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How to Submit a FOIA Request
  • Register for an account.
  • To submit your request online click the "Sign In" link on the top right to sign in or register.
  • Once logged in, click the “Submit a FOIA Request” link and complete the online form.
  • As you navigate the “Sign In” procedures, please follow all prompts, look for red system warnings, and make sure that all required fields are completed.

When making a request to OPM for records under the Freedom of Information Act, keep the following tips in mind: 

  • Fully describe the records you seek. Provide enough detail so that the records can be located by an employee familiar with the subject area. Whenever possible, the request description should include specific information about each record sought, such as the date, number, title or name, author, recipient, and subject matter of the record.
  • Provide your first and last name, the name of the company or organization on whose behalf you are making the request (if applicable), and a full mailing address and/or email address where OPM may send you written correspondence. You may also provide a telephone number, especially if you do not provide an email address, so that you may be easily contacted if we need additional information.
  • You must either agree to pay fees (all fees or indicate an amount above $25 you are willing to pay) or request a fee waiver before your request can be processed.  If your request has potential to produce a large number of responsive documents, you will be notified. Some requests may require prepayment.
  • If requesting a fee waiver, please provide an explanation for the request that addresses the six fee waiver factors listed on the Fees section of this site.

Instructions for certain types of records

Background Investigations

On October 1, 2019, as authorized by Executive Order 13869, the mission, records, and personnel of the National Background Investigations Bureau transferred to the Department of Defense, Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA). Accordingly, as of October 1, 2019, DCSA’s FOIA and Privacy Office for Investigations is primarily responsible for responding to requests for information surrounding the investigative process for civilian and military applicants, Federal employees, or employees or government contractors for the purpose of determining suitability for government employment, fitness for appointment to an expected service position, acceptance or retention in the armed forces, eligibility to serve in a national security sensitive position, eligibility for access to classified information and/or eligibility for access to classified information controlled facility or information technology system. For Investigations records, please submit requests to:

E-mail: dcsa.boyers.dcsa.mbx.inv-foip@mail.mil

Fax: (724) 794-4590

Mailing Address:

Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency
ATTN: FOIA and Privacy Office for Investigations
1137 Branchton Road, P.O. Box 618
Boyers, PA 16018

Telephone: (724) 794-5612, x7000

FOIA requests to the FOI/P Office for Investigations may be submitted using the INV 100 Freedom of Information / Privacy Act Records Request for Background Investigations form.

 

Official Personnel Folders

Current Federal Employees may request access to their Official Personnel Folders (OPFs) by contacting the servicing Human Resources (HR) office or personnel department within the federal agency or organization with whom they are employed. They may also contact the FOIA Office for their current agency through the  National FOIA Portal. 

Former Federal Employees may request access to their OPF by contacting the National Personnel Records Center.

OPM’s OPF FAQ provides additional information on how to obtain official personnel records, including SF 50s.

Benefits

For information relating to your benefits, including Survivor Benefits and Retirement and Health Benefits, and to request retirement estate valuations and copies of life insurance policy summaries, please contact OPM’s Retirement Operations Center (ROC), by email, by calling 724-794-2005, toll free at 1-888-767-6738 (customer service representatives are available from 7:40 AM to 5:00 PM EST), by facsimile at 1-724-794-6633, or by mail at:

Office of Personnel Management
Retirement Operations Center

PO Box 45

Boyers, PA 16017

 

Hiring Records

If you seek hiring records that concern employment with a Federal Agency other than OPM, you may submit your FOIA request to the FOIA Office for the federal agency that conducted the hiring through the National FOIA Portal.