§ 1000.8 - Response to FOIA request.

(a) When a requested record has been identified and is available, the FOIA Officer shall notify the person making the request as to where and when the record is available for inspection or the copies will be available. The notification shall also advise the person making the request of any fees pursuant to § 1000.10.

(b) The FOIA Officer shall approve or deny, in whole or in part, a request for Records as soon as reasonably possible. Such a response will be given in writing and will occur within 20 days after the Officer receives the request. The FOIA Officer may grant or deny a portion of a request if it appears that other, separate elements of the request will require additional time to complete. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(6)(B), the FOIA Officer may extend these time limits by written notice to the person making such request. Such written notice shall set forth the unusual circumstances for such extension and the date on which a determination is expected to be dispatched. Such a notice shall not specify a date that would result in an extension for more than 10 days, except as provided in § 1000.6(c). Additional time may be required because:

(c) If the request is denied, the written notification to the person making the request shall include the names of the individuals who participated in the determination, the reasons for the denial, and a notice that an appeal may be lodged with the head of the agency within 30 calendar days of receipt of the denial or partial denial.

(d) The FOIA officer may grant expedited consideration of a FOIA request or appeal if the requestor shows a compelling need for such expedited consideration. The requestor must submit such a request in writing. A demonstration of a compelling need by a person making a request for expedited processing shall be made by a statement certified by such person to be true and correct to the best of such person's knowledge and belief. The FOIA officer will respond to such a request within 10 days of receipt of the request.