Draft a clearer FOIA request before you file
A good public-records request is specific enough for an agency to search, but broad enough to capture the records you actually need.
Checklist
- Name the agency, office, topic, date range, people, program, contract, or record system.
- Describe records, not conclusions, and avoid asking the agency to answer questions.
- Decide whether to request a fee waiver, expedited processing, or electronic delivery.
- Save confirmation numbers and deadline dates after filing through the official portal.
- Use the tool to draft a narrow request and follow-up plan.
Official sources to check
Fresh Sky AI helps you organize, draft, and prepare. Official agencies, courts, schools, funders, or qualified professionals remain the source of truth.
Common questions
Does this submit my FOIA request?
No. It drafts and organizes. File through FOIA.gov or the agency's official process.
What makes a FOIA request stronger?
A specific record description, date range, agency component, and delivery preference usually help more than a broad complaint.