Beacon Global Strategies - Resubmitted Office of Secretary of State
| Tracking # |
F-2015-14962 F-2015-14692 |
| Submitted | Sept. 24, 2015 |
| Est. Completion | Sept. 12, 2021 |
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Communications
From: David Sirota
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
- All email correspondence between employees of Beacon Global Strategies and specific employees of the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs. The specific employees of the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs that this request covers are those individuals who have held the following titles during the specified time period: Assistant Secretary; Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary; Deputy Assistant Secretary; Senior Advisor for Security Negotiations and Agreements; Director of the Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfers; Director of the Office of Security Assistance; and Deputy Director of the Office of Security Assistance.
- All email correspondence between employees of Beacon Global Strategies and specific employees of the Office of the Secretary of State. The specific employees of the Office of the Secretary of State that this request covers are are those who held the following titles in the Office of the Secretary during the specified time period: the Secretary of State, Deputy Secretary of State Counselor to the Secretary of State, Chief of Staff to the Secretary of State, and the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Affairs.
I request these records from 1/1/13 to the present. This includes (but is not limited to) all emails with from the domain name "@beaconglobalstrategies.com." It includes (but is not limited to) emails to or from Beacon Global Strategies officials Jeremy Bash, Philippe Reines, Andrew Shapiro, Michael Allen, Leon Panetta, Michael Morell, James Stavridis, Kristen Silverberg, Brian Hook, Julianne Smith, Josh Kirshner, Kristin White, Ashley Woolheater, Sarah Davey, Meredith Steen and Khizer Syed.
Please search for responsive records regardless of format. I request the information in a machine-processable format, such as a spreadsheet (CSV or XLS) or word processor (TXT, DOC, DOCX) format. It can be provided by email, thumb drive, or CD. If it is unavailable in any other format, an OCRed PDF (i.e. searchable) will do.
If it is your position that any portion of the requested records is exempt from disclosure, I request that you provide it with an index of those documents as required under Vaughn v. Rosen, 484 F.2d 820 (D.C. Cir. 1973), cert. denied, 415 U.S. 977 (1972). As you are aware, a Vaughn index must describe each document claimed as exempt with sufficient specificity “to permit a reasoned judgment as to whether the material is actually exempt under FOIA.” Founding Church of Scientology v. Bell, 603 F.2d 945, 949 (D.C. Cir. 1979). Moreover, the Vaughn index must “describe each document or portion thereof withheld, and for each withholding it must discuss the consequences of supplying the sought-after information.” King v. U.S. Dep’t of Justice, 830 F.2d 210, 223-24 (D.C. Cir. 1987) (emphasis added). Further, “the withholding agency must supply ‘a relatively detailed justification, specifically identifying the reasons why a particular exemption is relevant and correlating those claims with the particular part of a withheld document
to which they apply.’” Id.at 224 (citing Mead Data Central v. U.S. Dep’t of the Air Force, 566 F.2d 242, 251 (D.C. Cir. 1977)).
In the event some portions of the requested records are properly exempt from disclosure, please disclose any reasonably segregable non-exempt portions of the requested records. See 5 U.S.C. § 552(b). If it is your position that a document contains non-exempt segments, but that those non-exempt segments are so dispersed throughout the document as to make segregation impossible, please state what portion of the document is non-exempt, and how the material is dispersed throughout the document. Mead Data Central, 566 F.2d at 261. Claims of nonsegregability must be made with the same degree of detail as required for claims of exemptions in a Vaughn index. If a request is denied in whole, please state specifically that it is not reasonable to segregate portions of the record for release.
I request a waiver of fees associated with processing this request for records. International Business Times is a news media organization. Disclosure of the requested information to me is in the public interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of the government. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that fees cannot be waived, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
David Sirota
Senior Editor
International Business Times
(646) 867-7155
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Request
Your query has been forwarded to the FOIA Requester Status mailbox for reply.
From: FOIA Status
Mr. Sirota,
Your organization has a substantial number of requests. The Department of State keeps track of requests by case numbers. In the future when you request a status on a case please provide the case number in the subject line of your message. This will not only make it easier to find your case, it will facilitate a quick answer to your inquiry.
Please provide a case number so we can answer your inquiry.
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov
In accordance with Executive Order 13526, this message is UNCLASSIFIED
From: JPat Brown
Hello-
Your last communication asked that we provide you a case number - unfortunately, your department has yet to issue this request one. For your convenience, I have copied the original request below.
---
- All email correspondence between employees of Beacon Global Strategies and specific employees of the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs. The specific employees of the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs that this request covers are those individuals who have held the following titles during the specified time period: Assistant Secretary; Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary; Deputy Assistant Secretary; Senior Advisor for Security Negotiations and Agreements; Director of the Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfers; Director of the Office of Security Assistance; and Deputy Director of the Office of Security Assistance.
- All email correspondence between employees of Beacon Global Strategies and specific employees of the Office of the Secretary of State. The specific employees of the Office of the Secretary of State that this request covers are are those who held the following titles in the Office of the Secretary during the specified time period: the Secretary of State, Deputy Secretary of State Counselor to the Secretary of State, Chief of Staff to the Secretary of State, and the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Affairs.
I request these records from 1/1/13 to the present. This includes (but is not limited to) all emails with from the domain name "@beaconglobalstrategies.com." It includes (but is not limited to) emails to or from Beacon Global Strategies officials Jeremy Bash, Philippe Reines, Andrew Shapiro, Michael Allen, Leon Panetta, Michael Morell, James Stavridis, Kristen Silverberg, Brian Hook, Julianne Smith, Josh Kirshner, Kristin White, Ashley Woolheater, Sarah Davey, Meredith Steen and Khizer Syed.
Please search for responsive records regardless of format. I request the information in a machine-processable format, such as a spreadsheet (CSV or XLS) or word processor (TXT, DOC, DOCX) format. It can be provided by email, thumb drive, or CD. If it is unavailable in any other format, an OCRed PDF (i.e. searchable) will do.
If it is your position that any portion of the requested records is exempt from disclosure, I request that you provide it with an index of those documents as required under Vaughn v. Rosen, 484 F.2d 820 (D.C. Cir. 1973), cert. denied, 415 U.S. 977 (1972). As you are aware, a Vaughn index must describe each document claimed as exempt with sufficient specificity “to permit a reasoned judgment as to whether the material is actually exempt under FOIA.” Founding Church of Scientology v. Bell, 603 F.2d 945, 949 (D.C. Cir. 1979). Moreover, the Vaughn index must “describe each document or portion thereof withheld, and for each withholding it must discuss the consequences of supplying the sought-after information.” King v. U.S. Dep’t of Justice, 830 F.2d 210, 223-24 (D.C. Cir. 1987) (emphasis added). Further, “the withholding agency must supply ‘a relatively detailed justification, specifically identifying the reasons why a particular exemption is relevant and correlating those claims with the particular part of a withheld document
to which they apply.’” Id.at 224 (citing Mead Data Central v. U.S. Dep’t of the Air Force, 566 F.2d 242, 251 (D.C. Cir. 1977)).
In the event some portions of the requested records are properly exempt from disclosure, please disclose any reasonably segregable non-exempt portions of the requested records. See 5 U.S.C. § 552(b). If it is your position that a document contains non-exempt segments, but that those non-exempt segments are so dispersed throughout the document as to make segregation impossible, please state what portion of the document is non-exempt, and how the material is dispersed throughout the document. Mead Data Central, 566 F.2d at 261. Claims of nonsegregability must be made with the same degree of detail as required for claims of exemptions in a Vaughn index. If a request is denied in whole, please state specifically that it is not reasonable to segregate portions of the record for release.
I request a waiver of fees associated with processing this request for records. International Business Times is a news media organization. Disclosure of the requested information to me is in the public interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of the government. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that fees cannot be waived, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
David Sirota
Senior Editor
International Business Times
(646) 867-7155
From: Department of State
An acknowledgement letter, stating the request is being processed.
From: Department of State
A letter stating the request for reduced or waived fees has been accepted.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14692.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
Mr. Sirota,
This case has been closed because it is a duplicate of F-2015-14692.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov.
Angela Burks
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov
From: David Sirota
Ms. Burks:
This is in reference to FOIA request F-2015-14692. I never received a response on that request, though your last email asserted that my request "is a duplicate of F-2015-14692." Can you please provide me with a status update on FOIA request F-2015-14692.
David Sirota
International Business Times
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14692.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
Dear David Sirota,
This is in reference to your e-mail dated August 31, 2016, inquiring about the status of your Freedom of Information Act request. Please accept an apology for the previous e-mail responses that you have received up to this date. The correct case number for your request is F-2015-14962. Please disregard the case number mentioned in the subject line above. Our office has been informed that a search of records has been initiated for your request. That search is continuing. The estimated completion date for your request is May 2017.
We appreciate your continued patience during this process.
If you have any questions regarding the status of your request, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) on 202-261-8484 and refer to your case control number F-2015-14962.
Sincerely,
Charlotte W. Duckett
U.S. Department of State
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14692.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
Dear David Sirota,
This is in reference to your e-mail dated September 30, 2016. Our office was recently informed that the search process has been completed and that information located is currently being prepared for the review process. The estimated completion date is still May 2017.
Sincerely,
Charlotte W. Duckett
U.S. Department of State
-
image001
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14692.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
Mr. Sirota,
The Department's electronic case notes indicate the case is still open. The searches are still pending. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.
The estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is May 31, 2017.
ECDs are subject to change and are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completion, due to various extenuating factors, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.). Interim release dates are provided, as applicable.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov.
Dominique Cotten
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov
-
image001
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14692.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
Mr. Sirota,
The Department's electronic case notes indicate the case is still open. The searches are still pending. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.
The estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is May 31, 2017.
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov
In accordance with Executive Order 13526, this message is UNCLASSIFIED
-
image001
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14692.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
Dear Mr. Sirota,
This is in reference to your email of December 30, 2016 regarding Freedom of Information Act request F-20165-14692. The Department's electronic case notes indicate the case is still open. The searches are still pending. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records. The estimated completion date for this case is May 31, 2017. Please note that ECDs are subject to change and are "strictly" estimates and are not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completion, due to various extenuating factors, which are beyond the control of the Branch, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.). Interim release dates are provided, as applicable.
We hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov.
Sincerely,
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>
-
image001
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14692.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
Mr. Sirota,
The Department's electronic case notes indicate the case is still open. The searches are still pending. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.
The estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is May 31, 2017.
ECDs are subject to change and are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completion, due to various extenuating factors, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.). Interim release dates are provided, as applicable.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov.
Dominique Cotten
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov
-
~WRD000
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14692.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
Dear Yun Chen,
I checked the status of this case and it was closed on September 29, 2015. You were informed of this in the letter that was sent to you on that date. The letter states your request is a duplicate for case control number F-2015-14279. In regards to your FOIA case number F-2015-14279, I have contacted the Case Analyst and requested a status update and estimated completion date. The Analyst will contact the bureaus doing the searches and the individuals reviewing the material. This will take some time because each case is different. The search and review time varies. The time depends on the complexity of information requested and the time it takes to review the material.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov.
Sincerely,
Jasmin Berhane
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>
-
~WRD000
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14692.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
David Sirota-At this time the ECD is still 5/31/2017.
Regards,
Charlotte
-
image001
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14692.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
David Sirota-At this time the ECD is still 5/31/2017.
Regards,
Katrina
-
image001
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14692.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
Dear David Sirota,
This is in reference to your e-mail dated June 7, 2017, inquiring about the status of your request. For future updates on the status of your request, please use the correct case control number "F-2015-14962". The case number on the subject line is "incorrect". A copy of your e-mail has been forwarded to the office that is processing your request. Our office has requested an update on the status and a new estimated completion date. The new estimated completion date will be provided as soon as our office receives a response.
Sincerely,
Charlotte W. Duckett
U.S. Department of State
-
~WRD000
From: FOIA Status
CASE CONTROL NUMBER F-2015-14962
Dear David Sirota,
This is a follow-up to your e-mail dated June 7, 2017. The new estimated completion date for your request is September 2017.
Sincerely,
Charlotte W. Duckett
U.S. Department of State
Official
UNCLASSIFIED
-
~WRD000
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14692.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
Dear David Sirota,
This is a follow-up to your e-mail dated July 14, 2017. The new estimated completion date for your request is still September 2017.
Please note that ECDs are subject to change and are "strictly" estimates. They are not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completion, due to various extenuating factors, which are beyond the control of the Branch, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.). Interim release dates are provided, as applicable.
We hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov.
Sincerely,
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>
s
-
~WRD000
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14692.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
Dear David Sirota,
This is in reference to your e-mail dated August 14, 2017, inquiring about the status of your Freedom of Information Act request. In our last response to you on July 14, 2017, we stated that the estimated date of completion for your request will be September 2017. As of today, that date remains the same.
We appreciate your continued patience during this process.
Sincerely,
Charlotte W. Duckett
U.S. Department of State
-
~WRD000
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14692.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
David Sirota-At this time the estimated date of completion date is still 9/29/2017.
Regards,
Katrina Wood
FOIA Requester Service Center
-
image001
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14692.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
Dear Mr. Sirota,
This is in response to your e-mail below regarding FOIA case control number F-2015-14692. Your case is being processed. Please note there is presently a delay in the completion of FOIA and Privacy Act requests. The Department processes FOIA and Privacy Act requests on a first-in, first-out basis, and currently has a backlog of approximately 13,000 cases. As a result, there could be a delay in processing your request. Depending on the scope of your request and the potential volume of what may be responsive, and other factors, it could take until September 2019 to complete its processing.
For your information, the Department of State has collection of records on its website and makes monthly postings of records previously released in response to FOIA requests. You may search the Department's website at www.foia.state.gov<http://www.foia.state.gov> for records that may be responsive to your request.
If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>.
Sincerely,
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>
-
~WRD000
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14692.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Dear Mr. Sirota,
This is in response to your e-mail below regarding FOIA case control number F-2015-14692. Your case is being processed. Please note there is presently a delay in the completion of FOIA and Privacy Act requests. The Department processes FOIA and Privacy Act requests on a first-in, first-out basis, and currently has a backlog of approximately 12,100 cases. As a result, there could be a delay in processing your request.
For your information, the Department of State has collection of records on its website and makes monthly postings of records previously released in response to FOIA requests. You may search the Department's website at http://www.foia.state.gov for records that may be responsive to your request.
If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov.
Regards,
Katrina Wood
FOIA Requester Service Center
-
~WRD000
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14692.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Dear David Sirota,
This is in reference to your e-mail dated December 18, 2017, inquiring about the status of your Freedom of Information Act request. Your request continues to be processed. A search of records with the Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs has been initiated. That search has been completed and the information located is being prepared for the review process. The FOIA backlog is now 11,100 and is being reduced on a daily basis. Information regarding your request will be provided as it becomes available.
Your case number is ""F-2015-14962"". You have been using F-2015-14692.
If you have any questions, please refer to your case control number F-2015-14962 for an update on the status of your request.
Sincerely,
Charlotte W. Duckett
U.S. Department of State
-
~WRD000
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14692.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Dear David Sirota,
Your FOIA request is pending processing. Please note that the Department processes FOIA and Privacy Act requests on a first-in, first-out basis, and currently has a backlog of approximately 10,800 cases. As a result, there could be delays in processing your request.
For your information, the Department of State has collection of records on its website and makes monthly postings of records previously released in response to FOIA requests. You may search the Department's website at www.foia.state.gov<http://www.foia.state.gov> for records that may be responsive to your request.
If you have any questions, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>.
Regards,
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
-
~WRD000
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14692.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Mr. Sirota,
This is in response to your email below. Please note that case control number F-2015-14962 has been assigned to your FOIA request dated September 24, 2015 and not case control number F-2015-14692. The assigned case control number that was provided in the Department's acknowledgement letter dated November 5, 2015 was inadvertently transposed. Please be sure to refer to case control number F-2015-14962 in all future correspondence regarding this request.
The Office of Information Programs and Services' electronic records system indicates that your request in process. You will be notified of the Department's search and review effort in response to this request as soon as it becomes available.
The Department currently has a backlog of approximately 10,500 cases. It is taking significant steps to improve its responsiveness to the public and has undertaken a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) surge project to reduce the backlog in the coming months. In order to further the core FOIA goals of transparency and accountability, the State Department is committing more resources and personnel to clear the backlog of requests, while still maintaining the highest standards of quality.
If you have any questions, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484<tel:(202)%20261-8484>, or fax us at (202) 261-8579<tel:(202)%20261-8579> or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>.
Regards,
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
-
~WRD000
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14692.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Dear David Sirota,
This is in response to your e-mail below regarding the status of FOIA Case Control Number F-2015-14962.
The Office of Information Programs and Services electronic records system indicates that your request remains in process.
The Department's backlog of FOIA cases has been reduced to approximately 10,600 cases. Information will be provided to you as soon as it becomes available.
If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) on 202-261-8484 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>.
Sincerely,
Charlotte W. Duckett
U.S. Department of State
-
~WRD000
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14692.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Mr. Sirota,
The Office of Information Programs and Services electronic Records System indicates your request remains in process.
The Department currently has a backlog of approximately 10,600 cases. As a result, there is presently a delay in the completion of FOIA and Privacy Act requests.
There is no more information to provide at this time.
Regards,
FOIA Status
U.S. Department of State
(202)261-8484
-
~WRD000
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14692.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Mr. Sirota,
The Office of Information Programs and Services electronic Records System indicates your request remains in process.
The Department currently has a backlog of approximately 10,500 cases. As a result, there is presently a delay in the completion of FOIA and Privacy Act requests.
Regards,
FOIA Status
U.S. Department of State
(202)261-8484
-
~WRD000
From: U.S. Department of State
Dear Mr. Sirota,
Your FOIA request is pending processing. Please note that the Department processes FOIA and Privacy Act requests on a first-in, first-out basis, and currently has a backlog of approximately 10,500 cases. As a result, there could be delays in processing your request.
For your information, the Department of State has a collection of records on its website and makes monthly postings of records previously released in response to FOIA requests. You may search the Department's website at www.foia.state.gov<http://www.foia.state.gov> for records that may be responsive to your request.
If you have any questions, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>.
Regards,
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
-
~WRD000
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14692.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Mr. Sirota,
The Office of Information Programs and Services electronic Records System indicates your request remains in process.
The Department currently has a backlog of approximately 10,5 00 cases. As a result, there is presently a delay in the completion of FOIA and Privacy Act requests.
There is no more information to provide at this time.
Regards,
Katrina Wood
FOIA Status
U.S. Department of State
(202)261-8484
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14692.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
CORRECT CASE CONTROL NUMBER F-2015-14962. NOT "14692"
Dear David Sirota,
This is in response to your e-mail below regarding the status of FOIA Case Control Number F-2015-14962.
The Office of Information Programs and Services (IPS) electronic records system indicates that your request remains in process. Information will be provided to you as soon as it becomes available.
If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) on 202-261-8484 and refer to your case control numbers.
Sincerely,
Charlotte W. Duckett
U.S. Department of State
-
~WRD000
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14962.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Mr. Sirota,
This is in response to your email below regarding the status of FOIA Case Control Number F-2015-14962. The Office of Information Programs and Services electronic records system indicates that your request remains in process. You will be notified of the Department's search and review efforts in response to this request as soon as that information becomes available.
We appreciate your continued patience.
If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at 202-261-8484 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>.
Regards,
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
-
~WRD000
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14962.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Mr. Sirota,
This is in response to your email below regarding the status of FOIA Case Control Number F-2015-14962. The Office of Information Programs and Services electronic records system indicates that your request remains in process. You will be notified of the Department’s search and review efforts in response to this request as soon as that information becomes available.
We appreciate your continued patience.
If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at 202-261-8484 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>.
Regards,
Katrina Wood
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14962.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Mr. Sirota,
This is in response to your email below regarding the status of FOIA Case Control Number F-2015-14962.
The Office of Information Programs and Services electronic records system indicates that your request remains in process. You will be notified of the Department’s search and review efforts in response to this request as soon as that information becomes available.
We appreciate your continued patience.
If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at 202-261-8484 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>.
Regards,
Katrina Wood
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14962.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Mr. Sirota,
This is in response to your email below regarding the status of FOIA Case Control Number F-2015-14962.
The Office of Information Programs and Services electronic records system indicates that your request remains in process. You will be notified of the Department’s search and review efforts in response to this request as soon as that information becomes available.
We appreciate your continued patience.
If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at 202-261-8484 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>.
Regards,
Katrina Wood
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14962.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Mr. Sirota,
This is in response to your email below concerning your FOIA case control number (F-2015-14962).
Your request is in process. We will soon follow-up with you regarding your request for an estimated date of completion in this case.
Please note that the Department currently has a backlog of approximately 11,000 cases. As the Department continues to work through its backlog, it is mindful of its accountability to the public.
We truly appreciate your continued patience.
If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at 202-261-8484 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>.
Regards,
Katrina M. Wood
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
Official - Transitory
UNCLASSIFIED
-
~WRD243
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14962.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Dear Mr. Sirota,
This is in reference to your email below concerning your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) case control number F-2015-14962. Your request is in process. You will be notified of the results of the Department's search and review efforts in response to this request as soon as that information becomes available.
Please note that the Department currently has a backlog of approximately 11,000 cases. As the Department continues to work through its backlog, it is mindful of its accountability to the public. We truly appreciate your continued patience.
If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at 202-261-8484 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>.
Sincerely,
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
-
~WRD000
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14962.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Dear Mr. Sirota,
This is in reference to your email below regarding your Freedom of Information (FOIA) case control number F-2015-14962. Your request is still in process. We will soon follow-up with you regarding your request for an estimated date of completion in this case.
Please note that the Department currently has a backlog of approximately 11,000 cases. As the Department continues to work through its backlog, it is mindful of its accountability to the public. We truly appreciate your continued patience.
If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at 202-261-8484 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>.
Sincerely,
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
-
~WRD000
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14962.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Mr. Sirota,
This is in response to your email below concerning your FOIA case control number F-2015-14962
Your request is still in process. We will follow-up with our colleagues about your request for an estimated date of completion in this case.
We truly appreciate your continued patience.
If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at 202-261-8484 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>
Regards,
Katrina M. Wood
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service
-
~WRD369
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14962.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Mr. Sirota,
This is in response to your email below concerning your FOIA case control number F-2015-14962
Your FOIA case is still in process and your request for an estimated date of completion (EDC) has been noted. We will notify you as soon as an EDC has been determined for your case.
We truly appreciate your continued patience.
If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at 202-261-8484 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>
Regards,
Katrina M. Wood
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service
-
~WRD000
From: U.S. Department of State
Mr. Sirota,
You previously contacted the Department of State's FOIA Requester Service Center and requested an estimated date of completion (EDC) for your request, Case Control Number F-2015-14962.
It has been determined that the EDC for this request is 9/12/2021. EDCs are estimates and are subject to change. Please be advised that the Department takes its FOIA responsibilities seriously and is processing your request as quickly as possible. If your request can be completed prior to the EDC, a response will be sent to you sooner.
If you have any concerns or questions regarding a FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at 202-261-8484 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>
You may also contact the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS) at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) 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, email address: ogis@nara.gov<mailto:ogis@nara.gov>; telephone: (202) 741-5770; toll free number: 1-877-684-6448; facsimile: (202) 741-5769.
We appreciate your continued patience.
Sincerely,
Katrina M. Wood
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
UNCLASSIFIED
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I'm following up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Sept. 12, 2021. I wanted to check on the status of my request, and to see if there was a new estimated completion date. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14962.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Mr. Sirotai,
The Office of Information Programs and Services (IPS) is in receipt of your inquiry below regarding case number F-2015-14962. We will follow-up with you as soon as possible to provide a response.
Thank you in advance for your patience.
If you have any questions, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>
Regards,
Katrina Wood
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Office
U. S. Department of State
Washington, DC 20522-8100
September 13, 2021
This is a follow up to request number F-2015-14962:
To Whom It May Concern:
I'm following up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 24, 2015. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Sept. 12, 2021. I wanted to check on the status of my request, and to see if there was a new estimated completion date. You had assigned it reference number #F-2015-14962.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
View request history, upload responsive documents, and report problems here:
https://www.muckrock.com/
Filed via MuckRock.com
E-mail (Preferred): requests@muckrock.com<mailto:requests@muckrock.com>
For mailed responses, please address (see note):
MuckRock News
DEPT MR 21494
411A Highland Ave
Somerville, MA 02144-2516
PLEASE NOTE: This request is not filed by a MuckRock staff member, but is being sent through MuckRock by the above in order to better track, share, and manage public records requests. Also note that improperly addressed (i.e., with the requester's name rather than "MuckRock News" and the department number) requests might be returned as undeliverable.
---
On Sept. 25, 2019:
Subject: F-2015-14962
Mr. Sirota,
You previously contacted the Department of State's FOIA Requester Service Center and requested an estimated date of completion (EDC) for your request, Case Control Number F-2015-14962.
It has been determined that the EDC for this request is 9/12/2021. EDCs are estimates and are subject to change. Please be advised that the Department takes its FOIA responsibilities seriously and is processing your request as quickly as possible. If your request can be completed prior to the EDC, a response will be sent to you sooner.
If you have any concerns or questions regarding a FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at 202-261-8484 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov%3cmailto:foiastatus@state.gov>>
You may also contact the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS) at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) 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, email address: ogis@nara.gov<mailto:ogis@nara.gov<mailto:ogis@nara.gov%3cmailto:ogis@nara.gov>>; telephone: (202) 741-5770; toll free number: 1-877-684-6448; facsimile: (202) 741-5769.
We appreciate your continued patience.
Sincerely,
Katrina M. Wood
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
UNCLASSIFIED
---
On June 17, 2019:
Subject: RE: Freedom of Information Act Request #F-2015-14962
Mr. Sirota,
This is in response to your email below concerning your FOIA case control number F-2015-14962
Your FOIA case is still in process and your request for an estimated date of completion (EDC) has been noted. We will notify you as soon as an EDC has been determined for your case.
We truly appreciate your continued patience.
If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at 202-261-8484 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov%3cmailto:foiastatus@state.gov>>
Regards,
Katrina M. Wood
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service
---
On May 15, 2019:
Subject: RE: Freedom of Information Act Request #F-2015-14962
Mr. Sirota,
This is in response to your email below concerning your FOIA case control number F-2015-14962
Your request is still in process. We will follow-up with our colleagues about your request for an estimated date of completion in this case.
We truly appreciate your continued patience.
If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at 202-261-8484 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov%3cmailto:foiastatus@state.gov>>
Regards,
Katrina M. Wood
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service
---
On April 12, 2019:
Subject: RE: Freedom of Information Act Request #F-2015-14962
Dear Mr. Sirota,
This is in reference to your email below regarding your Freedom of Information (FOIA) case control number F-2015-14962. Your request is still in process. We will soon follow-up with you regarding your request for an estimated date of completion in this case.
Please note that the Department currently has a backlog of approximately 11,000 cases. As the Department continues to work through its backlog, it is mindful of its accountability to the public. We truly appreciate your continued patience.
If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at 202-261-8484 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov%3cmailto:foiastatus@state.gov>>.
Sincerely,
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
---
On March 13, 2019:
Subject: RE: Freedom of Information Act Request #F-2015-14962
Dear Mr. Sirota,
This is in reference to your email below concerning your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) case control number F-2015-14962. Your request is in process. You will be notified of the results of the Department's search and review efforts in response to this request as soon as that information becomes available.
Please note that the Department currently has a backlog of approximately 11,000 cases. As the Department continues to work through its backlog, it is mindful of its accountability to the public. We truly appreciate your continued patience.
If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at 202-261-8484 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov%3cmailto:foiastatus@state.gov>>.
Sincerely,
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
---
On Sept. 24, 2015:
Subject:
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
- All email correspondence between employees of Beacon Global Strategies and specific employees of the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs. The specific employees of the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs that this request covers are those individuals who have held the following titles during the specified time period: Assistant Secretary; Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary; Deputy Assistant Secretary; Senior Advisor for Security Negotiations and Agreements; Director of the Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfers; Director of the Office of Security Assistance; and Deputy Director of the Office of Security Assistance.
- All email correspondence between employees of Beacon Global Strategies and specific employees of the Office of the Secretary of State. The specific employees of the Office of the Secretary of State that this request covers are are those who held the following titles in the Office of the Secretary during the specified time period: the Secretary of State, Deputy Secretary of State Counselor to the Secretary of State, Chief of Staff to the Secretary of State, and the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Affairs.
I request these records from 1/1/13 to the present. This includes (but is not limited to) all emails with from the domain name "@beaconglobalstrategies.com." It includes (but is not limited to) emails to or from Beacon Global Strategies officials Jeremy Bash, Philippe Reines, Andrew Shapiro, Michael Allen, Leon Panetta, Michael Morell, James Stavridis, Kristen Silverberg, Brian Hook, Julianne Smith, Josh Kirshner, Kristin White, Ashley Woolheater, Sarah Davey, Meredith Steen and Khizer Syed.
Please search for responsive records regardless of format. I request the information in a machine-processable format, such as a spreadsheet (CSV or XLS) or word processor (TXT, DOC, DOCX) format. It can be provided by email, thumb drive, or CD. If it is unavailable in any other format, an OCRed PDF (i.e. searchable) will do.
If it is your position that any portion of the requested records is exempt from disclosure, I request that you provide it with an index of those documents as required under Vaughn v. Rosen, 484 F.2d 820 (D.C. Cir. 1973), cert. denied, 415 U.S. 977 (1972). As you are aware, a Vaughn index must describe each document claimed as exempt with sufficient specificity "to permit a reasoned judgment as to whether the material is actually exempt under FOIA." Founding Church of Scientology v. Bell, 603 F.2d 945, 949 (D.C. Cir. 1979). Moreover, the Vaughn index must "describe each document or portion thereof withheld, and for each withholding it must discuss the consequences of supplying the sought-after information." King v. U.S. Dep't of Justice, 830 F.2d 210, 223-24 (D.C. Cir. 1987) (emphasis added). Further, "the withholding agency must supply 'a relatively detailed justification, specifically identifying the reasons why a particular exemption is relevant and correlating those claims with the particular part of a withheld document
to which they apply.'" Id.at 224 (citing Mead Data Central v. U.S. Dep't of the Air Force, 566 F.2d 242, 251 (D.C. Cir. 1977)).
In the event some portions of the requested records are properly exempt from disclosure, please disclose any reasonably segregable non-exempt portions of the requested records. See 5 U.S.C. § 552(b). If it is your position that a document contains non-exempt segments, but that those non-exempt segments are so dispersed throughout the document as to make segregation impossible, please state what portion of the document is non-exempt, and how the material is dispersed throughout the document. Mead Data Central, 566 F.2d at 261. Claims of nonsegregability must be made with the same degree of detail as required for claims of exemptions in a Vaughn index. If a request is denied in whole, please state specifically that it is not reasonable to segregate portions of the record for release.
I request a waiver of fees associated with processing this request for records. International Business Times is a news media organization. Disclosure of the requested information to me is in the public interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of the government. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that fees cannot be waived, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
David Sirota
Senior Editor
International Business Times
(646) 867-7155
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From: U.S. Department of State
Mr. Sirota,
This is in response to your email below regarding FOIA Case Control Number F-2015-14962.
The Office of Information Programs and Services' electronic records system indicates this request is in process and has a May 21, 2022 estimated date of completion (EDC). EDCs are estimates and are subject to change. Please be advised that the Department takes its FOIA responsibilities seriously and is processing this request as quickly as possible. If the request can be completed prior to the EDC, a response will be sent to you sooner.
If you have further concerns or questions regarding a FOIA-related matter, please send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov> or contact the FOIA Requester Service Center at 202-261-8484.
Regards,
Katrina M. Wood
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
From: U.S. Department of State
Please see attached correspondence.
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