Source: United States Attorneys General 1
A white paper issued by the Chief FOIA Officer (CFO) Council Technology Committee’s Data Working Group (DWG) has been posted to FOIA.gov. The white paper summarizes the DWG’s work, which included interviews with other FOIA programs to gain a better understanding of how they utilize data in managing their operations and how FOIA programs respond to FOIA requests for data.
The DWG interviewed ten agencies, ranging in size and mission, to better understand the role data plays in their day-to-day work. Through these interviews, the DWG identified commonalities across the federal government and areas for further consideration and improvement including:
- While all agencies subject to the FOIA track metrics needed to complete annual reporting requirements, agencies benefit from tracking data beyond what is required.
- Data analysis enables FOIA program managers and agency leadership to better identify, understand, and respond to emerging trends in their programs.
- FOIA requests for agency data can be complex and difficult to manage. Having a plan to address those requests can make that process smoother, and, in some cases, may allow for proactive disclosures that obviate the need for future requests.
- Partnerships with Chief Data Officers can benefit FOIA efforts and facilitate efficiency.
Agency FOIA professionals, agency FOIA leadership, and members of the public are encouraged to review this white paper for further observations and recommendations. For additional information about the CFO Council’s work, visit the Council’s page on FOIA.gov.