This series of FAR summaries is meant to take a meaningful portion of the Federal Acquisition Regulations to ensure an easy-to-understand approach to maintain that readers comprehend the process of doing business with the government and that the government exercises a fair and reasonable approach to doing business with the general public.
FAR 24.2 Freedom Of Information Act
This act makes allowable information within the federal government to the general public by way of publishing to the federal register, reading or copying available records at a convenient location as well as providing copies of a reasonably requested record (FAR 24.201).
There are rules, though. Everything is not fair game. Offer proposals are not available to anyone who did not submit the proposal to the government in answer of a competitive solicitation. This includes technical proposals, drawings, formulas or other trade secrets. Disputes and resolutions of any kind are also not to be made public (FAR 24.202).
This act dictates how agencies are to make public requested information. The Contracting Officer may receive direct requests but don’t have to share classified information, trade secrets or information pertaining to personnel. They are to seek proper guidance before acting (FAR 24.203).
The National Acquisition Center has its own FOIA Officer. I would venture a guess that most contracting shops do.
Most if not all information related to federal business practices are available on various federal websites without a formal request. Formal requests may include emails, taped conversations, films, in-house procedures, meeting agendas and minutes as well as court records per my knowledge.
If you think I can help you then email nicholas.s.robertson@outlook.com for your introductory email and free consultation.
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