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How to obtain information

Using FOIAXpress

DLA uses the FOIAXpress request processing system. Use https://pal.whs.mil/ to submit a FOIA request. By creating a FOIAXpress account, with a few clicks you will be able to easily submit and track your FOIA requests.

DLA reading rooms

DLA Public reading rooms are available at the Electronic Reading Room. Where a DLA field activity has not made their public reading room available online, it will be located at the field activity.

DLA Distribution Publications Office

DLA Instructions are located online. Access DLA Instructions

On the internet

The DLA home page provides access to agencywide resources with more DLA information. The DLA Site Index provides access to all public DLA website pages. Frequently requested information and other materials of public interest are found in the Electronic Reading Room. 

Fee categories

FOIA fees are based on the requester's fee category. The categories are:

  • Commercial users pay for all search, review, and copying fees.

  • Educational or Noncommercial Scientific Institution or News media< requesters pay for copying (first 100 pages provided at no cost).

  • All others pay for all search and all copying (first two hours search and 100 pages provided free).

Fee declarations

DLA is allowed to charge fees to requesters in order to recover the direct costs of search, review, and duplication of requested records. If the total costs of supplying the requested information are less than $24, the fees are waived.

If you are aware that the cost of providing the information requested will exceed $24, you may include in your request a statement indicating your willingness to pay for processing of your request. You may also set a cap in giving authorization; if charges will exceed that cap, DLA will contact you to discuss ways to limit the search or to get approval for the full costs. You will be billed when the requested records are sent and have 30 days to remit payment. If the costs exceed $250, prepayment may be required.

Fee waiver

If you expect or are advised that a fee will be charged, you may request a waiver of those fees. However, fee waivers are limited to situations in which a requester can show that the disclosure of the requested information is in the public interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations and activities of the government and is not primarily in the commercial interest of the requester.

Response time

DLA processes all requests on a "First-In, First-Out" queue basis. The Department of Defense has established three queues for FOIA requests: Expedited, Simple, and Complex. Your request will be assigned to one of these queues. DLA will provide you with a response as soon as possible based on your position in this queue; the need to collect responsive records from other offices; whether the request involves a "voluminous" amount of records which must be located, compiled, and reviewed; and whether DLA must consult with another agency which has a substantial interest in the responsive document. For requests within the Simple queue DLA strives to provide a final response within 20 business days. When an extension is needed, the requester may be notified and offered the opportunity to modify or limit their request.

Multi-track processing

FOIA requests are placed in one of three queues. The first queue is for those requests which seek and receive expedited processing pursuant to subsection (a)(6)(E) of the FOIA. The second queue is for those requests which do not involve voluminous record or lengthy consultations with other entities. The third queue is for those requests which involve voluminous records and for which lengthy or numerous consultations are required, or those requests which may involve sensitive records

Submitting a request

  • A FOIA request must be in writing. DLA will accept FOIA requests submitted online at FOIAXpress . There are no special forms needed for making a FOIA request.

  • Include your name and complete mailing address. Provide a daytime telephone number and/or an e-mail address so that we may be able to contact you if needed.

  • Indicate your willingness to pay fees (or specify the amount you are willing to pay) or ask for a fee waiver.

  • Identify which fee category of requester you are — commercial, news media, educational/scientific, all others — because there are different fee structures.

  • Describe the records sought with sufficient detail to enable personnel to locate those records with a reasonable amount of effort. Descriptions should be clear and as precise as possible. Vague or imprecise requests may be deemed overly broad and will likely require clarification.  

  • The more specific you are, the easier it will be for DLA to locate the records. In your description include information such as the date, title or name, author, recipient, subject matter, case number, file designation, or reference number of the records you seek.  If known, include the place the records were created, the file descriptions, persons involved, and other pertinent details that will help identify the records.

  • Include a date range for the records you seek.

  • Indicate if you wish to receive the information in a form other than digital.