Work + Insights

A Comprehensive Approach to FOIA Requests: transparent, responsive, and compliant

ADV helps the government balance the public’s right to know against its need to protect certain sensitive information. Our professionals understand the fundamental tenet of FOIA: the public has a right to access government information. As such, they interact with requesters and manage all communications related to the requests. The Office of Naval Research (ONR) FOIA/Privacy Act Office acts as a mediator between the public (or entities) requesting information and the government’s data repositories. This level of interaction acknowledges the FOIA process at ONR is meant to be transparent and interactive, rather than a one-sided process. The office also assesses the appropriate fee category for each external request. We collaborate with the customer to determine the need for redactions based on exemption categories specified in FOIA law. Analysts communicate the final decision regarding the FOIA request to the requester. This decision could involve granting access to the requested information, denying access (with reasons), or redacting certain portions of the information.