FOIA March Madness 2017 - III - Appeal logs, procedures, letters, opinions (U.S. Department of State)
| Tracking # |
F-2017-05840 |
| Submitted | March 14, 2017 |
| Est. Completion | March 1, 2021 |
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Communications
From: Beryl Lipton
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
1. Any available log of appeals submitted to this agency or the agency tasked with processing Freedom of Information Act appeals for this division. Please provide such logs for the period from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2016. Please, if possible, include with the log the following items:
• the request number associated with the FOIA in question
• the appeal number assigned to the appeal
• the description of the subject matter addressed by the request
• the division or office of initial receipt
• the date on which the appeal was received
• the date on which the appeal was closed
• the determination or final disposition status of the appeal
2. All appeal letters and opinion letters associated with appeals for which the determination was to reverse, in whole or in part, the decision of the initial request agency. Please provide such letters for appeals closed during the period from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2016.
3. All appeal letters and opinion letters associated with appeals for which the determination was to remand the request to the appropriate agency. Please provide such letters for appeals closed during the period from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2016.
4. All appeal letters and opinion letters associated with appeals for which the determination was to affirm the decision of the initial agency. Please provide such letters for appeals closed during the period from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2016.
5. Any instructive or guiding materials provided to and/or utilized by employees of this department’s Freedom of Information Act office. Please include any manuals, procedural materials, reference guides, checklists, training materials, flow charts, directives, memorandums, legal decisions, presentations, or similar material used in the process of an appeal by this office or the office tasked to process FOIA appeals for this office. Any guiding materials used for the preparation of an appeal package should be considered responsive to, though not the entirety of, this element of this request.
6. The name and contact information for the appropriate appeal authority to whom appeals for this agency should be directed. If such information exists as part of a template letter sent to requesters, provision of this document will be considered satisfactory.
Please provide responsive materials on a rolling basis.
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,
Beryl Lipton
From: U.S. 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 March 14, 2017. 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-2017-05840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
Dear Beryl Lipton,
This is in reference to your faxed status letter dated April 24, 20917, inquiring about the status of your Freedom of Information Act request. The Office of Information Programs and Services (IPS) is in receipt of your status inquiry. A copy of your e-mail has been forwarded to the office that is processing your request.
Our office was recently informed that your request has been forwarded to a Team and assigned to a case analyst for processing. The estimated completion date for your request is February 28, 2018.
We appreciate your 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 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov> and refer to your case control number.
Sincerely,
Charlotte W. Duckett
U.S. Department of State
Official
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 March 14, 2017. 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-2017-05840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
Dear Beryl Lipton,
This is in reference to your recent email regarding your FOIA case control number F-2017-05840.
Processing of this case is underway. Each case is different and processing time depends on the complexity of the information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.
The estimated completion date for your request is February 28, 2018.
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>
-
~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 March 14, 2017. 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-2017-05840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: FOIA Status
Dear Beryl Lipton,
This is a follow-up to your email concerning case control F-2017-05840
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 continues to be, February 28, 2018.
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 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 appreciate your continued patience. 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 email to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>.
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
-
~WRD000
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I'm following up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on March 14, 2017. You previously indicated that it would be completed on Feb. 28, 2018. I wanted to let you know that I am still interested in the following documents, and to see if that date was still accurate. You had assigned it reference number #F-2017-05840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I'm following up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on March 14, 2017. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Feb. 28, 2018. 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-2017-05840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Dear Beryl Lipton,
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 10,600 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: U.S. Department of State
Dear Beryl Lipton,
This is in reply to your email below regarding the status of FOIA case control number F-2017-05840.
The Office of Information Programs and Services' electronic records system indicates that your request is 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 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. Your request is being processed as part of this project. 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 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'm following up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on March 14, 2017. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Feb. 28, 2018. 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-2017-05840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Dear Beryl Lipton,
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 10,600 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'm following up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on March 14, 2017. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Feb. 28, 2018. 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-2017-05840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Dear Beryl C. Lipton,
This is in response to your e-mail below regarding the status of FOIA Case Control Number F-2017-05840.
The Office of Information Programs and Services (IPS) electronic records system indicates that your request remains in process.
The Department currently has a backlog of approximately 10,600 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 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'm following up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on March 14, 2017. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Feb. 28, 2018. 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-2017-05840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Dear Beryl C. Lipton,
This is in response to your e-mail below regarding FOIA Case Number F-2017-05840.
The Office of Information Programs and Services’ electronic records system indicates that your request continues to be processed and that searches for responsive records have been initiated. You will be notified of the Department’s search and review effort in response to your request as soon as it becomes available.
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.
If you have further 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,
Katrina M. Wood
U.S. Department of State
foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>
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 March 14, 2017. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Feb. 28, 2018. 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-2017-05840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Dear Beryl C. Lipton,
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. There is no more information to provide at this time.
Regards,
Katrina Wood
FOIA Status
U.S. Department of State
(202)261-8484
From: U.S. Department of State
Dear Beryl C. Lipton,
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. 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'm following up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on March 14, 2017. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Feb. 28, 2018. 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-2017-05840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Dear Beryl C. Lipton,
This is in response to your e-mail below regarding the status of FOIA Case Control Number F-2017-05840.
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'm following up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on March 14, 2017. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Feb. 28, 2018. 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-2017-05840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Dear Beryl Lipton,
This is in response to your email below regarding the status of FOIA Case Control Number F-2017-05840. 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'm following up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on March 14, 2017. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Feb. 28, 2018. 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-2017-05840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Mr. Lipton,
This is in response to your email below regarding the status of FOIA Case Control Number F-2017-05840. 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'm following up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on March 14, 2017. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Feb. 28, 2018. 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-2017-05840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Dear Beryl Lipton,
This is in response to your email below regarding the status of FOIA Case Control Number F-2017-05840. 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'm following up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on March 14, 2017. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Feb. 28, 2018. 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-2017-05840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Dear Beryl Lipton,
This is in response to your email below regarding the status of FOIA Case Control Number F-2017-05840. 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'm following up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on March 14, 2017. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Feb. 28, 2018. 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-2017-05840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Dear Ms. Lipton,
This is in response to your email below concerning your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) case control number F-2017-05840.
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
-
~WRD187
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 March 14, 2017. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Feb. 28, 2018. 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-2017-05840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Dear Mr. Lipton,
This is in reference to your email below concerning your Freedom of Information (FOIA) case control number F-2017-05840. 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>.
Sincerely,
Katrina M. Wood
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
-
~WRD000
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 March 14, 2017. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Feb. 28, 2018. 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-2017-05840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Mr. Lipton,
This is in response to your email below concerning your FOIA case control number F-2017-05840
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
-
~WRD000
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 March 14, 2017. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Feb. 28, 2018. 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-2017-05840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Mr. Lipton,
This is in response to your email below concerning your FOIA case control number F-2017-05840
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
-
~WRD000
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 March 14, 2017. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Feb. 28, 2018. 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-2017-05840.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: U.S. Department of State
Mr. Lipton,
This is in response to your email below concerning your FOIA case control number F-2017-05840
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
-
~WRD010
From: U.S. Department of State
Ms. Lipton,
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-2017-05840.
It has been determined that the EDC for this request is March 1, 2021. ECDs 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,
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
UNCLASSIFIED
From: U.S. Department of State
Please see attached.
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