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Code of Federal Regulations (Last Updated: July 5, 2024) |
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Title 14 - Aeronautics and Space |
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Chapter V - National Aeronautics and Space Administration |
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Part 1206 - Procedures for Disclosure of Records Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) |
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Subpart 6 - Procedures |
§ 1206.608 - Time extensions in unusual circumstances.
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(a) In “unusual circumstances” as that term is defined in §1206.101(f), the time limits for an initial determination (see §1206.603 and §1206.604) and for a final determination (see §1206.607) may be extended, but not to exceed a total of 10 working days in the aggregate in the processing of any specific request for an Agency record.
(b) If an extension of time under this section would be required, the requester shall be promptly notified of the reasons therefor and the date when a determination will be sent.
(c) If a record described in a request cannot be located within the 20-working-day time limit for an initial determination, after consultation with a professional NASA employee who is familiar with the subject area of the request, that fact normally will justify an initial determination that the record requested cannot be identified or located, rather than a decision that an extension of time under this section would be appropriate.
(d) In exceptional circumstances, if it would be impossible to complete a search for or review of Agency records within the 20-working-day period for an initial determination, an official authorized to make an initial determination or the designee may seek an extension of time from the requester. If such an extension of time can be agreed upon, that fact should be clearly documented and the initial determination made within the extended time period; if not, an initial determination that the record cannot be identified or located, or reviewed, within the 20-working-day time limit shall be made under §1206.603. “Exceptional circumstances” do not include a delay that results from a predictable Agency workload of requests unless the Agency demonstrates reasonable progress in reducing its backlog of pending requests. Refusal by the requester to reasonably modify the scope of a request or arrange an alternative time frame for processing the request shall be considered as a factor in determining whether exceptional circumstances exist.