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Acting Department of Commerce Chief FOIA Officer

Department of Commerce Deputy Chief FOIA Officer

The Department of Commerce Deputy Chief FOIA Officer provides policy and operational oversight of the Department's FOIA and Privacy Act programs to ensure bureau and operating unit compliance with the FOIA regulations (5 U.S.C. 552 and 15 CFR Subpart A).

The Deputy Chief FOIA Officer leads the development of: Departmental policies, regulations, procedures and guidelines dealing with FOIA; analysis and interpretation of existing and proposed agency regulations; oversight of bureau compliance with FOIA and central agency guidance; and preparation of replies to correspondence, special reports, and other documents related to Department information matters.

Immediate Office of the Secretary FOIA Officer

The Immediate Office of the Secretary (IOS) FOIA Officer provides policy and operational oversight of the IOS’s FOIA/Privacy Act programs to ensure IOS compliance with the FOIA/Privacy Act regulations (15 CFR § 4. 4a and 4b). The IOS FOIA Officer also assists the Deputy Chief FOIA Officer with development of policies, regulations, procedures and guidelines dealing with FOIA; analysis and interpretation of existing and proposed agency regulations; oversight of bureau compliance with FOIA and central agency guidance; and preparation of replies to correspondence, special reports, and other documents related to Department information matters.

FOIA Council

The FOIA Council is chaired by the Deputy Chief FOIA Officer and is comprised of one designated FOIA Officer representative from each bureau and operating unit. The Executive Council members include the Chief FOIA Officer, the Chief Information Officer, and the Assistant General Counsel for Litigation, Employment, and Oversight from the Office of General Counsel.

The FOIA is a cornerstone of Open Government’s transparency pillar.  The FOIA Council ensures the Department’s effective administration of the FOIA by developing and implementing FOIA policy and guidance and, by promoting increased transparency, FOIA training, best business practices, better collaboration across the Department, and increased outreach and dialogue with the requester community.