Big Data Analytics Policies, Procedures and Contracts (Department of Homeland Security, Office of Intelligence & Analysis)

To Whom It May Concern:

This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:

Documents concerning Big Data analytics using platforms gained from collaboration with the companies Transvoyant, Zoomdata, and/or Timbr.io, including:
-Contracts with the Transvoyant, Zoomdata, and/or Timbr.io regarding the acquisition of their data analyzing platforms
-Department policies and procedure regarding the use of Big Data analytics technology regarding the aforementioned three companies
-memos, guidelines, or slideshows mentioning Zoomdata, Timbr.io, and/or Transvoyant
-procedures on the keeping of statistics about the agencies use and acquisition of these technology platforms

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 there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

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,

Curtis Waltman

The Glomar denial as used in this case is unwarranted and a violation of the Freedom of Information Act. The Glomar response is only to be used in situations where even just confirming or denying the existence of a project or operation would severely compromise national security. I fail to understand how the completion of my request for contracts that the Department of Homeland Security Office of Intelligence and Analysis may have with three data analysis companies would have ramifications for national security so serious that it is necessary to neither confirm or deny these contracts. I am not asking for details on how these companies software platforms are being used by DHS. I am requesting that the DHS OIA disclose to the public the contracts they have with these companies, Timbri.io, Zoomdata, and Transvoyant, and the policies that dictate their use. Details of these programs and personally identifying information can be left out or redacted.
Considering these companies deal in data analysis on a large scale that may impact civilians, the public has a right to see these documents. It is important the public knows the companies that the government is doing business with, and at least a basic understanding of the policies implemented by agencies regarding the equipment or services purchased by the government. I fully expect for this Glomar denial to be overturned and that these documents be produced to the American public.