Export Licenses
| Submitted | March 1, 2016 |
| Est. Completion | None |
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Communications
From: Michael Best
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Records relating to processing of export licenses for dual use computer software known as PROMIS or SMART.
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,
Michael Best
From: Jennifer Kuo
Good Afternoon Michael Best,
Your FOIA request was forwarded to BIS for processing.
You have asked for "records relating to processing of export licenses for dual use computer software known as PROMIS or SMART." The tracking number for your FOIA request is BIS 16-047.
While reviewing the scope of your request, please clarify whether you are only looking for public information only. In the meantime, I can provide you the following links to the BIS website.
Export Administration Regulation: http://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/regulations/export-administration-regulations-ear
Commerce Control List (CCL) aka Export Control Classification Number (ECCN): http://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/regulations/commerce-control-list-ccl
Classification Request Guidelines: http://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/licensing/commerce-control-list-classification/classification-request-guidelines
To submit an export application: http://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/licensing/simplified-network-application-process-redesign-snap-r/getting-started-with-snap-r
Export Counseling Line: 202-482-4811
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. In order to promptly process your FOIA request, please (1) provide a search time frame (start and end dates) and (2) clarify what "processing of export licenses" means.
Please provide clarifications within 30 days (by April 2, 2016) or your request will be considered closed.
Thank you,
Jennifer
Jennifer Kuo
FOIA Officer and Records Officer
Office of the CFO and Director of Administration
Department of Commerce (DOC)|Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
Direct Line: 202.482.0953| Fax: 202.482.0800| Office Main Line: 202.482.1900
Jennifer.Kuo@bis.doc.gov
From: Michael Best
Jennifer Kuo (and whomever else it may concern),
Thank you for your very quick reply!
To your request for clarification, I'm not sure what you're asking exactly. (Please forgive my ignorance!) I am not interested in private company records, but I don't want to say that I'm interested in public information only until I'm sure I'm interpreting what you mean correctly. Could you clarify, perhaps with an example or two?
If I'm simply overthinking the question and "I'm not interested in private company records" satisfies the clarification, please let me know.
Thank you so much!
Michael Best
From: Jennifer Kuo
Hi Michael,
When I first read your request, "processing of export licenses for dual use computer software known as PROMIS or SMART" appears to me as if you need (1) guidance on submitting an export license application for a commodity, or (2) records related to an export license/application for a commodity including the application, correspondence with the company or other agency, and final decision.
It will be helpful to know if you are interested in the processing part of an export license, which probably is internal guidance for our licensing officers or already lay out in the regulations, or if you are interested more in the commodity (which most likely is protected information under our statue).
BIS will not be able to release copies of export licenses, or information on specific companies or products. BIS may be able to release information based on the ECCNs because it does not reveal companies or specific products. However, you will need to let me know which ECCNs you are interested.
Please feel free to contact me at 202-482-0953 if you need to discuss.
Thanks,
Jennifer
From: Michael Best
My interest is primarily in tracking the commodity itself.
From: Jennifer Kuo
Hi Michael,
BIS will not be able to provide you any export licenses application and any correspondence related to the license application, unless that is your own application.
Perhaps we can discuss on the phone so I can better understand how I can help you with this FOIA request.
Please give me a call at 202-482-0953.
Thank you,
Jennifer
From: Michael Best
Jennifer,
Thanks for your additional clarification. I think I need to figure out another way to approach the issue before I take up anymore of your time. Feel free to close this request.
Michael
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