706.32—When will I receive a response to my FOIA request?
(a) General.
The FOIA requires OPIC to respond within twenty working days after the date on which OPIC's FOIA Office received the request.
(b) Order of processing.
Generally, OPIC responds to FOIA requests in the order in which they are received.
(c) Extensions.
(1)
In unusual circumstances, OPIC may require an extension of time in which to respond to your request. OPIC will provide written notice to you whenever such unusual circumstances exist. Unusual circumstances may include, for example: The need to search for and collect requested records from storage facilities located outside of OPIC's premises; the need to search for, collect, and appropriately examine a voluminous amount of separate and distinct records that are requested in a single request; or the need for consultation with another agency having a substantial interest in the request. If the extension is expected to exceed ten working days, OPIC will offer you the opportunity to:
(2)
When OPIC reasonably believes that multiple requests submitted by a requester, or by a group of requesters acting in concert, constitute a single request that would otherwise involve unusual circumstances, and the requests involve clearly related matters, such requests may be aggregated for purposes of this section.
(d) Expedited processing.
OPIC will expedite processing of your FOIA request if you provide information indicating that one of the following factors is present: circumstances in which the lack of expedited treatment could reasonably be expected to pose an imminent threat to the life or physical safety of an individual; or an urgent need to inform the public about an actual or alleged federal government activity, if the request is made by a person primarily engaged in disseminating information. You may make a request for expedited processing at the time you submit your FOIA request or at any later time. If you make such a request, you must submit a statement, certified to be true and correct to the best of your belief, explaining in detail the basis for requesting expedited processing. OPIC will notify you of its determination concerning your request for expedited processing within ten days after the date of your request. You may appeal a denial of a request for expedited processing under the provisions at § 706.36. OPIC will grant expedited consideration to any such appeal.