I have submitted a FOIA request for the TSA operational directive Blogger Bob cited (OD-400-54-20, "Discovery of Contraband During the Screening Process", May 9, 2005). I plan to follow-up here after fulfillment of the request.
Following is a template that others can use to do the same:
Code:
From: <me>
To: TSA - FOIA requests <[email protected]>
Subject: FOIA request: TSA Operational Directive OD-400-54-2
name: <my name>
address: <my mailing address>
phone: <my phone number>
e-mail address: <my e-mail address>
I am making a FOIA request for TSA Operational Directive OD-400-54-2
("Discovery of Contraband During the Screening Process", May 9, 2005).
I would like the information to be provided as a digital image or PDF
attachment to an e-mail. If this is not feasible, please mail a paper
copy.
I am willing to pay related fees of up to $20.
The content of my e-mail to DHS is based on the following information I received from TSA after my initial attempt to make the request via their "contact us" Web form:
A FOIA request can be submitted by mail, fax or E-mail.
By mail
Transportation Security Administration
Freedom of Information Act Office, TSA-20
11th Floor, East Tower
601 South 12th Street
Arlington, VA 22202-4220
By fax
(571) 227-1406
By E-mail
[email protected]
Your FOIA/PA request must contain the following information:
Your name, address and telephone number. If you have an email address, please provide it. Specify whether you are making a FOIA or Privacy Act (PA) request. Provide specific detailed information about the records you are seeking. Indicate what format you would like the information requested to be provided to you in, if it is other than paper. State your willingness to pay any fees and indicate how much you are willing to pay as advance authorization to process.
If you are mailing your request please prominently mark on the envelope "FOIA Request." In addition, prior to submitting a FOIA request you may want to search our web page to see if the information is already posted.
You should receive an acknowledgement letter within 4-5 business days after your request has been received. This letter will contain a TSA tracking number for your request, which is needed when contacting our office.
Should you need additional assistance, feel free to contact the FOIA Headquarters Office at toll free 866-364-2872 (866- FOIA-TSA).
UPDATE: see also: 2009-02-17:
received OD-400-54-2 (TSA directive describing $10K as contraband)