How to Make a FOIA Request

This section will help you through USJFCOM’s Freedom of Information Act Request process.

Step 1:  Preparing Your Request
You may submit your request in several different forms: electronic, written, or fax.  Telephone requests are not accepted.

Label your request "Freedom of Information Act Request"

Describe the specific record(s) you are seeking with enough detail so that officials may locate the record without much effort.  Such detail should include descriptive information, time-frame to be searched, etc.

The more information provided, the better opportunity there is to determine if the records would still exist and their location.  The FOIA states that records must exist at the time the request is submitted to be considered.

State your willingness to pay all fees or those up to a specified amount or provide justification to support a fee waiver.  Agreements to pay fees are considered to be up to $250.00, unless another amount is specified. 

Currently we charge search, review (for commercial requestors only), and duplication costs.

Include your complete postal service mailing address on your request.

Step 2:  Submitting Your Request
(The next step in preparing to submit your request is deciding how to send the request)

Submitting Your Request to Headquarter U.S. Joint Forces Command.  You may submit your request via the postal service, the online request form or fax. 

U.S. Joint Forces Command
FOIA Requestor Service Center (J00L)
1562 Mitscher Avenue, Ste 200
Norfolk, VA 23551-2488
Phone: (757) 836-9742
Fax: (757) 836-0058

Note:  If the records you seek are not held by USJFCOM, your request will be forwarded to the appropriate agency as a referral.

Step 3:  Processing Your Request
The FOIA allows "any person" to seek access to "agency records."  USJFCOM processes many FOIA requests for various types of information.

You will receive a response to your request.  Please keep in mind that the 20 working days time limit begins when the activity holding the record(s) receives your request and does not include Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays.

To ensure fair and equitable treatment, your request will be placed in a multi-track "first-in, first out" queue; one for simple request, one for complex requests, and one for expedited requests.

Where and How to File an Appeal
If your request was initially denied in whole or in part, the letter advising you of the denial or your request should also have advised you of your right to appeal the determination within 60 days.  If you wish to make an appeal you must file your appeal with the correct appellate authority within sixty (60) days.  The appellate authority for USJFCOM is the FOIA Appeals and Policy Branch, DFOISR.  This information, including an address, will be located on all returned requests that are denied in whole or in part.