Regulations and Policies Scheme

The Office of Government Information Services (OGIS) has released a series of reports detailing ongoing challenges in processing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests promptly and emphasizing improvements in responsiveness and transparency for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA).

On April 3, 2023, the Freedom of Information Act Advisory Committee made a recommendation regarding the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE). The recommendation aims to enhance the transparency and accountability of the FOIA process within federal agencies.

One of the key areas of focus for OGIS has been the use of "still interested" letters. In August 2015, OGIS sent a letter to EPIC regarding the use of these letters by federal agencies. Subsequently, OGIS issued recommendations to improve transparency of the use of Still Interested Letters in Part 3. This was followed by a review of the FOIA Programs' Fiscal Year 2014 use of Still Interested Letters in Part 2.

In response to concerns about the use of these letters by DHS and FEMA, OGIS sent letters to Cause of Action on April 29, 2016, and September 15, 2015. Similarly, a letter was sent to the DHS Chief Privacy Officer regarding FEMA's use of "still interested" letters on the same date in 2015.

OGIS has also assessed the methods agencies use to prepare documents for posting on their FOIA websites, the inclusion of the FOIA in agency performance plans, and the agencies' provision of required notices of dispute resolution services.

Notable reports released by OGIS include an assessment of Agency Compliance with the Estimated Date of Completion Requirement of the Freedom of Information Act, an assessment report on Agency FOIA Websites, and a report on Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Performance Measures for Non-FOIA Professionals.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, OGIS assessed Agency Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Website Communications on COVID-19, issuing a follow-up on January 27, 2021, and an initial assessment on June 15, 2020.

OGIS has also identified commonly requested categories of first-party records and historical trends, such as relatively few requests closed, better reporting needed in Part 1.

To request an assessment of your FOIA program, you can email report@[email protected]. A recent memo titled "FOIA.gov Update Memo" was sent by OGIS on May 20, 2025.

The ongoing work of OGIS underscores its commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in the FOIA process, ensuring that the public has access to information essential to their understanding of government operations.