FOIA FAQ

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1. How will I know when my FOIA request has been received?
   1. You will receive a confirmation email from the database when the FOIA request is entered. To ensure that the message does not go to your junk mail folder, please add [email protected] and [email protected] to your Safe Senders list or adjust your spam filters accordingly. If you have not received a confirmation email, please contact FOIA Analyst Myra Campbell to check the status of your request.

2. Can I submit a FOIA request for a range of addresses/map/lot and square?
   1. Each FOIA request must include a list of ALL addresses for which you wish to locate records. We cannot search for files based on a range of addresses or map. Most programs at DDOE cannot search for files based on lot and square. Failure to provide a complete address may result in a less productive search.

3. What information must I include in my FOIA request?
   1. Contact name
   2. Email address
   3. Phone number
   4. List of ALL addresses you wish to locate files for
   5. Type(s) of records you are seeking
   6. Complete addresses for the property(ies), if applicable

4. Will I have to pay fees for my FOIA request?
   
   a: There is no initial fee for submitting a FOIA request, but DDOE charges fees for searching, reviewing, and reproducing records whether or not pertinent records are located. The first hour of search time is free of charge. Thereafter, the following charges apply:

Search and initial review time:

Photocopying fees are charged at $0.25 per page. A charge of $1.00 shall be made for each certification of true copies of agency records.

b. For additional information on FOIA fees, please see 1 DCMR § 408.

5. DDOE does NOT maintain the following types of files:
   1. Spill Records (maintained by the Department of Health)
   2. Fire Records (maintained by FEMS)
   3. AST Records (maintained by DCRA)