Freedom of Information Act
The Freedom of Information Act Program (DODM 5400.7_AFMAN33-302) allows the general public including foreign citizens, military and civilian personnel acting as private citizens, to request records electronically or in writing from the Federal Government. Some records are released to the public under the Freedom of Information Act, and may therefore reflect deletion of some information in accordance with the FOIA's nine statutory exemptions or two law enforcement record exclusions. A consolidated list of such records is on Defense Link and the U.S. Air Force FOIA Reading Room. Currently the law allows 20 working days to process a FOIA request upon receipt of the request in the FOIA office.

Members of the public, including foreign citizens, military and civilian personnel acting as private citizens, organizations and businesses, and individual members of the Congress for themselves or constituents, may request records in writing. It is important to remember that the Freedom of Information Act applies only to federal agencies. It does not create a right of access to records held by Congress, the courts, state or local government agencies, or by private businesses or individuals. Each state has its own public access laws that should by consulted for access to state and local records.

Fees are assessed depending on which group the request falls into:

Category 1: Commercial. Requesters pay all search, review, and duplication.

Category 2: Educational or Noncommercial Scientific Institution or News Media. Requesters get the first 100 copies free and pay for additional copies.

Category 3: Others. Requesters get the first two hours of search and the first 100 copies free.

If you want to submit a FOIA inquiry, send a written request to the FOIA Office where the record is located, describe the records you want as specifically as possible, and state that you agree to pay any applicable fees. Provide as many facts about the requested documents as possible, e.g. the time, place, persons, events, subjects, or other details of the information you want. That will help us decide where to search, and determine what records pertain to your request. There is no special form to complete. You may mail it, hand-carry it or send it electronically.

Additionally, if you're seeking "Medical Records" as First or Third Party requester, to meet the requirement as outlined and under the provisions of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) and comply with the regulation of HIPPA guidelines and procedures as required by DOD 6025.18-R, DOD Health Information Privacy Regulation; DOD 8580.02-R, DOD Health Information Security Regulation. The following documents/forms/authorization/sworn notarized statement must be included with the request as follows:

1) A signed DD Form 2870, Authorization for Disclosure of Medical or Dental Information.

2) Provide a copy of a verification of Identity (i.e. drivers license, state ID) that includes a sworn/notarized "I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the foregoing information (concerning my identity) is true and correct. Executed on (date)(signature)."

3) If you're representing as Third Party, a sworn/Notarized Authorizations/Power of Attorney statement must be signed from the individual authorizing the disclosure/release of the documents be included in the request.

To submit an electronic FOIA request or receive Inquiries to your FOIA request, click here.

To submit a written or fax a FOIA request to SBD 1 or SBD 41 FOIA offices, send to:

SBD 1/SBD 41 FOIA Requester Service Center
175 East Stewart Ave.
Peterson SFB, Colo., 80914
Comm: (719) 556-2197
DSN: 834-2197
E-mail:  SBD_1.foia.pa@spaceforce.mil

If you are not satisfied with the response from the SBD 1/SBD 41 FOIA Requestor Service Center, please contact the Air Force FOIA Public Liaison Office:

Mr. Robert Bivins
DAF.FOIA@af.mil
(703) 614-8500