There are several ways to submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request:
- Submit a request through the National FOIA Portal.
- Use the Department of the Interior’s FOIA Public Access Link (account required).
- Write a letter to the USGS FOIA Office using one of the addresses listed on the USGS FOIA Connect page . Mark your letter and the envelope as “Freedom of Information Act Request.”
Electronic submissions are preferred (the first two options). If you choose to submit a request electronically, please do not follow-up with a written letter.
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What USGS products are already publicly available?
As the Nation’s largest water, earth, and biological science and civilian mapping agency, we have numerous types of products. Most of these--including data, tools, maps, and publications--are publicly available through our website. Almost all digital materials can be downloaded at no cost to the public. For information about USGS science, products and data contact USGS Science Information Services...
What information should I include in my Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request?
While you are not required to give a reason for your request, you should be as specific as possible when describing the records that you seek. That will produce faster and better results. Phrases like “any and all” can significantly delay the processing time and potentially increase your processing fee. Prior to submitting your request, we suggest that you: Check the USGS website and/or contact...
Is there a cost for obtaining federal records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)?
By law, the USGS is authorized to charge Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) processing fees to requesters in order to recover the direct costs of search, review, and duplication of requested records. The fees depend on the requester category into which you fall. If the total costs of supplying the requested information is less than 50 dollars, the USGS will waive any applicable FOIA processing fees...
How long will it take to process my Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request?
The USGS uses a multi-track processing system. We distinguish simple requests from more complex ones based on the estimated number of workdays needed to process the request. Factors include the number of pages involved in processing the request and the need for consultations with other federal agencies.Requests within each track are processed and responded to on a first-in/first-out basis...
What is the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)?
Since 1967, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) has provided the public the right to request access to records from any federal agency. It is often described as the law that keeps citizens in the know about their government. Federal agencies are required to disclose any information requested under the FOIA unless it falls under one of nine exemptions that protect interests such as personal...
How do I check the status of my U.S. Geological Survey Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request?
If you are a registered requester with the Department of the Interior’s FOIA Public Access Link (PAL), Sign In to view the status of your request(s), send a message to the FOIA Office, or download responsive records once they are delivered. If you are not a registered requester, you can still check the status of your request by clicking on Check Request Status in the PAL toolbar. Be prepared to...
What can I do if I cannot find a publication in the USGS Publications Warehouse?
If you can't find a known publication in our USGS Publications Warehouse, first try contacting the Publications Warehouse Team. If a print copy is readily available to them, they’re sometimes able to scan it and post it online for free download within a few days.If that doesn’t work, chances are good that the publication can be requested through Interlibrary Loan. Ask about Interlibrary Loan...
What information/data is NOT covered by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)?
Information/data that is NOT covered by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) includes: Non-agency records and personal records. Public requests for access to physical artifacts or scientific samples (e.g. core samples, sediment, rocks, fossils, specimen samples, blood samples). Access to some samples can be arranged through our laboratories. Files that are protected from disclosure by any of nine...
When should I use a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to request information?
All USGS products and publications are in the public domain. Most are readily available for free download on our websites. Before launching a potentially time-consuming Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, make sure that the information you need cannot be easily obtained by immediate means. Visit the USGS website, explore our FOIA Reading Room (with links to oft-requested documents), or...
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- FAQ
What USGS products are already publicly available?
As the Nation’s largest water, earth, and biological science and civilian mapping agency, we have numerous types of products. Most of these--including data, tools, maps, and publications--are publicly available through our website. Almost all digital materials can be downloaded at no cost to the public. For information about USGS science, products and data contact USGS Science Information Services...
What information should I include in my Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request?
While you are not required to give a reason for your request, you should be as specific as possible when describing the records that you seek. That will produce faster and better results. Phrases like “any and all” can significantly delay the processing time and potentially increase your processing fee. Prior to submitting your request, we suggest that you: Check the USGS website and/or contact...
Is there a cost for obtaining federal records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)?
By law, the USGS is authorized to charge Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) processing fees to requesters in order to recover the direct costs of search, review, and duplication of requested records. The fees depend on the requester category into which you fall. If the total costs of supplying the requested information is less than 50 dollars, the USGS will waive any applicable FOIA processing fees...
How long will it take to process my Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request?
The USGS uses a multi-track processing system. We distinguish simple requests from more complex ones based on the estimated number of workdays needed to process the request. Factors include the number of pages involved in processing the request and the need for consultations with other federal agencies.Requests within each track are processed and responded to on a first-in/first-out basis...
What is the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)?
Since 1967, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) has provided the public the right to request access to records from any federal agency. It is often described as the law that keeps citizens in the know about their government. Federal agencies are required to disclose any information requested under the FOIA unless it falls under one of nine exemptions that protect interests such as personal...
How do I check the status of my U.S. Geological Survey Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request?
If you are a registered requester with the Department of the Interior’s FOIA Public Access Link (PAL), Sign In to view the status of your request(s), send a message to the FOIA Office, or download responsive records once they are delivered. If you are not a registered requester, you can still check the status of your request by clicking on Check Request Status in the PAL toolbar. Be prepared to...
What can I do if I cannot find a publication in the USGS Publications Warehouse?
If you can't find a known publication in our USGS Publications Warehouse, first try contacting the Publications Warehouse Team. If a print copy is readily available to them, they’re sometimes able to scan it and post it online for free download within a few days.If that doesn’t work, chances are good that the publication can be requested through Interlibrary Loan. Ask about Interlibrary Loan...
What information/data is NOT covered by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)?
Information/data that is NOT covered by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) includes: Non-agency records and personal records. Public requests for access to physical artifacts or scientific samples (e.g. core samples, sediment, rocks, fossils, specimen samples, blood samples). Access to some samples can be arranged through our laboratories. Files that are protected from disclosure by any of nine...
When should I use a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to request information?
All USGS products and publications are in the public domain. Most are readily available for free download on our websites. Before launching a potentially time-consuming Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, make sure that the information you need cannot be easily obtained by immediate means. Visit the USGS website, explore our FOIA Reading Room (with links to oft-requested documents), or...
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- Publications