Freedom of Information Act

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The Peace Corps is subject to the Freedom of Information Act, including provisions that provide individuals with the right to request records created by the Peace Corps and other federal agencies.

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The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 USC 552, allows the public right to request records from a federal agency. Federal agencies are then required to disclose the requested information under the FOIA unless it is protected from release by one of nine exemptions under the law, such as personal privacy, trade secrets and certain financial information, or civil discovery privileges, for example. The Peace Corps FOIA Program is fully described under the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) Title 22, Chapter 3, Part 303 (22 CFR 303, from 2018).

FOIA/Privacy Offices Operation Status During COVID-19

During the national health emergency of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Peace Corps has adjusted normal work conditions and is authorized to operate at maximum telework to ensure the safety of our staff members. All Peace Corps Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Offices and offices that hold records are on full telework status. As a result, we are limited in our ability to search for, collect, and respond to records in paper format. We also request that all FOIA or Privacy requests be submitted electronically through our online request portal on this page, or at [email protected] for Peace Corps requests, or to the Peace Corps Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at [email protected]. There will be a delay in acknowledging and responding to FOIA/Privacy requests that are mailed or faxed to the agency.

Submit a FOIA or Privacy Act request

Use the “Submit a FOIA request” button to access the Public Access Link (PAL) to submit either type of request. A visitor will first need to register by providing the same contact information required in a traditional FOIA letter or email. Your PAL account is also used to receive responses and any records. Please contact the FOIA inbox email if you have not received your initial code email after 24 hours. A person can also submit an initial request using the FOIA/PA program’s inbox or mail it in. See the FOIA program’s contact information on this page below.

A FOIA request must contain:

  • Your first and last name, your contact information, and declare that this is a FOIA request.
  • Identify the records or information you seek by providing a description of the material, a date range, and any other details that will assist us in a records search.
  • Identify your requester category from the three broad groups: Commercial; Media/Educational/Scientific; or Other.
  • Include a “willingness-to-pay” statement in the event that we need to discuss fees with you. FOIA Fees at a Glance [PDF] outlines the category fee breakdown.
  • Refer to 22 CFR 303 for complete request details.

The Privacy Act, 5 USC 552a, allows an individual the right to request records maintained by a federal agency concerning oneself. The Peace Corps Privacy Act Program is described under the CFR Title 22, Chapter 3, Part 308 (22 CFR 308). Please visit our Privacy Act page for more details.

A Privacy Act request is for access to records about you maintained under a Peace Corps system of records. Please include:

  • Your full name, contact information, and a description of the records you seek concerning yourself.
  • You must include proof of your identity to verify access to such records. Proof of identity includes a photo ID, a Peace Corps Volunteer number, if applicable, or other identifiable information that assists us in securing your request.
  • If you are unable to provide ID verification, please complete and submit this Privacy Act declaration of identity statement [PDF]. Contact the FOIA Office if you cannot download this form.

Third party requests for Privacy Act records must have the signed approval of the individual. Please ask for “Authorization for Disclosure of Non-Public Volunteer Information.” The Peace Corps makes certain types of records created by the agency available electronically on the internet without having to make request. FOIA reports and other agency reports (such as impact studies, surveys, etc.) can be found in the searchable reports listing. Office of Inspector General reports are also available.

Submit a FOIA request

FOIA Office/Requester Service Center

In compliance with Executive Order 13392, signed December 14, 2005, the Peace Corps established a FOIA Requester Service Center (View certification [PDF]).

The FOIA Requester Service Center enables FOIA requesters to seek information concerning the status of their FOIA request and appropriate information about the agency's FOIA response. This center handles all requests for every department in the agency, except the Office of Inspector General. It's the first place a requester can contact to seek information concerning the status of the person's request and receive information about the agency's response.

The main FOIA Requester Service Center is in the FOIA office in the Department of Management.

Peace Corps
1275 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20526
[email protected]

Designated Public Liaisons

Public Liaisons serve as supervisory officials to whom a FOIA requester can raise concerns about the service the FOIA requester has received from the Requester Service Center, following an initial response from the center staff.

The designated FOIA Public Liaison at the Peace Corps' FOIA Requester Service Center is:

Jay Olin
Peace Corps FOIA officer
[email protected]

The designated FOIA Public Liaison in the Office of Inspector General's FOIA Requester Service Center is:

Victoria Molina
[email protected]

Annual FOIA reports

Annual FOIA reports to the U.S. attorney general address basic information such as how and where to make FOIA requests, program costs, and processing statistics:

Chief FOIA Officer reports

FOIA Officer reports on steps taken to improve FOIA operations and facilitate information disclosures:

Agency compliance reports

Reflect key statistics related to FOIA requests, reported quarterly.

FOIA library

Frequently requested documents

These are records that have recently been released and are likely to become the subject of subsequent requests.

Policies and procedures

A complete listing can be located in the Peace Corps Manual.

Related resources

Get basic information on FOIA.

See FOIA FAQs