Welcome to One Freedom of Information Request a Day, a project in which I file a FOIA request each weekday in 2017. My goal is not to inundate the government with busy work and I’m not trying to waste taxpayer money. But I do want to see how various federal agencies react to requests for the information we pay them to collect and keep. I want to know which agencies follow FOIA law and which ones disregard it. I want to know what information the government is uncomfortable releasing. I’ll keep you updated on the status of my requests here and on the project’s Twitter page (1FOIRaDay). All records obtained through this project will be made available to the public for free. Your suggestions, questions and death threats are welcome at collinsreports@gmail.com.
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Filed Aug. 29, 2017, with the Dept. of Energy Office of International Affairs.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All emails sent, received or deleted by Matthew Cline, Director of the Office of American Affairs, from May 1, 2017, to Aug. 31, 2017.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Jan. 3, 2017, the Dept. of Energy called to ask if I would further narrow this request. I declined.
Update: On Oct. 25, 2017, at the Dept. of Energy’s request, I narrowed this request to include only sent emails.
Update: On Sept. 6, 2017, the Dept. of Energy acknowledged this request.
Update: On Aug. 29, 2017, the Dept. of Energy called to ask for clarification on this request.
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Filed Aug. 28, 2017, with the CDC.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
CDC’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: Public Health Assesments or Health Consultations (where applicable) for the following sites in Texas: City of Perryton Well No. 2, Hart Creosoting Company, Motor Fuels Corporation (residential wells 1, 2 and 3), and Hebbronville Arsenic Exposure Investigation. It should be noted these public health assessments and health consultations precede 2004. For further reference, this sites are listed on the first page of this document.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Sept. 6, 2017, the CDC called to ask if I had received responsive information. I said I had. The request was closed.
Update: On Aug. 30, 2017, the CDC placed this request in its “simple” FOIA processing track. It set a target date for response of Oct. 29, 2017.
Update: On Aug. 28, 2017, the CDC said responsive documents are already publicly available via the Internet Archive.
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Filed Aug. 25, 2017, with USDA APHIS.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Administrative processing materials associated with the processing of the following FOIA requests submitted to USDA APHIS:
- A FOIA request I submitted to “foia.officer@aphis.usda.gov” on Feb. 6, 2017, asking for “All inspection reports conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. I also request a list, spreadsheet, database or other related compendium of information regarding enforcement actions against violators of the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The time frame for requested documents is Jan. 1, 2016, to Dec. 31, 2016.” I have not received any communication from the agency regarding this request.
- A FOIA request I submitted to “tonya.g.woods@aphis.usda.gov” on Feb. 13, 2017, asking for “All inspection reports conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The time frame for requested documents is Jan. 1, 2017, to Feb. 13, 2017.” I have not received any communication from the agency regarding this request.
- A FOIA request I submitted to “tonya.g.woods@aphis.usda.gov” on Feb. 20, 2017, asking for “All inspection reports conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The time frame for requested documents is Feb. 14, 2017, to Feb. 20, 2017.” On Feb. 24, 2017, USDA APHIS acknowledged this request, assigning it tracking # 2017-APHIS- 02316-F. A response target date of March 20, 2017, was set.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Oct. 13, 2017, USDA APHIS fully provided responsive records.
Update: On Aug. 30, 2017, USDA APHIS acknowledged this request. It set a target date for response of Sept. 25, 2017.
Update: On Aug. 28, 2017, USDA APHIS asked me to define “administrative processing materials.”
Update: On Aug. 25, 2017, USDA APHIS gave me an update on the status of the requests included in Aug. 25 request. I thanked the agency for the update, but iterated that the Aug. 25 request stands.
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Filed Aug. 24, 2017, with U.S. Dept. of Transportation.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A copy of all correspondence received by the U.S. Dept. of Transportation from trade groups and other concerned parties in calendar year 2017 regarding CSX Corp., a freight rail service. CSX shipments have been delayed for weeks, causing a some poultry farmers to incur hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses, according to this Wall Street Journal story.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Nov. 30, 2017, the DoT partially provided responsive records.
Update: On Aug. 28, 2017, the DoT acknowledged this request.
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Filed Aug. 23, 2017, with NASA.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A copy of the contract between NASA and the contractor selected to “enable and advance uses of Earth observations by domestic and international organizations to benefit food security and agriculture.” Notices of Intent to propose were requested by February 17, 2017, and proposals were due April 7, 2017. This blog wrote about the solicitation.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Nov. 6, 2017, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center fully provided a responsive document.
Update: On Oct. 4, 2017, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center said it’d need more time to respond to this request. Also, the agency said it might make redactions to responsive records under FOIA exemption (b)(4).
Update: On Aug. 28, 2017, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center acknowledged this request but did not classify me as a member of the news media. Instead, it classified the request as “other use” for fee purposes.
Update: On Aug. 25, 2017, NASA headquarters redirected this request to the agency’s Goddard Space Flight Center.
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Filed Aug. 22, 2017, with the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A copy of all letters of reprimand and/or suspension given to Housing and Urban Development employees from Jan. 20, 2017, to Aug. 22, 2017.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Feb. 8, 2018, HUD partially provided responsive records.
Update: On Aug. 25, 2017, HUD acknowledged this request.
Update: On Aug. 22, 2017, my emailed request was returned as undeliverable. I instead submitted it through HUD’s online FOIA portal. It was acknowledged shortly thereafter.
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Filed Aug. 21, 2017, with the EPA.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A copy of the FOIA request submitted by the New York Times to obtain 700 pages of internal EPA documents. The documents obtained by the newspaper are detailed here. The request was sent in 2017, perhaps in late March or in the following months.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Aug. 21, 2017, the EPA called to say the responsive document is already publicly available here.
Update: On Aug. 21, 2017, the EPA sent an automated message to confirm receipt of this request.
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Filed Aug. 18, 2017, with the U.S. Trade Representative.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Any and all negotiating texts developed in 2017 by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative for use in negotiating and/or renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Aug. 29, 2017, the USTR denied this request. The agency said responsive documents “constitute foreign government information” that the United States, Canada and Mexico must hold confidential for a prescribed period of time.
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Filed Aug. 17, 2017, with the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
White House Council on Environmental Quality meeting minutes from Jan. 20, 2017, to Aug. 17, 2017.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Sept. 14, 2017, the White House Council on Environmental Quality said it had no responsive records.
Update: On Aug. 31, 2017, the White House Council on Environmental Quality acknowledged this request. The agency refused to classify me as a member of the media for fee purposes because the link to my website was broken, it claimed. It estimated $22 in fees. I asked the agency to try visiting my website again, which it did. Afterward, the agency reversed its fee classification decision and waived the fees.
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Filed Aug. 16, 2017, with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A list, spreadsheet and/or printout of closed investigations conducted by the U.S. Office of Special Counsel regarding whistleblower retaliation in calendar years 2015 and 2016.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Feb. 19, 2019, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel wrote to say this request is in the “search for records” stage.
Update: On Dec. 21, 2018, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel wrote to say this request is in the “search for records” stage.
Update: On Dec. 15, 2017, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel requested clarification on this request.
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Filed Aug. 15, 2017, with the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Copies of The Beacon, the USDA FSIS employee newsletter, for calendar year 2017.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Aug. 24, 2017, USDA FSIS acknowledged this request.
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Filed Aug. 14, 2017, with the U.S. Marines.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
The U.S. Marines mandatory declassification review log for calendar year 2016.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Sept. 5, 2017, the U.S. Marines said it had no responsive records.
Update: On Aug. 16, 2017, the U.S. Marines instructed me to resubmit this request using the FOIAonline portal, which I did. I then received an automated message that this request had been received.
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Filed Aug. 11, 2017, with White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A copy of records describing or identifying which information or records have been changed and/or removed from the Office of Science and Technology Policy website since January 20, 2017. These records are likely found in the offices that maintain content on the public website.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On April 24, 2018, the Office of Science and Technology Policy partially provided responsive records.
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Filed Aug. 10, 2017, with U.S. State Department.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All ethics waiver requests received by the Dept. of State’s Bureau of Human Resources and the Office of the Legal Adviser from Jan. 1, 2016, to Aug. 10, 2017, along with any corresponding memoranda regarding grants or denials of those requests.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Aug. 24, 2017, the State Dept. acknowledged this request.
Update: On Aug. 10, 2017, the State Dept. sent an automated message to confirm receipt of this request.
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Filed Aug. 9, 2017, with American Battle Monuments Commission.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A copy of any complaint letters received by the American Battle Monuments Commission from the public and/or members of Congress concerning battle monuments in calendar year 2016. I also request the commission’s responses to those complaints.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Sept. 13, 2017, the ABMC partially released responsive documents.
Update: On Aug. 31, 2017, the ABMC acknowledged this request and placed it in its “complex” FOIA processing track.
Update: On Aug. 9, 2017, the ABMC sent an automated message to confirm receipt of this request.
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Filed Aug. 8, 2017, with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A copy of all emails sent, received or deleted by Bianca Moebius-Clune, director of the soil health division at the Natural Resources Conservation Service, containing any or all of these terms: “weather extreme,” “weather extremes,” “climate change” and “climate.”
The date range for this request is Jan. 1, 2017 to Aug. 8, 2017.
Ideally, responsive documents will include the date of the visit, the visited location and compliance status, along with any other relevant information
I seek documents produced from Jan. 1, 2013, to Aug. 7, 2017.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Dec. 14, 2017, USDA NRCS partially provided records responsive to this request.
Update: On Aug. 16, 2017, USDA NRCS acknowledged this request.
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Filed Aug. 7, 2017, with Department of Homeland Security Citizenship and Immigration Services.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A list, spreadsheet or related record that documents “random administrative site visits conducted by the Dept. of Homeland Security’s Citizenship and Immigration Services at businesses to ensure that employers and foreign workers are complying with requirements of the H-1B nonimmigrant classification,” which are conducted to “verify H-1B workers’ wages, job duties, and work locations during site visits,” according to the agency’s website.
Ideally, responsive documents will include the date of the visit, the visited location and compliance status, along with any other relevant information
I seek documents produced from Jan. 1, 2013, to Aug. 7, 2017.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On April 5, 2018, DHS CIS partially provided responsive documents.
Update: On Jan. 29, 2018, DHS CIS offered to provide me with a report it prepared for Congress in 2016. I declined, as the report did not appear to be responsive to this request, and asked the office to continue processing the request.
Update: On Sept. 7, 2017, DHS CIS placed this request in its “complex” FOIA processing track.
Update: On Aug. 8, 2017, DHS CIS asked for my mailing address.
Update: On Aug. 7, 2017, DHS CIS sent an automated message to confirm receipt of this request.
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Filed Aug. 4, 2017, with U.S. Department of Energy.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Reports and analysis produced by Dept. of Energy counterintelligence agents regarding foreign intelligence and terrorist activity in connection with the Pantex Plant in Panhandle, Texas, from Jan. 1, 2016, to Aug. 4, 2017.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Sept. 29, 2017, the Dept. of Energy said it had no responsive records.
Update: On Aug. 8, 2017, the Dept. of Energy acknowledged this request.
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Filed Aug. 3, 2017, with U.S. Department of Agriculture.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A spreadsheet and/or list of county Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) payments made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Texas from Jan. 1, 2015, to Aug. 3, 2017. Ideally, the responsive document(s) would include the date of payments, the payment amounts and the payment recipients, along with any other relevant information.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Sept. 21, 2017, USDA FSA fully provided responsive records.
Update: On Aug. 15, 2017, USDA FSA notified me it would take a time extension before responding to this request. The agency set a target date for completion of Sept. 20, 2017. A FOIA officer call later to ask for clarification, after which the scope of the request was altered slightly.
Update: On Aug. 11, 2017, USDA Office of the Secretary acknowledged this request and redirected it to the department’s Farm Service Agency.
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Filed Aug. 2, 2017, with AMTRAK.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A list of protocols, guidelines and/or instructions regarding how AMTRAK personnel are to conduct random identification checks of passengers.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Aug. 2, 2017, AMTRAK acknowledged this request. The agency said it “currently is working through our backlog of requests.” AMTRAK said response times have been extended “due to the complexity of some requests.” A target date of Oct. 30 was set.
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Filed Aug. 1, 2017, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All plans developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from Jan. 1 2016, to Aug. 1, 2017, to stop the invasive and dangerous Asian carp from reaching Lake Michigan.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Aug. 7, 2017, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said the responsive document is now publicly available.
Update: On Aug. 1, 2017, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers confirmed receipt of this request.
______________________________________________
Filed July 31, 2017, with the U.S. Copyright Office.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A copy of employee feedback provided by employees of the U.S. Copyright Office to the office of Bruce J. McCubbin, chief, Administrative Services Office, from Jan. 1, 2017, to Dec. 31, 2017.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
______________________________________________
Filed July 28, 2017, with the Consumer Product Safety Commission Inspector General.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Copies of Consumer Product Safety Commission Inspector General reports of investigation bearing the following case numbers: 14-101, 15-001, 15-002, 15-003, 15-04, 16-001, 16-02, 16-03, 16-04, 16-05, 16-07.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Aug. 9, 2017, the Consumer Product Safety Commission partially provided responsive documents.
Update: On Aug. 1, 2017, the Consumer Product Safety Commission acknowledged this request.
______________________________________________
Filed July 27, 2017, with the Dept. of Energy.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A contract between the Dept of Energy and Centerra, LLC for paramilitary security services at the Savannah River Site (SRS).
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Aug. 1, 2017, the Dept. of Energy redirected this request to its Savannah River Operations Office.
______________________________________________
Filed July 26, 2017, with the National Security Agency.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Copies of reports of unauthorized disclosures of protected and/or confidential information at the NSA between 2009 and 2013.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Aug. 2, 2017, the NSA acknowledged this request and said its response may be delayed by “a significant increase in the number of requests.”
______________________________________________
Filed July 25, 2017, with the Dept. of Interior Office of the Secretary.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Copies of certifications sent by local governments in Texas in 2016 after those entities received Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT). I also request notifications sent by states to the Dept. of Interior in 2016 indicating that the state(s) intends to enact, repeal or amend legislation to reallocate or redistribute PILT payments given to local governments.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Jan. 28, 2019, the Dept. of Interior said it had no responsive records.
Update: On July 26, 2017, the Dept. of Interior acknowledged this request and gave notice that it would take a 10-day extension to respond, as allowed by law.
______________________________________________
Filed July 24, 2017, with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All reports of inspections conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The time frame for requested documents is July 18, 2017, to July 24, 2017.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On March 21, 2018, USDA APHIS said its search was not complete when it initially sent documents. The agency is “continuing to work to complete their search for records responsive” to this request.
Update: On March 15, 2018, USDA APHIS provided a document I do not consider to be responsive to this request. I sent the agency an example of a document I consider to be responsive.
Update: On July 25, 2017, USDA APHIS acknowledged this request and set a target date for completion of Aug. 22, 2017.
______________________________________________
Filed July 21, 2017, with the Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Reports of investigation in connection with selected Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General closed cases bearing the following numbers: 2011050042, 2011019630, 201101901E, 201102101G, 201102325G, 201102210Q, 201200072O, 201101605F, 2013000201, 201101900D.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Aug. 17, 2017, the DoD OIG partially provided responsive documents.
Update: On July 21, 2017, the DoD OIG acknowledged this request.
______________________________________________
Filed July 20, 2017, with the Dept. of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A list, spreadsheet or similar document detailing administrative misconduct and/or criminal offenses committed by ICE agents from Jan. 1, 2012, to July 20, 2017.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Oct. 3, 2018, ICE partially provided responsive records.
Update: On Aug. 8, 2017, ICE acknowledged this request and invoked its right to a 10-day response extension, which is allowed by statute.
Update: On July 20, 2017, ICE sent an automated message to confirm receipt of this request.
______________________________________________
Filed July 19, 2017, with the FDA.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Reports submitted through an FDA web portal alleging suspected criminal activity related to FDA-regulated products. Responsive documents may be held by the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations. The date range for this request is Jan. 1, 2017, to July 19, 2017. The referenced web portal is at this address.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Aug. 3, 2018, the FDA partially provided responsive records.
Update: On Jan. 9, 2018, the FDA sent a message to ask if I was still interested in this request. I said I am.
Update: On July 23, 2017, the FDA sent an automated message to confirm receipt of this request.
______________________________________________
Filed July 18, 2017, with NASA.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Reports produced in conjunction with two projects: “Expanding the List of Target Stars for Next Generation SETI Searches” and “Planetary Biology, Evolution, and Intelligence.” These documents likely are held by NASA’s Astrobiology Institute.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Aug. 7, 2017, NASA fully provided responsive documents. The agency charged no fees for the records.
Update: On Aug. 4, 2017, NASA placed this request in its “all other” FOIA requests category for fee purposes.
Update: On Aug. 2, 2017, NASA demanded I provide my mailing address, lest they close this request. The agency also said it would not classify my request as “media use” unless I first demonstrate how records are to be disseminated to the public.
Update: On July 20, 2017, NASA acknowledged this request, placing it in its “complex” FOIA processing track. The agency requested a 10-day time extension to respond to the request. It also redirected the request to its Ames Research Center.
______________________________________________
Filed July 17, 2017, with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All reports of inspections conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The time frame for requested documents is July 11, 2017, to July 17, 2017.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
______________________________________________
Filed July 14, 2017, with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All field test reports stored by USDA APHIS Biotechnology Regulatory Services in its ePermits system since March 1, 2017.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Aug. 9, 2017, USDA APHIS fully provided responsive records.
Update: On July 19, 2017, I amended this request as to not include what APHIS considers to be “confidential business information,” which would have required the USDA notification of submitting parties.
Update: On July 18, 2017, USDA APHIS requested clarification on this request.
Update: On July 14, 2017, USDA APHIS acknowledged this request and set a target date for completion of Aug. 11, 2017.
______________________________________________
Filed July 13, 2017, with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
An electronic spreadsheet of all Pacific Ocean shipwrecks in the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s shipwrecks database.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Sept. 21, 2017, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management partially released responsive records. The agency withheld the locations of the shipwrecks under exemption (b)(3)(B), because release of that information might “risk harm to a historic property.”
Update: On Aug. 22, 2017, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management left a voice message to say that it was coordinating with another office to respond to this request. The agency still does not have a timetable for processing the request.
Update: On July 26, 2017, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management said this request was placed in the agency’s “exceptional/voluminous” FOIA processing track, as it will require more than 60 workdays to process. This request joins three other requests in that queue.
______________________________________________
Filed July 12, 2017, with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A copy of records describing or identifying which data or records have been removed from www.eeoc.gov since January 20, 2017. These records are likely found in the offices that maintain content on the public website.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Aug. 8, 2017, the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission fully provided responsive documents at these web addresses: Link 1, Link 2, Link 3.
Update: On July 13, 2017, the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission acknowledged this request and set a target date for response of Aug. 9, 2017.
______________________________________________
Filed July 11, 2017, with the CDC.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A detailed list of expenditures by CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health for its Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing Program in fiscal years 2015 and 2016.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Aug. 8, 2017, the CDC fully provided a responsive document.
Update: On July 11, 2017, the CDC acknowledged this request, placing it in its “simple” FOIA processing track. The agency set a target date for completion of Sept. 9, 2017.
______________________________________________
Filed July 10, 2017, with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All reports of inspections conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The time frame for requested documents is July 4, 2017, to July 10, 2017.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On July 11, 2017, USDA APHIS acknowledged this request and set a target date for completion of Aug. 7, 2017.
______________________________________________
Filed July 7, 2017, with the U.S. Office of Government Ethics.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All emails sent, received or deleted from government email accounts belonging to Walter M. Shaub Jr., director of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, from Jan. 20, 2017, to July 7, 2017.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On April 26, 2019, the Office of Government Ethics partially provided responsive records.
Update: On April 1, 2019, the Office of Government Ethics partially provided responsive records.
Update: On July 19, 2018, the Office of Government Ethics again called to ask if I would narrow this request. Again, I declined.
Update: On July 18, 2017, the Office of Government Ethics acknowledged this request.
Update: On July 12, 2017, the Office of Government Ethics called to ask if I would narrow this request. I declined.
______________________________________________
Filed July 6, 2017, with the Dept. of Interior’s Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Civil Penalties Summaries, Gulf of Mexico Incidents of Non-compliance, Pacific Region Incidents of Non-compliance, and Alaska Region Incidents of Non-compliance from Jan. 1, 2012, to Dec. 31, 2015. In the past, BSEE provided me with the attached spreadsheets, which I consider responsive. Records responsive to this request should be provided in the same format, if possible.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On July 10, 2017, BSEE fully provided responsive documents.
______________________________________________
Filed July 5, 2017, with the Federal Housing Finance Agency Inspector General.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A Federal Housing Finance Agency Inspector General report of investigation for case number I-11-0011, which involves outstanding Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings and a home selling scheme.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Aug. 2, 2017, the Federal Housing Finance Agency Inspector General partially provided responsive records.
Update: On July 5, 2017, the Federal Housing Finance Agency Inspector General acknowledged this request, placing it it the agency’s “simple” FOIA processing track.
Update: On July 5, 2017, the Federal Housing Finance Agency Inspector General sent an automated message to confirm receipt of this request.
______________________________________________
Filed July 4, 2017, with the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service reports of “recall effectiveness checks” generated in 2017 to verify that businesses undergoing recalls have notified customers of the recall and that steps have been taken to ensure products are no longer available.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On May 22, 2018, USDA FSIS called to ask for clarification on this request.
Update: On July 7, 2017, USDA FSIS acknowledged this request.
______________________________________________
Filed July 3, 2017, with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All reports of inspections conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The time frame for requested documents is June 27, 2017, to July 3, 2017.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Oct. 26, 2018, USDA APHIS partially provided responsive records.
Update: On Feb. 12, 2018, USDA APHIS provided a document I do not consider to be responsive to this request. I sent the agency an example of a document I consider to be responsive.
Update: On July 3, 2017, USDA APHIS acknowledged this request.
______________________________________________
Filed June 30, 2017, with the USDA Agricultural Research Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All requests for decisions sent by the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service to the USDA’s Office of the Secretary that are documented through a decision memorandum utilizing the Executive Correspondence Management System. If possible, please provide documents pertaining to the resultant decisions. Responsive documents will be those created from Jan. 23, 2016, to present.
All legislative drafting technical assistance and related requests sent by USDA’s Agricultural Research Service to the USDA’s Office of Congressional Relations. If possible, please provide documents pertaining to the resultant decisions. Responsive documents will be those created from Jan. 23, 2016, to present.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On July 10, 2017, USDA ARS said it had no responsive documents.
Update: On June 30, 2017, USDA ARS acknowledged this request.
Update: On June 30, 2017, USDA ARS requested clarification on this request.
______________________________________________
Filed June 29, 2017, with the FDA.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Email exchanges between employees of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) Division of Drug Imports, Exports, Recalls, and Shortages to Karen C. Corallo, who formerly was the director of the office. Responsive records will be emails sent, received, or deleted by employees from Feb. 9, 2017, to June 29, 2017.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On July 6, 2017, the FDA sent another message to confirm receipt of this request.
Update: On June 29, 2017, the FDA sent an automated message to confirm receipt of this request.
______________________________________________
Filed June 28, 2017, with the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A list of cases closed by the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board Office of the Inspector General from Jan.1, 2013, to June 28, 2017.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On July 12, 2017, Nuclear Regulatory Commission partially provided responsive records.
Update: On July 6, 2017, Nuclear Regulatory Commission acknowledged this request. A target date for completion of Aug. 2, 2017, was set.
Update: On July 5, 2017, the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board redirected this request to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
______________________________________________
Filed June 27, 2017, with the Dept. of Interior Office of the Secretary.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A list of all fires that have occurred on federal lands from Jan. 1, 2013, to June 27, 2017. Ideally, the responsive list, spreadsheet or related document would also contain the date, location and cause of the fires.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Aug. 14, 2017, I asked the Dept. of Interior to provide data in a different format. The next day, the agency obliged the request.
Update: On Aug. 14, 2017, the Dept. of Interior fully provided a responsive document.
Update: On June 27, 2017, the Dept. of Interior acknowledged this request and placed it in its “complex” FOIA processing queue.
______________________________________________
Filed June 26, 2017, with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All reports of inspections conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The time frame for requested documents is June 20, 2017, to June 26, 2017.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Feb. 7, 2018, USDA APHIS partially provided responsive records.
Update: On June 27, 2017, USDA APHIS acknowledged this request and set a target date for completion of July 24, 2017.
______________________________________________
Filed June 23, 2017, with the U.S. Treasury Department.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
The Treasury Department’s weekly FOIA snapshots for Calendar Year 2013.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On July 6, 2017, the U.S. Treasury Dept. said it had no responsive documents.
Update: On June 27, 2017, the U.S. Treasury Dept. acknowledged this request. The agency also said it was vetting the request to ensure it “addresses the minimum requirements” of a FOIA request.
______________________________________________
Filed June 22, 2017, with the U.S. Agency for International Development.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A list, printout, spreadsheet or similar record documenting contracts awarded by the U.S. Agency for International Development from Jan. 1, 2015, to present. Ideally, responsive records would include the date contracts were awarded, the contract recipients, the contract amounts and brief descriptions of the work to be done.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On July 11, 2017, the U.S. Agency for International Development said responsive records are already available here.
Update: On June 26, 2017, the U.S. Agency for International Development acknowledged this request.
______________________________________________
Filed June 21, 2017, with the National Security Agency.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A list of pre-publication review requests sent through the NSA from Jan.1, 2009 to Dec. 31, 2013.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On June 30, 2017, the NSA acknowledged this request. The agency also said that “due to a significant increase in the number of requests” it has received lately, its response to this request may be delayed.
______________________________________________
Filed June 20, 2017, with the U.S. Navy.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A list, printout, spreadsheet or similar record documenting U.S. Navy sea vessel collisions and/or crashes from Jan. 1, 2010, to June 20, 2017.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Aug. 11, 2017, Naval Safety Center fully provided responsive records.
Update: On June 22, 2017, Naval Safety Center asked for my mailing address.
Update: On June 21, 2017, the U.S. Navy’s Office of the Chief Information Officer suggested this request be redirected to the Navy’s Naval Safety Center. I submitted this request to that office.
______________________________________________
Filed June 19, 2017, with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All reports of inspections conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The time frame for requested documents is June 13, 2017, to June 19, 2017.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On April 13, 2018, USDA APHIS partially provided responsive documents.
Update: On June 21, 2017, USDA APHIS acknowledged this request and set a target date for completion of July 18, 2017.
______________________________________________
Filed June 16, 2017, with the Defense Technical Information Center.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A copy of specific reports in the possession of the Defense Technical Information Center bearing these accession numbers: AD0330555, ADC954685, ADC954619, ADC955203, ADC953398, ADC803039, ADC953376, ADC954623, ADC955466, AD0087749.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Oct. 6, 2017, NASA fully provided responsive documents.
Update: On Sept. 11, 2017, NASA said a portion of this request was forwarded to it. The agency said it had located responsive documents but would take a time extension before releasing it.
Update: On Aug. 29, 2017, the U.S. Army partially provided two responsive documents in paper form.
Update: On July 14, 2017, the Defense Technical Information Center sent a list of the U.S. government agencies and contractors holding the requested records.
Update: On June 21, 2017, the Defense Technical Information Center acknowledged this request. The agency said it would forward responsive documents to the “owning organization for their review and possible release.”
______________________________________________
Filed June 15, 2017, with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Documents entitled “Resource Data and Concerns” for all Texas conservation zones except Zone 1. Responsive documents will be for year 2016. I have attached Zone 1’s document to this request as an example.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
______________________________________________
Filed June 14, 2017, with the EPA.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Copies of grant contracts between the Environmental Protection Agency and the following recipients of grants and loans as part of the agency’s Brownfields Program: City of Akron, OH (revolving loan, 2011), Aiken County, SC (assessment, cleanup, 2007), City of Allentown, PA (revolving loan, 2003), Attleboro Redevelopment Authority (cleanup, 2015), and Baltimore Development Corporation (assessment, revolving loan, 2003).
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Aug. 23, 2017, the EPA reversed its earlier decision, saying that responding to this request fell below the billable threshold.
Update: On Aug. 18, 2017, the EPA said it had located responsive documents. The agency said the cost of providing this information is “billable” and thus will provide me with an invoice.
Update: On July 10, 2017, I clarified this request to include “Work plans implemented at the beginning of work and, if available, any plan revisions made after work began.” I also requested “generic terms and conditions for revolving loan, assessment and cleanup projects.”
Update: On July 5, 2017, the EPA called again to ask for clarification on this request.
Update: On June 22, 2017, the EPA called to ask for clarification on this request.
Update: On June 14, 2017, the EPA sent an automated message to confirm receipt of this request.
______________________________________________
Filed June 13, 2017, with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A copy of the contract awarded in 2017 by the Dept. of Energy to Four Rivers Nuclear Partnership, LLC for the continued deactivation and remediation of Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP) facilities, in Paducah, KY.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Sept. 21, 2017, I received partially responsive documents. Some information was withheld per FOIA exemption 4, trade secrets.
Update: On Sept. 19, 2017, the Dept. of Energy Environmental Management Consolidated Business Center said it had located responsive documents. The file is too big to send digitally, the agency said, so it will send documents by physical mail.
Update: On June 21, 2017, the Dept. of Energy Environmental Management Consolidated Business Center redirected this request to its Portsmouth Paducah Project Office in Lexington, KY.
Update: On June 20, 2017, the Dept. of Energy redirected this request to its Environmental Management Consolidated Business Center.
Update: On June 16, 2017, the Dept. of Energy’s Office of Public Information wrote to say it had received this request and was reviewing it “to determine if it addresses all of the criteria of a proper request under the FOIA.”
______________________________________________
Filed June 12, 2017, with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All reports of inspections conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The time frame for requested documents is June 6, 2017, to June 12, 2017.
I am a member of the news media. My work has appeared in USA TODAY, The Texas Observer and Civil Eats, along with dozens of daily newspapers and news websites. The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Sept. 19, 2018, USDA APHIS partially provided records responsive to this request.
Update: On June 14, 2017, USDA APHIS acknowledged this request and set a target date for completion of July 11, 2017.
______________________________________________
Filed June 9, 2017, with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All ethics waiver requests received by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission from Jan. 1, 2016, to June 9, 2017, along with any corresponding memoranda regarding grants or denials of those requests.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On June 26, 2017, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission said it had no responsive records.
Update: On June 9, 2017, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission acknowledged this request.
______________________________________________
Filed June 8, 2017, with the U.S. Agency for International Development.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All ethics waiver requests received by the U.S. Agency for International Development from Jan. 1, 2016, to June 8, 2017, along with any corresponding memoranda regarding grants or denials of those requests.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On July 3, 2018, the U.S. Agency for International Development partially provided more responsive records.
Update: On July 2, 2018, the U.S. Agency for International Development partially provided more responsive records.
Update: On June 21, 2017, the U.S. Agency for International Development partially provided responsive records.
Update: On June 12, 2017, the U.S. Agency for International Development acknowledged this request.
______________________________________________
Filed June 7, 2017, with the FBI.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
An unclassified memo prepared by former FBI Director James Comey immediately following a Feb. 14, 2017, meeting with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. According to a Statement for the Record prepared by Comey ahead of a June 8, 2017, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence hearing, Comey “immediately prepared an unclassified memo of the conversation about Flynn and discussed the matter with FBI senior leadership.” Comey’s statement for the record may be reviewed here.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On June 16, 2017, the FBI denied this request, citing a “pending or prospective law enforcement proceeding relevant to these responsive records, and release of in information in these responsive records could reasonably be expected to interfere with law enforcement proceedings.”
Update: On June 12, 2017, the FBI acknowledged this request. For fee purposes, the agency placed me in the “all other requesters” category.
Update: On June 7, 2017, the FBI sent an automated message to confirm receipt of this request.
______________________________________________
Filed June 6, 2017, with the CDC’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Public Health Assesments or Health Consultations (where applicable) for the following sites: Alabama Army Ammunition Plant, Anniston Army Depot, Anniston Lead Site, Anniston, Alabama, B&B Manufacturing, Brewton Sites, Capitol City Plume, Hager Hinge, Monarch Tile, Monsanto Company (in Anniston), Monsanto Company/Solutia Incorporated (in Anniston).
It should be noted these public health assessments and health consultations precede 2004. For further reference, this sites are listed on the first page of this document.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On July 17, 2017, the CDC fully provided responsive documents in paper form.
Update: On July 13, 2017, the CDC called to say it would mail responsive documents soon.
Update: On June 14, 2017, the CDC acknowledged this request and placed it in it “simple” FOIA processing track. The agency set a target date for completion of Aug. 12, 2017.
______________________________________________
Filed June 5, 2017, with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All reports of inspections conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The time frame for requested documents is May 30, 2017, to June 5, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Nov. 27, 2018, USDA APHIS partially provided responsive records.
Update: On June 8, 2017, USDA APHIS acknowledged this request.
______________________________________________
Filed June 2, 2017, with the Dept. of Justice Office of Information Policy.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All ethics waiver requests received by the Dept. of Justice from Jan. 1, 2016, to June 2, 2017, along with any corresponding memoranda regarding grants or denials of those requests.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On May 31, 2018, the Justice Dept. acknowledged this request.
Update: On June 5, 2017, the Justice Dept. Office of Information Policy suggest I redirect this request to the agency’s Justice Management Division, which I did.
Update: On June 2, 2017, the Justice Dept. sent an automated message to confirm receipt of this request.
______________________________________________
Filed June 1, 2017, with the CDC.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Clinical data provided to the CDC regarding in vitro fertilization cycles from Jan. 1, 2012, to Dec. 31, 2016. This request seeks those records in an aggregated form.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On June 26, 2017, the CDC denied this request in full under exemption (b)(3), citing confidentiality agreements with clinics.
Update: On June 2, 2017, the CDC acknowledged this request and placed it in its “complex” processing queue. The agency set a target date of Nov. 29, 2017.
______________________________________________
Filed May 31, 2017, with the USDA Agricultural Research Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Applications sent to the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture regarding its Crop Protection and Pest Management Competitive Grants Program. The application deadline for the program was in May 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On June 5, 2017, the USDA Agricultural Research Service denied this request in full. The agency said that applicants have been awarded grants; therefore, releasing all applications would inevitably release unsuccessful applications, which are protected under FOIA exemption (b)(4).
______________________________________________
Filed May 30, 2017, with the Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Reports of investigation in connection with selected Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General closed cases bearing the following numbers: 201102271Z, 201102156J, 2014000017, 201101608I, 201101744T, 2014000759, 2011018120, 201102273B, 201100896K, 201101704F, 200801296F, 2011050089.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On June 22, 2017, the DoD Inspector General partially provided responsive documents.
Update: On May 31, 2017, the DoD Inspector General acknowledged this request.
Update: On May 30, 2017, the DoD Inspector General said this request would need to be filed through FOIAonline. I resubmitted it through that portal.
______________________________________________
Filed May 29, 2017, with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All reports of inspections conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The time frame for requested documents is May 23, 2017, to May 29, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Dec. 12, 2018, USDA APHIS partially provided responsive records.
Update: On June 23, 2017, USDA APHIS acknowledged this request and set a target date for completion of June 27, 2017.
______________________________________________
Filed May 26, 2017, with the CDC.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A spreadsheet, list or related document that gives details on specific Powassan virus infections from Jan. 1, 2010, to May 26, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On June 1, 2017, the CDC said it had no documents responsive to this request.
Update: On May 30, 2017, the CDC acknowledged this request and placed it in its “simple” FOIA processing track.
______________________________________________
Filed May 25, 2017, with the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Reports submitted to the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service by exporters regarding deliveries to unknown destinations in 2016.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On May 30, 2017, the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service denied this request, citing confidentiality of the records.
______________________________________________
Filed May 24, 2017, with the U.S. Dept. of Energy.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A list of direct federal financial interventions and/or subsidies paid by the U.S. Department of Energy to TXU Energy in 2016.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On June 29, 2017, the Dept. of Energy said it had no responsive records.
Update: On June 9, 2017, the Dept. of Energy’s Office of Public Information wrote to say it had received this request and was reviewing it “to determine if it addresses all of the criteria of a proper request under the FOIA.”
______________________________________________
Filed May 23, 2017, with the Dept. of Homeland Security.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
An analysis of Chagas Disease epidemiology in Border Control dogs conducted by Texas A&M AgriLife and sent to the Department of Homeland Security; and an initial structure and description of the capabilities of a National Livestock Readiness Program prepared by Kansas State University and sent to the Department of Homeland Security. The services provided by the universities are described in this DHS budget document.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On April 4, 2019, the Dept. of Homeland Security partially released responsive records.
Update: On May 30, 2017, the Dept. of Homeland Security acknowledged this request.
Update: On May 30, 2017, the Dept. of Homeland Security asked for clarification on this request.
______________________________________________
Filed May 22, 2017, with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All reports of inspections conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The time frame for requested documents is May 16, 2017, to May 22, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On May 17, 2018, USDA APHIS partially provided responsive records.
Update: On May 25, 2017, USDA APHIS acknowledged this request.
______________________________________________
Filed May 19, 2017, with the FDA.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Emails sent or received by Lorrie H. McNeill and Joanne C. Binkley, who are the director and deputy director, respectively, of the Office of Communication, Outreach and Development at the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. The emails I seek contain the phrase “GMO” or “genetically modified organism” and were sent or received from Jan. 1, 2016, to May 19, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On July 19, 2017, the FDA partially provided responsive records.
Update: On May 30, 2017, the an FDA FOIA officer called to give an update on this request.
Update: On May 23, 2017, the FDA sent a second message confirming receipt of this request.
Update: On May 19, 2017, the FDA sent an automated message to confirm receipt of this request.
______________________________________________
Filed May 18, 2017, with the U.S. Army
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A 19-page document on the subject of Applications of High Energy Laser Weapons In Ground-based Warfare that was requested by the Department of Defense Washington Headquarters Services as part of a Mandatory Declassification Review on Oct. 26, 2009. It was referred to Missile Command.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On July 11, 2017, the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division acknowledged this request.
Update: On June 16, 2017, the Navy acknowledged this request and redirected this request to its Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division.
Update: On June 12, 2017, the Army’s Aviation & Missile Life Cycle Management Command said it had no responsive documents because the records are held by the Naval Undersea Center in San Diego, CA. I directed my request to that agency.
Update: On May 23, 2017, the Army’s Aviation & Missile Life Cycle Management Command acknowledged this request.
Update: On May 22, 2017, a FOIA officer with the Army’s Aviation & Missile Life Cycle Management Command called to ask for clarification on this request.
Update: On May 22, 2017, the U.S. Army’s FOIA headquarters instructed me to direct this request to the agency’s Aviation & Missile Life Cycle Management Command, which I did.
______________________________________________
Filed May 17, 2017, with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
The results of investigations conducted by the USDA re: whether genetically modified European petunias have been imported, distributed and grown in the U.S. without appropriate authorization. The situation is discussed in more detail in this article.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On June 6, 2017, USDA APHIS said it had no records responsive to this request.
Update: On May 22, 2017, USDA APHIS asked for clarification on this request, which I provided.
Update: On May 19, 2017, USDA APHIS acknowledged this request and set a target date for completion of June 15, 2017.
______________________________________________
Filed May 16, 2017, with the EPA.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Emails sent to or received from addresses ending in “@dow.com” from Feb. 17, 2017 to May 16, 2017. This request is limited to correspondence between the following EPA staff members and addresses containing the above mentioned phrase.
- Scott Pruitt, administrator
- Kimberly Patrick, Director of Office of Acquisition Management
- Wendy Cleland-Hamnett, Acting Assistant Administrator at the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention
- Jeffery Morris, Director, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics
- Dr. Robert Kavlock, Acting Assistant Administrator for Office of Research and Development, EPA Science Advisor
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On June 6, 2017, the EPA requested a time extension to respond to this request, citing unusual circumstances. The agency set a target date of July 3, 2017.
Update: On May 16, 2017, the EPA sent an automated message to confirm receipt of this request.
______________________________________________
Filed May 15, 2017, with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All reports of inspections conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The time frame for requested documents is May 9, 2017, to May 15, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
______________________________________________
Filed May 12, 2017, with the U.S. Treasury Department.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All sent, received and/or deleted emails from Jan. 20, 2017, to May 12, 2017, between the following parties:
-
- Anne Wall, assistant secretary for legislative affairs, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
- Anne Wall, assistant secretary for legislative affairs, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
-
- Pat Maloney, senior adviser, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
- Pat Maloney, senior adviser, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
-
- Jackson Spivey, special assistant, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
- Jackson Spivey, special assistant, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
-
- Linda Powell, Administrative Specialist, Congressional Inquiries, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
- Linda Powell, Administrative Specialist, Congressional Inquiries, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
- Gail Harris-Berry, Legislative Analyst, FOIA, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
For the purposes of this request, “certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services” is defined as Jeb Hensarling, chairman of the committee, and Maxine Waters, the ranking member, and/or the employees who work in those representatives’ offices.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On June 28, 2017, the Treasury Dept. said this request had been placed in the agency’s “complex” FOIA processing track.
Update: On May 16, 2017, the Treasury Dept. acknowledged this request.
______________________________________________
Filed May 11, 2017, with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All sent, received and/or deleted emails from Jan. 20, 2017, to May 11, 2017, between the following parties:
-
- Richard Cordray, CFPB director, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
- Richard Cordray, CFPB director, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
-
- David Silberman, deputy director, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
- David Silberman, deputy director, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
-
- Leandra English, chief of staff, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
- Leandra English, chief of staff, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
-
- Christopher D’Angelo, associate director, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
- Christopher D’Angelo, associate director, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
- Mary McLeod, general counsel, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services.
For the purposes of this request, “certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services” is defined as Jeb Hensarling, chairman of the committee, and Maxine Waters, the ranking member, and/or the employees who work in those representatives’ offices.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On May 31, 2017, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said it had no responsive documents.
Update: On May 12, 2017, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau acknowledged this request.
______________________________________________
Filed May 10, 2017, with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All sent, received and/or deleted emails from Jan. 20, 2017, to May 10, 2017, between the following parties:
-
- Martin J. Gruenberg, chairman of the FDIC board of directors, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
- Martin J. Gruenberg, chairman of the FDIC board of directors, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
-
- Lorraine Dennison, Executive Assistant to the Chairman, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
- Lorraine Dennison, Executive Assistant to the Chairman, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
-
- Barbara Ryan, Deputy to the Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
- Barbara Ryan, Deputy to the Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
-
- Lawrence Gross, Jr., Chief Information Officer and Chief Privacy Officer, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
- Lawrence Gross, Jr., Chief Information Officer and Chief Privacy Officer, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
- Manju Puri, CFR, Deputy Director, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services.
For the purposes of this request, “certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services” is defined as Jeb Hensarling, chairman of the committee, and Maxine Waters, the ranking member, and/or the employees who work in those representatives’ offices.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On June 23, 2017, FDIC said it had no responsive documents.
Update: On June 7, 2017, FDIC requested a time extension for processing this request, as it exhibits “unusual circumstances.” The agency set a target date of June 22, 2017.
Update: On May 10, 2017, FDIC acknowledged this request.
______________________________________________
Filed May 9, 2017, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All sent, received and/or deleted emails from Jan. 20, 2017, to May 9, 2017, between the following parties:
-
- Robert Fenton, FEMA administrator, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
- Robert Fenton, FEMA administrator, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
-
- David Grant, deputy administrator of FEMA, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
- David Grant, deputy administrator of FEMA, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
-
- Eric Heighberger, FEMA chief of staff, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
- Eric Heighberger, FEMA chief of staff, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
-
- Adrian Sevier, FEMA Office of Chief Counsel, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
- Adrian Sevier, FEMA Office of Chief Counsel, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services
- Roy Wright, the Deputy Associate Administrator of Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration at FEMA, and certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services.
For the purposes of this request, “certain members of the House Committee on Financial Services” is defined as Jeb Hensarling, chairman of the committee, and Maxine Waters, the ranking member, and/or the employees who work in those representatives’ offices.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On April 25, 2018, FEMA fully provided responsive records.
Update: On May 10, 2017, FEMA sent a message to say it considered this request to be too broad. The agency requested clarification.
______________________________________________
Filed May 8, 2017, with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All reports of inspections conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The time frame for requested documents is May 2, 2017, to May 8, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Sept. 21, 2018, USDA APHIS partially provided documents responsive to this request.
Update: On May 12, 2017, USDA APHIS acknowledged this request.
______________________________________________
Filed May 5, 2017, with the U.S. Dept. of Treasury Office of the Inspector General.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Dept. of Treasury OIG cases bearing the numbers: ZZZ-15-1537-I, DO-14-0303-I , SCAM-13-1642-I, BFS-14-1511-I, and DO-14-0770-I.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Nov. 13, 2017, the Dept. of Treasury partially provided responsive records.
Update: On June 23, 2017, the Dept. of Treasury placed this request in its “complex” FOIA processing track. The agency also said it would take an additional 10 days to process this request.
Update: On May 10, 2017, the Dept. of Treasury OIG acknowledged this request.
______________________________________________
Filed May 4, 2017, with the Dept. of Homeland Security’s Citizenship and Immigration Services.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A list of closed cases regarding H-1B visa fraud or abuse in 2016. These cases may have been opened in a preceding year but closed in 2016.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Sept. 5, 2018, DHS partially provided records responsive to this request.
Update: On May 22, 2017, DHS acknowledged this request.
Update: On May 4, 2017, DHS sent an automated message to confirm receipt of this request.
______________________________________________
Filed May 3, 2017, with the USDA Farm Service Agency.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All written communications sent by Farm Service Agency offices to Conservation Reserve Program contract holders in the Texas counties of Gray, Hemphill and Wheeler regarding the program from March 1, 2017, to May 1, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On July 31, 2017, the USDA FSA partially reversed its initial redaction to responsive records. It sent records containing fewer redactions through the physical mail.
Update: On June 29, 2017, the USDA FSA acknowledged this appeal.
Update: On June 23, 2017, I filed an appeal with USDA FSA challenging redactions made to these records.
Update: On June 22, 2017, USDA FSA partially provided responsive documents.
Update: On June 9, 2017, USDA FSA placed this request in its “complex” FOIA processing track.
Update: On May 24, 2017, USDA FSA headquarters redirected this request to FSA’s Texas office.
______________________________________________
Filed May 2, 2017, with the U.S. Army.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A 229-page document on the subject of Chemical weapons research reports from World war II 1940-1945. This document was subject to a Mandatory Declassification Review request by the Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO) for Rockfeller Archive Center on Sept. 14, 2009. It was referred to Edgewood Chemical.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On May 4, 2017, the U.S. Army suggested I redirect this request to the Army’s Chemical Materials Agency. I did.
______________________________________________
Filed May 1, 2017, with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All reports of inspections conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The time frame for requested documents is April 25, 2017, to May 1, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Dec. 6, 2018, USDA APHIS partially provided responsive records.
Update: On May 2, 2017, the USDA acknowledged this request and set a target date for completion of May 30, 2017.
______________________________________________
Filed April 28, 2017, with National Science Foundation.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A document titled “Challenging shrubland fire management” that was posted by the National Science Foundation to its website on April 15, 2004, but is now archived, according to the agency’s website. Its document number is tip040414c.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On April 28, 2017, the National Science Foundation provided a responsive document.
Update: On April 28, 2017, the National Science Foundation asked for clarification on this request.
______________________________________________
Filed April 27, 2017, with USDA Farm Service Agency.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
National Compliance Reviews (NCR), County Operation Reviews (COR) and Improper Payment Information Act (IPIA) reviews conducted of Farm Service Agency conservation and land retirement programs from Jan. 1, 2010, to Dec. 31, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On May 2, 2017, the USDA set a target date for completion of June 9, 2017.
______________________________________________
Filed April 26, 2017, with U.S. Department of State.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Budget plans or funding requests to renovate Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s office from Feb. 1, 2017, to April 26, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On May 9, 2017, the Dept. of State classified me as a media representative for fee purposes.
Update: On April 26, 2017, the Dept. of State sent an automated message to confirm receipt of this request.
______________________________________________
Filed April 25, 2017, with AMTRAK’s Office of the Inspector General.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
AMTRAK OIG reports of investigation regarding cases closed in calendar years 2015 and 2016. For reference, these case numbers can be found on the first page of a spreadsheet at this address.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On May 23, 2017, AMTRAK OIG partially provided responsive documents.
Update: On April 26, 2017, AMTRAK OIG asked for clarification this request.
______________________________________________
Filed April 24, 2017, with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All reports of inspections conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The time frame for requested documents is April 18, 2017, to April 24, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On April 25, 2017, USDA APHIS acknowledged this request.
______________________________________________
Filed April 21, 2017, with the USDA’s Office of the Secretary.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Scientific Integrity complaints made by USDA scientists at the Agricultural Research Service, Forest Service, Economic Research Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service from Jan. 1, 2016, to April 21, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Sept. 11, 2018, the USDA Forest Service said it had no responsive records.
Update: On May 16, 2017, the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service and Economic Research Service said they had no responsive documents.
Update: On May 1, 2017, the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service acknowledged this request. A target date of May 30, 2017, was set.
Update: On April 28, 2017, the USDA called to ask for clarification on this request.
Update: On April 25, 2017, the USDA’s Office of the Secretary acknowledged this request and routed it to the relevant departments within the agency.
______________________________________________
Filed April 20, 2017, with the American Battle Monuments Commission.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A list, spreadsheet or similar document that details 2016 expenses and revenues associated with maintaining the following cemeteries: Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, Ardennes American Cemetery, Brittany American Cemetery, Brookwood American Cemetery, Cambridge American Cemetery and Clark Veterans Cemetery.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On May 15, 2017, the American Battle Monuments Commission said it had no responsive records.
Update: On May 10, 2017, the American Battle Monuments Commission requested a time extension to respond to this request and also placed the request in its “complex” FOIA processing track.
Update: On April 24, 2017, the American Battle Monuments Commission confirmed the receipt of this request.
Update: On April 20, 2017, this emailed request was returned as undeliverable. I sent it to another email address.
______________________________________________
Filed April 19, 2017, with the USDA’s Office of the Secretary.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Aerial photos taken in 2016 by the USDA of farms and ranches to ensure compliance with conservation programs. These documents may be held by the USDA’s Aerial Photography Field Office.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Aug. 8, 2017, the USDA said responsive records are publicly available here. The agency also sent instructions for accessing the records.
Update: On June 6, 2017, the USDA Management Services Division acknowledged this request.
Update: On June 6, 2017, the USDA redirected this request to the Farm Service Agency office in Kansas City.
Update: On June 5, 2017, the USDA placed this request in its “complex” FOIA processing track.
Update: On April 20, 2017, an employee of the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service called to say photos taken of private landowner’s properties likely would be withheld. I clarified the request.
______________________________________________
Filed April 18, 2017, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Reports containing the results of the CDC’s “trace-out” investigations of clients and “trace-back” investigations of home rat breeding facilities in reference to an outbreak of Seoul virus in Illinois and Wisconsin. The outbreak is discussed in this news release.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Aug. 18, 2017, the CDC partially provided responsive records.
Update: On April 18, 2017, the CDC placed this request on its “complex” FOIA processing track. It also said it would not be able to respond in the 20-day statutory time period, even with a 10-day extension, because it would have to consult with other government offices and negotiate with people who submitted information to determine “the nature and extent of non-disclosable proprietary materials.” A target date of Oct. 18, 2017, was set.
______________________________________________
Filed April 17, 2017, with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All reports of inspections conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The time frame for requested documents is April 11, 2017, to April 17, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
______________________________________________
Filed April 14, 2017, with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
The APHIS contract with InquisIT for information technology management services. The contract is discussed in this news article. I also request a copy of the request for proposals and proposals APHIS received from InquisIT and other vendors in connection to the work.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
______________________________________________
Filed April 13, 2017, with NASA.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Notices of intent to propose and actual proposals received by NASA in reference to a request for proposals to “enable and advance uses of Earth observations by domestic and international organizations to benefit food security and agriculture.” Notices of Intent to propose were requested by February 17, 2017, and proposals were due April 7, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On April 20 2017, NASA said it release none of these records because they are exempted from FOIA.
Update: On April 18, 2017, NASA directed this request to its Goddard Space Flight Center.
______________________________________________
Filed April 12, 2017, with the U.S. Department of Labor.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Records disclosed by companies to the U.S. Department of Labor in connection to the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order former President Obama signed in July 2014. The timeframe for requested records is from July 1, 2014, to April 12, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On July 31, 2017, OSHA partially provided more responsive documents in paper form. These records comprise information submitted by federal contractor to the U.S. Dept. of Labor as part of a “pre-assessment process” for the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces executive order, which never formally went into effect.
Update: On June 22, 2017, OSHA partially provided responsive documents.
Update: On May 5, 2017, the Dept. of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) acknowledged this request.
Update: On April 27, 2017, the Dept. of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division acknowledged receiving this request.
Update: On April 18, 2017, the Dept. of Labor asked for clarification on this request and redirected it to its Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Wage and Hour divisions.
______________________________________________
Filed April 11, 2017, with the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Reports of investigation in connection to the closed cases referenced in the attached document. For further reference, these cases are listed on the second page of this spreadsheet.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On May 9, 2017, SIGAR said it had no responsive documents.
Update: On April 17, 2017, SIGAR acknowledged this request and set a target date of May 12, 2017.
Update: On April 12, 2017, this emailed request was returned as undeliverable. I tried sending it another way.
______________________________________________
Filed April 10, 2017, with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All reports of inspections conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The time frame for requested documents is April 4, 2017, to April 10, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Feb. 16 2018, USDA APHIS asked me to clarify this request, which I did.
Update: On April 12, 2017, USDA APHIS acknowledged this request and set a target date of May 8, 2017.
______________________________________________
Filed April 7, 2017, with the U.S. Army.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A 65-page document on the subject of chemical munitions that is included in the Army’s mandatory declassification review log. In 2010, the document was requested by “Department of Defense Washington Headquarters Services Case # 10-M-0420 GRF Case # NLF MR 09-89 Pages 65.” The item in question may be found on page 11 of this spreadsheet.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On April 14, 2017, the U.S. Army’s FOIA office directed this request to the appropriate office.
______________________________________________
Filed April 6, 2017, with the AMTRAK’s Office of the Inspector General.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
The report of investigation for case number CA-16-0051-0, which was opened on Nov. 9, 2016, and closed on Dec. 22, 2016.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
______________________________________________
Filed April 5, 2017, with the Dept. of Interior’s Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A list of enforcement actions taken by the Dept. of Interior’s Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement in 2016.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On April 28, 2017, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement released responsive documents.
Update: On April 25, 2017, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement asked for clarification on this request, which I provided.
______________________________________________
Filed April 4, 2017, with the USDA’s Farm Service Agency.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Notifications of violations committed by Texas landowners in reference to Conservation Reserve Program contracts with the Farm Service Agency in 2016.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On June 5, 2017, USDA FSA partially provided responsive records.
Update: On May 29, 2017, I agreed to pay fees.
Update: On May 19, 2017, USDA FSA identified 1,250 pages of records responsive to this request and three other requests dealing with a similar subject matter. For fee purposes, the agency bundled this request with the others, despite it being a separate request. I protested this aggregation of requests, as it will force me to pay $230 to obtain the documents — if the requests had been considered separately, a smaller fee amount would have been incurred.
Update: On April 28, 2017, USDA FSA requested a time extension to respond to this request. The agency said the records are held in separate buildings and that it would need to “search for, collect and appropriately examine a voluminous amount of separate and distinct records.” It set a new target date of May 16, 2017.
Update: On April 20, 2017, USDA FSA placed this request on its “complex” processing track.
Update: On April 10, 2017, USDA FSA placed me in its “media requester” fee category.
Update: On April 10, 2017, USDA FSA acknowledged this request. The agency placed me in the “other use” fee category instead of classifying me as a media requester, which I protested. The agency also said this request would be placed on its “complex” FOIA track because it requires employees to “search for and collect the requested records from field facilities or other establishments that are separate from the office processing the request.” A target date of May 1, 2017, was set.
______________________________________________
Filed April 3, 2017, with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All reports of inspections conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The time frame for requested documents is March 28, 2017, to April 3, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On April 26, 2018, USDA APHIS partially provided responsive documents.
Update: On April 7, 2017, USDA APHIS acknowledged this request and set a target date of May 1, 2017.
Update: On April 3, 2017, USDA APHIS asked that in the future I submit requests to the agency’s online FOIA portal instead of by email.
______________________________________________
Filed March 31, 2017, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Reports of Candida Auris infections received by the CDC in 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On April 6, 2017, the CDC asked for clarification on this request.
Update: On April 4, 2017, the CDC acknowledged this request.
______________________________________________
Filed March 30, 2017, with the U.S. Department of Interior.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Complaints received by the Department of Interior in 2016 regarding the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On March 30, 2017, the Dept. of the Interior sent a message to say it did not have responsive records, but that they might be kept directly by the museum.
Update: On March 30, 2017, the Dept. of the Interior called to ask for clarification on this request.
______________________________________________
Filed March 29, 2017, with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A list and/or spreadsheet of Department of Homeland Security expenditures in 2016 “to defend U.S. food, agriculture, and veterinary systems against terrorism.” This analysis of a Senate Bill conducted by the Congressional Budget Office states that the DHS allocated $475,000 for this activity in 2016.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On May 23, 2017, at my request, the Dept. of Homeland Security provided another version of the responsive document that is not password-protected.
Update: On May 23, 2017, the Dept. of Homeland Security provided a responsive document, but produced the file in such a way that it is password-protected, even on my own computer. If you’d like to view the document, please use the password: JL02zedU.
Update: On April 5, 2017, the Dept. of Homeland Security acknowledged this request. It noted that its response may be delayed because of a high volume of requests.
______________________________________________
Filed March 28, 2017, with the U.S. Department of Justice.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Emails sent from senior Justice Dept. officials to state officials regarding the withholding of federal funds from “sanctuary cities” that do not comply with immigration laws and enforcement, specifically U.S. Code 1373. The move to penalize sanctuary cities is discussed in this press release. The date range for this request is Feb. 1, 2017, to March 28, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On June 19, 2018, the DOJ said it had no responsive records.
Update: On June 18, 2018, the DOJ asked if I would modify the scope of this request. I consented to the modification.
Update: On April 6, 2017, the DOJ sent a message to say this request was of “unusual circumstances” and therefore would require a 10-day extension, and likely even more time, to complete.
Update: On March 28, 2017, the DOJ sent an automated message to confirm receipt of this request.
______________________________________________
Filed March 27, 2017, with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All reports of inspections conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The time frame for requested documents is March 21, 2017, to March 27, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On June 26, 2018, USDA APHIS partially provided responsive records.
______________________________________________
Filed March 24, 2017, with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
The Office of Special Counsel’s electronic log of Hatch Act inquiries from Jan. 1, 2017, to March 24, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On April 5, 2017, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel acknowledged this request and placed it on its “complex” FOIA processing track. It also said that processing this request may take longer than 20 days.
______________________________________________
Filed March 23, 2017, with the Government Accountability Office.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All reports produced by the GAO in 2016 regarding the National School Lunch Program.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On March 27, 2017, the GAO produced responsive records, noting that they are also available on the agency’s website.
Update: On March 24, 2017, the GAO acknowledged this request.
______________________________________________
Filed March 22, 2017, with the Food and Drug Administration.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Comments and/or feedback received by stakeholders regarding the Produce Safety Rule’s Agricultural Water Standards — the comments were the impetus for an announced simplification of water standards in agriculture, according to this FDA announcement.
The announcement says “feedback that the FDA has received that some of these standards, which include numerical criteria for pre-harvest microbial water quality, may be too complex to understand, translate, and implement.” My request asks for any “feedback” alluded to in this agency announcement.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On April 28, 2017, the FDA provided responsive documents. The agency said compiling the information cost it $12.50, but I have not received an invoice.
Update: On March 29, 2017, the FDA acknowledged this request.
Update: On March 22, 2017, the FDA sent an automated message to say it had received this request.
______________________________________________
Filed March 21, 2017, with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A map, spreadsheet, database or other document that gives the location of all installed M-44 devices. The devices are traps deployed to control pests and are further described in this news article.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Sept. 13, 2017, USDA APHIS said it had no responsive records.
Update: On April 11, 2017, the USDA asked for clarification on this request.
______________________________________________
Filed March 20, 2017, with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All reports of inspections conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The time frame for requested documents is March 14, 2017, to March 20, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Dec. 1, 2017, USDA APHIS partially provided responsive documents.
Update: On April 25, 2017, USDA APHIS sent a message to say that employees in its Animal Care program were lagging in responding to this request, though “We have been assured that an exhaustive search of all automated and paper copy files is being conducted.” No target date was given for the completion of the request.
______________________________________________
Filed March 17, 2017, with the National Archives and Records Administration.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
The entire Holdings Maintenance System database. The Holdings Maintenance System (HMS) is the system that replaced Master Location Register (MLR) System.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On March 24, 2017, NARA fully denied this request, citing the deliberative process exemption.
Update: On March 17, 2017, NARA sent an automated message to say it had received this request.
______________________________________________
Filed March 16, 2017, with the Food and Drug Administration.
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Access to or a copy of all emails sent from Scott Gottlieb, who has been named by president Donald Trump to head the FDA, to senior officials at the FDA from Jan. 1, 2014 to March 16., 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Independent journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
758 Diamond Lake Dr.
Abilene, TX 79601
Update: On June 8, 2017, the FDA mailed a letter to say it had no responsive records for the remaining portion of this request.
Update: On June 5, 2017, the FDA mailed a letter to say it had no responsive records for portions of this request. One portion of the request remains.
Update: On March 29, 2017, the FDA mailed a letter to say it had received this request (I assume it meant the clarified version).
Update: On March 23, 2017, the FDA asked for clarification on this request, which I provided.
Update: On March 16, 2017, the FDA sent an automated message to say it had received this request.
______________________________________________
Filed March 15, 2017, with the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of the Secretary.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
An audio recording and text transcript of U.S. Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative meeting on Feb. 1, 2017. The meeting is described in this article:
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On March 28, 2017, the Dept. of the Interior provided some responsive documents.
Update: On March 22, 2017, the Dept. of the Interior sent a message to say this request has been placed on its “complex” FOIA processing track and that it would take an additional 10 days to complete.
______________________________________________
Filed March 14, 2017, with the National Archives and Records Administration.
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
The entire Master Location Register database. The Master Location Register (MLR) is a system that maintains location data and descriptive information for records stored by NARA’s Office of Records Services – Washington, DC (NW) in Washington, DC, area archival facilities.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On March 16, 2017, the National Archives and Records Administration denied this request, saying that the Master Location Register is no longer a supported database.
Update: On March 15, 2017, the National Archives and Records Administration sent a message to say this request had been submitted to its FOIAonline portal.
______________________________________________
Filed March 13, 2017, with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All inspection reports conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The time frame for requested documents is March 7, 2017, to March 13, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On March 15, 2017, USDA APHIS partially provided responsive records.
Update: On March 15, 2017, APHIS acknowledged this request and set a target date of April 10, 2017.
______________________________________________
Filed March 10, 2017, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A copy of a budget, audit or other type of financial document showing expenditures made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from its Prevention and Public Health Fund for zumba classes and/or massage sessions from Jan. 1, 2016, to March 10, 2017.
For reference, CNN has reported that GOP lawmakers are considering doing away with the fund because money is being spent frivolously. The story notes that lawmakers have called it a slush fund used to pay for zumba and massages.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On April 20, 2017, the CDC said it had no responsive records.
Update: On March 10, 2017, the CDC acknowledged this request and placed it on its “simple” FOIA track. The agency set a target date for completion of May 9, 2017.
______________________________________________
Filed March 9, 2017, with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Nuclear Regulatory Commission: The full text of document YA-16-0134, titled “Senior Management Changes in the Office of Administration and the Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards.” This yellow announcement’s assession number is ML 16348A358.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On March 15, 2017, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission provided responsive documents.
Update: On March 13, 2017, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission acknowledged this request.
______________________________________________
Filed March 8, 2017, with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A copy of the Dept. of Homeland Security’s FOIA logs from Jan. 1, 2017, to March 8, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On March 15, 2017, the Department of Homeland Security said this information is already posted online.
______________________________________________
Filed March 7, 2017, with the U.S. Navy.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Copies of complaints made in substantiated 2016 Navy recruiting impropriety cases classified as “concealment or falsification,” “false promise/coercion,” and “misconduct.” Documents show that 12 such cases had been substantiated earlier this year, though that number could be higher now.
I have attached a spreadsheet regarding these cases. If the term “complaint” does not turn up a responsive record in this request, please search for a record that serves as a summary or synopsis of the cases.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On May 16, 2017, the U.S. Navy denied this appeal.
Update: On April 25, 2017, the U.S. Navy acknowledged this appeal.
Update: On April 6, 2017, I filed an appeal with the U.S. Navy, claiming unnecessary redactions.
Update: On April 3, 2017, the U.S. Navy partially provided responsive documents.
______________________________________________
Filed March 6, 2017, with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All inspection reports conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The time frame for requested documents is Feb. 28, 2017, to March 6, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
______________________________________________
Filed March 3, 2017, with the EPA’s Office of the Inspector General.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Synopses or some other summary of cases in which the OIG made inquiries. This request is limited to the following case numbers: OI-AR-2014-ADM-0035; 2007-CS-0009; OI-AT-2015-CAC-0018; OI-AR-2011-ADM-1228; OI-BO-2013-CFR-0028; OI-RTP-2012-CFR-0160; OI-DE-2015-CEC-0111.
Please interpret the terms “synopsis” or “summary” widely enough to ensure that relevant documents encapsulate a case or inquiry and narrowly enough to eschew undue detail. I understand that some of these cases could be quite long, and I’m not asking for all of the details. But if there is a summary, complaint or synopsis that reasonably describes the matter at hand, please consider that a responsive record.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
758 Diamond Lake Dr.
Abilene, TX 79601
Update: On May 1, 2017, I appealed some of the redactions made to responsive documents.
Update: On April 27, 2017, the EPA OIG partially provided responsive documents.
Update: On March 14, 2017, the EPA sent a message to say this request had been submitted to its FOIAonline portal.
______________________________________________
Filed March 2, 2017, with the U.S. Department of Education.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A copy of the Dept. of Education’s FOIA logs from Jan. 1, 2017, to March 2, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On April 4, 2017, the Dept. of Education said these records are already publicly available.
Update: On March 6, 2017, the Dept. of Education acknowledged this request.
______________________________________________
Filed March 1, 2017, with the U.S. Department of Energy.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A copy of records describing or identifying which data or records have been removed from the Energy Department website since January 20, 2017. These records likely are found in the offices that maintain content on the public website.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On April 28, 2017, the Dept. of Energy released responsive documents.
Update: On March 15, 2017, the Dept. of Energy called to say I would have to agree to pay up to $15 for this request to be processed. I agreed.
Update: On March 9, 2017, the Dept. of Energy acknowledged this request.
______________________________________________
Filed Feb. 28, 2017, with the Federal Aviation Administration.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All emails sent or received by Jeb Kreischer, a government information specialist at the Federal Aviation Administration, to or from contractor CGH Technologies. I also request all emails sent by Kreischer including the keywords “CGH” or “CGH Technologies.”
The time frame for requested documents is Jan. 1, 2015, to Feb. 28, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On March 22, 2017, the FAA provided responsive documents.
Update: On March 2, 2017, the FAA sent a message to acknowledge this request.
______________________________________________
Filed Feb. 27, 2017, with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All inspection reports conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The time frame for requested documents is Feb. 21, 2017, to Feb. 27, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
______________________________________________
Filed Feb. 24, 2017, with the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
The current assignment locations of Food Safety Inspection Service employees. This locations likely include but should not be limited to slaughter, food processing, and import establishments.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On April 14, 2017, USDA FSIS provided responsive documents. Employee names were redacted.
Update: On March 2, 2017, USDA FSIS acknowledged this request.
______________________________________________
Filed Feb. 23, 2017, with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration. (Note: this request was filed using FOIAonline.)
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
National Telecommunications and Information Administration reviews and/or critiques of government encryption policies and key management policies. The time frame for requested records is Jan. 1, 2016 to Dec. 31, 2016.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On April 5, 2017, the Department of Commerce said it had no responsive records.
Update: On March. 24, 2017, the Department of Commerce sent a letter to say it would take an additional 10 days to process this request.
Update: On Feb. 24, 2017, the Department of Commerce requested clarification on this request.
______________________________________________
Filed Feb. 22, 2017, with the U.S. Department of Education.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All emails sent by the Department of Education to the Department of Justice regarding changes to rules about school bathrooms — specifically rules that would affect transgender students. I also request emails of the same subject matter that were received by the Department of Education from the Department of Justice.
The time frame for requested records is Feb. 1, 2017 to Feb. 22, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On May 31, 2018, the Department of Education again sent a message to say it had no responsive records.
Update: On Sept. 29, 2017, the Department of Education said it had no responsive records.
Update: On April 6, 2017, the Department of Education sent a “status notification” to explain that this request had been forwarded to its Office of Civil Rights, but because of a backlog of FOIA requests, it had not responded within statutory time limits.
Update: On March 1, 2017, the Department of Education acknowledged this request. The department also said that because of an “an unexpected surge” in FOIA requests, its response had been delayed.
______________________________________________
Filed Feb. 21, 2017, with the Federal Aviation Administration.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All contracts between the Federal Aviation Administration and CGH Technologies, a contractor that manages some of the the FAA’s databases.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On March 9, 2017, the FAA asked for clarification on this request.
______________________________________________
Filed Feb. 20, 2017, with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All inspection reports conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The time frame for requested documents is Feb. 14, 2017, to Feb. 20, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On April 24, 2019, the USDA partially provided responsive records.
Update: On Feb. 24, 2017, the USDA set a target response date for this request of March 20, 2017.
______________________________________________
Filed Feb. 17, 2017, with the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Warnings, requests for assistance and other notifications sent by ICE to local law enforcement agencies (police departments, sheriff’s office, state highway patrols) in advance of round-ups of suspected undocumented people in the United States.
“Round-ups” in this case should be defined as the detainment of more than one suspected undocumented person when the detainments share a close proximity of location and time. “Close proximity” should be defined as within the same city in the same day.
Responsive documents are those generated from Jan. 20, 2017, to Feb. 17, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Nov. 14, 2017, the Dept. of Homeland Security ICE said it had no responsive records.
Update: On April 5, 2017, the Dept. of Homeland Security ICE acknowledged this request. It also requested a 10-day extension for processing.
______________________________________________
Filed Feb. 16, 2017, with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative documents generated from Dec. 1, 2016, to Feb. 16, 2017, discussing whether the United States should pull out of or remain a member of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and what the repercussions of leaving the partnership could be. Responsive documents may be intra- or inter-agency memos and/or emails on the matter.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On May 3, 2017, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative partially provided responsive documents.
Update: On March 23, 2017, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative requested 10 more days to process this request.
Update: On Feb. 24, 2017, I clarified this request to include only documents sent or received by Matthew Vogel, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative.
Update: On Feb. 22, 2017, a FOIA officer with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative called to ask that this request be narrowed.
______________________________________________
Filed Feb. 15, 2017, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A copy of records describing or identifying which data or records have been removed from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website since January 20, 2017. These records likely are found in the offices that maintain content on the public website.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
______________________________________________
Filed Feb. 14, 2017, with the U.S. Department of Education.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A copy of records describing or identifying which data or records have been removed from the Education Department website since January 20, 2017. These records likely are found in the offices that maintain content on the public website.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
Update: On Feb. 16, 2018, the Department of Education fully released responsive documents.
Update: On March 1, 2017, the Department of Education asked me to clarify this request, which I did.
Update: On Feb. 24, 2017, the Dept. of Education sent a message to acknowledge this request and to say it had been forwarded to its Office of Management.
______________________________________________
Filed Feb. 13, 2017, with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All reports of inspections conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. The time frame for requested documents is Jan. 1, 2017, to Feb. 13, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Nov. 14, 2018, USDA APHIS partially provided responsive records.
Update: On Sept. 1, 2017, USDA APHIS acknowledged this request, setting a target date for response of March 14, 2017.
______________________________________________
Filed Feb. 10, 2017, with the U.S. Navy.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Reports of U.S. Navy recruiting improprieties from Jan. 1, 2015, to Dec. 31, 2016. Improprieties may include, but are not limited to, creating falsified documents for recruits, bribery and identity theft.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Feb. 15, 2017, the U.S. Navy provided responsive documents.
Update: On Feb. 13, 2017, the U.S. Navy sent a message to acknowledge this request and to say that it had been redirected to its FOIAonline portal.
______________________________________________
Filed Feb. 9, 2017, with the U.S. Peace Corps’ Office of the Inspector General.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All administrative worksheets, witness and victim statements, evidence recovery logs, investigator conclusion statements, timelines of events and/or related documents in inquiries opened by the Peace Corps OIG on the following dates:
Oct. 5, 2016; July 18, 2016; March 1, 2016; Feb. 2, 2016; Aug. 18, 2015; July, 29, 2015; June 22, 2015; Feb. 26, 2015 (two cases – one of Sexual Harassment, one of Other Sexual Assault); Nov. 10, 2014; Oct. 7, 2014; June 11, 2013; June 11, 2012.
It should be noted that all of these cases have been closed or archived. For reference, please view this list of Peace Corps OIG cases, which was released via a previous FOIA request.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On March 7, 2017, a FOIA officer with the Peace Corps OIG called to ask I would clarify this request to include only “reports of investigation,” to which I agreed. He also said that the agency had lost its primary FOIA officer and faced a backlog of requests. He asked if the agency could provide responsive documents on a rolling, ongoing basis, which would help clear the backlog. I agreed to the arrangement.
Update: On Feb. 9, 2017, the Peace Corps OIG sent a message to say it had received this request.
______________________________________________
Filed Feb. 8, 2017, with the USDA’s Office of the Secretary.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A copy of all emails from the domain EOP.gov to USDA senior managers encompassed within the required agency system for retaining emails of senior officials. Frequently this records management policy/system is described by the name Capstone.
If the agency has not yet established NARA-compliant email retention procedures, then I instead request an electronic search of the mailboxes of agency senior managers for all emails that include the EOP.gov phrase in the “from” address.
I limit this request to the time period January 20, 2017 to Feb. 8, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On April 17, 2017, the USDA said it had no documents responsive to this request.
Update: On Feb. 9, 2017, the USDA sent a message to formally acknowledge this request.
______________________________________________
Filed Feb. 7, 2017, with the U.S. General Services Administration.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
A copy of all emails from the domain EOP.gov to General Services Administration senior managers encompassed within the required agency system for retaining emails of senior officials. Frequently this records management policy/system is described by the name Capstone.
If the agency has not yet established NARA-compliant email retention procedures, then I instead request an electronic search of the mailboxes of agency senior managers for all emails that include the EOP.gov phrase in the “from” address.
I limit this request to the time period January 20, 2017 to Feb. 7, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Feb. 23, 2017, the GSA sent a message to give a response due date of March 23, 2017.
Update: On Feb. 7, 2017, the GSA sent a response to say its FOIA inbox no longer is accepting requests, which must be filed through FOIAonline. I resubmitted the request to that portal. Later that day, I received a notification that a fee waiver request had been denied, as the request is not “billable.”
______________________________________________
Filed Feb. 6, 2017, with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All inspection reports conducted by USDA APHIS in connection to the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. I also request a list, spreadsheet, database or other related compendium of information regarding enforcement actions against violators of the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act.
The time frame for requested documents is Jan. 1, 2016, to Dec. 31, 2016.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
______________________________________________
Filed Feb. 3, 2017, with the Department of Homeland Security.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Reports sent by the Department of Homeland Security’s National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center to government and private sector customers detailing results of monitoring network traffic entering and exiting federal agency networks and analyzing computer network vulnerabilities and threats.
I also request “indicator bulletins” issued by the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center.
The time frame for requested documents is Jan. 1, 2016, to Dec. 31, 2016.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On May 11, 2017, the Dept. of Homeland Security’s National Protection and Programs Directorate acknowledged receiving this request.
Update: On March 7, 2017, the Dept. of Homeland Security sent a message to acknowledge this request. The message noted that “due to the increasing number of FOIA requests received by this office,” a response to this request may be delayed.
______________________________________________
Filed Feb. 2, 2017, with the Food and Drug Administration.
Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I write to request the following records:
Access to or a copy of all findings that food additives submitted to the Food and Drug Administration failed to meet GRAS — generally recognized as safe — standards.
The date range for requested documents is Jan. 1, 2016, to Dec. 31, 2016.
I am an independent journalist and ask that any fees incurred by responding to this request be waived. I also ask that this request be expedited — because of the timely aspect of news reporting, resultant records may become less useful as time goes on.
If possible, please deliver this information electronically in an effort to defray any potential cost.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Christopher Collins
Independent journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Feb. 15, 2017, the FDA sent a message to say my request for expedited processing has been denied.
Update: On Feb. 8, 2017, the FDA sent a message to formally acknowledge this request.
Update: On Feb. 2, 2017, the FDA sent an automated response that it had received this request and would review it to determine if it contains “sufficient information to be processed.”
______________________________________________
Filed Feb. 1, 2017, with the U.S. Air Force.
To whom it may concern:
Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I write to request the following records:
Access to or a copy of all reports of military aircraft crashes at or near domestic U.S. Air Force bases. The date range for this request is from Jan. 1, 2013, to Dec. 31, 2016.
I am an independent journalist and ask that any fees incurred by responding to this request be waived. I also ask that this request be expedited — because of the timely aspect of news reporting, resultant records may become less useful as time goes on.
If possible, please deliver this information electronically in an effort to defray any potential cost.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Christopher Collins
Independent journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
______________________________________________
Filed Jan. 31, 2017, with the U.S. Department of Justice (Note: this request was filed using FOIAonline).
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All emails sent, received or deleted by any email accounts used by former U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates regarding President Trump’s executive order to close U.S. borders to refugees.
The date range for requested documents is Jan. 25, 2017, to Jan. 31, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On March 30, 2018, the DoJ partially provided responsive records.
Update: On March 2, 2017, the DoJ sent a message to say my request had been received by the appropriate office and was assigned to the agency’s “simple track” for processing FOIA requests.
______________________________________________
Filed Jan. 30, 2017, with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All emails emails sent, received, drafted or deleted by any email accounts used by Kevin McAleenan, acting commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, containing the following keywords or phrases: White House, Trump, Muslim, Iran, Iraq, Syria, terror, transition, ban, protest, or detain.
The date range for requested documents is Jan. 1, 2017, to Jan. 30, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Jan. 30, 2017, after re-sending this request directly to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, I received an automated message informing me the agency’s FOIA inbox was no longer accepting requests. The message suggested I file the request through FOIAonline, which I did.
Update: On Jan. 30, 2017, the Department of Homeland Security sent a message to say this request should be sent directly to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. I resent the request to that agency.
______________________________________________
Filed Jan. 27, 2017, with the Department of Defense’s Office of the Secretary and Joint Staff and with the U.S. Air Force.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All Exposure Pathway Assessments of George Air Force Base personnel, their families, civilian employees, and/or the surrounding community. The date range for the requested documents is Jan. 1, 1995, to Dec. 31, 1999.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On March, 2, 2017, the U.S. Air Force sent a message to say this information is already publicly available here. The request was closed.
Update: On Jan. 31, 2017, the U.S. Air Force sent a message acknowledging this request. A target date of March 14, 2017, was set.
Update: On Jan. 30, 2017, the Office of the Secretary of Defense sent a message asking for clarification on this request. An agency FOIA officer also suggested some responsive documents may be held by the CDC.
______________________________________________
Filed Jan. 26, 2017, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Note: this request was filed using Muckrock)
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All emails sent, received, drafted or deleted by any email accounts used by Katherine Lyon Daniel, the Associate Director for Communication at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, containing the following keywords or phrases: Atlanta, conference, Climate and Health Summit, Trump, media, transition, blackout, public, or Schuchat.
The date range for requested documents is Jan. 1, 2017, to Jan. 26, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
collinsreports.com
collinsreports@gmail.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On May 31, 2017, the CDC partially provided responsive documents.
Update: On April 11, 2017, the CDC said it has completed a search for these records and that this request is awaiting final review, which could be delayed because of a backlog of FOIA requests. A target date of July 26, 2017, was set.
Update: On March 8, 2017, the CDC sent a message to say it was searching for these records, making me wonder what they were doing in the month since our last communication. The CDC said it could not give “an exact time frame you the completion of your request.”
Update: On Feb. 6, 2017, I submitted to the CDC a narrowed version of this request by removing the keyword “Atlanta.”
Update: On Jan. 30, 2017, a CDC FOIA officer called to warn me some of the keywords in this request may be overly broad, such as “conference” and “Atlanta.” She suggested I clarify the request. I declined, but said I’d be willing to consider a clarification once a time/cost estimate was prepared. Later that day, I received an email from the agency to say this request would be put on hold until it was narrowed.
______________________________________________
Filed Jan. 25, 2017, with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (Note: this request was filed using Muckrock)
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All emails sent, received, drafted or deleted by any email accounts used by Chavonda Jacobs-Young, as well as emails sent, received, drafted or deleted by the email account administrator@ars.usda.gov, that contain the following keywords or phrases: peer-review, public, public-facing, media, Congress, White House, Trump, and deputy secretary.
The date range for requested documents is Jan. 16, 2017, to Jan. 25, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
collinsreports.com
collinsreports@gmail.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On June 28, 2017, the USDA Agricultural Research Service partially provided responsive documents.
Update: On April 6, 2017, the USDA Agricultural Research Service said its search for responsive records “generated a large volume of emails based on the key words.” A new target date of May 5, 2017, was set.
Update: On Feb. 24, 2017, the USDA Agricultural Research Service set a target date of March 9 to complete this request.
Update: On Feb. 3, 2017, the USDA Agricultural Research Service acknowledged this request.
Update: On Jan. 27, 2017, a FOIA officer with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service called today to ask that I talk to an ARS spokesman instead of pursuing FOIA to obtain these documents. The officer said my request would be put on hold while I called the spokesman. I made it clear my request was not to be put on hold and should be processed as required by law. I did call the spokesman, who said he’d sent some documents that may be responsive.
______________________________________________
Filed Jan. 24, 2017, with the Environmental Protection Agency (Note: this request was filed using Muckrock)
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
Any and all memo(s) or other types of printed or emailed messages distributed by a Trump administration transition team to communication directors and/or other employees at the Environmental Protection Agency regarding new protocols for communicating with the public and/or the media. The new protocols previously have been the subject of a Huffington Post report.
I also write to request a list of new communication policies developed by the EPA and/or a Trump transition team in connection to the aforementioned protocols.
Last, I write to request any and all memo(s) or other types of printed or emailed messages distributed to EPA employees regarding a moratorium, suspension or related action regarding the EPA’s awarding of grants and contracts. This has been the subject of a Propublica report.
The date range for all requested documents is Jan. 1, 2017, to Jan. 24, 2017.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Christopher Collins
Investigative journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On May 9, 2017, the EPA provided responsive documents.
Update: On April 5, 2017, the EPA sent a message to say it would complete this request before the end of the month.
Update: On March 2, 2017, this request was clarified.
Update: On March 1, 2017, the EPA sent a message to say it considered this request to be “improper” and asked that it be clarified.
______________________________________________
Filed Jan. 23, 2017, with Alexis Graves, FOIA officer at the USDA’s Office of the Secretary and Sandy Francois, of the USDA’s National Finance Center
To whom it may concern:
Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I write to request the following records:
Access to or a copy of all emailed, intra-agency communications using the following keywords:
-
- Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act
-
- Commodity Credit Act
-
- Commidity Corporation Charter Act
-
- CCCCA
-
- Agricultural Adjustment Act
- Dairy market injection
The date range for this request is from July 1, 2016, to Jan. 23, 2017.
I am an independent journalist and ask that any fees incurred by responding to this request be waived. I also ask that this request be expedited — because of the timely aspect of news reporting, resultant records may become less useful as time goes on.
If possible, please deliver this information electronically in an effort to defray any potential cost.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Christopher Collins
Independent journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On March 7, 2017, a month after the USDA said they’d get records to me “in a few days,” the agency produced responsive documents.
Update: On Feb. 9, 2017, in the interest of time, I agreed to limit this request to include only obviously relevant documents. A USDA FOIA officer said I could expect to receive responsive records in a few days.
Update: On Feb. 2, 2017, the USDA’s Farm Services Agency called to ask that this request be clarified. The FOIA officer said it’s difficult to search for the records if the request doesn’t name specific employees. I amended the request to include emails sent or received by the USDA assistant secretary for Congressional Relations and the undersecretary for farm and foreign ag services. Later, the same officer called back to say the FSA may close out this request in deference to the Secretary’s Office, where it also is being processed.
Update: On Jan. 25, 2017, the USDA approved my status as a news reporter but denied my request for expedited processing.
Update: On Jan. 23, 2017, the USDA sent a formal acknowledgment of this request. Despite identifying myself as a member of the news media, the agency declined to classify me as such (which is important for fee purposes). I responded by sending samples of my work.
Update: On Jan. 23, 2017, the USDA sent a response to say this request has been forwarded to the appropriate parties, one of which is the Farm Services Agency.
______________________________________________
Filed Jan. 20, 2017, with Jack Housenger, director of the Office of Pesticide Programs at the Environmental Protection Agency, and the EPA’s FOIA inbox
To whom it may concern:
Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I write to request the following records:
Access to or a copy of all aquatic exposure assessments in the possession of the Environmental Protection Agency that were conducted from Jan.1, 2016, to Dec. 31, 2016, to determine whether pesticides that are applied according to label directions can result in water concentrations that may adversely impact human health or aquatic organisms.
The requested documents are in connection to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel, which held a meeting in 2015 to discuss the aquatic sampling. A notice of this meeting can be found here.
These documents may be held by the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs.
I am an independent journalist and ask that any fees incurred by responding to this request be waived. I also ask that this request be expedited — because of the timely aspect of news reporting, resultant records may become less useful as time goes on. Also, pesticide contamination of water poses a serious health risk to the public; thus, the public release of this information could save lives.
If possible, please deliver this information electronically in an effort to defray any potential cost.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Christopher Collins
Independent journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Feb. 16, 2017, the EPA called to say many of the responsive documents have already been made available to the public. I asked the agency to continue processing this request, as not all the responsive documents are publicly available.
______________________________________________
Filed Jan. 19, 2017, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
To whom it may concern:
Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I write to request the following records:
Access to or a copy of all written communications sent from third parties to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding instances of legionella exposure, contamination, poisonings and/or scares. These communications may include but should not be limited to complaints from individuals and written notifications from governmental entities and private businesses. The time frame for requested documents is Jan.1, 2016, to Dec. 31, 2016.
I am an independent journalist and ask that any fees incurred by responding to this request be waived. I also ask that this request be expedited — because of the timely aspect of news reporting, resultant records may become less useful as time goes on. Also, Legionnaire’s disease poses a serious health risk to the public; ergo, the public release of this information could save lives.
If possible, please deliver this information electronically in an effort to defray any potential cost.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Christopher Collins
Independent journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Jan. 23, 2017, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sent another email to say the portion of this request dealing with legionella scares and poisonings was still too vague. I asked them to disregard that portion of the request for the sake of expediency.
Update: On Jan. 20, 2017, a FOIA officer with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sent an email to say this request was “overly broad,” adding that it would be put on hold until clarifications are made. I sent appropriate clarifications.
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Filed Jan. 18, 2017, with the U.S. Postal Service.
To whom it may concern:
Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I write to request the following records:
Access to or a copy of any and all contracts and/or other agreements between the United States Postal Service and specific private businesses that were in effect from Jan. 1, 2016, to Dec. 31, 2016. Contracts relevant to this request include those with the following companies: AT&T, Sears, Lowe’s, Sling, Dish, Casper, Overstock.com, Kohl’s, Progressive, Bissel, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Wayfair.com.
I am an independent journalist and ask that any fees incurred by responding to this request be waived. I also ask that this request be expedited — because of the timely aspect of news reporting, resultant records may become less useful as time goes on.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Christopher Collins
Independent journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Feb. 16, 2017, the USPS sent copies of its contracts with AT&T and Sears. It said it did not have a contract with the other companies listed in the request.
Update: On Feb. 8, 2017, the USPS sent a response to say it had granted a fee waiver for this request but had denied a request for expedited processing. It also asked that I clarify the company names listed in the request. For instance: Do I want the USPS contract with Sears Roebuck, the department store empire, or Sears Auto Salvage in Garber, Iowa? I clarified the request.
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Filed Jan. 17, 2017, with James Brindle, press officer for the U.S. Secretary of Defense and the DoD’s Defense Logistics Agency.
To whom it may concern:
Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I write to request the following records:
Access to or a copy of all reports indicating the Department of Defense siting clearinghouse has formed a mitigation response team in connection with specific submitted projects from Jan. 1, 2016, to Dec. 31, 2016. These reports may have been sent to the projects’ sponsor as a way of informing them that a response team had been formed.
I am an independent journalist and ask that any fees incurred by responding to this request be waived. I also ask that this request be expedited — because of the timely aspect of news reporting, resultant records may become less useful as time goes on.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Christopher Collins
Independent journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Nov. 16, 2018, the Department of Defense fully provided responsive records. (They were mailed in paper form.)
Update: On Feb. 8, 2017, the Defense Logistics Agency informed me that it would close this request because it does not hold the requested records.
Update: On Feb. 2, 2017, the Defense Logistics Agency sent a message to say it did not hold records in connection to this request. The agency also asked for clarification. I declined, as it already is sufficiently clear.
Update: On Feb. 1, 2017, the Defense Logistics Agency sent a message to say this request has been filed through the FOIAonline portal, though that is not where I initially filed the request.
Update: On Jan. 31, 2017, the DoD sent a message to say this request is under review.
Update: On Jan. 18, 2017, the DoD responded by saying my request would not be expedited because I failed to demonstrate how release of the requested documents would be of benefit to the public. This request was placed on the agency’s “complex” FOIA track with 2,300 other requests.
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Filed Jan. 16, 2017, with Raynell Lazier, a public affairs representative at the U.S. Forest Service, and the agency’s general FOIA inbox.
To whom it may concern:
Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I write to request the following records:
Access to or a copy of all letters, sent physically or electronically, to Smokey Bear from Jan. 1, 2012, to Dec. 31, 2016.
I am an independent journalist and ask that any fees incurred by responding to this request by waived. If fees are not waived, I agree to pay up to $40 for request processing. I also ask that this request be expedited — because of the timely aspect of news reporting, resultant records may become less useful as time goes on.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Christopher Collins
Independent journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On July 24, 2018, the Forest Service sent a representative sample of responsive documents.
Update: On June 18, 2018, the Forest Service asked if I would accept a representative sample of responsive documents before providing the nearly 1,000 that appear to be responsive. I accepted the sample.
Update: On Jan. 17, 2017, the Forest Service sent an email confirming they had received this request.
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Filed Jan. 13, 2017, with Gina McCarthy, an administrator at the Environmental Protection Agency, and two other EPA employees I chose at random because it’s so damn hard to find an email address for a FOIA officer at EPA.
To whom it may concern:
Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I write to request the following records:
Access to or a copy of all written communications received by the Environmental Protection Agency regarding proposed restrictions on the sale, distribution and/or use of methylene chloride, a popular ingredient in paint thinners, from Jan. 1, 2016 to Dec. 31, 2016. The written communications I request may include but not be limited to communications in the form of emails and mailed letters.
I am an independent journalist and ask that any fees incurred by responding to this request by waived. If fees are not waived, I agree to pay up to $40 for request processing. I also ask that this request be expedited — because of the timely aspect of news reporting, resultant records may become less useful as time goes on.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Christopher Collins
Independent journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On April 7, 2017, the EPA provided responsive documents.
Update: On March 22, 2017, the EPA asked for a two-week extension to respond to this request, which I agreed to. A new target date of completion was set for April 6, 2017.
Update: On March 16, 2017, the EPA approved a fee waiver request but denied expedited processing for this request.
Update: On March 8, 2017, the EPA sent a message to say some of the documents I requested were already available online. The agency is still processing part of this request.
Update: On Feb. 24, 2017, the EPA sent a message to say it had received this request.
Update: On Feb. 22, 2017, after receiving no response on this request, I refiled it through the FOIAonline portal.
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Filed Jan. 12, 2017, with Duke Taylor, FOIA public liaison for the Federal Aviation Administration
To whom it may concern:
Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I write to request the following records:
Access to or a copy of all Notices of Presumed Hazard sent by the Federal Aviation Administration to applicants from Jan.1, 2015 to Dec. 31, 2016, regarding the FAA’s obstruction evaluation service.
I am an independent journalist and ask that any fees incurred by responding to this request by waived. If fees are not waived, I agree to pay up to $40 for request processing. I also ask that this request be expedited — because of the timely aspect of news reporting, resultant records may become less useful as time goes on.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Christopher Collins
Independent journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Feb. 21, 2017, after I insisted that the FAA provide me with the specific FOIA exemptions that allowed it to deny access to documents stored in its database, the agency sent a message to say it considered the request “unreasonably burdensome” and would close the request without releasing any documents. The FOIA officer still refused to offer specific exemptions and gave a new cost estimate, this time for access to the entire database: $2.3 million and nine years.
Update: On Feb. 16, 2017, the FAA sent a message to say it would not be able to provide me with the entire database, as some documents hold information exempted from release by FOIA. The agency said I could, however, strike a deal with the contractor who oversees the database for a mere $4,275. I declined the offer and asked the FAA to specify which FOIA exemptions it was claiming.
Update: On Feb. 14, 2017, the FAA sent a message to give a cost estimate for producing these records: $461,300. The message also said it would take the FAA five years to compile the responsive records. I asked if the agency could give me the records in another way, such as providing me with the entire database without downloading files individually, which would reduce labor.
Update: On Feb. 8, 2017, the FAA sent a message to say my request involved “unusual circumstances” because of the number of records requested. The target date for the quest was pushed back to March 2, 2017.
Update: On Feb. 1, 2017, the FAA sent a message saying it needs me to “explain with specificity” how I plan to disseminate the requested documents. I told them I’m not required to answer that question, and that the agency should provide the requested records consistent with FOIA law. Later, a FOIA officer told me the request would be placed in the “all other” category for fee purposes.
Update: On Jan. 31, 2017, the FAA sent a message to ask my “purpose for requesting these records.” The question likely was to determine if I’m a member of the news media, which can be important for fee purposes. I answered to the best of my ability.
Update: On Jan. 19, 2017, an FAA manager called me to say that the agency conducts 100,000 of these analyses a year, and do I really want these documents? I respond that I do. Later, in response to my request for a fee waiver, the agency asked me to prove that I’m a journalist, which I attempted to do.
Update: On Jan. 18, 2017, the FAA responded to this request by saying the information requested is already available on its website. It isn’t. I asked them to continue processing the request and provide the relevant documents. I also was informed my request for a fee waiver was denied.
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Filed Jan. 11, 2017, with Tonya Woods of the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the office’s general FOIA inbox
To whom it may concern:
Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I write to request the following records:
Access to or a copy of any and all applications the department has received from Jan. 1, 2016, to Dec. 31, 2016, in connection with permits to conduct field trials of genetically modified wheat.
I am an independent journalist and ask that any fees incurred by responding to this request by waived. I also ask that this request be expedited — because of the timely aspect of news reporting, resultant records may become less useful as time goes on.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Christopher Collins
Independent journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Feb. 26, 2019, USDA APHIS partially provided responsive documents.
Update: On Jan. 25, 2017, the USDA denied my requests for expedited processing and a fee waiver.
Update: On Jan. 19, 2017, APHIS asked if I’d also like to receive copies of notifications sent to the agency before January 1, 2016, even though they weren’t received by the agency in the time frame I requested. I said I did. Then, later in the day, a FOIA officer with the agency called to tell me I was offered the additional documents in error. The offer was taken back.
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Filed Jan. 10, 2017, with Arianne Perkins of the USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service and Jennifer Weatherly of the USDA’s Food, Nutrition & Consumer Services
To whom it may concern:
Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I write to request the following records:
A list of customers who received strawberries that were later recalled for potential Hepatitis A contamination in 2016. The strawberries were sent to customers, which may have included schools and hotels, by Egyptian producer/exporter International Company for Agricultural Production and Processing. The recall likely occurred late in 2016, perhaps in October or November. The requested information is in connection with the incident referenced in this news article:
I am an independent journalist and ask that any fees incurred by responding to this request by waived. I also ask that this request be expedited — because of the timely aspect of news reporting, resultant records may become less useful as time goes on. Also, the release of information about the Hepatitis exposure may keep some people from getting sick in the future.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Christopher Collins
Independent journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Aug. 25, 2017, the FDA partially provided a third batch of documents responsive to this request. They are comically redacted.
Update: On Aug. 16, 2017, the FDA partially provided more responsive documents.
Update: On July 24, 2017, this appeal was partially granted and a portion of the requested documents were released. More responsive records may be released in the coming weeks, the FDA said.
Update: On May 17, 2017, the FDA sent a message to say it had alerted third parties of this request, as some of the responsive information was submitted to the FDA by those parties.
Update: On April 27, 2017, the FDA called to talk about the appeal.
Update: On March 27, 2017, I appealed the FDA’s decision to withhold these records.
Update: On March. 16, 2017, the FDA denied this request, citing trade secrets.
Update: On March. 13, 2017, the FDA denied my request for expedited processing.
Update: On March. 8, 2017, the FDA sent a message to say it had received this request.
Update: On March. 1, 2017, I sent this request to the Food and Drug Administration.
Update: On Feb. 27, 2017, USDA Food, Nutrition & Consumer Services sent a message to say it had no responsive documents.
Update: On Jan. 12, 2017, USDA Food, Nutrition & Consumer Services sent an email acknowledging the request and setting a target date of Feb. 9, 2017.
Update: On Jan. 12, 2017, I was told by the Food Safety Inspection Service that it did not have these records. I was told instead to submit the request to the Food and Drug Administration.
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Filed Jan. 9, 2017, with Alecia Bolling, FOIA contact for the U.S. Army
To whom it may concern:
Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I write to request the following records:
Any and all written memorandums, orders or notices sent from members of the U.S. military to Army personnel regarding the use of pesticides and herbicides in Iraq and Afghanistan from Jan. 1, 2015, to Dec. 31, 2016. This could relate to pesticides or herbicides used by troops as part of their protective gear, as aid to foreign and other civilians, or as weapons.
I also write to request any reports generated by the Army in connection with the use of pesticides or herbicides as protection, aid or weapons in the same time period.
I am an independent journalist and ask that any fees incurred by responding to this request by waived. I also ask that this request be expedited because resultant records may become less useful as time goes on.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Christopher Collins
Independent journalist
collinsreports.com
325-261-3910
940-631-1828
Update: On Jan. 12, 2017, I was told this request had been sent to the wrong person. I was told instead to submit the request to Headquarters, United States Army Central USARCENT, DCS, G-6 (ACIM-PRF), which I did.