FOIA

Freedom of Information Act SealThe FOIA allows the general public to request records in writing from the Federal Government. Some records are released to the public under the FOIA 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.

How to Contact the Tinker FOIA Office

Tinker Air Force Base Freedom of Information Act Office

72 ABW/SCOK
8500 Industrial Blvd, Bldg. 3001 G
Tinker AFB, OK  73145
Phone: (405) 734-2634
FAX: (405) 734-3214
DSN:  884-2634
Email: Tinker.FOIA@us.af.mil

What is the FOIA?

The Department of Defense Freedom of Information Act Program for the Department of the Air Force (Reference DODM 5400.07_AFMAN 33-302) 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. Currently the law allows for 20 working days to process simple requests and 30 working days to process complex requests such as contracts. These time limits take effect upon receipt and validation the FOIA meets all criteria for a written request. A request must state or imply the FOIA, reasonably describe the records sought, acknowledge agreement to pay for any chargeable fees associated with processing the request, and provide a valid mailing address in the event digital are too voluminous to send.

Department of the Air Force FOIA Website: https://www.compliance.af.mil

How to Make a Request

To submit a FOIA request, visit the Public Access Link at https://efoia.cce.af.mil

Once there, please review all the links listed on the page, they have been designed to provide information and guidance. Ensure you identify the physical location of the records being requested (i.e.; identify which base under the selected major command (MAJCOM) has the records you are requesting).

Requesters can obtain the status of their FOIA requests by setting up their account online with the Public Access Link. We encourage you to use the new system in order to track your request online. Requesters can also check the status of their requests by emailing the Tinker FOIA organizational mailbox at Tinker.FOIA@us.af.mil and referencing their FOIA request number.

Refer to the DOD FOIA Handbook for more information on submitting a FOIA Request  https://open.defense.gov/transparency/FOIA/FOIA-Handbook/

Before submitting your request, check the following links to see if your request can be better addressed through these channels:

For requesting copies of your Military Personnel Records or DD214
https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records

For requesting copies of your Military Medical Records
https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/medical-records.html

For requesting copies of your Civilian Service Records
https://www.archives.gov/personnel-records-center/civilian-non-archival

For requesting a copy of technical orders and drawings
https://www.tinker.af.mil/Resources/Technical-Orders/
(NOTE: Authorized defense industry partners only. All other requests submit through FOIA.)

For requesting a copy of an Air Force Office of Special Investigation (OSI) investigation
https://www.osi.af.mil/afosifoia

Who Can Submit a Request

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.

NOTE: Air Force-affiliated requesters, to include military and civilian employees, should not use government equipment, supplies, stationary, postage, telephones, or official mail channels to make FOIA requests. Requests should be made through personal e-mail via the Public Access Link, organizational e-mail or postal service.

FOIA Fees

The FOIA allows fee charges based on the requester's category. There are three categories: commercial (pay search, review and reproduction fees); educational, non-commercial scientific institution and news media (pay reproduction fees; first 100 pages provided at no cost); and others (pay search and reproduction fees; first two hours search and 100 pages provided at no cost). For information on FOIA fees read PART 286--DOD FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM REGULATION PART 286.

Family of a deceased member - free processing / fees waived.

Fee Waivers: If you are advised or expect to that a fee will be charged, you may request in writing a waiver of those fees if the disclosure of the requested information is in the public interest because it is likely to significantly contribute to public understanding of the operations and activities of the government and is not primarily in the commercial interest of the requester. The mere fact you are a non-profit organization or a member of the media does not in and of itself qualify for a fee waiver. Also, a requester's inability to pay is not a legal basis for granting a fee waiver.

FOIA Public Liaison

If you are dissatisfied with the service received from the Requester Service Center, you may contact the Air Force FOIA Public Liaison Officer for assistance:

DAF.FOIA@us.af.mil
(703) 614-8500
(Note: Please do not send FOIA requests to this office)

You may also seek dispute resolution services from the Office of Government Information Services. Information on this office can be found at https://www.archives.gov/ogis/mediation-program/request-assistance. Using the dispute resolution services, will not affect your appeal rights.