A multi-agency Freedom of Information Act portal will launch this fall, according to the National Archives and Records Administration’s Office of Government Information Services.
Development is expected to be completed this spring with a scheduled launch this fall.
From the announcement:
Consider this: a multi-agency FOIA portal that automates FOIA processing and reporting, stores FOIA requests and responses in a repository and keeps records electronically. Not to mention allows requesters to submit requests to fewer government websites, track the status of requests and find, view and download FOIA requests and agency responses, all in a secure online environment.
According to OGIS, by leveraging the IT infrastructure of Regulations.gov, the project will cost $1.3 million and save an estimated $200 million over five years. The Environmental Protection Agency is spearheading the project and initial collaborating agencies include the Department of Commerce and NARA. The Department of Veterans Affairs has expressed an interest to participate.
On Thursday, January 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Commerce will host an “in-the-weeds” review and solicit feedback from agency FOIA professionals. A summary of comments will be presented January 18 at EPA.
Contact EPA Senior Policy Adviser on Open Government Tim Crawford at crawford.tim@epa.gov to register to attend via webinar or in person.
Details at The FOIA Ombudsman blog.
