1202.5—How do I request information from FHFA under FOIA?
(a) Where To Send Your Request.
FOIA requests must be in writing. You may make a request for FHFA records by writing directly to the FOIA Office through electronic mail, regular mail, or fax. The electronic mail address is: foia@fhfa.gov. The regular mail address is: FOIA Officer, Federal Housing Finance Agency, 1700 G Street, NW., Washington, DC 20552. The fax number is: (202) 414-8917. You can help FHFA process your request by marking electronic mail, letter, or fax and the subject line, envelope, or fax cover sheet “FOIA Request.” You may find the FHFA's “Freedom of Information Act Reference Guides,” available electronically on the FHFA's Web site, http://www.fhfa.gov, helpful in making your request.
(b) Provide Your Name and Address.
Your request must include your full name, your address and, if different, the address at which FHFA is to notify you about your request; a telephone number at which you can be reached during normal business hours, and an electronic mail address, if any.
(c) Request Is Under FOIA.
Your request must have a statement identifying it as being made under FOIA.
(d) Your FOIA Status.
If you are submitting your request as a “commercial use” requester, an “educational institution” requester, a “non-commercial scientific institution” requester, or a “representative of the news media” for the purposes of the fee provisions of FOIA, your request must include a statement specifically identifying your status.
(e) Describing the Records You Request.
You must describe the records that you seek in enough detail to enable FHFA personnel to locate them with a reasonable amount of effort. Your request should include as much specific information as possible that you know about each record you request, such as the date, title or name, author, recipient, subject matter, and file designations or descriptions of the record.
(f) How You Want the Records Produced to You.
Your request must tell FHFA whether you will inspect the records before duplication or want them duplicated and furnished without inspection.
(g) Agreement To Pay Fees.
Your FOIA request is an agreement by you to pay all applicable fees charged under section 1202.11, up to $100.00, unless you seek a fee waiver. When making a request, you may specify a higher or lower amount you will pay without consultation. Your inability to pay a fee does not justify granting a fee waiver.
(h) Valid Requests.
FHFA will only process valid requests. A valid request must meet all the requirements of this section.