Steampunk

Good afternoon Mr. Fernandes,

We received your FOIA request but are unable to process it as stated. We are unable to make determinations or search for records containing for what may be “…related to…” the Steampunk consulting agreement. Additionally, it appears you are requesting 6 months of communications regarding the agreement. This request is overly broad and fails to specifically define records for us to search for or where to locate them.

We need to narrow this down to something manageable. What can you tell me about what you are most interested in? I can help you create a well-defined request, but will require your cooperation to proceed. Materials related to unsuccessful bids are not likely releasable, and materials from a USDA consultant likely fall under several FOIA exemptions. We need to have an idea what office to search, and because we lack a google-like ability to search entire federal agencies, a list of custodians, domains, etc.

If you would like to narrow your request to previously released records, waiving your ability to appeal, I can provide you with the solicitation records including the order, offeror instructions, performance work statement, and task order clauses and provisions (attachment). I could prepare this quickly if you would like to proceed this way.

Your request is on hold until we can clarify it. We appreciate the opportunity to assist you.

Best,
Jeff

[cid:image001.png@01D8491A.EF2A6520]
Jeff Crile, Esq.
FOIA Analyst, Attorney-Contractor
Servicing the Foreign Agricultural Service
Freedom of Information Act Division
Office of Information Affairs
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., SW, Rm #4049-B
Washington, DC 20250
☎ 202.720.7732
✉ Jeffrey.Crile@USDA.gov<mailto:Jeffrey.Crile@USDA.gov>

Good evening Mr. Fernandes:

This email acknowledges receipt of your attached Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA),
Your request was received by the Office of Information Affairs (OIA) on April 11, 2022.

The OIA-FOIA Division is processing your request. OIA is under the purview of the General Counsel and serves as the focal point for USDA’s FOIA program. It provides coordination and ensures agency-wide compliance with the FOIA. Additionally, the OIA processes requests and appeals on behalf of the Office of the Secretary (OSEC); the Under Secretaries; the USDA’s staff offices, not including the Office of Inspector General; and the Research, Education and Economics and Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs (TFAA) mission areas.

The FOIA, 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(6)(A)(i), requires USDA to make a determination in response to a FOIA request within 20 business days from its date of receipt. In unusual circumstances, the Federal agency time limit may be extended by 10 business days as stated in 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(6)(B). If your request seeks numerous records that will necessitate a wide-ranging search, including searches with components and possible consultations with components that have a substantial interest in the determination of this request, USDA will invoke a 10 business day extension for determination of your request. You have the option to narrow the scope of your request to limit the number of potentially responsive records.

Due to the increasing number of FOIA requests received by this office, we may encounter some delay in processing your request. Pursuant to USDA FOIA Regulations, Title 7 CFR §1.6(a), the USDA processes FOIA requests according to their order of receipt.

Provisions of the FOIA allow USDA to recover part of the cost of complying with your request. For purposes of fee assessment, you were categorized as a “all other” requester, pursuant to 7 CFR Appendix A to Subpart A of Part 1, Section (2)(b)(5)(i). For your review and information, a copy of the USDA FOIA Fee Schedule is attached. In accordance with 7 CFR Appendix A to Subpart A of Part 1, Section 3(b), your fees shall be waived where the amount of the fee is $25.00 or less. You will be contacted before fees are accrued.

A search will be conducted for records responsive to your request. If any responsive records are located, they will be reviewed for determination of releasability. Please be assured that a FOIA analyst will respond to your request as expeditiously as possible. We appreciate your patience as we proceed with your request.

Your request has been assigned FOIA Case No. 2022-DA-03033-F. Please refer to this case number in any future correspondence. I will be your point of contact going forward. If you have any questions regarding the processing of this request, please contact me at Jeffrey.crile@usda.gov<mailto:Jeffrey.crile@usda.gov>, at the number listed below, or if you cannot reach me, by emailing USDAFOIA@usda.gov<mailto:USDAFOIA@usda.gov>. For additional information regarding USDA FOIA regulations and process, please refer to the information available on-line at https://www.usda.gov/ogc/office-information-affairs/foia-division.

We appreciate the opportunity to assist you.

Sincerely,
Jeff

[cid:image001.png@01D84EB5.631A3A60]
Jeff Crile, Esq.
FOIA Analyst, Attorney-Contractor
Servicing the Foreign Agricultural Service
Freedom of Information Act Division
Office of Information Affairs
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., SW, Rm #4049-B
Washington, DC 20250
☎ 202.720.7732
✉ Jeffrey.Crile@USDA.gov<mailto:Jeffrey.Crile@USDA.gov>

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.

Mr. Fernandes:

My name is Nicholas Mantzaris, and I am the FOIA analyst in charge of processing your recent USDA FOIA request about the Steampunk cloud computing contract.

You recently emailed the Office of Information Affairs (OIA) to appeal your designation as an “all other” requester in hopes of changing the designation to a “media” FOIA requester.

When you have a moment, please provide links to any articles or media that you have authored or created. This type of public information will help to inform the OIA on what requester category is appropriate for you.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Have a great day,

[cid:image001.png@01D84FF6.8D42E430]
Nicholas Mantzaris
FOIA Analyst - Contractor
Freedom of Information Act Division
Office of Information Affairs
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 4049D
Washington, DC 20250
☎ (202) 791-8516
✉ Nicholas.Mantzaris@USDA.gov

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.

Thank you for the quick reply. I’ll go ahead and update your requester status to “media”.

[cid:image001.png@01D853DB.CDD2D800]
Nicholas Mantzaris
FOIA Analyst - Contractor
Freedom of Information Act Division
Office of Information Affairs
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 4049D
Washington, DC 20250
☎ (202) 791-8516
✉ Nicholas.Mantzaris@USDA.gov

Mr. Fernandes:

Please see attached the final response to your recent FOIA request.

The OIA appreciates the opportunity to assist you with this matter.

[cid:image001.png@01D86C2A.B4104120]
Nicholas Mantzaris
FOIA Analyst - Contractor
Freedom of Information Act Division
Office of Information Affairs
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 4049D
Washington, DC 20250
☎ (202) 791-8516
✉ Nicholas.Mantzaris@USDA.gov

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.

Thank for the email. This request was processed and a final response was sent to you on May 20, 2022. If you scroll down in your email, you will see the final response email included as part of this email thread.

Please let me know if you have any further questions.

[cid:image001.png@01D8864E.3E1D0550]
Nicholas Mantzaris
FOIA Analyst - Contractor
Freedom of Information Act Division
Office of Information Affairs
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 4049D
Washington, DC 20250
☎ (202) 791-8516
✉ Nicholas.Mantzaris@USDA.gov