superstorm sandy after action (SBA)
| Tracking # |
13-1216-1 |
| Submitted | Dec. 16, 2013 |
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Communications
From: Jason Smathers
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
The complete report created by the SBA Office of Disaster Assistance concerning superstorm sandy after action. The executive summary was dated 10/31/13. I do not require a copy of the three page executive summary, rather, I am requesting the full report.
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,
Jason Smathers
From: FOIA
Mr. Smathers:
As you know, this office acts in the FOIA appellate capacity for SBA and generally refers initial requests to the appropriate program and/or field office(s) for processing, therefore, we referred your request below (#1216-1) to the Office of Disaster Assistance (202-205-6098). That office will contact you directly with their findings and an estimate of any applicable FOIA processing fees.
If you have questions or other FOIA inquiries, you may submit them to foia@sba.gov or 202-401-8203.
Sincerely,
Kitty Higgins
SBA FOI/PA Office
202-401-8203
From: MuckRock
Hello,
Can you provide the email address for direct followup with the Office of Disaster Assistance?
Thank you.
From: FOIA
The disaster contact can be reached at alan.escobar@sba.gov.
From: Escobar, Alan E.
Mr. Smathers,
The response to your FOIA request is attached.
Sincerely,
Alan E. Escobar
Office of Disaster Assistance
U.S. Small Business Administration
From: MuckRock
Hello,
A signed copy of the appeal below has been sent to the appropriate address. Please confirm receipt of both copies.
Thank you.
====
FOIA APPEAL
Chief, Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Office
U.S. Small Business Administration
409 3rd Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20416
January 13, 2014
Dear Chief,
This is an appeal per the Freedom of Information Act.
On December 17, 2013 I requested a copy of the Superstorm Sandy After Action Report. On January 13, 2014, Alan E Escobar denied this request stating that it does not exist. I appeal.
I have in my possession a document dated October 31, 2013 which is an executive summary of the Superstorm Sandy After Action Report. The executive summary references and summarizes the full report which Mr. Escobar has claimed does not exist. Further, Mr. Escobar previously made the claim via an email dated 12/16/13 that the report is an “internal document” informally denying another person’s FOIA request without citing any legal reason for the document to remain internal. This of course is an admission from Mr. Escobar that it does exist, contradicting the denial letter.
Regards,
Jason Smathers
From: Babcock, Lisa J.
Mr. Jason Smathers
MuckRock News
DEPT MG 9570
P.O. Box 55819
Boston, MA 02205-5819
RE: 13-1216-1
Dear Mr. Smathers:
Today our office received your January 13, 2014 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) appeal of January 13, 2014 initial denial of Mr. Alan Escobar, Office of Disaster Assistance. Mr. Escobar's response stated that the report you request does not exist.
In an effort to provide you with the greatest benefit of the FOIA, by copy of this email we are remanding this matter back to Mr. Escobar for an additional record search.
Any questions regarding this matter should be directed to Mr. Escobar at either (202) 205-6098 or alan.escobar@sba.gov.
Sincerely,
Lisa J. Babcock
Chief, Freedom of Information/
Privacy Acts Office
From: Escobar, Alan E.
Mr. Smathers,
The response to your Appeal of FOIA request # 1216-1 is attached. I will e-mail the encryption password in a separate e-mail. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Alan E. Escobar
Office of Disaster Assistance
U.S. Small Business Administration
-
Superstorm Sandy Closeout Report
From: Escobar, Alan E.
Mr. Smathers,
The encryption password is case sensitive and is as follows: $UPERSTORM_SANDY
Sincerely,
Alan Escobar
From: Jason Smathers
Thank you. I have received the responsive records.
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