agency responded to me directly not through muckrock

I want it to be through Muckrock so that others can search for it. Also, they did not specify the exemption (just said such records don’t exist, is that enough?) and didn’t tell me that I could file an appeal which I think they are required to do. I asked them to reply through Muckrock, is that what I should have done? Also, the did reply to a couple that are “awaiting acknowledgement”, is there a way to note that they are completed? I need to tidy up my request area. Thanks!