Chief FOIA officer exemption 5 guidance (Department of State)

Shawn Musgrave filed this request with the U.S. Department of State of the United States of America.
Tracking #

F-2013-17603

Due Dec. 2, 2013
Est. Completion Dec. 31, 2017
Status
Awaiting Response

Communications

From: Shawn Musgrave

To Whom It May Concern:

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

Any guidance, memo, protocol, directive or other document (or segment of another document) written by or for the Chief FOIA/Privacy Officer that provides departmental application of FOIA exemption 5 from 1990 to the day this request is processed.

I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as I believe this request is in the public interest. The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.

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. 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,

Shawn Musgrave

From: Department of State

An acknowledgement letter, stating the request is being processed.

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 Oct. 10, 2013. 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-2013-17603.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Request

Your query has been forwarded to the FOIA Requester Status mailbox for reply.

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 Oct. 10, 2013. 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-2013-17603.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Musgrave,

The estimated completion date for this case is: July 2014

- ECDs are subject to change.
- ECDs are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completions, 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

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) 261-8582 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov

Chris Barnes
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

In accordance with Executive Order 12958, this message is UNCLASSIFIED

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 Oct. 10, 2013. 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-2013-17603.

Thank you for your help.

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 Oct. 10, 2013. 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-2013-17603.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Shawn Musgrave,

The estimated completion date (ECD) is July/2014.

- ECDs are subject to change.
- ECDs are “strictly” estimates and not intended to be used as “actual” dates of completions, 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) 261-8582 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov

Thank you,
Katrina Wood
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center

This email is UNCLASSIFIED.

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 Oct. 10, 2013. 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-2013-17603.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Musgrave,

The estimated completion date (ECD) is July/2014.
Regards,
Katrina Wood

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 Oct. 10, 2013. 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-2013-17603.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Shawn Musgrave,

Your information has been forwarded to the appropriate office for action and the schedule estimated completion date is still July 31, 2014 according to our Freedoms Data Base System. Once I receive a response from the Branch Chief I will email you with the up-dated information.
Regards,
Katrina
FOIA Requester Service Center

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Shawn Musgrave,

Your information has been forwarded to the appropriate office for action and the schedule estimated completion date is August 29, 2014 according to our Freedoms Data Base System and Compliance Research Division Center is waiting for a response from Visa Services.
Regards,
Katrina
FOIA Requester Service Center

From: FOIA Status

FOIA Status would like to recall the message, "Corrections was made to the ECD for July/2014 and status from Visa Services".

From: FOIA Status

FOIA Status would like to recall the message, "Corrections was made to the ECD for July/2014 and status from Visa Services".

From: FOIA Status

FOIA Status would like to recall the message, "Corrections was made to the ECD for July/2014 and status from Visa Services".

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 Oct. 10, 2013. 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-2013-17603.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Musgrave,

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 new estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is: May 2015

- ECDs are subject to change.
- ECDs are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completions, 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) 261-8582 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov

Chris Barnes
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

In accordance with Executive Order 12958, this message is UNCLASSIFIED

From: Department of State

A fix is required to perfect the request.

From: Shawn Musgrave

Hello,

I am responding to the attached interim letter. I am not seeking statistical summaries on exemption b(5) invocations, but rather documents used to train and/or guide State Department FOIA officers on the application of exemption b(5).

Please confirm receipt of this followup.

Best,
Shawn Musgrave

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Musgrave,

This is in reference to your e-mail dated October 16, 2014, inquiring about the status of your request. Please be advised that a copy of your e-mail has been forwarded to the office that is processing your request. Information regarding the status will be provided to you as soon as it becomes available.

We appreciate your continued patience during this process.

If you have 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.

Sincerely,

Jennine A. Daniels
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 Oct. 10, 2013. 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-2013-17603.

Thank you for your help.

From: MuckRock

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Oct. 10, 2013. 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-2013-17603.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

At this time the estimated completion date is still May 2015.

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 Oct. 10, 2013. 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-2013-17603.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Musgrove,

A this time the case notes state the ECD is still May 2015.

Chris Barnes
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

In accordance with Executive Order 12958, this message is UNCLASSIFIED

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 Oct. 10, 2013. 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-2013-17603.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Dear Shawn Musgrave,

This is in reference to your e-mail dated June 10, 2015, inquiring about the status of your Freedom of Information Act request. A copy of your e-mail has been forwarded to the team that is processing your request. You will be provided with status on your request as soon as we receive a response from that office.

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.

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 Oct. 10, 2013. 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-2013-17603.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Shawn Musgrave–At this time the estimated completion date is June 2016.
Regards,
Katrina
FOIA Requester Service Center

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 Oct. 10, 2013. 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-2013-17603.

Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Shawn Musgrave–At this time the estimated completion date is June 2016.

Regards,

U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

In accordance with Executive Order 12958, this message is UNCLASSIFIED

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Musgrave–According to our” Freedoms Data Base System” the estimated completion date is still June 2016.
Regards,
Katrina
FOIA Requester Service Center

From: FOIA Status

Dear Shawn Musgrave,

This is in reference to your e-mail dated June 30, 2016, inquiring about the status of your Freedom of Information Act request. A copy of your request has been forwarded to the office that is processing your request. Our office has requested status and a new estimated completion date for your request. Information will be provided to you as soon as our office receives a response.

If you have any questions, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) on 202-261-8484 and refer to your case control number.

Sincerely,

Charlotte W. Duckett
U.S. Department of State

From: FOIA Status

Dear Shawn Musgrave,

This is a follow-up e-mail to your e-mail dated June 30, 2016. Our office was recently informed that the review process is continuing and that the estimated completion date for your request is May 2017.

Sincerely,

Charlotte W. Duckett
U.S. Department of State

This email is UNCLASSIFIED.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Musgrave-At this time the estimated completion date is still May 2017.
Regards,
Katrina
FOIA Requester Service Center

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Musgrave-At this time the estimated completion date is still 5/31/2017.
Regards,
Katrina
FOIA Requester Service Center

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Musgrave,

We have contacted the Case Analyst and requested a new estimated completion date for your case. 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.

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) 261-8582 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov

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: FOIA Status

Mr. Musgrave,

Since 2008, the Department has experienced a 300 percent increase in the number of FOIA and Privacy Act requests it receives annually. The Department processes Freedom of Information and Privacy Act requests on a first-in/first-out basis, and currently has a backlog of approximately 16, 200 cases. This significant increase in the number of FOIA requests is drawing on limited and already over-burdened resources. Your patience and understanding is appreciated.

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 new estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is: December 2017

ECD’s 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 are beyond the control of the Branch, which may or may not include coordination with other agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.) Interim releases 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) 261-8582 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>

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: FOIA Status

Dear Shawn Musgrave,

This is in reference to your e-mail dated July 3, 2017, inquiring about the status of your Freedom of Information Act request. A copy of your e-mail has been forwarded to the office that is processing your request. Our office was informed that your request is in the review process. Your estimated completion date is December 2017.

Sincerely,

Charlotte W. Duckett
U.S. Department of State

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