U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Https

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552) grants the public the right to request access to records from federal agencies, including the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Inspector General (OIG). FOIA promotes transparency and accountability by allowing individuals to access information about the OIG’s activities, reports, and other agency records, subject to certain exemptions.

How to Submit a FOIA Request to DOE OIG

To request records under FOIA, submit a written request with the following details:

  1. Your Name and Contact Information -include your full name, mailing address, email, and phone number.
  2. Description of the Records Requested - Provide a clear and specific description of the documents or information you seek, including relevant dates, subjects, or case numbers (if known).
  3. Format Preference - Specify whether you prefer to receive records electronically or as physical copies.
  4. Fee Waivers (if applicable) - if your request serves the public interest, you may request a fee waiver, including your justification.

Where to Submit FOIA Requests

Please submit your requests through the FOIA.gov site to ensure it's received in a timely manner.

FOIA Exemptions

Certain records may be exempt from disclosure under FOIA to protect sensitive information. Common exemptions applicable to DOE OIG records include:

  1. National Security (Exemption 1): Records classified for national defense or foreign policy reasons.
  2. Personal Privacy (Exemption 6): Information that, if released, would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.
  3. Law Enforcement (Exemption 7): Records that could interfere with enforcement proceedings, reveal confidential sources, or compromise investigative techniques.

Processing FOIA Requests

  1. Acknowledgment – The DOE OIG FOIA Office will acknowledge receipt of your request within 20 business days.
  2. Processing – Requests are processed in the order they are received. Complex or broad requests may require additional time.
  3. Fees – Fees may apply for search time, duplication, or review. Fee estimates will be provided before processing begins if costs exceed $25.
  4. Response – The OIG will provide the requested records or explain why certain records are exempt under FOIA.

Appeals

If your FOIA request is denied in full or in part, you have the right to file an appeal. Appeals must be submitted in writing within 90 days of receiving the denial. Include:

  • The FOIA request tracking number.
  • An explanation of why you believe the denial was improper.

Where to submit an appeal

Additional Information

For more details about submitting FOIA requests, fees, or exemptions, visit the DOE OIG FOIA webpage:

Department of Energy: Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Contact Information

General FOIA Inquiries: foia-central@hq.doe.gov

FOIA Appeals: https://www.energy.gov/oha/office-hearings-and-appeals 

FOIA POCs by Location: https://www.energy.gov/gc/foia-contacts  

Office of Government Information Services (OGIS): https://www.archives.gov/ogis