Department of the Interior
Departmental Manual
Freedom of Information Act Handbook
(383 DM 15, Revised April 22, 2004)

Foreword

The Departmental Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Handbook has been revised in its entirety. The Handbook has been updated to reflect changes in the Department’s policies and procedures consistent with the Electronic FOIA Amendments of 1996, the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) revised FOIA regulations (43 CFR Part 2, Subparts A through E), developments in case law, cost figures for calculating and charging fees, and organizational changes within DOI.

This Handbook supplements the requirements prescribed by 383 DM 15 and DOI’s FOIA regulations. The Handbook establishes Departmentwide policies and procedures for administering and implementing the FOIA. It provides detailed guidance on when and how to apply the nine FOIA exemptions and includes examples of the types of information that may be withheld under each. It also requires all bureaus and offices with Internet access to use the Electronic FOIA Tracking System to track and manage their requests. All FOIA requests will be processed in accordance with the procedures contained in this Handbook. Use of this Handbook and the applicability of its provisions are authorized in 383 DM 15.

Questions regarding the contents of the Handbook may be directed to the Departmental FOIA Officer or to the Bureau FOIA Officers. Additional copies of the Handbook may be obtained by contacting the Bureau FOIA Officers.