FOIA March Madness 2018 - Agency Talking Points (November 8, 2016 - March 13, 2018) (General Services Administration)

This message is to confirm your request submission to the FOIAonline application: View Request. Request information is as follows: (https://foiaonline.regulations.gov:443/foia/action/public/view/request?objectId=090004d281855971)
* Tracking Number: GSA-2018-000914
* Requester Name: Beryl Lipton
* Date Submitted: 03/13/2018
* Request Status: Submitted
* Description: Please see attached FOIA request description.

Your request for Fee Waiver for the FOIA request GSA-2018-000914 has been determined to be not applicable as the request is not billable. Additional details for this request are as follows:
* Request Created on: 03/13/2018
* Fee Waiver Disposition Reason: N/A
* Request Long Description: Please see attached FOIA request description.

Good morning Mr. Lipton:
We received your request in the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Office and assigned control GSA-2018-000914. Please refer to this number in all future correspondence concerning this request. Based on this, we anticipate response on or prior to April 12, 2018.
We have twenty (20) workdays in which to respond (excluding Federal Holidays).   However, it may not always be possible to provide the documents within this time period. In some cases, we may take an extension and will advise you. Please be advised that your request may be subject to fees for search, review and reproduction costs. Should this be the case, you will be given an estimate of the costs. All estimates are developed in Good Faith and are based on our reasonable judgment. However, due to the unique nature of each request and complexity of documents involved, actual costs to search and review the material may vary. You will be notified of fees, time frames and any other issues prior to and throughout the process.
Additionally, please be advised that at any time, you can log into the FOIAonline, to access your original request and review the workflow associated with this-tracking number.   Should you have any further questions, feel free to contact this office at our Toll Free Number 1-855-675-FOIA or by email at gsa.foia@gsa.gov to inquire about the status of your request. If you have any concerns regarding the FOIA Requester Service Center, please contact Ms. Audrey Corbett Brooks, Public FOIA Liaison Officer at (mailto:gsa.foia@gsa.gov) (202) 501-3094 or by email at audrey.brooks@gsa.gov . (mailto:audrey.brooks@gsa.gov)
Respectfully, Freedom of Information Act Requester Service Center
U.S General Service Administration
1800 F Street, Northwest, Room 7300
Washington, DC 20405
Toll Free number: (855)-675- FOIA
Fax number: (202) 501-2727

Good Morning Mr. Lipton:
This is in reference to your GSA Freedom of Information Act Request: GSA-2018-000914 , in which you requested "Please see attached FOIA request description."
The mission of GSA is to deliver the best value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to government and the American people.
The Freedom of Information Act provides authority to Federal Agencies to release documents that are specifically identified by the requester.  It does not require an Agency to do an all-encompassing search of all records in order to respond to requests. As written, we need additional clarification to complete your request.

In an effort to be as responsive as possible, please advise of the specific subject matter of which you seek in your request as to what guidance/or direction employees are advised when responding to media, media interviews or statements.
Providing this information to our Offices will assist us in narrowing down the content to focus on your specific area of interest. Please provide clarifications by April 10, 2018, otherwise we will interpret this as you no longer being interested in the matter and your FOIA request will be canceled without further notification on our part. This action does not constitute a denial of your request nor does it affect your rights to submit future FOIA requests to this Agency.
Please reference FOIA Request number GSA-2018-000914 you respond.
If you have further questions, please contact this Office via email at
gsa.foia@gsa.gov. (mailto:gsa.foia@gsa.gov)
If you have any concerns regarding the GSA's FOIA Requester Service Center, please contact Ms. Audrey Corbett Brooks, Public FOIA Liaison Officer at (202) 501-3094 or by email at audrey.brooks@gsa.gov. (mailto:audrey.brooks@gsa.gov)
Respectfully,
GSA FOIA Requester Service Center
Wasington DC Headquarter Office

Good afternoon - An agency wide search of the term "talking point" is
technically possible, but a search for any/all agency documents containing
that phrase will most likely result in not returning documents that are in
within the scope of the your FOIA request.

Are you asking for talking points related to a specific subject or are you
asking for guidance promulgated by our Public Affairs Office when there's a
request from media, media interviews, and statements?"

Respectfully,
Freedom of Information Act
Requester Service Center
U.S. General Services Administration
1800 F Street, Northwest, Room 7300
Washington, DC 20405
Toll Free number:(855) 675-FOIA
Fax number:(202) 501-2727

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email message and any attachments to this
email message contain confidential information belonging to the sender,
which is legally privileged. The information is intended only for the use
of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. Please do not forward
this message without permission. If you are not the intended recipient or
the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying,
distribution or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of
this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this
transmission in error, please notify us immediately by telephone or return
email and delete and destroy the original email message, and attachments
thereto and all copies thereof.

Good morning - This is a follow up to our April 10, 2018 clarification
request (see email below). Providing this information to our Office will
assist us in narrowing down the content to focus on your specific area of
interest. *Please provide your clarification by Thursday, April 26, 2018,
otherwise we will interpret this as you no longer being interested in the
matter and your FOIA request will be canceled without further notification
on our part.* This action does not constitute a denial of your request nor
does it affect your rights to submit future FOIA requests to this Agency.

Respectfully,
Freedom of Information Act
Requester Service Center
U.S. General Services Administration
1800 F Street, Northwest, Room 7300
Washington, DC 20405
Toll Free number:(855) 675-FOIA
Fax number:(202) 501-2727

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email message and any attachments to this
email message contain confidential information belonging to the sender,
which is legally privileged. The information is intended only for the use
of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. Please do not forward
this message without permission. If you are not the intended recipient or
the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying,
distribution or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of
this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this
transmission in error, please notify us immediately by telephone or return
email and delete and destroy the original email message, and attachments
thereto and all copies thereof.

GSA-2018-000914 has been processed with the following final disposition: Records not reasonably described.
Given the nature of this request, some records are only being released to you as the requester. If you have an account in FOIAonline, you may access those records by logging into FOIAonline. Otherwise, those responsive records will be sent via the method agreed upon with the FOIA processor. (https://foiaonline.regulations.gov:443/foia/action/public/home?objectId=090004d281855971)

Good morning Mr. Lipton - Thank you for your clarification. We have
reopened your FOIA request and the new due date for completing our response
to you is June 29, 2018.

Thank you and have a nice day.

Respectfully,

U.S. General Services Administration

*Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requester Service Center (H1F)*

*1800 F Street, Northwest, Room 7300 Washington, DC 20405 Toll Free
number:(855) 675-FOIA*

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email message and any attachments to this
email message contain confidential information belonging to the sender,
which is legally privileged. The information is intended only for the use
of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. Please do not forward
this message without permission. If you are not the intended recipient or
the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying,
distribution or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of
this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this
transmission in error, please notify us immediately by telephone or return
email and delete and destroy the original email message, and attachments
thereto and all copies thereof.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: GSA FOIA <gsa.foia@gsa.gov>
Date: Thu, May 24, 2018 at 10:27 AM
Subject: Fwd: Freedom of Information Act Request #GSA-2018-000914
To: Duane Fulton - H1FA <duane.fulton@gsa.gov>

FYI and action.

Respectfully,

U.S. General Services Administration

*Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requester Service Center (H1F)*

*1800 F Street, Northwest, Room 7300 Washington, DC 20405 Toll Free
number:(855) 675-FOIA*

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email message and any attachments to this
email message contain confidential information belonging to the sender,
which is legally privileged. The information is intended only for the use
of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. Please do not forward
this message without permission. If you are not the intended recipient or
the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying,
distribution or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of
this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this
transmission in error, please notify us immediately by telephone or return
email and delete and destroy the original email message, and attachments
thereto and all copies thereof.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: requests@muckrock.com <50555-63137203@requests.
muckrock.com>
Date: Wed, May 23, 2018 at 4:40 PM
Subject: RE: Freedom of Information Act Request #GSA-2018-000914
To: "gsa.foia@gsa.gov" <gsa.foia@gsa.gov>

General Services Administration
FOIA Office
Room 3116
1800 F Street Northwest
<https://maps.google.com/?q=1800+F+Street+Northwest+Washington,+DC+20006&entry=gmail&source=g>
Washington, DC 20006
<https://maps.google.com/?q=1800+F+Street+Northwest+Washington,+DC+20006&entry=gmail&source=g>

May 23, 2018

This is a follow up to request number GSA-2018-000914:

Hi there,

Thank you for your letter. I am not interested in a particular subject. I
am primarily interested in guidance from the Office of Public Affairs.

Thanks so much for your time and patience.

Best wishes,
Beryl

Filed via MuckRock.com
E-mail (Preferred): requests@muckrock.com
Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/accou
nts/agency_login/general-services-administration-33/foia-
march-madness-2018-agency-talking-points-november-8-
2016-march-13-2018-general-services-administration-50555/
?email=gsa.foia%40gsa.gov&uuid-login=ce7ecf35-ac43-4f8c-
a336-1dcbc453b74d#agency-reply
Is this email coming to the wrong contact? Something else wrong? Use the
above link to let us know.

For mailed responses, please address (see note):
MuckRock News
DEPT MR 50555
411A Highland Ave
<https://maps.google.com/?q=411A+Highland+Ave+Somerville,+MA+02144&entry=gmail&source=g>
Somerville, MA 02144
<https://maps.google.com/?q=411A+Highland+Ave+Somerville,+MA+02144&entry=gmail&source=g>
-2516

PLEASE NOTE: This request was filed by a MuckRock staff reporter. 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 April 27, 2018:
GSA-2018-000914 has been processed with the following final disposition:
Records not reasonably described.
Given the nature of this request, some records are only being released to
you as the requester. If you have an account in FOIAonline, you may access
those records by logging into FOIAonline. Otherwise, those responsive
records will be sent via the method agreed upon with the FOIA processor. (
https://foiaonline.regulations.gov:443/foia/action/public/
home?objectId=090004d281855971)

---

On April 20, 2018:
Good morning - This is a follow up to our April 10, 2018 clarification
request (see email below). Providing this information to our Office will
assist us in narrowing down the content to focus on your specific area of
interest. *Please provide your clarification by Thursday, April 26, 2018,
otherwise we will interpret this as you no longer being interested in the
matter and your FOIA request will be canceled without further notification
on our part.* This action does not constitute a denial of your request nor
does it affect your rights to submit future FOIA requests to this Agency.

Respectfully,
Freedom of Information Act
Requester Service Center
U.S. General Services Administration
1800 F Street, Northwest, Room 7300
<https://maps.google.com/?q=1800+F+Street,+Northwest,+Room+7300+Washington,+DC+20405&entry=gmail&source=g>
Washington, DC 20405
<https://maps.google.com/?q=1800+F+Street,+Northwest,+Room+7300+Washington,+DC+20405&entry=gmail&source=g>
Toll Free number:(855) 675-FOIA
Fax number:(202) 501-2727

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email message and any attachments to this
email message contain confidential information belonging to the sender,
which is legally privileged. The information is intended only for the use
of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. Please do not forward
this message without permission. If you are not the intended recipient or
the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying,
distribution or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of
this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this
transmission in error, please notify us immediately by telephone or return
email and delete and destroy the original email message, and attachments
thereto and all copies thereof.

---

On April 10, 2018:
Good afternoon - An agency wide search of the term "talking point" is
technically possible, but a search for any/all agency documents containing
that phrase will most likely result in not returning documents that are in
within the scope of the your FOIA request.

Are you asking for talking points related to a specific subject or are you
asking for guidance promulgated by our Public Affairs Office when there's a
request from media, media interviews, and statements?"

Respectfully,
Freedom of Information Act
Requester Service Center
U.S. General Services Administration
1800 F Street, Northwest, Room 7300
<https://maps.google.com/?q=1800+F+Street,+Northwest,+Room+7300+Washington,+DC+20405&entry=gmail&source=g>
Washington, DC 20405
<https://maps.google.com/?q=1800+F+Street,+Northwest,+Room+7300+Washington,+DC+20405&entry=gmail&source=g>
Toll Free number:(855) 675-FOIA
Fax number:(202) 501-2727

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email message and any attachments to this
email message contain confidential information belonging to the sender,
which is legally privileged. The information is intended only for the use
of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. Please do not forward
this message without permission. If you are not the intended recipient or
the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying,
distribution or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of
this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this
transmission in error, please notify us immediately by telephone or return
email and delete and destroy the original email message, and attachments
thereto and all copies thereof.
---

On April 3, 2018:
Hi there,

Could you please clarify whether a universal search of agency emails for
the term "talking points" or a search of only the Office of Public Affairs
would be possible?

Thanks so much for your help.

Best wishes,
Beryl
---

On March 28, 2018:
Good Morning Mr. Lipton:
This is in reference to your GSA Freedom of Information Act Request:
GSA-2018-000914 , in which you requested "Please see attached FOIA request
description."
The mission of GSA is to deliver the best value in real estate,
acquisition, and technology services to government and the American people.
The Freedom of Information Act provides authority to Federal Agencies to
release documents that are specifically identified by the requester. It
does not require an Agency to do an all-encompassing search of all records
in order to respond to requests. As written, we need additional
clarification to complete your request.

In an effort to be as responsive as possible, please advise of the specific
subject matter of which you seek in your request as to what guidance/or
direction employees are advised when responding to media, media interviews
or statements.
Providing this information to our Offices will assist us in narrowing down
the content to focus on your specific area of interest. Please provide
clarifications by April 10, 2018, otherwise we will interpret this as you
no longer being interested in the matter and your FOIA request will be
canceled without further notification on our part. This action does not
constitute a denial of your request nor does it affect your rights to
submit future FOIA requests to this Agency.
Please reference FOIA Request number GSA-2018-000914 you respond.
If you have further questions, please contact this Office via email at
gsa.foia@gsa.gov. (mailto:gsa.foia@gsa.gov)
If you have any concerns regarding the GSA's FOIA Requester Service Center,
please contact Ms. Audrey Corbett Brooks, Public FOIA Liaison Officer at
(202) 501-3094 or by email at audrey.brooks@gsa.gov. (mailto:
audrey.brooks@gsa.gov)
Respectfully,
GSA FOIA Requester Service Center
Wasington DC Headquarter Office
---

On March 13, 2018:
To Whom It May Concern:

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

For the 16-month, 5-day period from Tuesday, November 8, 2016 through
Tuesday, March 13, 2018:

(SUMMARY)

Any and all talking points and similar memorandums, emails, and transcripts
providing advice or direction on how to handle the media, media interviews,
and statements.

----
(SPECIFICALLY)

Please include in your responsive materials any documents, emails, or
communications with the following phrases in the title or subject line:

TALKING POINTS
STMT
STATEMENT
PRESS STRATEGY
___________

It would be greatly appreciated if materials could be provided on a rolling
basis.

1. In the Office of Public Affairs or equivalent division

Please provide first all such materials produced in this agency’s Office of
Public Affairs or equivalent division, and any representative thereof.

Please also provide all such materials received by this agency’s Office of
Public Affairs or equivalent division, and any representative thereof.

2. Related to all agency employees

Please also include all employee email communications containing the
following phrases:

TALKING POINTS
STMT
STATEMENT
PRESS STRATEGY

Alternative Response to 2:

If processing of this portion of this request would require its
distribution to another or multiple other offices, it would be greatly
appreciated if a response to this request would contain a description of
the necessary offices to be tasked, the process by which the search will be
conducted, and an estimate of the time and fees to be incurred. Such a
description will allow us to better understand the parameters of this FOIA
office’s ability to respond to this request as worded and will better
enable us to reorganize and limit it as appropriate.

-----

Additional clarification:

This request is not intended for materials regarding one particular subject
or event during this period.

If a different search procedure will be required dependent on segment of
time covered, it would be greatly appreciated if a response could contain a
description of the necessary difference in approach by time period (for
example, if file keeping procedures have changed at some point in the last
year and a half or if particular materials have been moved to another
location).
_________

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

Filed via MuckRock.com
E-mail (Preferred): requests@muckrock.com
Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/accou
nts/agency_login/general-services-administration-33/foia-
march-madness-2018-agency-talking-points-november-8-
2016-march-13-2018-general-services-administration-50555/
?email=gsa.foia%40gsa.gov&uuid-login=ce7ecf35-ac43-4f8c-
a336-1dcbc453b74d#agency-reply
Is this email coming to the wrong contact? Something else wrong? Use the
above link to let us know.

For mailed responses, please address (see note):
MuckRock News
DEPT MR 50555
411A Highland Ave
<https://maps.google.com/?q=411A+Highland+Ave+Somerville,+MA+02144&entry=gmail&source=g>
Somerville, MA 02144
<https://maps.google.com/?q=411A+Highland+Ave+Somerville,+MA+02144&entry=gmail&source=g>
-2516

PLEASE NOTE: This request was filed by a MuckRock staff reporter. 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.

Good morning Mr. Lipton - In response to your status request for
2018-000914, it is in the final stages of review and we hope that a final
response will be released by the end of this week or early next week.

Thank you and have a nice day.

Respectfully,

U.S. General Services Administration

*Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requester Service Center (H1F)*

*1800 F Street, Northwest, Room 7300 Washington, DC 20405 Toll Free
number:(855) 675-FOIA*

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email message and any attachments to this
email message contain confidential information belonging to the sender,
which is legally privileged. The information is intended only for the use
of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. Please do not forward
this message without permission. If you are not the intended recipient or
the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying,
distribution or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of
this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this
transmission in error, please notify us immediately by telephone or return
email and delete and destroy the original email message, and attachments
thereto and all copies thereof.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <requests@muckrock.com>
Date: Mon, Jul 2, 2018 at 5:02 AM
Subject: RE: Freedom of Information Act Request #GSA-2018-000914
To: gsa.foia@gsa.gov

General Services Administration
FOIA Office
Room 3116
1800 F Street Northwest
<https://maps.google.com/?q=1800+F+Street+Northwest+Washington,+DC+20006&entry=gmail&source=g>
Washington, DC 20006
<https://maps.google.com/?q=1800+F+Street+Northwest+Washington,+DC+20006&entry=gmail&source=g>

July 2, 2018

This is a follow up to request number GSA-2018-000914:

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request,
copied below, and originally submitted on March 13, 2018. Please let me
know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification
is needed. You had assigned it reference number #GSA-2018-000914.

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

Filed via MuckRock.com
E-mail (Preferred): requests@muckrock.com
Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/accou
nts/agency_login/general-services-administration-33/foia-
march-madness-2018-agency-talking-points-november-8-
2016-march-13-2018-general-services-administration-50555/
?email=gsa.foia%40gsa.gov&uuid-login=d2c37a93-174c-4771-
9b81-5dcb45afcae7#agency-reply
Is this email coming to the wrong contact? Something else wrong? Use the
above link to let us know.

For mailed responses, please address (see note):
MuckRock News
DEPT MR 50555
411A Highland Ave
<https://maps.google.com/?q=411A+Highland+Ave+Somerville,+MA+02144&entry=gmail&source=g>
Somerville, MA 02144
<https://maps.google.com/?q=411A+Highland+Ave+Somerville,+MA+02144&entry=gmail&source=g>
-2516

PLEASE NOTE: This request was filed by a MuckRock staff reporter. 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 June 1, 2018:
Hello!

Thanks so much for the update. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Best wishes,
Beryl
---

On June 1, 2018:
Good morning Mr. Lipton - Thank you for your clarification. We have
reopened your FOIA request and the new due date for completing our response
to you is June 29, 2018.

Thank you and have a nice day.

Respectfully,

U.S. General Services Administration

*Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requester Service Center (H1F)*

*1800 F Street, Northwest, Room 7300 Washington, DC 20405
<https://maps.google.com/?q=1800+F+Street,+Northwest,+Room+7300+Washington,+DC+20405&entry=gmail&source=g>
Toll Free
number:(855) 675-FOIA*

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email message and any attachments to this
email message contain confidential information belonging to the sender,
which is legally privileged. The information is intended only for the use
of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. Please do not forward
this message without permission. If you are not the intended recipient or
the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying,
distribution or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of
this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this
transmission in error, please notify us immediately by telephone or return
email and delete and destroy the original email message, and attachments
thereto and all copies thereof.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: GSA FOIA <gsa.foia@gsa.gov>
Date: Thu, May 24, 2018 at 10:27 AM
Subject: Fwd: Freedom of Information Act Request #GSA-2018-000914
To: Duane Fulton - H1FA <duane.fulton@gsa.gov>

FYI and action.

Respectfully,

U.S. General Services Administration

*Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requester Service Center (H1F)*

*1800 F Street, Northwest, Room 7300 Washington, DC 20405
<https://maps.google.com/?q=1800+F+Street,+Northwest,+Room+7300+Washington,+DC+20405&entry=gmail&source=g>
Toll Free
number:(855) 675-FOIA*

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email message and any attachments to this
email message contain confidential information belonging to the sender,
which is legally privileged. The information is intended only for the use
of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. Please do not forward
this message without permission. If you are not the intended recipient or
the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying,
distribution or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of
this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this
transmission in error, please notify us immediately by telephone or return
email and delete and destroy the original email message, and attachments
thereto and all copies thereof.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: requests@muckrock.com <50555-63137203@requests.
muckrock.com>
Date: Wed, May 23, 2018 at 4:40 PM
Subject: RE: Freedom of Information Act Request #GSA-2018-000914
To: "gsa.foia@gsa.gov" <gsa.foia@gsa.gov>

General Services Administration
FOIA Office
Room 3116
<https://maps.google.com/?q=3116+1800+F+Street+Northwest&entry=gmail&source=g>
1800 F Street Northwest
<https://maps.google.com/?q=3116+1800+F+Street+Northwest&entry=gmail&source=g>
<https://maps.google.com/?q=1800+F+Street+Northwest+Washingt
on,+DC+20006&entry=gmail&source=g>
Washington, DC 20006
<https://maps.google.com/?q=1800+F+Street+Northwest+Washingt
on,+DC+20006&entry=gmail&source=g>

May 23, 2018

This is a follow up to request number GSA-2018-000914:

Hi there,

Thank you for your letter. I am not interested in a particular subject. I
am primarily interested in guidance from the Office of Public Affairs.

Thanks so much for your time and patience.

Best wishes,
Beryl

Filed via MuckRock.com
E-mail (Preferred): requests@muckrock.com
Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/accou
nts/agency_login/general-services-administration-33/foia-
march-madness-2018-agency-talking-points-november-8-
2016-march-13-2018-general-services-administration-50555/
?email=gsa.foia%40gsa.gov&uuid-login=ce7ecf35-ac43-4f8c-
a336-1dcbc453b74d#agency-reply
Is this email coming to the wrong contact? Something else wrong? Use the
above link to let us know.

For mailed responses, please address (see note):
MuckRock News
DEPT MR 50555
411A Highland Ave
<https://maps.google.com/?q=411A+Highland+Ave&entry=gmail&source=g>
<https://maps.google.com/?q=411A+Highland+Ave+Somerville,+MA
+02144&entry=gmail&source=g>
Somerville, MA 02144
<https://maps.google.com/?q=411A+Highland+Ave+Somerville,+MA
+02144&entry=gmail&source=g>
-2516

PLEASE NOTE: This request was filed by a MuckRock staff reporter. 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 April 27, 2018:
GSA-2018-000914 has been processed with the following final disposition:
Records not reasonably described.
Given the nature of this request, some records are only being released to
you as the requester. If you have an account in FOIAonline, you may access
those records by logging into FOIAonline. Otherwise, those responsive
records will be sent via the method agreed upon with the FOIA processor. (
https://foiaonline.regulations.gov:443/foia/action/public/
home?objectId=090004d281855971)

---

On April 20, 2018:
Good morning - This is a follow up to our April 10, 2018 clarification
request (see email below). Providing this information to our Office will
assist us in narrowing down the content to focus on your specific area of
interest. *Please provide your clarification by Thursday, April 26, 2018,
otherwise we will interpret this as you no longer being interested in the
matter and your FOIA request will be canceled without further notification
on our part.* This action does not constitute a denial of your request nor
does it affect your rights to submit future FOIA requests to this Agency.

Respectfully,
Freedom of Information Act
Requester Service Center
U.S. General Services Administration
1800 F Street, Northwest, Room 7300
<https://maps.google.com/?q=1800+F+Street,+Northwest,+Room+7300&entry=gmail&source=g>
<https://maps.google.com/?q=1800+F+Street,+Northwest,+Room+
7300+Washington,+DC+20405&entry=gmail&source=g>
Washington, DC 20405
<https://maps.google.com/?q=1800+F+Street,+Northwest,+Room+
7300+Washington,+DC+20405&entry=gmail&source=g>
Toll Free number:(855) 675-FOIA
Fax number:(202) 501-2727

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email message and any attachments to this
email message contain confidential information belonging to the sender,
which is legally privileged. The information is intended only for the use
of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. Please do not forward
this message without permission. If you are not the intended recipient or
the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying,
distribution or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of
this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this
transmission in error, please notify us immediately by telephone or return
email and delete and destroy the original email message, and attachments
thereto and all copies thereof.

---

On April 10, 2018:
Good afternoon - An agency wide search of the term "talking point" is
technically possible, but a search for any/all agency documents containing
that phrase will most likely result in not returning documents that are in
within the scope of the your FOIA request.

Are you asking for talking points related to a specific subject or are you
asking for guidance promulgated by our Public Affairs Office when there's a
request from media, media interviews, and statements?"

Respectfully,
Freedom of Information Act
Requester Service Center
U.S. General Services Administration
1800 F Street, Northwest, Room 7300
<https://maps.google.com/?q=1800+F+Street,+Northwest,+Room+7300&entry=gmail&source=g>
<https://maps.google.com/?q=1800+F+Street,+Northwest,+Room+
7300+Washington,+DC+20405&entry=gmail&source=g>
Washington, DC 20405
<https://maps.google.com/?q=1800+F+Street,+Northwest,+Room+
7300+Washington,+DC+20405&entry=gmail&source=g>
Toll Free number:(855) 675-FOIA
Fax number:(202) 501-2727

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email message and any attachments to this
email message contain confidential information belonging to the sender,
which is legally privileged. The information is intended only for the use
of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. Please do not forward
this message without permission. If you are not the intended recipient or
the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying,
distribution or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of
this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this
transmission in error, please notify us immediately by telephone or return
email and delete and destroy the original email message, and attachments
thereto and all copies thereof.
---

On April 3, 2018:
Hi there,

Could you please clarify whether a universal search of agency emails for
the term "talking points" or a search of only the Office of Public Affairs
would be possible?

Thanks so much for your help.

Best wishes,
Beryl
---

On March 28, 2018:
Good Morning Mr. Lipton:
This is in reference to your GSA Freedom of Information Act Request:
GSA-2018-000914 , in which you requested "Please see attached FOIA request
description."
The mission of GSA is to deliver the best value in real estate,
acquisition, and technology services to government and the American people.
The Freedom of Information Act provides authority to Federal Agencies to
release documents that are specifically identified by the requester. It
does not require an Agency to do an all-encompassing search of all records
in order to respond to requests. As written, we need additional
clarification to complete your request.

In an effort to be as responsive as possible, please advise of the specific
subject matter of which you seek in your request as to what guidance/or
direction employees are advised when responding to media, media interviews
or statements.
Providing this information to our Offices will assist us in narrowing down
the content to focus on your specific area of interest. Please provide
clarifications by April 10, 2018, otherwise we will interpret this as you
no longer being interested in the matter and your FOIA request will be
canceled without further notification on our part. This action does not
constitute a denial of your request nor does it affect your rights to
submit future FOIA requests to this Agency.
Please reference FOIA Request number GSA-2018-000914 you respond.
If you have further questions, please contact this Office via email at
gsa.foia@gsa.gov. (mailto:gsa.foia@gsa.gov)
If you have any concerns regarding the GSA's FOIA Requester Service Center,
please contact Ms. Audrey Corbett Brooks, Public FOIA Liaison Officer at
(202) 501-3094 or by email at audrey.brooks@gsa.gov. (mailto:
audrey.brooks@gsa.gov)
Respectfully,
GSA FOIA Requester Service Center
Wasington DC Headquarter Office
---

On March 13, 2018:
To Whom It May Concern:

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

For the 16-month, 5-day period from Tuesday, November 8, 2016 through
Tuesday, March 13, 2018:

(SUMMARY)

Any and all talking points and similar memorandums, emails, and transcripts
providing advice or direction on how to handle the media, media interviews,
and statements.

----
(SPECIFICALLY)

Please include in your responsive materials any documents, emails, or
communications with the following phrases in the title or subject line:

TALKING POINTS
STMT
STATEMENT
PRESS STRATEGY
___________

It would be greatly appreciated if materials could be provided on a rolling
basis.

1. In the Office of Public Affairs or equivalent division

Please provide first all such materials produced in this agency’s Office of
Public Affairs or equivalent division, and any representative thereof.

Please also provide all such materials received by this agency’s Office of
Public Affairs or equivalent division, and any representative thereof.

2. Related to all agency employees

Please also include all employee email communications containing the
following phrases:

TALKING POINTS
STMT
STATEMENT
PRESS STRATEGY

Alternative Response to 2:

If processing of this portion of this request would require its
distribution to another or multiple other offices, it would be greatly
appreciated if a response to this request would contain a description of
the necessary offices to be tasked, the process by which the search will be
conducted, and an estimate of the time and fees to be incurred. Such a
description will allow us to better understand the parameters of this FOIA
office’s ability to respond to this request as worded and will better
enable us to reorganize and limit it as appropriate.

-----

Additional clarification:

This request is not intended for materials regarding one particular subject
or event during this period.

If a different search procedure will be required dependent on segment of
time covered, it would be greatly appreciated if a response could contain a
description of the necessary difference in approach by time period (for
example, if file keeping procedures have changed at some point in the last
year and a half or if particular materials have been moved to another
location).
_________

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

Filed via MuckRock.com
E-mail (Preferred): requests@muckrock.com
Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/accou
nts/agency_login/general-services-administration-33/foia-
march-madness-2018-agency-talking-points-november-8-
2016-march-13-2018-general-services-administration-50555/
?email=gsa.foia%40gsa.gov&uuid-login=ce7ecf35-ac43-4f8c-
a336-1dcbc453b74d#agency-reply
Is this email coming to the wrong contact? Something else wrong? Use the
above link to let us know.

For mailed responses, please address (see note):
MuckRock News
DEPT MR 50555
411A Highland Ave
<https://maps.google.com/?q=411A+Highland+Ave&entry=gmail&source=g>
<https://maps.google.com/?q=411A+Highland+Ave+Somerville,+MA
+02144&entry=gmail&source=g>
Somerville, MA 02144
<https://maps.google.com/?q=411A+Highland+Ave+Somerville,+MA
+02144&entry=gmail&source=g>
-2516

PLEASE NOTE: This request was filed by a MuckRock staff reporter. 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 May 23, 2018:
Hi there,

Thank you for your letter. I am not interested in a particular subject. I
am primarily interested in guidance from the Office of Public Affairs.

Thanks so much for your time and patience.

Best wishes,
Beryl
---

On April 27, 2018:
GSA-2018-000914 has been processed with the following final disposition:
Records not reasonably described.
Given the nature of this request, some records are only being released to
you as the requester. If you have an account in FOIAonline, you may access
those records by logging into FOIAonline. Otherwise, those responsive
records will be sent via the method agreed upon with the FOIA processor. (
https://foiaonline.regulations.gov:443/foia/action/public/
home?objectId=090004d281855971)

---

On April 20, 2018:
Good morning - This is a follow up to our April 10, 2018 clarification
request (see email below). Providing this information to our Office will
assist us in narrowing down the content to focus on your specific area of
interest. *Please provide your clarification by Thursday, April 26, 2018,
otherwise we will interpret this as you no longer being interested in the
matter and your FOIA request will be canceled without further notification
on our part.* This action does not constitute a denial of your request nor
does it affect your rights to submit future FOIA requests to this Agency.

Respectfully,
Freedom of Information Act
Requester Service Center
U.S. General Services Administration
1800 F Street, Northwest, Room 7300
<https://maps.google.com/?q=1800+F+Street,+Northwest,+Room+7300+Washington,+DC+20405&entry=gmail&source=g>
Washington, DC 20405
<https://maps.google.com/?q=1800+F+Street,+Northwest,+Room+7300+Washington,+DC+20405&entry=gmail&source=g>
Toll Free number:(855) 675-FOIA
Fax number:(202) 501-2727

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email message and any attachments to this
email message contain confidential information belonging to the sender,
which is legally privileged. The information is intended only for the use
of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. Please do not forward
this message without permission. If you are not the intended recipient or
the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying,
distribution or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of
this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this
transmission in error, please notify us immediately by telephone or return
email and delete and destroy the original email message, and attachments
thereto and all copies thereof.

---

On March 13, 2018:
To Whom It May Concern:

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

For the 16-month, 5-day period from Tuesday, November 8, 2016 through
Tuesday, March 13, 2018:

(SUMMARY)

Any and all talking points and similar memorandums, emails, and transcripts
providing advice or direction on how to handle the media, media interviews,
and statements.

----
(SPECIFICALLY)

Please include in your responsive materials any documents, emails, or
communications with the following phrases in the title or subject line:

TALKING POINTS
STMT
STATEMENT
PRESS STRATEGY
___________

It would be greatly appreciated if materials could be provided on a rolling
basis.

1. In the Office of Public Affairs or equivalent division

Please provide first all such materials produced in this agency’s Office of
Public Affairs or equivalent division, and any representative thereof.

Please also provide all such materials received by this agency’s Office of
Public Affairs or equivalent division, and any representative thereof.

2. Related to all agency employees

Please also include all employee email communications containing the
following phrases:

TALKING POINTS
STMT
STATEMENT
PRESS STRATEGY

Alternative Response to 2:

If processing of this portion of this request would require its
distribution to another or multiple other offices, it would be greatly
appreciated if a response to this request would contain a description of
the necessary offices to be tasked, the process by which the search will be
conducted, and an estimate of the time and fees to be incurred. Such a
description will allow us to better understand the parameters of this FOIA
office’s ability to respond to this request as worded and will better
enable us to reorganize and limit it as appropriate.

-----

Additional clarification:

This request is not intended for materials regarding one particular subject
or event during this period.

If a different search procedure will be required dependent on segment of
time covered, it would be greatly appreciated if a response could contain a
description of the necessary difference in approach by time period (for
example, if file keeping procedures have changed at some point in the last
year and a half or if particular materials have been moved to another
location).
_________

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

Filed via MuckRock.com
E-mail (Preferred): requests@muckrock.com
Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/accou
nts/agency_login/general-services-administration-33/foia-
march-madness-2018-agency-talking-points-november-8-
2016-march-13-2018-general-services-administration-50555/
?email=gsa.foia%40gsa.gov&uuid-login=d2c37a93-174c-4771-
9b81-5dcb45afcae7#agency-reply
Is this email coming to the wrong contact? Something else wrong? Use the
above link to let us know.

For mailed responses, please address (see note):
MuckRock News
DEPT MR 50555
411A Highland Ave
<https://maps.google.com/?q=411A+Highland+Ave+Somerville,+MA+02144&entry=gmail&source=g>
Somerville, MA 02144
<https://maps.google.com/?q=411A+Highland+Ave+Somerville,+MA+02144&entry=gmail&source=g>
-2516

PLEASE NOTE: This request was filed by a MuckRock staff reporter. 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.

The FOIA request - GSA-2018-000914 has been supplemented with additional supporting files. Additional details for this item are as follows:
* Tracking Number: GSA-2018-000914
* Requester: Beryl Lipton
* Submitted Date: 07/05/2018
* Description: Please see attached FOIA request description.

GSA-2018-000914 has been processed with the following final disposition: Full Grant

GSA-2018-000914 has been processed with the following final disposition: Full Grant

GSA-2018-000914 has been processed with the following final disposition: Full Grant

GSA-2018-000914 has been processed with the following final disposition: Full Grant

GSA-2018-000914 has been processed with the following final disposition: Full Grant

GSA-2018-000914 has been processed with the following final disposition: Full Grant

GSA-2018-000914 has been processed with the following final disposition: Full Grant

GSA-2018-000914 has been processed with the following final disposition: Full Grant

Your FOIAonline user account for requests@muckrock.com has been deactivated due to inactivity.

Good morning - GSA released our response package to GSA-2018-000914 on July
10, 2018. Attached is that response package.

Have a nice day.

Respectfully,

U.S. General Services Administration

*Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requester Service Center (H3A)*

*1800 F Street, Northwest, Room 7300 Washington, DC 20405 Toll Free
number:(855) 675-FOIA*

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email message and any attachments to this
email message contain confidential information belonging to the sender,
which is legally privileged. The information is intended only for the use
of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. Please do not forward
this message without permission. If you are not the intended recipient or
the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying,
distribution or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of
this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this
transmission in error, please notify us immediately by telephone or return
email and delete and destroy the original email message, and attachments
thereto and all copies thereof.

---------- Forwarded message ---------
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Date: Wed, Jul 29, 2020 at 5:22 AM
Subject: A fax has arrived from remote ID '+12568343688'.
To: <GSA.FOIA@gsa.gov>

A fax has arrived from remote ID '+12568343688'.
------------------------------------------------------------
7/29/2020 5:10:13 AM Transmission Record
Received from remote ID: +12568343688
Inbound user ID GSA.FOIA, routing code 2025012727
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