The "Record of Freedom of Information Processing Cost" is the standard Department of Defense (DoD) PDF form used to account for expenses when government agencies fulfill FOIA requests. Federal regulations under 32 CFR Part 286 require agencies to track and report these processing costs using this standardized form, ensuring program accountability and legal compliance across all DoD components.
Agencies record several categories of data. Labor costs are calculated by military grade (E-1 through O-7) and civilian GS levels, with hours spent on clerical, professional, and executive review tasks billed at different rates. Computer search time and tape or CD retrieval fees are recorded separately. Reproduction fees cover page counts for both file copies and pages released to requesters. Special services, postage, and audiovisual materials also have dedicated table rows for accurate cost reporting.
DoD components and subordinate agencies processing FOIA requests complete this form for each request where fees may apply. The form helps determine whether full fees, reduced fees, or fee waivers apply based on the type of requester (commercial, educational, news media, or other) and the nature of the information request. Payment calculations follow the fee schedule in DoD Directive 5400.7-R, which sets out the legal framework for FOIA processing charges and establishes the criteria for fee waiver decisions.
Related PDF forms include the FOIA Request Form for initiating information access requests, and DD Form 149 for formal DoD administrative submissions and appeals.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Form Name | Record of Freedom of Information (FOI) Processing Cost |
| Form Length | 2 pages |
| Fillable? | No |
| Fillable fields | 0 |
| Avg. time to fill out | 30 sec |
| Issuing Agency | Department of Defense (DoD) |
| Related Law | Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552 |
| Regulation | DoD Directive 5400.7-R / 32 CFR Part 286 |
| Other names | FOI Processing Cost Record, FOIA cost form, 7-R, YYYYMMDD |