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Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

FOIA promotes government transparency by allowing any person to request access to federal agency records.  Federal agencies are required to disclose requested records, unless it falls within an exemption or an exclusion which protects certain personal privacy, national security or law enforcement interests.  The Department of Interior (DOI) Office of Inspector General (OIG) FOIA office can only search for and release records that are maintained by OIG.  FOIA requests for records maintained by other DOI Bureaus or Offices, must be submitted to that specific Bureau or Office.  Before submitting a FOIA request, please search our FOIA library for records that are already posted to the internet and available without charge.

FOIA Library

  • The OIG Report database contains OIG: audits/inspections/evaluations/flash reports, investigative reports/summaries and congressional testimony that are accessible to the public without charge. This database is searchable using key words, date ranges, the subject bureau/office, the report type, and/or a report number.
  • Frequently requested OIG Records:
  • Annual Administrative FOIA Reports.

How to Submit a FOIA Request

  • The easiest way to submit a records request is through the FOIA.gov form. This form guides the requester to enter pertinent information and electronically submits the FOIA request to DOI OIG. Please note DOI OIG is no longer receiving FOIA requests via email.

  • Alternatively, records requests can be submitted by U.S. Postal Mail or by Fax.  In accordance with FOIA, all requests must be made in writing.  Requesters must provide a reasonable description of the records sought, telephone number/contact information, and include a statement addressing whether the requester agrees to: pay all applicable fees, establish a fee limit or is seeking a fee waiver.  Finally, if the requester is seeking expedited FOIA processing, then he/she must include appropriate justification.

    U.S. Postal Mail address:

    FOIA Officer
    Office of Inspector General
    U.S. Department of the Interior
    1849 C Street, NW MS-4428
    Washington, DC 20240

    Fax: (703) 487-5432 (Attn: FOIA Officer)

  • An individual requesting records about him/herself must verify his/her identity before OIG will process the request.  For identity verification, on FOIA.gov, please upload a completed certificate of identity form with your corresponding FOIA request.

Reference Materials

FOIA Contacts

  • FOIA Liaison, FOIA@doioig.gov
  • Alexandra Ellis, FOIA Officer, Alexandra_Ellis@doioig.gov, (703) 581-3425
  • Mailing address: Office of Inspector General, Department of the Interior, Office of Inspector General, 1849 C Street, NW MS-4428, Washington, DC 20240
  • Fax: (703) 487-5432