1401.34—Time for processing requests.
(a)
All time limitations established pursuant to this section shall begin as of the time at which a request for records is logged in by the officer or employee processing the request pursuant to § 1401.32(b). An oral request for records shall not begin any time requirement. A written request for records sent to an office or division of FMCS other than the one having authority to grant or deny access to the records shall be redirected to the appropriate office for processing, and the time shall begin upon its being logged in there in accordance with § 1401.32(b).
(b)
The officer or employee passing upon the request for records shall, within ten (10) working days following receipt of the request, respond in writing to the requester, determining whether, or the extent to which, the Agency shall comply with the request.
(1)
If all of the records requested have been located and a final determination has been made with respect to disclosure of all the records requested, the response shall so state.
(2)
If all of the records have not been located or a final determination has not been made with respect to disclosure of all records requested, the response shall state the extent to which the records involved will be disclosed pursuant to the rules established in this part.
(3)
If the request is expected to involve an assessed fee in excess of $50.00, the response shall specify or estimate the fee involved and shall require prepayment before the records are made available.
(4)
Whenever possible, the response relating to a request for records that involves a fee of less than $50.00, shall be accompanied by the requested records. Where this is not possible, the records shall be forwarded as soon as possible thereafter, consistent with other obligations of the Agency.
(c)
In the following circumstances, the time for passing upon the request may be extended for up to an additional 10 working days by written notice to the person making the request, setting forth the reasons for such extension and the time within which a determination is expected to be made:
(1)
The need to search for and collect the requested records from the field facilities or other establishments that are separate from the office processing the request;
(2)
The need to search for, collect and appropriately examine a voluminous amount of records which are demanded in a single request; or
(3)
The need for consultation, which shall be conducted with all practicable speed, with another agency having a substantial interest in the determination of the request or among two or more components of the Agency having substantial subject matter interest therein.
(b)
If any request for records is denied in whole or in part, the response required by paragraph (b) of this section shall notify the requester of the denial. Such denial shall specify the reason therefor and also advise that the denial may be appealed to the Office of Deputy Director of the Agency as specified in § 1401.35.