NOTE: Statistical data produced by the Bureau of Labor Statistics may be obtained without making a request under FOIA. Please contact the BLS Division of Information Services or the BLS program which produces the data being sought to determine if a FOIA request need be submitted.
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides any person the right to request access to records held by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The request must be in writing and signed by the person making the request; it must state that the request is being made pursuant to the FOIA; and it must reasonably describe the records being requested. The Department of Justice's homepage provides the full text of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
In making your request, you should be as specific as possible in describing the records requested. The more specific you are about the records or types of records you are requesting, the more likely it will be that the BLS can locate those records.
There are statutory FOIA exemptions that authorize the withholding of information in certain specific circumstances. If the BLS does withhold information requested under the FOIA, we will specify in our response the FOIA exemption under which the information is being withheld.
Under the FOIA statute, Federal agencies are required to respond to a FOIA request within twenty business days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. In the BLS, this period begins when the FOIA Disclosure Officer receives the request.
- U.S. Department of Labor
- Bureau of Labor Statistics
- FOIA Disclosure Officer
- Room. 4040 Postal Square Building
- 2 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E.
- Washington, DC 20212-0001
- Bureau of Labor Statistics
- FOIA Disclosure Officer
- (202) 606-7797
The BLS FOIA Coordinator can be reached at (202) 606-7628.
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