On July 31, 2024, the Office of Information Policy (OIP) hosted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Best Practices Workshop for agency FOIA professionals focused on creating and implementing backlog reduction plans. A summary of the best practices discussed is now available on OIP’s Best Practices Workshop Series page.
The workshop featured representatives from five agencies: the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, Department of the Interior, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Panelists discussed various best practices including viewing backlog reduction as an ongoing effort rather than a static plan, setting short and long-term goals, investing in personnel and technology, and emphasizing leadership support to ensure success.
A detailed list of the best practices discussed at these and other OIP workshops, along with related guidance, can be found on the Best Practices Workshop Series page of OIP's website.
Launched in 2014, the Best Practices Workshop series was designed as part of the United States’ Second Open Government National Action Plan commitment to modernize FOIA administration. The goal of the series is to improve FOIA processes by leveraging effective strategies from across the government, highlighting successes achieved by agencies, and sharing successful approaches on a wide range of FOIA issues.
Suggestions for discussion topics for upcoming Best Practices Workshops are welcome. Suggestions can be emailed to DOJ.OIP.FOIA@usdoj.gov using the subject line "Agency Best Practices Workshop Suggestion."