in order to expedite processing. Document if a requester states they will accept

“clearly releasable” records. The response letter should inform the requester the basis for the

denial of information but do not formally assert FOIA exemptions. For example, if redacting

personal information, state that information of individuals is redacted to protect personal

information that, if released, would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal

privacy. The redacted portions of responsive documents are removed without listing the

exemption codes. This process does not require IDA approval or legal review and will be

considered a full release. In the event the requester asks about how to contest the withholding

of the information, remind the requester in writing of their appeal rights.

6.2. PROCESSING PROCEDURES.

a. Receipt and Control.

(1) When a FOIA RSC receives a FOIA request, it must open a file in a formal control

system. The formal control system:

(a) Must be designed for accountability and compliance with the FOIA.

(b) Should include the data elements necessary to compile the statistics required by

the annual report.

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SECTION 6: FOIA REQUEST PROCESSING 39

(2) Each request must be assigned a unique tracking number, which will be included in

all correspondence with the requester.

(3) (Added) (AF) The Air Force has implemented an electronic FOIA tracking tool,

called AF eFOIA. In addition, an AF eFOIA Public Access Link (PAL) has also been

established for submission of request to FOIA RSC at

https://www.efoia.af.mil/palMain.aspx.

(4) (Added)(AF) Examples of letters to FOIA requesters (e.g., response

determinations and interim responses) are included in Appendix 1.

(5) (Added)(AF) Refer to the Air Force Records Disposition Schedule located at

https://www.my.af.mil/afrims/afrims/afrims/rims.cfm The general public may also see a

copy of the AF Records Disposition Schedule at http://www.af.mil/information/index.asp

under ―Forms and Publications. The functional OPR or FOIA RSC may keep the records

released or denied. The FOIA RSC keeps the FOIA administrative file for each request in

eFOIA (starting FY10). The FOIA administrative file consists of: the initial request;

tasking to OPR that reply (unredacted and redacted responsive records); memoranda for

record of phone calls or other actions related to the FOIA request; DD Forms 2086, Record

of Freedom of Information Processing Cost, or 2086-1, Record of Freedom of Information

Processing Cost for Technical Data; final response; and any of the following, if applicable:

extension letter; legal opinions; submitter notification letters and replies; the appeal and

required attachments (except for the released or denied records if maintained by the OPR)

and all other correspondence to and from the requester and OPR.

b. Prompt Action on FOIA Requests.

(1) When unusual or exceptional circumstances prevent a FOIA RSC from making a

final response determination within the statutory time period, it will advise the FOIA requester in

writing and provide the requester an opportunity to narrow the scope of the request. FOIA RSCs

will be available, as a matter of good practice, to assist requesters in the formulating of requests.

(a) The FOIA describes unusual circumstances as:

1. The need to search for and collect the requested records responsive from field

offices or other establishments that are separate from the office processing the FOIA request.

2. The need to search for, collect, and appropriately examine a voluminous

amount of separate and distinct records.

3. The need for consultation, which will be conducted with all practicable speed,

with another agency having a substantial interest in the determination of the request or among

two or more DoD Components having substantial subject-matter interest in the records.

(b) The FOIA does not affirmatively explain “exceptional circumstances;” however,

exceptional circumstances do not include a delay that results from predictable component

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

SECTION 6: FOIA REQUEST PROCESSING 40

backlogs, unless the DoD FOIA Program Component demonstrates reasonable progress in

reducing its backlog.

(2) DoD Components receiving a misdirected FOIA request will follow the procedures

in Subpart 286.7 of Title 32, CFR.

(3) DoD FOIA Program Components will provide interim responses when they are

unable to make a final determination within the statutory 20 working days, and should

communicate with the FOIA requester before the final response, if appropriate. These

communications may include acknowledging receipt of the FOIA request and negotiating with

the FOIA requester concerning the scope of the FOIA request, the response timeframe, and the

fee agreement. However, such communications do not constitute a final response determination.

The initial interim response will include, at a minimum:

(a) The date the 20-working-day statutory time period started for the FOIA request.

(b) The tracking number for the FOIA request.

about the processing of the FOIA request.

(4) The statutory time period to make a release determination on a FOIA request usually

begins on the date when the FOIA RSC responsible for the requested records receives the FOIA

request. However, if the FOIA request was originally misdirected to another FOIA RSC, the

timing provisions of Subpart 286.6 of Title 32, CFR, for misdirected requests apply.

(5) The 20-working-day statutory period for responding to a FOIA request begins only

when a perfected FOIA request is received. After this time, a FOIA RSC may toll the statutory

time period for only two reasons. In both situations, the FOIA requester’s response to the DoD

Component’s request ends the tolling period.

(a) The time period may be tolled one time when the FOIA RSC goes back to the

FOIA requester and reasonably asks for additional information (not connected to the assessment

of fees).

(b) The time period may be tolled if it is necessary for the FOIA RSC to clarify

issues regarding fee assessment with the FOIA requester. There is no limit to the number of

times a DoD Component may go back to a FOIA requester to clarify fee assessment issues,

which sometimes may be done in stages as the records are located and processed.

(d) Multi-Track Processing. See Subpart 286.8 of Title 32, CFR.

(1) (Added)(AF) Simple requests can be processed quickly with

limited impact on the responding units. Simple requests clearly identifies the

records with no (or few) complicating factors involved. There are few or no

responsive records. Only one installation is involved and there are no outside

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SECTION 6: FOIA REQUEST PROCESSING 41

OPRs. There are no classified or nongovernment records. No deliberative

process/privileged materials are involved. The responsive records contain no (or limited)

(or limited) personal privacy information and do not come from a Privacy Act system of

records. No time extensions are anticipated.

(2) (Added)(AF) Complex requests take substantial time and cause

significant impact on responding units. With complex requests, complications and delays

are likely. Records sought are voluminous. Multiple organizations must review/coordinate

on requested records. Records may be classified; originated with a nongovernment source;

or are contractor records, etc.

e. Expedited Processing. See Subpart 286.8 of Title 32, CFR.

f. Responsive Documents Originated by a Non-government Source.

(1) Commercial or Financial Information. See Subpart 286.10 of Title 32, CFR.

(2) Foreign Government or International Organization Information. The coordination

provisions of this paragraph apply to the release of responsive information received from foreign

governments or international organizations.

(a) DoD Components should coordinate directly with their foreign government

counterparts when processing foreign government information responsive to a FOIA request.

Coordination also may be made through the Department of State or the specific foreign embassy.

(b) When the DoD Components locate North American Aerospace Defense

Command documents in their files responsive to a FOIA request, they will refer the documents

to the United States Northern Command FOIA RSC, which will consult with the North

American Aerospace Defense Command.

those organizations.

(d) When a foreign government or international organization asks the DoD to

withhold classified information originating with that foreign government or international

organization, it is withheld pursuant to Exemption 1 of the FOIA.

(e) If the DoD Component is asked to withhold sensitive unclassified information

originated by an international organization or foreign government, then the DoD Component

withholds it pursuant to Exemption 3 and references the relevant statute as Section 130c of Title

10, U.S.C. To qualify for withholding, the information must meet these criteria:

1. If the information came into the DoD’s possession or control prior to

October 30, 2000, and more than 25 years prior to receipt of the FOIA request, the DoD

Component notifies the foreign government or international organization of the request for

disclosure. The information then qualifies for withholding only if the foreign government or

international organization requests in writing that the information not be disclosed for a specific

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

SECTION 6: FOIA REQUEST PROCESSING 42

period of time. This date can be extended with a later request by the foreign government or

international organization.

2. If the information came into possession or control of the DoD on or after

October 30, 2000, the information cannot be withheld after the release date specified by the

foreign government or international organization. When one or more foreign governments or

international organizations provided the information, the latest date specified by any of them will

be used. If no release date was specified, and the information came into the possession of the

DoD Component more than 10 years prior to receipt of the FOIA request, the procedures set

forth in Paragraph 6.2.f.(2)(e)1. apply.

g. Processing the Receipt of FOIA Fees. The Treasurer of the United States has

established an account for FOIA receipts, Receipt Account 3210. When depositing the receipts,

the appropriate disbursing office 2-digit prefix must precede the account number. This account

will be used for depositing all FOIA receipts except for those of working capital and non-

appropriated funded activities. Those activities must establish their own procedures for

depositing FOIA receipts to the applicable fund. All checks or money orders remitting FOIA

fees should be made payable to the U.S. Treasurer.

h. Creating a Record. To be subject to the FOIA, a record must exist and be in DoD

possession and control when the DoD Component searches for it. The DoD Components are not

obligated to create, compile, or answer questions to satisfy a FOIA request.

(1) However, in order to provide quality customer service, the DoD Components may

compile a new record when doing so would result in a more useful response to the FOIA

requester and would be less burdensome to the DoD Component than providing existing records.

This could be the case when a FOIA requester wants, for example, a list of all travel locations for

a single senior official. Instead of processing the large number of travel documents, the DoD

Component may wish to compile a list of travel locations extracted from the documents.

(2) Prior to the creation of the document, any such compilation should be coordinated

with and approved by the FOIA requester. The cost of creating or compiling such a record may

not be charged to the FOIA requester unless the fee for creating the record is equal to or less than

the fee that would be charged for providing the existing record. Fee assessments must be in

accordance with Subparts 286.12 and 286.13 of Title 32, CFR.

i. Electronic Records and Searches.

(1) Significant Interference. Section (a)(3)(C) of the FOIA requires DoD Components to

make reasonable efforts to conduct electronic searches for responsive documents, except when

the searches would cause significant interference with the operation of the DoD Components’

automated information systems.

(a) If extensive monetary or personnel resources are needed to conduct an electronic

search, DoD Components should take this into account when determining whether they are

making reasonable efforts to search for electronic records.

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(b) Creating a computer program that produces specific requested fields or records

contained within a well-defined database structure usually constitutes a “reasonable effort.”

However, creating a computer program to merge files with disparate data formats and extract

specific elements from the resultant file is considered a special service rather than a reasonable

effort.

(2) Data Links. The DoD Components are not required to expend DoD funds to

establish data links that provide real-time or near-real-time data to a FOIA requester.

j. CISI and MFOQA Data Files. IDAs may deny CISI and MFOQA system data files

from release under Exemption 3 of the FOIA after the DA has made a written determination that

the information is exempt.

(1) When DoD Components have reason to believe that information responsive to a

FOIA request is CISI or MFOQA system data file information, they will submit a package to the

DA, through the DO&C, recommending exemption of the requested information. If the

information believed to be CISI or MFOQA is the subject of a consultation, and the consulted

DoD Component wishes to assert the exemption, the consulted component will submit the

package for approval before responding to the consultation. The package will contain, at a

minimum:

(a) A cover memorandum from a DoD Component official.

(b) A copy of the initial FOIA request.

system data file information marked. Do not indicate information that will be denied under any

other exemption.

(d) Details on how the information recommended for exemption meets the threshold

of qualifying as CISI or MFOQA system data file.

(e) A thorough explanation of the harm that could reasonably be expected to result if

the information is released. This explanation must be as specific as possible to allow the DA to

make a fully informed determination; however, it should contain only publicly releasable

information since the DA’s determination, accompanied by a statement of the basis for

determination, will be made available on the FOIA section of the DoD Open Government

Website.

(f) Any documentation of the public interest in the release of the information. This

could be provided to the DoD Component by the FOIA requester or other interested parties

supporting the FOIA request.

(g) A draft of the DA determination and statement of the basis for determination.

(2) The DO&C will provide the DA determination and the statement of the basis for the

determination and post it in the FOIA section of the DoD Open Government Website.

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(3) The DoD Component IDA will deny the exempt information and provide a copy of

the determination to the FOIA requester. If the DoD Component denying the information is a

consulted component, the DoD Component that received and is processing the request will make

all necessary notifications to the requester. The FOIA requester will be advised of the right to

appeal to the DoD Component’s appellate authority.

6.3. INITIAL DETERMINATIONS.

a. Denials of Information.

(1) An IDA must make a determination of whether to withhold information responsive to

a FOIA request. The IDA will review the withheld information to determine whether it meets

the criteria for withholding pursuant to one or more of the FOIA exemptions. This determination

may be made upon the recommendation of a review official.

(2) IDA and review officials will not use the existence of classification markings or

distribution limiting statements, such as “For Official Use Only” markings, as justification to

withhold information. Information so marked must be reviewed after the receipt of a FOIA

request to determine if a FOIA exemption allows the withholding of the information.

(3) To deny information in a requested record that is in the possession and control of the

DoD Component, the IDA must determine that one or more of the FOIA exemptions justify

withholding all or part of the record.

(4) A Glomar response constitutes a total denial.

b. Reasons for Denying a FOIA Request Other than Exemptions. The following are

reasons, other than using one or more exemptions, for denying a FOIA request. The DoD FOIA

Program Components will track each reason in its control system database for ease of retrieval

and for its input to the annual report.

(1) No Records. A reasonable search of files failed to identify responsive records, or no

search was undertaken because the DoD Component determined that it would not locate records

responsive to the request.

(2) Referral. The DoD Component has transferred all responsive records to another DoD

Component or federal agency.

(3) Request Withdrawn. The FOIA requester withdraws the FOIA request.

Additionally, when a FOIA RSC sends a communication to ask if a requester still has interest in

the request and the requester does not respond, the FOIA RSC will consider the request as

withdrawn.

(4) Fee-related Reason. The FOIA requester is unwilling to pay fees associated with a

FOIA request; the FOIA requester is past due in the payment of fees from a previous FOIA

request; or the FOIA requester disagrees with the fee estimate.

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SECTION 6: FOIA REQUEST PROCESSING 45

(5) Records not Reasonably Described. A record has not been described with sufficient

particularity to enable the DoD Component to locate it by conducting a reasonable search.

(6) Not a Proper FOIA Request for Some Other Reason. The FOIA requester has failed

unreasonably to comply with procedural requirements, other than fee-related requirements,

imposed by this issuance.

(7) Not an Agency Record. The information requested is not a record within the

meaning of the FOIA.

(8) Duplicate Request. A duplicate request occurs when the FOIA requester asks for the

same information requested in a prior request. If a search for documents responsive to the new

request finds documents created since the search was accomplished for the previous request, then

it is not considered duplicative. This includes identical requests received from the same

requester for the same information through different means (e.g., e-mail, facsimile, mail, courier)

at the same or different times.

(9) Other. The DoD Components may use the following additional reasons for denying

FOIA requests:

(a) Directed Requester to Another Agency. The FOIA request is for another federal

agency’s records (e.g., the Department of State), and the FOIA RSC directs the requester to send

a FOIA request to the appropriate agency. This would include a request for another agency’s

records that are already publicly available.

(b) Litigation. The FOIA request is administratively closed because the FOIA

requester has filed a complaint in federal court. In this case, the FOIA RSC should consult legal

counsel to determine whether to continue processing the FOIA request.

received or processed for annual report purposes.

(d) Unable to Contact Requester. The FOIA RSC is unable to contact the FOIA

requester after several attempts.

c. Responding to FOIA Requesters. All correspondence with FOIA requesters must

include the FOIA request tracking number and the date of the FOIA request.

(1) Grant. When a DoD Component decides to release a record, the FOIA RSC should

make a copy available promptly to the FOIA requester. Directing a FOIA requester on how to

electronically obtain a publicly available DoD record (e.g., a record released under the FOIA and

available in a DoD FOIA Program Component’s FOIA Library) is considered a grant.

(2) Adverse Determination. When a DoD Component provides an adverse determination

in response to a FOIA request, the official designated to respond will comply with the procedures

in Subpart 286.9 of Title 32, CFR.

d. Providing Documents to FOIA Requesters. See Subpart 286.9 of Title 32, CFR.

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SECTION 6: FOIA REQUEST PROCESSING 46

e. Commercial Delivery Services. A FOIA RSC may use a commercial delivery service to

deliver the requested information in a timelier manner if the FOIA requester asks for the service

and pays directly for the service.

6.4. CONSULTATIONS, REFERRALS, AND COORDINATIONS.

a. General Provisions. See Subpart 286.7 of Title 32, CFR.

b. White House Information. DoD FOIA Program Components locating records

originating with or containing White House equities, to include the National Security Council

Staff, will forward the records as a consultation to the Office of Freedom of Information, which

is the FOIA RSC for the OSD/JS. The Office of Freedom of Information will coordinate with

the National Security Council Staff and then return the records to the DoD Component for

response to the FOIA requester.

c. Government Accountability Office (GAO) Information. The GAO is outside the

Executive Branch and not subject to the FOIA. FOIA requests for GAO documents within DoD

files will be processed pursuant to the FOIA. If necessary, the DoD Components will consult

with the GAO on the releasability of the requested information. The DoD Component will make

the final response.

d. (Added)(AF) Consultation. When an Air Force FOIA RSC receives a FOIA request for

an Air Force record that contains classified information in which another federal agency

(including a Combatant Command) has a clear and substantial interest in the subject matter,

consultation with that other organization is required. This can be done verbally or in writing.

In order to comply with the Backlog Reduction Initiative, the Air Force has implemented a

processing procedure to expedite the processing of

FOIA requests for Air Force records

containing classified information in which another federal agency must be consulted. This new

process includes expeditiously closing

FOIA cases for which consultation has been sought.

Process a

FOIA request for a classified Air Force record that contains another federal agency’s

or DoD Component’s equities as follows:

(1) (Added)(AF) Request that the other federal agency or DoD Component respond

within a specified period of time. (T-1).

a. (Added)(AF) If the responsive records consist of 100 or fewer pages, request

the other federal agency or DoD Component to provide its review and proposed release

determination concerning its equities within 30 days of its receipt of the request for

consultation. (T-1).

b. (Added)(AF) If the responsive records consist of more than 100 pages, request

the other federal agency or DoD Component to provide its review and proposed release

determination concerning its equities within 90 days of its receipt of the request for

consultation. (T-1).

c. (Added)(AF) For requests for consultation that are pending upon publication

of this change, contact the other federal agency or DoD Component and request it provide its

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SECTION 6: FOIA REQUEST PROCESSING 47

review and proposed release determination concerning its equities within the periods

specified in paragraph d.(1).a. or d.(1).b., as appropriate, following its receipt of the request

for a response. (T-1).

(2) (Added)(AF) In seeking consultation, the RSC will notify the other federal agency

that the Air Force will release all Air Force releasable information from the record and

withhold all classified information containing the other federal agency’s equities if the other

agency does not reply within the requested timeframe. If the other federal agency has not

replied by the requested date, no other

FOIA exemptions will be claimed to withhold the

other agency‘s classified equities. Only exemption (b)(1) will be used to withhold other

federal agency classified equity information that is marked as classified in the Air Force

document(s). (T-1).

(3) (Added)(AF) Air Force information from the classified record that may be

releasable will be released only after concurrence by the appropriate Air Force classifier and

IDA. If the appropriate classifier and IDA determine it is not in the Air Force’s interest to

release the Air Force unclassified or declassified information from a classified record

containing another agency’s classified or unclassified equities, the case will remain open and

no information will be released from the Air Force record until the other agency(s) has

responded to the Air Force’s consultation request. (T-1).

(4) (Added)(AF) The response letter to the requester will advise the requester of the

Air Force’s release decision with respect to all information withheld by the Air Force,

including information withheld under exemption (b)(1) concerning another federal agency’s

or DoD Component’s classified or unclassified equities contained in the classified record. The

requester will be provided normal appeal rights to the Air Force, and the

FOIA case will be

closed in eFOIA. The requester will not be referred to the other federal agency or DoD

Component (or informed what other federal agencies or DoD Components have equities in

the Air Force record). (T-1).

a. (Added)(AF) If, after the Air Force responded to the requester and closed the

FOIA case, the other federal agency or DoD Component responds to the Air Force

consultation request with a determination that some of the information in which it has an

equity may be released. The RSC will re-open the case, obtain a review of the information

the other federal agency or DoD Component has determined to be releasable by the

appropriate Air Force

OPR and classifier. If the Air Force OPR and classifier determines

that no Air Force interest would be harmed by the disclosure of the information, the RSC

will provide the information to the requester with additional appeal rights. The additional

appeal rights should make clear that an appeal under these circumstances is submitted to the

Air Force. (T-1).

b. (Added)(AF) If, after the Air Force responded to the requester and closed the

FOIA case, the other federal agency or DoD Component responds to the Air Force’s

consultation request with a determination that none of the information in which it has an

equity may be released, the RSC will not further engage the requester or re-open the case.

Document the other federal agencies or DoD Component’s decision in the case file. (T-1).

c. (Added)(AF) If the requester appeals any withholding by the other agency or

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SECTION 6: FOIA REQUEST PROCESSING 48

DoD Component of the other federal agency’s or DoD Component’s equities, notify the

federal agency or DoD Component and forward a copy of the appeal. Do not close the appeal

until the federal agency or DoD Component has responded with their appeal review

determination. (T-1).

(5) (Added)(AF) In seeking consultation, the RSC will notify the other federal

agency that the Air Force will release all Air Force releasable information from the record

and withhold all information containing the other federal agency’s equities if the other

federal agency does not reply within the required timeframe. If the other federal agency has

not replied in the required timeframe, no other

FOIA exemptions will be claimed to

withhold other agency equity information. Exemption (b)(1) will only be used to withhold

other federal agency equity information that is marked as classified in the Air Force

document(s). (T-1).

(6) (Added)(AF) Air Force information from the classified record that may be

releasable will be released only after concurrence by the appropriate Air Force classifier and

IDA. If the appropriate classifier and IDA determine it is not in the Air Force’s interest to

release Air Force unclassified or declassified information from a record containing another

federal agency’s classified equities, the case will remain open and no information will be

released from the Air Force record until the other agency(s) has responded to the Air Force’s

consultation request. (T-1).

(7) (Added)(AF) The response letter to the requester will advise the requester of the

Air Force’s release decision with respect to all information withheld by the Air Force, to

include information withheld under exemption (b)(1) concerning another agency’s equities.

The requester will be provided normal appeal rights to the Air Force, and the

FOIA case

will be closed in eFOIA. The requester will not be referred to the other agency (or informed

what other agencies have equities in the Air Force record) for a determination of the release

of other agency equity information contained in an Air Force record that was redacted and

withheld by the Air Force under this procedure. (T-1).

a. (Added)(AF) If the other federal agency(s) responds to the Air Force’s

consultation request after the Air Force redacted their equity information from the Air

Force record and had closed the

FOIA case, and determined any of their equity information

is releasable, re-open the case and respond to the requester with the other agency’s release

determination and provide additional appeal rights. (T-1).

b. (Added)(AF) If the other federal agency responded with a denial

determination, do not further engage the requester or re-open the

FOIA case, but document

the other agency’s decision in the case file. (T-1).

c. (Added)(AF) In the event the requester appeals, the RSC will re-engage with

the other federal agencies who have equities in the Air Force record to obtain their release

determination as to their equity information. The appeal will not be closed until the other

agency(s) have responded with their release recommendations as to their information

previously withheld by the Air Force. (T-1).

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SECTION 6: FOIA REQUEST PROCESSING 49

6.5. APPEALS. See Subpart 286.11 of Title 32, CFR.

6.5.1. (Added)(AF) FOIA requesters seeking Air Force records must address

appeals to the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, through the FOIA RSC of the IDA

that denied the request. Requestors may submit appeals by mail, email, fax, or online at the

Air Force Public Access Link: https://www.efoia.af.mil/palMain.aspx. Requesters should

attach a copy of the denial letter to their appeal and give reasons for appealing. Air Force

IDA may reconsider any prior denials and may grant all or part of a requester’s appeal.

When any appellate action sought by a FOIA requester is denied by an IDA, the IDA will

include a statement that the issues raised in the appeal were considered and rejected (in full

or in part) in any file sent to the Secretary of the Air Force in the course of a FOIA appeal

action. Send all appeals of IDA decisions at the wing level through the MAJCOM FOIA

RSC for sending to the Secretary of the Air Force’s designated appellate authority,

SAF/GCA (through Air Force Legal Operations Agency [AFLOA/JACL]), for a final

administrative determination.

6.5.2. (Added)(AF) Coordinate appeals with an Air Force attorney (and the OPR, if

appropriate) so they can consider factual and legal arguments raised in the appeal, and can

prepare written assessments of issues raised in the appeal to assist the IDA in considering

the appeal. FOIA RSC (through MAJCOM FOIA RSC) send all appeals to the Secretary

of the Air Force through AFLOA/JACL for consideration, unless the IDA has reconsidered

the initial denial action, and granted the appeal in full as requested by the requester. (T-1).

6.5.3. (Added)(AF) If a requester appeals a "no records" determination,

organizations must search again or verify the adequacy of their first search (for example, if

a second search would be fruitless, the organization may include a signed statement from

either the records OPR or FOIA Manager detailing why another search was not practical).

The appeal package must include documents (to include a certification from the records

OPR) that show how the organization tried to find responsive records. (T-1). In the event a

requester sues the Air Force to contest a determination that no responsive records exist,

formal affidavits may be required to support the adequacy of any searches conducted.

6.5.4. (Added)(AF) If a requester appeals a denial of a fee waiver, fee estimate, or fee

reduction request,

FOIA offices and record OPR must account for actual and estimated costs

of processing a request, and will include copies of the DD Forms 2086 or 2086-1 in the appeal

package.

6.6. FEE SCHEDULE. See Subparts 286.12 and 286.13 of Title 32, CFR.

6.7. FOIA LITIGATION.

a. FOIA requesters may seek an order from a U.S. District Court to compel release of

information after administrative remedies have been exhausted (e.g., when the FOIA requester

has filed an administrative appeal of an adverse action or when the DoD FOIA Program

Component has failed to respond within the time limits prescribed by the FOIA). The

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SECTION 6: FOIA REQUEST PROCESSING 50

Department of Justice “Freedom of Information Act Guide” provides more detailed guidance on

FOIA litigation.

b. If a DoD Component is served with a complaint concerning a FOIA request that is still

open, it will administratively close the FOIA request after consultation with legal counsel.

c. FOIA officers should confer with legal counsel or Department of Justice attorneys on

whether administrative processing should continue and whether it is appropriate to communicate

directly with the FOIA requester or requester’s counsel.

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SECTION 7: EDUCATION AND TRAINING 51

SECTION 7: EDUCATION AND TRAINING

7.1. GENERAL. In accordance with Section (j)(2)(F) of the FOIA, the purpose of the DoD

FOIA educational and training programs is to provide DoD personnel who have FOIA

responsibilities as one of their primary duties, and DoD attorneys, with the knowledge and skills

necessary to ensure compliance with the FOIA. Fulfilling this purpose will improve customer

service to members of the public and improve the public trust in the DoD.

7.2. PROCEDURES.

a. The DO&C establishes a DoD FOIA educational and training program to provide

personnel involved in the day-to-day processing of FOIA requests with a thorough understanding

of the provisions and requirements of Part 286 of Title 32, CFR, the FOIA, and this issuance.

b. Each DoD FOIA Program Component designs its FOIA educational and training

programs to fit the particular requirements of its personnel, dependent upon their degrees of

involvement in implementing the FOIA. These programs will service two target audiences.

(1) Personnel whoare involved in the day-to-day processing of FOIA requests.

(2) Staff personnel who provide search or review staff-support to the DoD FOIA

Program Component FOIA process.

c. (Added)(AF) FOIA Managers and anyone who processes FOIA request are required

to complete annual FOIA Computer Based Training (CBT). It is also highly encouraged

that FOIA monitors, OPR and IDA complete the annual training. Initial training should

be completed within 5 days of appointment for all FOIA personnel. (T-1).

d. (Added)(AF) When the SAF/CIO A6XA Annual FOIA Conference/Information

Access Professional Workshop is funded/approved, all FOIA Managers are highly

encouraged to attend. The Information Access Professional Workshop provides education

and training on current statutory, regulatory, and directive-based FOIA, Privacy, Records

Management, Information Collections, Section 508, and various other programs. The

overall goal of the conference/workshop is to enhance the ability of the AF FOIA Managers

to comply with CIO governance requirements. Individuals who perform duties at any

levels in the Air Force Information Access Programs are encouraged to participate.

7.3. SCOPE AND PRINCIPLES. The programs will:

a. Familiarize personnel with the requirements of the FOIA and its implementation by Part

286 of Title 32, this issuance, and respective DoD FOIA Program Component issuances.

b. Instruct personnel who act in FOIA matters on the provisions of Part 286 of Title 32 and

this issuance, and advise them of the legal hazards involved in and the strict prohibition against

arbitrary and capricious withholding of information.

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SECTION 7: EDUCATION AND TRAINING 52

c. Provide procedural and legal guidance and instruction to initial denial and appellate

authorities concerning the discharge of their responsibilities.

7.4. IMPLEMENTATION. To ensure uniformity of interpretation, the DoD FOIA Program

Components will coordinate their educational and training programs with the DO&C.

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

GLOSSARY 53

GLOSSARY

G.1. ACRONYMS.

CFR

Code of Federal Regulations

CISI

Critical Infrastructure Security Information

Director of Administration

DO&C

Directorate for Oversight and Compliance

DoDD

DoD directive

DoDI

DoD instruction

DoDM

DoD manual

FOIA

Freedom of Information Act

GAO

Government Accountability Office

IDA

initial denial authority

MFOQA

military flight operations quality assurance

OGIS

Office of Government Information Services

RSC

Requester Service Center

U.S.C.

United States Code

G.2. DEFINITIONS. Unless otherwise noted, these terms and their definitions are for the

purpose of this issuance.

administrative appeal. A request by a member of the public, made pursuant to the FOIA,

asking the appellate authority of a DoD Component to reverse, modify, or reconsider any adverse

determination.

adverse determination. Defined in Subpart 286.9 of Title 32, CFR.

agency record. Includes all documents or records created or obtained by a U.S. Government

agency that are in the agency’s possession and control at the time a FOIA request is received.

Four factors determine an agency’s control:

The intent of the creator of the document to retain control over the record.

The ability of the agency to use and dispose of the record as it sees fit.

The extent to which agency personnel have read or relied upon the document.

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

GLOSSARY 54

The degree to which the document was integrated into the agency’s record systems or files.

Records maintained by a government contractor for records management purposes are

considered in the DoD Component’s possession. Records created by an agency employee during

employment, including e-mails, may be either agency records or personal files.

Examples of agency records include:

Research data produced during the performance of a federal grant used by the U.S.

Government in developing an agency action that has the force and effect of law, in accordance

with Office of Management and Budget Circular No. A-110.

All recorded information, regardless of form or characteristics. “Form or characteristics”

refers to physical media type or transmission mode desired by the FOIA requester (e.g.,

computer disk, computer tape, file transfer protocol, photographs, videotape, and microfiche).

Examples of agency records do not include:

Objects or articles such as structures, furniture, vehicles, and equipment, whatever their

historical value or value as evidence.

Anything that is not a tangible or documentary record, such as an individual’s memory or

oral communication.

Personal files.

The definition of an agency record under the FOIA is more expansive than the definition of a

federal record. For example, documents such as drafts and working files are not considered

official records, but are still agency records responsive to FOIA requests.

appellate authority. The DoD FOIA Program Component head, or designee, having

jurisdiction to review and possibly reverse, remand, or amend any adverse determination.

CISI. Defined in Section 130e(c) of Title 10, U.S.C.

consultation. The process whereby, in certain situations, a federal agency transfers a FOIA

responsive document to another federal agency or non-government entity to obtain

recommendations on the releasability of the document. After review, the document is returned to

the original agency for response to the FOIA requester or further review.

Defense Criminal Investigative Organization. A DoD Component that conducts criminal

investigations. These are the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, Naval Criminal

Investigative Service, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and Defense Criminal

Investigative Service.

deliberative. Having the function of deliberating.

electronic records. Records (including e-mail) created, stored, and retrievable by electronic

means.

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

GLOSSARY 55

federal agency. Defined in Section 552(f)(1) of Title 5, U.S.C.

first-party requester. A FOIA requester that is requesting information that is about themselves.

FOIA Public Liaison. A supervisory official to whom a FOIA requester can raise concerns

about the service the FOIA requester receives from a FOIA RSC and who is responsible for

assisting in reducing delays, increasing transparency and understanding of the status of requests,

and assisting in the resolution of disputes.

FOIA request. A written request for agency records that reasonably describes the records

sought, enabling a DoD Component employee familiar with the files to locate the records with a

reasonable amount of effort.

FOIA requester. Any person, including a partnership, corporation, association, State or State

agency, foreign government, foreign national, or a lawyer or other representative acting on

behalf of any person who submits a FOIA request. This definition specifically excludes agencies

within the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government.

FOIA RSC. A DoD Component office that receives FOIA requests from and responds directly

to the public on the status of their request.

form. The storage media that hold content in digital form on which responsive information is

provided to FOIA requesters. Examples are electronic documents, audiovisual material on tape,

and all storage media that hold content in digital form and that are written and read by a laser

(e.g., all the various compact disk and digital video disk variations).

format. A layout for data.

Glomar response. A response to a FOIA request where the DoD Component neither confirms

nor denies the existence or nonexistence of records responsive to the FOIA request.

IDA. An official who has been granted authority by a DoD Component head to withhold

information requested pursuant to the FOIA for one or more of the nine categories of records

exempt from mandatory disclosure, as described in Section 5.

inherently governmental activity. A function that is so intimately related to the public interest

as to require performance by U.S. Government personnel because it requires the exercise of

discretion in applying government authority or the making of value judgments in making

decisions for the U.S. Government.

international organization. Defined in Section 130c(h)(3) of Title 5, U.S.C.

MFOQA system data file. Defined in Section 2254(a)(2) of Title 10, U.S.C.

Military Department counterintelligence organization. An element within a Military

Department that is authorized to conduct counterintelligence investigations. They are Army

Counterintelligence, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the Air Force Office of Special

Investigations.

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

GLOSSARY 56

misdirected FOIA request. A FOIA request for DoD records that is addressed to FOIA RSC

that is not itself the FOIA RSC to process the request. For example, a FOIA requester sends a

request for an Air Force contract to the Navy.

neutral. An individual who, with respect to an issue in controversy, functions specifically to aid

the parties in resolving the controversy.

non-responsive. Information or records not requested by a FOIA requester.

perfected FOIA request. A FOIA request that arrives at the FOIA RSC of the DoD Component

in possession of the records. The statutory time limit for responding to a FOIA request does not

begin until it is perfected.

person. Defined in Section 551(2) of Title 5, U.S.C.

personal file. Documents unrelated to the conduct of agency business or indirectly related to

agency business but outside the scope of agency records. A personal file is not subject to the

FOIA. FOIA case law predominantly refers to personal files as personal records. Examples

include:

Business or professional files created before entering U.S. Government service; files created

during or relating to previously held positions, political materials, and reference files.

Private files brought into, created, or received in the office; family and personal

correspondence; and materials documenting professional activities and outside business or

political pursuits, including manuscripts and drafts for articles and books and volunteer and

community service records that are considered personal, even if created or received while in

office, because they do not relate to agency business.

Work-related personal files, including e-mails, diaries, journals, notes, and personal

calendars and appointment schedules. Though work-related, these files may be personal if they

are used only as reminders and personal observations on work-related topics and not for the

transaction of government business.

pre-decisional information. Information created before the decision maker reached a final

decision.

Privacy Act request. Defined in DoD 5400.11-R.

Privacy Act system of records. Defined in DoD 5400.11-R.

referral. The process whereby a DoD FOIA Program Component receiving a FOIA request

locates documents originating with another DoD Component or federal agency. Accordingly,

the FOIA request and documents are transferred to the originating DoD Component or federal

agency for response directly to the FOIA requester.

responsive. Information or agency records requested by a FOIA requester.

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

GLOSSARY 57

(Added)(AF) Third-party requester. A requester seeking records that contain personal

information about another individual.

toll. To delay, suspend, or hold off the effects of a statute.

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

REFERENCES 58

REFERENCES

Code of Federal Regulations, Title 32, Part 286

Code of Federal Regulations, Title 48

Department of Justice “Guide to the Freedom of Information Act,” current edition

Department of Justice, Office of Information Policy, FOIA Update, Vol. XVI, No. 3,

“Determining the Scope of a FOIA Request,” January 1, 1995

Deputy Secretary of Defense Memorandum, “Reorganization of the Office of the Deputy Chief

Management Officer,” July 11, 2014

DoD 5230.30-M, “DoD Mandatory Declassification Review (MDR) Program,” December 22,

2011

DoD 5400.11-R, “Department of Defense Privacy Program,” May 14, 2007

DoD Directive 5100.03, “Support of the Headquarters of Combatant and Subordinate Unified

Commands,” February 9, 2011

DoD Directive 5105.53, “Director of Administration and Management (DA&M),”

February 26, 2008

DoD Directive 5105.82, “Deputy Chief Management Officer (DCMO) of the Department of

Defense,” October 17, 2008

DoD Directive 5400.07, “DoD Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Program,” January 2, 2008

DoD Instruction 1100.22, “Policy and Procedures for Determining Workforce Mix,”

April 12, 2010

DoD Instruction 5400.04, “Provision of Information to Congress,” March 17, 2009

DoD Instruction 6055.07, “Mishap Notification, Investigation, Reporting, and Record Keeping,”

June 6, 2011

DoD Manual 5200.01, Volume 1, “DoD Information Security Program: Overview,

Classification, and Declassification,” February 24, 2012

DoD Manual 8910.01, Volume 1, “DoD Information Collections Manual: Procedures for DoD

Internal Information Collections,” June 30, 2014, as amended

Office of Federal Procurement Policy Letter 11-01, “Performance of Inherently Governmental

and Critical Functions,” September 12, 2011

Office of Management and Budget Circular No. A-11, “Preparation, Submission, and Execution

of the Budget,” June 2015

Office of Management and Budget Circular No. A-76, “Performance of Commercial Activities,”

May 29, 2003

Office of Management and Budget Circular No. A-110, “Uniform Administrative Requirements

for Grants and Other Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other

Non-profit Organizations,” September 20, 1999

United States Code, Title 5

United States Code, Title 10

Available at: https://www.justice.gov/oip/doj-guide-freedom-information-act

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

REFERENCES 59

United States Code, Title 17, Section 106

United States Code, Title 50, Section 401a(4)

(Added)(AF) AFPD 33-3, Air Force Information Management, 21 June 2016

(Added)(AF) AFI 17-100, Air Force Information Technology (IT) Service Management, 15

September 2016

(Added)(AF) AFI 33-332, Air Force Privacy Program, published date, 17 November 2016

(Added)(AF) AFI 33-360, Publications and Forms Management, 1 December 2015

(Added)(AF) AFI 35-101, Public Affairs Responsibilities and Management, 12 January 2016

(Added)(AF) AFI 35-102, Security Policy and Review Process, 7 June 217

(Added)(AF) AFMAN 33-363, Management of Records, 9 June 2016

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

REFERENCES 60

(ADDED) (AF) APPENDICES

(Added)(AF) APPENDIX 1

SAMPLES, AIR FORCE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROCESSING

DOCUMENTS

AP1.1. GENERAL. This appendix includes suggested language in paragraph format that

tracks Air Force and DoD Freedom of Information Act guidance. The rest of the body of

letters and memorandums should comply with Air Force administrative guidance. Each

MAJCOM may elect to prepare their own verbiage to meet their specific needs, so long as

FOIA processing actions are consistent with guidance in DoDM 5400.07 and this AFMAN.

In this appendix, language in italics is for explanatory purposes only. DO NOT include any

of the italicized language of this appendix in your FOIA correspondence. When optional

language must be selected, the optional language will be presented within brackets. Use

only the portions that apply to the specific request or response.

AP1.2. INITIAL RECEIPT OF FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUEST.

“We received your FOIA request dated ## Month year, for (summarize the request) on ##

Month year (date received). We will provide you our release determination by (enter date

that is 20 workdays from date you received the request). [Based on our initial review, we

believe we cannot process your request within 20 workdays.] (If “cannot” is used, add

appropriate explanation; examples follow.) Please contact (name and commercial

telephone number) if you have any questions and refer to case number#######.”

AP1.3 INTERIM RESPONSE.

“Your request will be delayed because: all or part of the responsive records are not located

at this installation; (and/or) Processing this FOIA request will require us to collect and

review a substantial number of records (and/or) Other Air Force activities or other

agencies (if applicable) to include the submitter of the information, need to be involved in

deciding whether or not to release the responsive records. We expect to reply to your

request not later than (give a date that is not more than 30 workdays from the initial receipt

of the request); (or) (If processing the FOIA request will take more than the allowed time

limits to respond). We find we are unable to meet the time limits imposed by the FOIA in

this instance because (tell the requester the reason for the delay) (example: the records are

classified and must be reviewed for possible declassification by other activities or agencies).

We anticipate completing your request by (date).

(When charging fees is appropriate), “The FOIA provides for the collection of fees based

on the costs of processing a FOIA request and your fee category. Based on the

information in your request, we have determined your fee category is

[commercial/educational or noncommercial scientific institution or news media/all

others]. As a result, you (if commercial category) are required to pay all document search,

review and duplication costs over $25.00. (or) As a result, you (if educational or

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

REFERENCES 61

noncommercial scientific institution or news media ) will be provided the first one

hundred (100) pages free of charge; you are required to pay any duplication costs over

and above those amounts. (or) As a result, you (if all others) will be provided the first two

(2) hours of search time and the first one hundred (100) pages free of charge; you are

required to pay any search and duplication costs over and above those amounts.”

AP1.4. REQUEST FOR A MORE SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION.

“Your request does not sufficiently describe the desired records. The FOIA applies to

existing Air Force records; without more specific information from you, we cannot

identify what documents might be responsive to your request. Please give us whatever

additional details you may have on the Air Force records you want. Can you tell us when

the records were created, and what Air Force element may have created the records? If

this request involves an Air Force contract, do you know the contract number and dates

it covered? Our address is (include name and complete mailing address), our fax number

is (give fax number) our e-mail address is (optional - give complete e-mail address). Based

on the original request you sent us, we are unable to respond.”

AP1.5. SINGLE LETTER ACKNOWLEDGING RECEIPT OF REQUEST AND GIVING

FINAL RESPONSE (If you can complete a FOIA request within the statutory 20-workday

processing period, Air Force elements may elect to send a single letter to the requester, along

with responsive records which are released to the requester in full).

“We received your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request dated ## Month year,

for (summarize the request) on ## Month year (date received). A copy (or) Copies of

(describe the record(s) being released) [is/are] releasable and [is/are] attached.”

AP1.6. COLLECTION OF FEES.

“The FOIA provides for the collection of fees based on the costs of processing a FOIA

request and your fee category. We have placed you in the (enter the fee category) fee

category. In your case, we have assessed a charge of $ for processing your request.

The fee was calculated in the following manner: (Give a detailed cost breakdown: for

example, 15 pages of reproduction at $0.15 per page; 5 minutes of computer search time at

$43.50 per minute, 2 hours of professional level search at $48 per hour.) Please make your

check payable to “U.S. Treasurer” and send it to (give your complete mailing address) by

(date 30 days after the letter is signed). (or) The FOIA provides for the collection of fees

based on the costs of processing a FOIA request and your fee category. We have placed you

in the (enter the fee category); however, in this case, we have waived collecting fees.”

AP1.7. MULTITRACK PROCESSING LETTERS TO FOIA REQUESTERS (When using

the multitrack FOIA processing system, determine which of the following paragraphs to

include in your letters to the requester. To the extent it may apply, include language from

paragraph 2 of the sample. If a requester asks for expedited processing, answer carefully if

you decide not to provide expedited processing, because requesters may appeal denial of their

request for expedited processing. Advise requestors placed into the complex track in writing

how they can simplify their request to qualify for the simple track.)

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REFERENCES 62

“We received your FOIA request dated ## Month year, for (summarize the request) on ##

Month year (date received). Because our organization has a significant number of pending

FOIA requests, which prevents us from making a response determination within 20

workdays, we have instituted multitrack processing of requests. Based on the information

you provided, we have placed your request in the [simple or complex] track. We have

assigned number ##### to identify your request; should you need to contact us about your

request, please write or call (name and telephone) and use this number to assist us in

responding more promptly.

AP1.8. IF THE REQUEST IS PLACED IN THE COMPLEX TRACK.

“In your case, processing your request is complex because (give basic reasons this is a

complex case: request was vague or complicated; the records sought are voluminous;

multiple organizations will have to work on this request; records are classified; responsive

records came from another command/another service/a nongovernment source; responsive

records were part of the Air Force's decision-making process, and the prerelease review will

require policy determinations from different Air Force elements; records describe law

enforcement activities; records involve foreign policy issues; due to the nature of your

request and/or the nature of our computer system, responding to your request or providing a

response in the electronic format you requested will be technically complex, etc.).

Simplifying your request might permit quicker processing in the following ways: (describe

ways the search could be narrowed to fewer records, or ways policy issues could be avoided,

etc.) Can you tell us when the records were created, and what Air Force element may have

created the records? If this request involves an Air Force contract, do you know the

contract number? Please give us whatever additional details you may have on the Air

Force records you are seeking, so we can attempt to streamline the processing of your

request. Our address is (give complete mailing address), our fax number is (give fax

number) our e-mail address is (optional - give complete e-mail address).”

AP1.9. IF THE REQUESTER ASKS THAT YOU EXPEDITE THEIR REQUEST:

“Because individuals receiving expedited processing may receive a response before other

earlier requesters, there are administrative requirements you must meet before we can

expedite a request. In your request, you asked that we expedite processing. In order for us

to expedite a request, the requester must provide a statement certifying the reasons

supporting their request are true and correct to the best of their knowledge.

“There are four categories of requests eligible for expedited processing. We can expedite

your request if you demonstrate you need the information because (1) failure to obtain the

records on an expedited basis could pose an imminent threat to life or physical safety of an

individual; or (2) the information is urgently needed by an individual primarily engaged in

disseminating information in order to inform the public about actual or alleged Federal

Government activity; or (3) failure to obtain the records on an expedited basis could lead to

an imminent loss of substantial due process rights, or (4) release would serve a

humanitarian need by promoting the welfare and interests of mankind.

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REFERENCES 63

“In the second category, "urgently needed" means the information itself has a particular

value that it will lose if it is not disseminated quickly. Ordinarily this means the

information concerns a breaking news story of general public interest. Historic

information, or information sought for litigation or commercial activities usually would not

qualify for expedited processing in the second category. Also, the fact that a news

organization has an internal broadcast or publication deadline, so long as the deadline was

unrelated to the nature of the information itself (for example, the information was not a

breaking news story of general public interest), this would not make the information

"urgently needed."

“In this case, we have determined your FOIA request [will /will not] receive expedited

processing. We came to this conclusion because you [did /did not] demonstrate you needed

the information because failure to obtain the records on an expedited basis [could or could

not] reasonably expect to pose an imminent threat to life or physical safety of an

individual (or) the information [is or is not] urgently needed in order to inform the public

about actual or alleged Federal Government activity (or) failure to obtain the records on

an expedited basis [could or could not] reasonably expect to lead to an imminent loss of

substantial due process rights, (or) release [would or would not] serve a humanitarian

need by promoting the welfare and interests of mankind (and/or) your request for

expedited processing did not meet the statutory requirements of the FOIA; you did not

provide enough information to make a determination of compelling need for the

information you requested (and/or) you did not properly certify your request.”

AP1.10. IF YOU DENY A REQUEST FOR EXPEDITED PROCESSING:

“If you consider our decision not to expedite your request incorrect, you may appeal our

decision. Include in your appeal letter the reasons for reconsidering your request for

expedited processing, and attach a copy of this letter. Address your appeal to: Secretary of

the Air Force through (address of FOIA RSC) or submit online at the Air Force Public

Access Link, https://www.efoia.af.mil/palMain.aspx.

“In the meantime, we will continue to process your request in the [simple/complex]

processing track.”

“You may also contact the Air Force FOIA Public Liaison Officer, Ms. Anh Trinh,

concerning this response at AF FOIA Public Liaison Office (SAF/CIO A6XA), 1800 Air

Force Pentagon, Washington, DC 20330-1800, usaf.pentagon.saf-cio-a6.mbx.af-

[email protected] or (703) 614-8500. Additionally, you may contact the Office of Government

Information Services (OGIS) at the National Archives and Records Administration to

inquire about the FOIA mediation services they offer. The contact information for OGIS is

as follows: Office of Government Information Services, National Archives and Records

Administration, 8601 Adelphi Road-OGIS, College Park, Maryland 20740-6001, e-mail at

[email protected]; telephone at 202-741-5770; toll free at 1-877-684-6448; or facsimile at 202-

741-5769”.

AP1.11. CERTIFICATION, COMPUTER SYSTEMS MANAGER (ELECTRONIC

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

REFERENCES 64

RECORDS OR FORMAT REQUESTED) (When answering a request for electronic records,

based on the configuration of your hardware and/or software, certain factors may make a

particular request complex. Have your computer system manager advise you whether or not

they can create the new record/format on a "business as usual" basis. If producing the

record/format would entail a significant expenditure of resources in time and manpower that

would cause significant interference with the operation of the information system and adversely

affect mission accomplishment, you do not need to process the request. The FOIA RSC needs

to get a certification from the computer systems manager to document this determination to

support their response. Possible language for this certification is provided below.)

“I, (rank/grade and name) am the computer systems manager for (organization with

electronic records responsive to FOIA request). In consultation with (FOIA office), I have

considered the FOIA request of (requester's name), our ##### (FOIA identifier), which asked

for(describe electronic record or format). We [do/do not] have electronic records that are

responsive to this request (or) data that we [can/cannot] configure into the requested

format.

(If there are electronic records) The existing electronic records [do/do not] contain non-

releasable data that we [can/cannot] remove from the electronic record. Because of the way

our [computer system/database/software] (use all that apply, specify hardware and/or software

nomenclature if possible; for example, IBM ###, Microsoft Excel) is configured, creating the

electronic record (or) modifying the existing record/format would entail a significant

expenditure of resources in time and manpower that would cause significant interference with

the operation of the information system and adversely affect mission accomplishment (describe

how responding would interfere and time/manpower resources required, give estimated

reprogramming time, if possible). I understand that when the capability exists to respond to a

FOIA request that would require only a business as usual approach to electronically extract the

data and compile an electronic record or reformat data to satisfy a FOIA request, then

creation of the electronic record or reformatting the data would be appropriate. In this case, a

significant expenditure of resources and manpower would be required to compile the electronic

record (or) reformat existing data. This activity would cause significant interference with the

operation of our automated information system. I certify creation of the electronic record (or)

reformatting existing data in order to respond to this request would not be reasonable, under

the circumstances.”

Signature

(Date Signed) (Signature Block)

(NOTE: Some electronic data requests may include a request for software. You may

have to release government-developed software that is not otherwise exempt, if requested

under the FOIA. Exemptions 1 -classified software, 2 -testing, evaluation, or similar

software, 3-exempt by statute, 5- deliberative process/privileged software, and 7 -law

enforcement operations software may apply, based on the nature of the requested

software. If the software is commercial off-the-shelf software, as opposed to software

developed by the government, the software may qualify to be withheld from release under

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

REFERENCES 65

FOIA exemption 4. See paragraph C3.2.1.5.7 which would permit withholding of:

"Computer software copyrighted under the Copyright Act of 1976 (17 U.S.C. 106) (reference

(reference (t)), the disclosure of which would have an adverse impact on the potential market

value of a copyrighted work."

AP1.12. "NO (PAPER OR ELECTRONIC) RECORDS" OR "REQUESTED FORMAT

NOT AVAILABLE" LETTERS

“This is in response to your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request dated ##

Month year, for (summarize the request) on ## Month year (date received), our number

#####.

“A thorough search by (identify the unit(s) that tried to locate responsive records) did

not locate any records responsive to your request. (If the requester asked questions, and

there are no responsive records that would provide the answers to those questions): The FOIA

applies to existing Air Force records; the Air Force need not create a record in order to

respond to a request.”

(OR)

“A thorough assessment by the OPR and the computer systems manager has determined we

cannot provide the [electronic record data] in the format you requested. (If this can be done

on a "business as usual basis”): [Paper copies American Standard Code for Information

Interchange (ASCII) files] of the data you requested are attached.

“If you interpret this "no records" response as an adverse action, you may appeal it in

writing to the Secretary of the Air Force or submit your appeal on line at the Air Force’s

Public Access Link: www.efoia.af.mil/palMain.aspx. If writing, your appeal should be

postmarked no later than 90 calendar days from the date of this letter. Address your

letter as follows:

Secretary of the Air Force

Thru: (Freedom of

Information Act Requester

Service Center)

(mailing address)

“You may also contact the Air Force Freedom of Information Act Public Liaison Officer,

Ms Anh Trinh, concerning this response at AF FOIA Public Liaison Office (SAF/CIO

A6XA), 1800 Air Force Pentagon, Washington, DC 20330-1800, usaf.pentagon.saf-cio-

[email protected] or (703) 614-8500. Additionally, you may contact the Office of

Government Information Services (OGIS) at the National Archives and Records

Administration to inquire about the FOIA mediation services they offer. The contact

information for OGIS is as follows: Office of Government Information Services, National

Archives and Records Administration, 8601 Adelphi Road-OGIS, College Park, Maryland

20740-6001, e-mail at [email protected]; telephone at 202-741-5770; toll free at 1-877-684-

6448; or facsimile at 202-741-5769”.

“The FOIA provides for the collection of fees based on the costs of processing a FOIA request

DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302 27 APRIL 2018

REFERENCES 66

and your fee category. We have placed you in the (enter category) fee category; however, in

this case, we have waived fees. (If paper copies or ASCII files are provided: ) The FOIA

provides for the collection of fees based on the costs of processing a FOIA request and your fee

category. In your case, as a requester in the fee category of (add appropriate category), we

have assessed a charge of $ for processing your request. The fee was calculated in the

following manner: (Give a detailed cost breakdown: for example, 15 pages of reproduction

at $0.15 per page; 5 minutes of computer search time at $43.50 per minute, 2 hours of

professional level search at $48 per hour.) Please make your check payable to U. S. Treasurer

and send it to (give your complete mailing address) by (date 30 days after the letter is

signed).”

AP1.13. REFERRAL OR COORDINATION LETTERS. (These letters are to tell the

requester all or part of the request was referred to another Air Force organization, to

refer or coordinate the request to another federal government organization, and to advise

a nongovernment submitter a FOIA request was received for information they submitted.)

AP1.13.1 Letter to Requester.

(If all or part of a request has been referred, write to the requester:) “Your FOIA request

dated ## Month year, for (summarize the request) received on ## Month year (date received),

our number #####, was referred (or) must be coordinated with (give mailing address of the

FOIA office to which you are referring all or part of the request, the identity of the federal

government organization you are either coordinating with or are referring all or part of the

request to, or that you must coordinate with the nongovernment submitter of responsive

information). (On referrals:) That office will process [all/part] of your request (describe

which part is being referred if the entire request is not being referred) and they will respond

directly to you. (On coordinations:) That organization has a significant interest in the

records (or) created the records that may answer to your request. (Before notifying a

requester of a referral to another DoD component or federal agency, consult with them to

determine if their association with the material is exempt. If so, protect the association and

any exempt information without revealing the identity of the protected activity.) (When a

nongovernment submitter is involved) The nongovernment submitter of information that

may answer your request needs time to respond to the possible release of information

under the FOIA.

“Because we must refer (or) coordinate your request outside our organization, your

request will be delayed. We will determine whether any records are available; as soon as

is practicable, a decision will be made whether to release or to withhold from disclosure

any responsive records under the FOIA, Title 5 United States Code Section 552. Your

request will be processed as expeditiously as circumstances permit.”

“You may also contact the Air Force FOIA Public Liaison Officer, Ms. Anh Trinh,

concerning this response at AF FOIA Public Liaison Office, 1800 Air Force Pentagon,

Washington, DC 20330-1800, usaf.pentagon.saf-cio-a6.[email protected] or (703) 614-

8500. Additionally, you may contact the Office of Government Information Services

(OGIS) at the National Archives and Records Administration to inquire about the FOIA

mediation services they offer. The contact information for OGIS is as follows: Office of

Government Information Services, National Archives and Records Administration, 8601

Adelphi Road-OGIS, College Park, Maryland 20740-6001, e-mail at [email protected];

telephone at 202-741-5770; toll free at 1-877-684-6448; or facsimile at 202-741-5769”.

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AP1.13.2. Letter To Another Government Agency.

(If all or part of a request was referred or requires coordination, write to the government

entity):

“On ## Month year (date received), our organization received a FOIA request from (identity

of requester), attachment 1, dated ## Month year, for (summarize the request). Based on our

assessment of that request, our number #####, we need to [refer/coordinate] [all/part] of

that request to you (describe which part is being referred or coordinated, if it was not the

entire request). (Name and phone number of person who agreed to the referral or

coordination) accepted this referral (or) coordination action was on (date). We notified the

requester of this action.

“We [do/do not] hold records responsive to this request. (If do hold is used:) Copies of

responsive records located in our files are included at Attachment 3 to assist you in

making your assessment on the releasability of [our/your] related records. If you need to

address), our fax number is (give fax number) our e-mail address is (give complete e-mail

address).”

AP1.13.3. Letter To Submitter of Contract-Related Information.

(If contractor-submitted information is involved, write to the submitter :) “On ## Month year

(date received), our organization received a FOIA request from (identity of requester), our

number #####, dated ## Month year, for (summarize the request). Information you

submitted to the Air Force was identified as responsive to this request.

“To determine the releasability of the information contained in these documents and to give

you the maximum protection under the law, please review the attached documents and give

us the information outlined in Attachment 2 (Appendix 3). If you feel the information is

privileged or confidential, consists of proprietary commercial or financial information, and

otherwise meets the statutory requirements for withholding the information from release

under FOIA exemption 4, Title 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(4), respond to us in writing not later than

## working days from the date of this letter (usually 5 working days.) If you object to

release of this information under the FOIA, identify the items, lines, columns or portions

you believe we should withhold from release.

“You will also need to provide a written explanation of how release would adversely impact

or cause harm to your competitive position, your commercial standing, or other legally

protected interests. An assertion that "we should deny because all of the information was

submitted in confidence" or "deny because all of the information was marked as

proprietary in nature" would not justify withholding of the requested information under

the FOIA. If you need to contact us, call or write (give name), phone number is (give

commercial number), our address is (give complete mailing address), our fax number is

(give fax number) our e-mail address is (give complete e-mail address).”

AP1.13.4. Letter Requesting State Department Coordination.

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(If the State Department is involved in coordinating on a request, fax or e-mail SAF/AAII

so they can inform SAF/IA if appropriate). “On ## Month year (date received), our

organization received a FOIA (FOIA) request from (identity of requester), our number #####,

dated ## Month year, for (summarize the request). Because of the nature of this request, we

were advised by (note the individual and organization who told you to coordinate the request

with the State Department; this may be an Air Force organization or Combatant

Command—give telephone and facsimile numbers if known) that we need to coordinate this

request with the Department of State. In accordance with DoDM 5400.07, AFMAN 33-302,

paragraph C5.2.8.3, we are informing you of their involvement in this FOIA request. {Provide

any specifics available.} Air Force records are involved in this action. If you need to contact

us, our phone number is (give commercial and DSN numbers), our address is (give complete

mailing address), our fax number is (give fax number) our e-mail address is (give complete e-

mail address).”

AP1.14. CERTIFICATION OF INITIAL CLASSIFICATION OR DECLASSIFICATION

AUTHORITY (When denying a FOIA request, in whole or in part, because the

information requested is classified, the initial classification authority, his or her successor,

or a declassification authority, needs to determine if the records are "properly and

currently classified," and therefore must be withheld from release under FOIA exemption

(b)(1); also, you need to determine that you cannot release any reasonably segregable

additional portions. Language that certifies such a determination was made on a FOIA

request involving classified records follows).

AP1.14.1. Sample Certification Format - All Information Remains Classified.

“I, (rank/grade and name) am the initial classification authority (or) the successor to the

original initial classification authority (or) the declassification authority for (give an

unclassified description of the records concerned). In consultation with (FOIA office), I have

assessed the FOIA request of (requester's name), our number ##### (FOIA identifier), for

records that were properly classified at the time of their creation and currently remain

properly classified in accordance with Executive Order 13526 (or) contain information that

we have determined is classified in accordance with Executive Order 13526 Section 1.5 (_)

(OR) in accordance with Executive Order 13526 Section 1.5(_) and is also exempt from

declassification in accordance with Section 1.6(_) of the Executive Order (OR IF THE

RECORD IS MORE THAN 25 YEARS OLD ) contain information that we have determined

is exempt from declassification in accordance with Executive Order 13526 Section 3.4(b)(_).

Unauthorized release could cause (for TOP SECRET, use exceptionally grave; for SECRET

use serious; for CONFIDENTIAL do not add language; should read cause damage) damage

to national security. There are no reasonably segregable portions that we can release.

Consequently release of this information is denied pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Section 552(b)(1).”

Signature

(Date Signed) (Signature Block)

AP1.14.2. Sample Certification Format - Portions Remain Classified.

“I, (rank/grade and name) am the initial classification authority (OR) the successor to the

original initial classification authority (OR) the declassification authority for (give an

unclassified description of the records concerned.) In consultation with (FOIA office), I have

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assessed the FOIA request of (requester's name), our number ##### (FOIA identifier), that

asked for records, (OR) portions of which were properly classified at the time of their

creation. Portions of the records currently remain properly classified in accordance with

Executive Order 13526. The bracketed information is currently and properly classified in

accordance with Section 1.5 (add appropriate subparagraph), Executive Order 13526, and is

also exempt from declassification in accordance with Section 1.6(_) of the Executive Order

(OR IF THE RECORD IS MORE THAN 25 YEARS OLD) contain information that we have

determined is exempt from declassification in accordance with Executive Order 13526

Section 3.4(b)(_). Unauthorized release could cause (for TOP SECRET use exceptionally

grave; for SECRET use serious; for CONFIDENTIAL do not add language; should read

cause damage) damage to national security. There are no other reasonably segregable

portions that we can release. Consequently this information is denied pursuant to 5 U.S.C.

Section 552(b)(1).”

Signature

(Date Signed) (Signature Block)

AP1.15. LETTER TO A REQUESTER WHO HAS WITHDRAWN THEIR REQUEST OR

APPEAL (If a FOIA requester has withdrawn a FOIA request or appeal, sending a final letter

to the requester to close the file may be wise. Suggested language to the requester follows).

“We received your FOIA request (OR) appeal dated ## Month year, on ## Month year

(date received). After sending us your request (OR) appeal, you indicated by (facsimile,

letter) that you wished to withdraw your request (OR) appeal. We have, therefore, closed

your file without further action.”

AP1.16. LETTER TO A REQUESTER WHO HAS APPEALED AFTER THE 90-DAY

DEADLINE (We will not process FOIA appeals received after the 90-day time limit, unless

the requester provides adequate justification for failing to comply. If you receive a late

appeal, and it gives inadequate justification for failing to comply, the FOIA RSC will advise

the requester their appeal was closed; suggested language for a letter to an untimely

requester follows.)

“We received your FOIA appeal dated ## Month year, on ## Month year (date received).

You did not appeal within 90 days of the postmarked date of our denial letter as outlined in

our agency regulation. Therefore, we are closing our file.”

“You may also contact the Air Force FOIA Public Liaison Officer, Ms Anh Trinh,