706.31—How do I request copies of or access to OPIC records that are not otherwise available to the public?
(a) Submitting a request.
To request records that are not otherwise available to the public, submit a written request to OPIC's FOIA Office either by mail, by hand delivery, by facsimile transmission to (202) 408-0297, or by electronic mail to FOIA@opic.gov. You must state that you are requested records under the FOIA. Your request is considered received by OPIC upon actual receipt by OPIC's FOIA Office.
(b) Format.
Although FOIA requests do not need to follow a specific format, you must include the following information:
(1)
You must reasonably describe the records you seek. This means that you must provide enough detail to enable OPIC personnel, using reasonable efforts, to locate the records. Whenever possible, your request should include specific information about each record sought, such as the date, title or name, author, recipient, and subject matter. Any request that does not reasonably describe the records sought will not be considered received by OPIC until the request is clarified. If your request does not reasonably describe the records you seek, OPIC will make reasonable efforts to contact you and tell you what additional information you need to provide in order to clarify your request. You then will have an opportunity to modify your request to meet the requirements of this section. Any time you spend clarifying your request (discussing your request with OPIC and preparing a revised request) is excluded from the 20 working-day period (or any extension of this period) that OPIC has to respond to your request.
(2)
You must state the format (e.g., paper, computer disk, etc.) in which you would like OPIC to provide the requested records. If you do not state a preference, you will receive any released records in the format most convenient to OPIC.
(3)
You must include your mailing address and telephone number. You may also provide your electronic mail address, which will allow OPIC to contact you quickly to discuss your request and, in some instances, to respond to your request electronically.
(4)
You must state your willingness to pay fees under this Part or, alternately, your willingness to pay fees up to a specified limit. If you believe that you qualify for a partial or total fee waiver under § 706.35(a), you should request a waiver and provide justification as required by § 706.35(b). If your request does not contain a statement of your willingness to pay fees or a request for a fee waiver, OPIC will advise you of the requirements of this paragraph. If you fail to respond within ten working days of such notification, OPIC will stop processing your request.