Is NASA subject to FOIA?

NASA FOIA offices often receive FOIA requests seeking records clearly belonging to other agencies. Thus, it may be helpful to know that NASA’s mission is to pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery and aeronautics research.

Are NASA documents public?

The NASA FOIA program is committed to providing the public with excellent customer service as well as access to disclosable agency documents in accordance with all appropriate laws and regulations.

What were the two most common FOIA exemptions cited by NASA in fy19?

As has been the case for many years, the FOIA’s privacy exemptions, Exemption 7(C) (27.562%) and 6 (27.556%), were the most cited FOIA exemptions in FY 2019, with Exemption 7(C) narrowly being used more frequently than Exemption 6 for the first time since 2013.

How much does it cost to get FOIA?

The FOIA permits HHS to charge fees to FOIA requesters. For noncommercial requesters, HHS may charge only for the actual cost of searching for records and the cost of making copies. Search fees usually range from about $23 to $83 per hour, depending upon the salary levels of the personnel needed for the search.

Are NASA images copyrighted?

NASA content – images, audio, video, and computer files used in the rendition of 3-dimensional models, such as texture maps and polygon data in any format – generally are not subject to copyright in the United States. NASA’s use does not convey any rights to others to use the same material.

Are NASA pictures free to use?

NASA is a federal agency Under United States copyright law, works created by the U.S. federal government or its agencies cannot be copyrighted. (This does not apply to works created by state or local governments.) Therefore, the NASA pictures are legally in the public domain.

What information Cannot be released under FOIA?

Information/data that is NOT covered by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) includes: Non-agency records and personal records. Public requests for access to physical artifacts or scientific samples (e.g. core samples, sediment, rocks, fossils, specimen samples, blood samples).

Is FOIA request free?

There is no initial fee required to submit a FOIA request, but the FOIA does provide for the charging of certain types of fees in some instances. For a typical requester the agency can charge for the time it takes to search for records and for duplication of those records. You may request a waiver of fees.

Can I sell NASA images?

access to NASA information. There is no licensing or exclusivity agreement with NASA. As a Government Agency, NASA will not promote or endorse or appear to promote or endorse a commercial product, service or activity. Many NASA images (moving and still) in the public domain can be used for merchandising purposes.

Can I sell prints of NASA photos?

Otherwise, NASA imagery can be generally used editorially within published works that are not promotional in nature. If a NASA image includes an identifiable person, using the image for commercial purposes may infringe that person’s right of privacy or publicity, and permission should be obtained from the person.

What do you need to know about FOIA?

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a law that gives you the right to access information from the federal government. It is often described as the law that keeps citizens in the know about their government.

What is FOIA request, processing time?

FOIA Processing. In general, the FOIA requires an agency to respond to FOIA requests within 20 business days after the office that maintains the responsive records receives the request. The business day response requirement is not necessarily the time frame for releasing responsive documents.

What records are available under FOIA?

Classified national defense and foreign relations information

  • Internal agency rules and practices
  • Information that is prohibited from disclosure by another law
  • Trade secrets and other confidential business information
  • Inter-agency or intra-agency communications that are protected by legal privileges
  • Information involving matters of personal privacy

    • How to file FOIA request for NASA agency records?

    Any individual may submit a FOIA request to NASA. You should submit your request to the FOIA Office at the NASA Center that is custodian of the documents. Goddard FOIA requests can be submitted by mail, fax, or electronic mail, at the following addresses: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center