Pompeo/Linick

**THIS EMAIL BOX IS NOT MONITORED, PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.** Mr. Ward: This email responds to your May 18, 2020, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. § 552) request received by the U.S. Department of State, Office of Information Programs and Services on June 29, 2020, regarding a copy of each email to or from Inspector General Steve A. Linick , to or from Deputy Inspector General Diana R. Shaw, to or from Congressional Affairs Director Ryan D. Holden, to or from Assistant Inspector General Kerry K. Neal, and to or from Chief of Staff Jill Baisinger, on Friday, May 15, 2020 and Saturday, May 16, 2020 .he information requested falls under the purview of the U.S. Department of State, Office of Inspector General (OIG). OIG is an independent component within the Department of State and responds to requests for records that are exclusively Department of State OIG-related. T Therefore, this Office recommends filing your request with OIG at the following email address: FOIA@stateoig.gov. (mailto:FOIA@stateoig.gov) For more information on how to make a FOIA and/or Privacy Act request for OIG records, please visit This action closes your request in this Office. https://www.stateoig.gov/foiarequest. (https://www.stateoig.gov/foiarequest) If you are not satisfied with this Office’s determination in response to your request, you may administratively appeal to: Appeals Officer, Appeals Review Panel, Office of Information Programs and Services, U.S. Department of State, 2201 C Street, NW, Suite B266, Washington, D.C. 20520; or facsimile at 202-485-1718. Your appeal must be postmarked or electronically transmitted within 90 days of the date of this email. If you have any questions regarding your request, please contact our FOIA Requester Service Center or our FOIA Public Liaison by email at FOIAstatus@state.gov or telephone at 202-261-8484. Additionally, you may contact the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS) at the National Archives and Records Administration 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 at ogis@nara.gov; telephone at 202-741-5770; toll free at 1-877-684-6448; or facsimile at 202-741-5769. Sincerely, /s/ Wayne Evans, for Nicholas J. Cormier Chief, Requester Communications Branch Office of Information Programs and Services **THIS EMAIL BOX IS NOT MONITORED, PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.**

8/3/2020

Subject: OIG Freedom of Information Act Request No. 2020-272 - Acknowledgement Letter

Dear Mr. Ward:

This letter acknowledges receipt of your Freedom of Information Act/Privacy Act (FOIA/PA) request to the Department of State (DOS dated 5/18/.2020 by postal mail. You seek "A copy of each email to or from Inspector General Steve A. Unick on Friday, May 15, 2020 and Saturday, May 16, 2020. - A copy of each email to or from Deputy Inspector General Diana R. Shaw on Friday, May 15, 2020 and Saturday, May 16, 2020.- A copy of each email to or from Congressional Affairs Director Ryan D. Holden on Friday, May 15, 2020 and Saturday, May 16, 2020. - A copy of each email to or from Assistant Inspector General Kerry K. Neal on Friday, May 15, 2020 and Saturday, May 16, 2020. - A copy of each email to or from Chief of Staff Jill Baisinger on Friday, May 15, 2020 and Saturday, May 16, 2020."
DOS-OIG received your request on 8/3/2020 and assigned it the above-referenced tracking number.

Your request was placed in the queue for processing in the order in which it was received. We anticipate responding to your request within 20 business days. Please note, however, that the actual time required to respond to your request depends on the number and types of responsive records identified and located in our records search. Unfortunately, we cannot predict exactly when your request will be processed as we currently have a backlog of requests. We are using our best efforts to process all requests with due diligence, and we appreciate your patience as we proceed with your request.

When claiming media or member of press

You stated in your request that you are a member of the media. To assist us with placing you in the proper fee category, we require additional information showing your affiliation with a news organization (i.e., a publication contract, publication record, etc.). If you cannot provide such information, you will be categorized in the non-commercial, or "other" category.
Please let us know if you have any questions.

In accordance with DOS regulation 22 C.F.R. § 171.11(d), please note that by making a FOIA request you agree to pay all applicable fees up to the amount of $25. We will contact you before any additional fees accrue. Should you have questions please contact us at foia@stateoig.gov and provide the above-referenced tracking number.

Sincerely,
FOIA Officer
[cid:image001.jpg@01D66982.B6C8DB90]
FOIA Officer
Office of General Counsel
Office of Inspector General
U.S. Department of State
1700 N. Moore Street (SA-39), Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22209
https://www.stateoig.gov/<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stateoig.gov%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cfoia%40stateoig.gov%7Cd8ca83b24d1b49e7a74d08d6fe1b08a1%7C595e2b2f8279465184a36e3609e6dd37%7C0%7C0%7C636975789397978400&sdata=%2BS8%2B9aAUXPjeDwejfYqllHH8c3XzZTnteD9gNILgu04%3D&reserved=0>
email: FOIA@stateoig.gov<mailto:FOIA@stateoig.gov>

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This electronic transmission may contain personal or confidential information for the intended recipient(s) and may contain attorney work product or information protected under the attorney-client privilege, which is protected from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 USC § 552. Do not forward or release without prior authorization from the sender or appropriate higher authority. Any review or distribution by others is strictly prohibited. If you received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone and delete this message.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: This message, and its attachments, contains OIG information which may be protected from disclosure under applicable laws, regulations and/or OIG policy and is intended for the official use of the individual and/or organizational addressee(s) to which it is addressed. This message should be safeguarded in accordance with applicable Department and OIG regulations, policies and Executive Orders based on its sensitivity, security classification and/or captions. Addressees are instructed that without prior authorization of the sender or appropriate higher OIG authority, they are prohibited from:

* Converting an OIG working email to a record email or For the Record email; Saving attachments to OIG working emails to the SMART archive;
* Changing the sensitivity, classification or captions of OIG working or record emails;
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If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone and delete this message.

Thank you for contacting the Department of State Office of Inspector General FOIA office. As you know, your request was placed in the queue for processing in the order in which it was received. Please note, however, that the actual time required to respond to your request depends on the number and types of responsive records identified and located in our records search. Unfortunately, we cannot predict exactly when your request will be processed as we currently have a backlog of requests. We are using our best efforts to process all requests with due diligence and we appreciate your patience as we proceed with your request.

Should you have questions please contact us at foia@stateoig.gov<mailto:foia@stateoig.gov> and provide the tracking number: 2020-F-046.

Thank you for your patience.

Amy Lowenstein
DOS-OIG FOIA Office

Dear Mr. Ward,

Thank you for contacting the Department of State Office of Inspector General FOIA office. As you know, your request was placed in the queue for processing in the order in which it was received. Please note, however, that the actual time required to respond to your request depends on the number and types of responsive records identified and located in our records search, and your request is complex. Unfortunately, we cannot predict exactly when your request will be processed as we currently have a backlog of requests. We are using our best efforts to process all requests with due diligence, and we appreciate your patience as we proceed with your request.

Should you have questions please contact us at foia@stateoig.gov<mailto:foia@stateoig.gov<mailto:foia@stateoig.gov%3cmailto:foia@stateoig.gov>> and provide the tracking number: 2020-F-046.
Amy Lowenstein
DOS-OIG FOIA Office

UNCLASSIFIED

Dear Mr. Ward,

Thank you for contacting DOS-OIG's FOIA office to request a status update on your FOIA Case 2020-F-046 (formerly 2020-272) sent to the Department of State (DOS) dated 5/18/2020 by postal mail. DOS-OIG received and acknowledged your request on August 3, 2020, and we have requested records responsive to your request from relevant OIG offices. FOIA is regulated by statute and requires us to process requests in the order they are received. Your case is currently in DOS OIG's queue for processing.

Please note that the actual time required to respond to your request depends on the number and types of responsive records identified and located in our records search. Unfortunately, we cannot predict exactly when your request will be processed as we currently have a backlog of requests. We are using our best efforts to process all requests with due diligence and we appreciate your patience as we proceed with your request.

Sincerely,
DOS-OIG FOIA Office

UNCLASSIFIED

Dear Mr. Ward,

Thank you for contacting DOS-OIG's FOIA office to request a status update on your FOIA Case 2020-F-046 (formerly 2020-272) sent to the Department of State (DOS) dated 5/18/2020 by postal mail. DOS-OIG received and acknowledged your request on August 3, 2020, and we have requested records responsive to your request from relevant OIG offices. FOIA is regulated by statute and requires us to process requests in the order they are received. Your case is currently in DOS OIG's queue for processing.

Please note that the actual time required to respond to your request depends on the number and types of responsive records identified and located in our records search. Unfortunately, we cannot predict exactly when your request will be processed as we currently have a backlog of requests. We are using our best efforts to process all requests with due diligence and we appreciate your patience as we proceed with your request.
Sincerely,
DOS-OIG FOIA Office

UNCLASSIFIED

Dear Mr. Ward,

Thank you for contacting DOS-OIG's FOIA office to request a status update on your FOIA Case 2020-F-046 (formerly 2020-272) sent to the Department of State (DOS) dated 5/18/2020 by postal mail. DOS-OIG received and acknowledged your request on August 3, 2020, and we have requested records responsive to your request from relevant OIG offices. FOIA is regulated by statute and requires us to process requests in the order they are received. Your case is currently in DOS OIG's queue for processing.
Please note that the actual time required to respond to your request depends on the number and types of responsive records identified and located in our records search. Unfortunately, we cannot predict exactly when your request will be processed as we currently have a backlog of requests. We are using our best efforts to process all requests with due diligence, and we appreciate your patience as we proceed with your request.
Sincerely,
DOS-OIG FOIA Office

[cid:image001.jpg@01D78A92.129F7F60]
FOIA Officer
Office of General Counsel
Office of Inspector General
https://www.stateoig.gov/<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stateoig.gov%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cfoia%40stateoig.gov%7Cd8ca83b24d1b49e7a74d08d6fe1b08a1%7C595e2b2f8279465184a36e3609e6dd37%7C0%7C0%7C636975789397978400&sdata=%2BS8%2B9aAUXPjeDwejfYqllHH8c3XzZTnteD9gNILgu04%3D&reserved=0>
email: FOIA@stateoig.gov<mailto:FOIA@stateoig.gov>

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This electronic transmission may contain personal or confidential information for the intended recipient(s) and may contain attorney work product or information protected under the attorney-client privilege, which is protected from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 USC § 552. Do not forward or release without prior authorization from the sender or appropriate higher authority. Any review or distribution by others is strictly prohibited. If you received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone and delete this message.

UNCLASSIFIED

Dear Mr. Ward,

Thank you for contacting DOS-OIG's FOIA office to request a status update on your FOIA Case 2020-F-046 (formerly 2020-272) sent to the Department of State (DOS) dated 5/18/2020 by postal mail. DOS-OIG received and acknowledged your request on August 3, 2020, and we have requested records responsive to your request from relevant OIG offices. FOIA is regulated by statute and requires us to process requests in the order they are received. Your case is currently in DOS OIG's queue for processing.
Please note that the actual time required to respond to your request depends on the number and types of responsive records identified and located in our records search. Unfortunately, we cannot predict exactly when your request will be processed as we currently have a backlog of requests. We are using our best efforts to process all requests with due diligence, and we appreciate your patience as we proceed with your request.
Sincerely,
DOS-OIG FOIA Office

[cid:image001.jpg@01D7A54C.81B5C5B0]
FOIA Officer
Office of General Counsel
Office of Inspector General
https://www.stateoig.gov/<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stateoig.gov%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cfoia%40stateoig.gov%7Cd8ca83b24d1b49e7a74d08d6fe1b08a1%7C595e2b2f8279465184a36e3609e6dd37%7C0%7C0%7C636975789397978400&sdata=%2BS8%2B9aAUXPjeDwejfYqllHH8c3XzZTnteD9gNILgu04%3D&reserved=0>
email: FOIA@stateoig.gov<mailto:FOIA@stateoig.gov>

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This electronic transmission may contain personal or confidential information for the intended recipient(s) and may contain attorney work product or information protected under the attorney-client privilege, which is protected from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 USC § 552. Do not forward or release without prior authorization from the sender or appropriate higher authority. Any review or distribution by others is strictly prohibited. If you received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone and delete this message.

UNCLASSIFIED

Mr. Ward,

Thank you for your email to the Department of State Office of Inspector General (DOS OIG). Your FOIA request was referred from DOS IPS to DOS OIG on July 24, 2020. Your request is in the queue for processing. Unfortunately, our office has a backlog of requests, and we are unable to predict exactly when processing of your request will be completed.

We are using our best efforts to process cases as diligently and quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience.

Sincerely,
FOIA/DOS-OIG

UNCLASSIFIED

Mr. Ward,

Thank you for your email to the Department of State Office of Inspector General (DOS OIG). Your FOIA request was referred from DOS IPS to DOS OIG on July 24, 2020. Your request is in the queue for processing. Unfortunately, our office has a backlog of requests, and we are unable to predict exactly when processing of your request will be completed.

We are using our best efforts to process cases as diligently and quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience.

Sincerely,
FOIA/DOS-OIG

UNCLASSIFIED

Mr. Ward,

Thank you for your email to the Department of State Office of Inspector General (DOS OIG). Your FOIA request was referred from DOS IPS to DOS OIG on July 24, 2020. Your request is in the queue for processing. Unfortunately, our office has a backlog of requests, and we are unable to predict exactly when processing of your request will be completed.

We are using our best efforts to process cases as diligently and quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience.

Sincerely,
FOIA/DOS-OIG

UNCLASSIFIED

Mr. Ward,

Thank you for your email to the Department of State Office of Inspector General (DOS OIG). Your FOIA request was referred from DOS IPS to DOS OIG on July 24, 2020. Your request is in the queue for processing. Unfortunately, our office has a backlog of requests, and we are unable to predict exactly when processing of your request will be completed.

We are using our best efforts to process cases as diligently and quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience.

Sincerely,
FOIA/DOS-OIG

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

Mr. Ward,

Thank you for your email to the Department of State Office of Inspector General (DOS OIG). Your FOIA request was referred from DOS IPS to DOS OIG on July 24, 2020. Your request is in the queue for processing. Unfortunately, our office has a backlog of requests, and we are unable to predict exactly when processing of your request will be completed.

We are using our best efforts to process cases as diligently and quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience.

Sincerely,
FOIA/DOS-OIG

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

Dear Mr. Ward:
Thank you for your interest in the Department of State Office of Inspector General (DOS OIG). Please see the review attached correspondence from our office.
Sincerely,
FOIA/DOS-OIG

Confidentiality Notice: This email is from the Office of Inspector General, Department of State, and may contain information that is "Law Enforcement Sensitive" or otherwise subject to the Privacy Act and/or legal and or other privileges that restrict release without appropriate legal authority. Any use, distribution, or copying of this message, including any of its contents or attachments by any person other than the intended recipient, or for any purpose other than its intended use, is strictly prohibited. If you received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone and permanently delete this message and any attachments.

UNCLASSIFIED