State Dept FOIA estimate methodology

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

F-2013-13155

Status
Completed

Communications

From: Shawn Musgrave

To Whom It May Concern:

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

A copy of the protocol, memo, handbook or other guiding document that outlines the State Department methodology for estimating FOIA completion date.

I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as I believe this request is in the public interest. The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.

In the event that fees cannot be waived, 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,

Shawn Musgrave

From: Department of State

A letter stating the request for reduced or waived fees has been accepted.

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 5, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-13155.

Thank you for your help.

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 5, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-13155.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Request

Your query has been forwarded to the FOIA Requester Status mailbox for reply.

From: FOIA Status

Shawn Musgrave - The estimated completion date for the subject case is December 2013. Regards,

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 5, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-13155.

Thank you for your help.

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 5, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-13155.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Musgrave,

I have contacted the Case Analyst and requested an estimated completion date for your case. The Analyst will contact the bureaus doing the searches and the individuals reviewing the material. This will take some time because each case is different. The search and review time varies. The time depends on the complexity of information requested and the time it takes to review the material.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8582 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov

Chris Barnes
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

In accordance with Executive Order 12958, this message is UNCLASSIFIED

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Musgrave,

The estimated completion date for this case is: May 2014

- ECDs are subject to change.
- ECDs are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completions, due to various extenuating factors, which are beyond the control of the Branch, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.).
Interim release dates are provided, as applicable

I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8582 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov

Chris Barnes
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

In accordance with Executive Order 12958, this message is UNCLASSIFIED

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 5, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-13155.

Thank you for your help.

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 5, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-13155.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

The new estimated completion date is May 2014.

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 5, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-13155.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Dear Shawn Musgrave,

This is in reference to your e-mail dated April 30, 2014, inquiring about the status of your Freedom of Information Act request. Your request is still being processed in our system. Our records indicate that the estimated completion date for your request is May 2014. Information will be provided to you as soon as it becomes available.

We greatly appreciate your continued patience during this process.

If you have any questions regarding the status of your request, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) on 202-261-8484 and refer to your case control number.

Sincerely,

Charlotte W. Duckett
U.S. Department of State

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 5, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-13155.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Dear Shawn Musgrave,

This is in reference to your e-mail dated May 30, 2014, inquiring about the status of your request. A search for records responsive to your request has been initiated and is continuing. Originally, you were provided with an estimated completion date of May 2014. Because the search process is ongoing, a request has been submitted for a new estimated completion date. That date will be provided to you as soon as it becomes available.

We appreciate your continued patience during this process.

Sincerely,

Charlotte W. Duckett
U.S. Department of State

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 5, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-13155.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Your request for a status update has been forwarded to the appropriate office for action. Regards,

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Musgrave,

The Department's electronic case notes indicate the case is still open. The searches are still pending. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.

The estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is: December 2014.

- ECDs are subject to change.
- ECDs are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completions, due to various extenuating factors, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.).
Interim release dates are provided, as applicable

I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8582 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov

Chris Barnes
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

In accordance with Executive Order 12958, this message is UNCLASSIFIED

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 5, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-13155.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

At this time the estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is still December 2014.

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 5, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-13155.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Musgrave,

Your estimated completion date is still set for December 2014.
Best,
Jennine A. Daniels
U.S. Department of State

From: Shawn Musgrave

Hello,

Please advise as to the estimated completion date for this request, which had been indicated as December 2014.

Thank you.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Musgrave,

I have contacted the Case Analyst and requested a new estimated completion date for your case. The Analyst will contact the bureaus doing the searches and the individuals reviewing the material. This will take some time because each case is different. The search and review time varies. The time depends on the complexity of information requested and the time it takes to review the material.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8582 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov

Chris Barnes
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

In accordance with Executive Order 12958, this message is UNCLASSIFIED

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Shawn Musgrave,

The new estimated completion for your case number F-2013-13155 is March 2015.
Regards,
Katrina
FOIA Requester Service Center

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Shawn Musgrave,

The new estimated completion date for your case number F-2013-13155 is March 2015.
Regards,
Katrina
FOIA Requester Service Center

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 5, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-13155.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Shawn Musgrave,

The new estimated completion date for your case number F-2013-13155 is March 2015.

Chris Barnes
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

In accordance with Executive Order 12958, this message is UNCLASSIFIED

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 5, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-13155.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Shawn Musgrave,

This is a follow-up to your case number F-2013-13155. A copy of your email has been forwarded to the Branch Chief and the case Analyst that is processing your case. I have also informed the Branch Chiefs and the case Analyst for another estimated completion date(ECD). Once the information becomes available I will then forwarded the up-dated information.

I hope this information was helpful and thank you for your continued patience.
Regards,
Katrina Wood
FOIA Requester Service Center

This email is UNCLASSIFIED.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Shawn Musgrave-This is a follow-up to your FOIA request F-2013-13155 and at this time the estimated completion date is December 2015.
Regards,
Katrina
FOIA Requester Service Center

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 5, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-13155.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Shawn Musgrave–At this time the estimated completion date is December 31, 2015.
Regards,
Katrina
FOIA Requester Service Center

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 5, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-13155.

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

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Musgrave,

At this time the estimated completion date is December 31, 2015.
Regards,

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

In accordance with Executive Order 13526, this message is UNCLASSIFIED

From: FOIA Status

Dear Shawn Musgrave,

This is in reference to your e-mail dated October 19, 2015, inquiring about the status for your Freedom of Information Act request. The estimated completion date for your request is still December 2015.

Sincerely,

Charlotte W. Duckett
U.S. Department of State

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Musgrave–At this time your estimated completion date(ECD) is still December 2015.
Regards,
Katrina
FOIA Requester Service Center

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Musgrave,

I have contacted the Case Analyst and requested a new estimated completion date for your case. The Analyst will contact the bureaus doing the searches and the individuals reviewing the material. This will take some time because each case is different. The search and review time varies. The time depends on the complexity of information requested and the time it takes to review the material.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8582 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>

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

In accordance with Executive Order 13526, this message is UNCLASSIFIED

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Musgrave,

The Department's electronic case notes indicate the case is still open. The searches are still pending. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.

The estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is

ECDs are subject to change and are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completion, due to various extenuating factors, which are beyond the control of the Branch, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.). Interim release dates are provided, as applicable.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov.

Dominique Cotten
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

From: Shawn Musgrave

Hello -

Your last email did not include an actual ECD (see below). Please advise.

Best,
Shawn Musgrave

From: FOIA Status

Dear Shawn Musgrave,

This is in reference to your e-mail dated December 29, 2015, inquiring about the estimated completion date for your request. The estimated completion date for your request is June 2016.

Sincerely,

Charlotte W. Duckett
U.S. Department of State

From: FOIA Status

To Whom It May Concern:

This is in reference to your e-mail dated February 29, 2016, inquiring about the estimated completion date for your request. The estimated completion date for your request is June 2016.
Regards,

Department of State
Office of Information Programs and Services
A/GIS/IPS/RL
U. S. Department of State
Washington, D. C. 20522-8100

From: FOIA Status

To Whom It May Concern:
This is in reference to your email of March 31, 2016, regarding case: F-2013-13155.

The estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is: June 2016.

ECDs are subject to change and are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completion, due to various extenuating factors, which are beyond the control of the Branch, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.). Interim release dates are provided, as applicable.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>.
Regards,

U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>

From: FOIA Status

Dear Shawn Musgrave,
This is in reference to you Case: F-2013-13155. The Department's electronic case notes indicate the case is still open. The searches are still pending. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.

The estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is: May 2017.

ECDs are subject to change and are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completion, due to various extenuating factors, which are beyond the control of the Branch, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.). Interim release dates are provided, as applicable.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov.

Suzanne B Gardner
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>

From: FOIA Status

Dear Shawn Musgrave,
This is in reference to you Case: F-2013-13155. The Department's electronic case notes indicate the case is still open. The searches are still pending. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.

The estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is: May 2017.

ECDs are subject to change and are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completion, due to various extenuating factors, which are beyond the control of the Branch, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.). Interim release dates are provided, as applicable.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>.
Suzanne B Gardner
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Shawn Musgrave-At this time your estimated completion date is still 5/30/2017.
Regards,
Katrina
FOIA Requester Service Center

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Musgrave,

We have contacted the Case Analyst and requested a new estimated completion date for your case. The Analyst will contact the bureaus doing the searches and the individuals reviewing the material. This will take some time because each case is different. The search and review time varies. The time depends on the complexity of information requested and the time it takes to review the material.

We hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8582 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>

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

In accordance with Executive Order 13526, this message is UNCLASSIFIED

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Musgrave,

Since 2008, the Department has experienced a 300 percent increase in the number of FOIA and Privacy Act requests it receives annually. The Department processes Freedom of Information and Privacy Act requests on a first-in/first-out basis, and currently has a backlog of approximately 16, 200 cases. This significant increase in the number of FOIA requests is drawing on limited and already over-burdened resources. Your patience and understanding is appreciated.

The Department’s electronic case notes indicate the case is still open. The searches are still pending. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.

The new estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is: December 2017

ECD’s are subject to change and are “strictly” estimates and not intended to be used as “actual” dates of completion, due to various extenuating factors, which are beyond the control of the Branch, which may or may not include coordination with other agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.) Interim releases are provided, as applicable.

we hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8582 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>

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

In accordance with Executive Order 13526, this message is UNCLASSIFIED

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Musgrave,

Since 2008, the Department has experienced a 300 percent increase in the number of FOIA and Privacy Act requests it receives annually. The Department processes Freedom of Information and Privacy Act requests on a first-in/first-out basis, and currently has a backlog of approximately 16, 200 cases. This significant increase in the number of FOIA requests is drawing on limited and already over-burdened resources. Your patience and understanding is appreciated.

The Department’s electronic case notes indicate the case is still open. The searches are still pending. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.

The new estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is: December 2017

ECD’s are subject to change and are “strictly” estimates and not intended to be used as “actual” dates of completion, due to various extenuating factors, which are beyond the control of the Branch, which may or may not include coordination with other agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.) Interim releases are provided, as applicable.

we hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8582 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov

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

In accordance with Executive Order 13526, this message is UNCLASSIFIED

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Musgrave,

This is in response to your e-mail below concerning case control number F-2013-13155. Your case is in process and at this time, there is no new information to provide. The estimated completion date (ECD) for your case is still December 2017. Please note that ECDs are subject to change and are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completion, due to various extenuating factors, which may or may not include coordination with other agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.). Interim release dates are provided, as applicable.

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

From: U.S. Department of State

Dear Mr. Musgrave,

This is in response to your email below regarding FOIA Case Control Number F-2013-13155. The Office of Information Programs and Services' electronic records system indicates that your case is closed and that on August 2, 2017 the Department mailed a letter to your address of record.

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: Caitlin Russell

Hello,
As this request understandably took quite some time, the address of record has changed, and I was hoping you might be so kind as to resend the letter to the following address:
MuckRock, Dept. 6436
411A Highland Ave.
Somerville, MA
02144

Thank you!

From: U.S. Department of State

Dear Mr. Musgrave,

This is in reference to your email below regarding FOIA case control number F-2013-06499. We have forwarded your email to the team that was assigned to your case for appropriate action.

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

A cover letter granting the request and outlining any exempted materials, if any.

From: U.S. Department of State

A copy of documents responsive to the request.

From: U.S. Department of State

Mr. Musgrave,

This is in response to your email below concerning FOIA Case Control Number F-2013-13155.

The Office of Information Programs and Services' electronic records system indicates that the processing of this request has been completed. The Department's letter to you dated August 2, 2017, included the results of its search and review efforts in response to this request.

Based upon your email below, it appears that you did not receive the Department's August 2, 2017 letter. Therefore, we will resend the Department's response to your address that you provided to us in January 2018.
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,

L. Temple
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center

From: Shawn Musgrave

Hello,

I have now received the responsive documents. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Shawn Musgrave

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