FOIA March Madness 2018 - Agency Talking Points (November 8, 2016 - March 13, 2018) (U.S. Department of State)

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

F-2018-03325

Multi Request FOIA March Madness 2018 - Agency Talking Points (November 8, 2016 - March 13, 2018)
Due April 10, 2018
Est. Completion None
Status
Awaiting Response
Tags

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:

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

From: Beryl Lipton

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

From: U.S. Department of State

Berhane, Jasmin R would like to recall the message, "Freedom of Information Act #F-2018-03325".

From: U.S. Department of State

Mr. Lipton,

This is in response to your fax dated May 21, 2018 regarding the status of FOIA Case Control Number F-2018-03325.

The Office of Information Programs and Services electronic records system indicates that your request is 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.

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,
J. Berhane
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center

Official - Transitory
UNCLASSIFIED

From: U.S. Department of State

Ms. Lipton,

This is in response to your fax dated May 21, 2018 regarding the status of FOIA Case Control Number F-2018-03325.

The Office of Information Programs and Services electronic records system indicates that your request is pending 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.

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,
J. Berhane
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center

Official - Transitory
UNCLASSIFIED

From: U.S. Department of State

An interim response, stating the request is being processed.

From: U.S. Department of State

Dear Ms. 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 10,400 cases. As a result, there could be delays in processing your request.

For your information, the Department of State has a 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

From: U.S. Department of State

Dear Ms. Lipton,

This is in reference to your e-mail below regarding the status of your Freedom of Information Act case control number F-2018-03325.

The Office of Information Programs and Services (IPS) electronic records system indicates that your request continues to be processed. You will be notified of the Department's search and review effort in response to this request 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) 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>

From: U.S. Department of State

Ms. Lipton,

This is in response to your email below regarding the status of FOIA Case Control Number F-2018-03325. 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: U.S. Department of State

Ms. Lipton,

This is in response to your email below regarding the status of FOIA Case Control Number F-2018-03325.

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: U.S. Department of State

Ms. Lipton,

This is in response to your email below regarding the status of FOIA Case Control Number F-2018-03325.

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
<FOIAStatus@state.gov>
Subject: RE: Freedom of Information Act Request #F-2018-03325

U.S. Department of State
FOIA Office
U. S. Department of State
Washington, DC 20522-8100

December 17, 2018

This is a follow up to request number F-2018-03325:

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. You had assigned it reference number #F-2018-03325.

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

Filed via MuckRock.com
E-mail (Preferred): requests@muckrock.com<mailto:requests@muckrock.com>
Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/accounts/agency_login/department-of-state-14/foia-march-madness-2018-agency-talking-points-november-8-2016-march-13-2018-us-department-of-state-50566/?email=FOIAStatus%40state.gov&uuid-login=ed8c40f3-e3e2-4cbb-a0ca-4f9b630c1f48#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 50566
411A Highland Ave
Somerville, MA 02144-2516

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 Nov. 15, 2018:
Ms. Lipton,

This is in response to your email below regarding the status of FOIA Case Control Number F-2018-03325.

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<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov%3cmailto:foiastatus@state.gov>>.
Regards,
Katrina Wood
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
---

On Oct. 15, 2018:
Ms. Lipton,

This is in response to your email below regarding the status of FOIA Case Control Number F-2018-03325. 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<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov%3cmailto:foiastatus@state.gov>>.
Regards,
Katrina Wood
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
---

On Sept. 14, 2018:
Dear Ms. Lipton,

This is in reference to your e-mail below regarding the status of your Freedom of Information Act case control number F-2018-03325.

The Office of Information Programs and Services (IPS) electronic records system indicates that your request continues to be processed. You will be notified of the Department's search and review effort in response to this request 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) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov%3cmailto:foiastatus@state.gov>>.

Sincerely,

U.S. Department of State

FOIA Requester Service Center

(202) 261-8484

foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov%3cmailto:foiastatus@state.gov>>
---

On Aug. 15, 2018:
Dear Ms. 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 10,400 cases. As a result, there could be delays in processing your request.

For your information, the Department of State has a 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<http://www.foia.state.gov%3chttp:/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<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov%3cmailto:foiastatus@state.gov>>.
Regards,

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

On July 12, 2018:
An interim response, stating the request is being processed.
---

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<mailto:requests@muckrock.com>
Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/accounts/agency_login/department-of-state-14/foia-march-madness-2018-agency-talking-points-november-8-2016-march-13-2018-us-department-of-state-50566/?email=FOIAStatus%40state.gov&uuid-login=ed8c40f3-e3e2-4cbb-a0ca-4f9b630c1f48#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 50566
411A Highland Ave
Somerville, MA 02144-2516

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.
[http://email.requests.muckrock.com/o/eJwNzbsOAiEQQNGvkZLMEGaBgmI1bmJl4QcYwkPJSjby8Pulu9W5wRItLFsBqFGgQgAE4siveIZVbIuRF9K40UlCjd8RW2-8DL_Xw-_cH4W9LSUZIRAq54IwCDJpY4xwymFSRicWi8ufZw5Wz4GQrNrtflsf3fXRpttmRP46fn-TPCjQ]

From: U.S. Department of State

Ms. Lipton,

This is in response to your email below concerning your FOIA case control number (F-2018-03325).

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>.
Regards,
Katrina M. Wood
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center

Official - Transitory
UNCLASSIFIED

From: U.S. Department of State

Mr. Lipton,
This is in response to your email below concerning your FOIA case control number (F-2018-03325).
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<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov%3cmailto:foiastatus@state.gov>>.
Regards,
Katrina M. Wood
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
Official - Transitory
UNCLASSIFIED

From: U.S. Department of State

Mr. Lipton,

This is in response to your email below concerning your FOIA case control number F-2018-03325

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

From: U.S. Department of State

Mr. Lipton,

This is in response to your email below concerning your FOIA case control number F-2018-03325

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

From: U.S. Department of State

Mr. Lipton,

This is in response to your email below concerning your FOIA case control number F-2018-03325.

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

Official
UNCLASSIFIED

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-2018-03325.

It has been determined that the EDC for this request is September 30, 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

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED

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