22 CFR 212.12 – Mediation and dispute services
(a) The Office of Government Information Services of the National Archives and Records Administration (OGIS) is a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) resource for the public and the government. Congress has charged OGIS with reviewing FOIA policies, procedures and compliance of Federal agencies and to recommend changes to the FOIA. OGIS’ mission also includes providing dispute resolution services between Federal agencies and requesters. OGIS works as a non-exclusive alternative to litigation.
Terms Used In 22 CFR 212.12
- Freedom of Information Act: A federal law that mandates that all the records created and kept by federal agencies in the executive branch of government must be open for public inspection and copying. The only exceptions are those records that fall into one of nine exempted categories listed in the statute. Source: OCC
- Litigation: A case, controversy, or lawsuit. Participants (plaintiffs and defendants) in lawsuits are called litigants.
(b) When the component’s FOIA office makes a determination on a request, the component’s FOIA office shall offer the services of the FOIA Public Liaison, and will notify requesters of the mediation services provided by OGIS. Specifically, the component’s FOIA office will include in the component’s FOIA office’s notification to the requester:
(1) The right of the requester to seek assistance from the FOIA Public Liaison of the component’s FOIA office, and in the case of an adverse determination;
(2) The right of the requester to seek dispute resolution services from the FOIA Public Liaison of the component’s FOIA office or the Office of Government Information Services.