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Freedom of Information Act
As a federal agency we strive to make the maximum amount of information available to the public in a timely manner including documents technically eligible for withholding under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Access to Certain Records without a FOIA Request
There's a great deal of information already on our website. Before making a formal request, you're encouraged to check the website to determine if the desired material(s) is/are available. You're also encouraged to contact the Office of Public Engagement as the information may be available without resorting to a formal FOIA request. Depending on the information requested, we might be able to mail, fax, or electronically transmit the materials you seek. In some instances, you may have to make an appointment to visit NCPC's office to review the materials. If the materials are substantial or require significant staff time to locate or identify, we may ask you to submit a formal FOIA request.
Making a FOIA Request
Where can I find NCPC's FOIA regulations?
The regulations are available on the following address:
NCPC's FOIA Regulations
What can I request?
A FOIA request can be made for any NCPC information known in FOIA terms as a record. You may specify the form and how you wish to receive the record(s), e.g., a photocopy by U.S. mail or fax or in electronic format via e-mail or disc.
Does my FOIA request have to be in a special form?
There is no specific form to make a FOIA request. The request must be in writing and describe in sufficient detail the record(s) you are seeking. The more specific you are in your request, the more likely we will be able to locate the desired record(s).
To whom should I send my FOIA request?
All FOIA requests should be directed to the attention of NCPC's Chief FOIA Officer.
Where should I send my FOIA request?
By U.S. Mail: National Capital Planning Commission, 401 9th Street, NW, Suite 500N, Washington, DC 20004.
By email:
Once NCPC receives my FOIA request, what happens next?
NCPC's Chief FOIA Officer reviews the request, coordinates with the relevant agency staff to search for and retrieve records responsive to your request, and, if available, transmits records in its possession in response to your request. If there are no records, or reasons why we cannot share records with you under our FOIA regulations, the Chief FOIA Officer will advise you accordingly.
We will respond to your request within 20 working days of receipt of the request. If we need additional clarification to respond to your request, a response will be provided within 20 working days of obtaining the necessary clarification. If you need a response sooner than 20 working days, and the reason for the expedited response complies with the standards contained in our FOIA regulations, you may ask NCPC to process your request on an expedited basis. Under unusual circumstances listed in our FOIA regulations, we may ask for an extension of time to respond to your request. If at any time you have questions regarding the status of your FOIA request you should feel free to contact NCPC's Chief FOIA Officer who also serves as NCPC's FOIA Liaison Officer and operates NCPC's version of the FOIA Requester Service Center.
Are there any fees for a FOIA request?
There is no fee required to submit a FOIA request, but the FOIA allows us to charge fees under certain circumstances. For a typical requester, we may charge for the time it takes to search for records and for duplication of these records. Typically, there is no charge for the first two hours of search time or for the first 100 pages of duplication. We do not charge any fees to the typical requester if the total fee is less than $50.00. For certain types of requester, and under certain circumstances, NCPC may waive its fees.
You may include in your FOIA request a specific statement limiting the amount of fees you are willing to pay. If we estimate fees in excess of your stated limit, we will notify you in writing to obtain approval for additional fees or work with you to narrow your request to bring fees within your stated cap.
What can I do if I am not satisfied with NCPC's initial response to my FOIA request?
You may appeal an adverse decision as defined in NCPC's FOIA regulations to the Chairman of NCPC. Your appeal must be in writing, addressed to the Chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission. It may be submitted to the same addresses listed above. It must be filed within 30 workdays of the date of the letter containing NCPC's original decision.
Additional Information
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Information and Privacy provides guidelines for all federal agencies, including the National Capital Planning Commission. This Office has a helpful website that includes the following guides:
- Your Right to Federal Records: Questions and Answers on the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act (2006) (includes complete text of the law)
- DOJ FOIA Guide (March 2007)
- DOJ Privacy Act overview (May 2004)
NCPC's Chief FOIA Officer Reports
This report has not been required since 2020. The following are the last three reports created.
Chief FOIA Officer Report (4-08-2019)
Chief FOIA Officer Report (2-26-2018)
Chief FOIA Officer Report (3-02-2017)
NCPC's Annual FOIA Reports
2024 FOIA Report (PDF) / 2024 FOIA Report (XML)
2023 FOIA Report (PDF) / 2023 FOIA Report (XML)
2022 FOIA Report (PDF) / 2022 FOIA Report (XML)
2021 FOIA Report (PDF) / 2021 FOIA Report (XML)
2020 FOIA Report (PDF) / 2020 FOIA Report (XML)
