What is OGIS and how can it help if my FOIA request stalls?

What OGIS Is

The Office of Government Information Services (OGIS) is the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) ombudsman. Housed within the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), it was created by Congress to serve as a neutral, non-partisan resource for the public and federal agencies alike. OGIS does not work for the agency holding your records, and it does not work against it. Its role is to help the FOIA process run more fairly and smoothly.

OGIS has two main jobs:

• Mediation and dispute resolution between FOIA requesters and federal agencies.
• Review of agency FOIA policies, procedures, and compliance, so problems that affect many requesters can be addressed system-wide.

How OGIS Can Help a Stalled Request

Under the federal FOIA, agencies are generally expected to respond within 20 business days, though complex requests often take longer. If your request has stalled, been delayed, or you disagree with how an agency handled it, OGIS offers free dispute resolution services. This can include:

• Explaining your rights and the agency’s obligations in plain language.
• Acting as a neutral go-between to reopen communication with the agency.
• Helping clarify or narrow a request so the agency can process it faster.
• Mediating disputes over delays, fees, search adequacy, or withheld records.

OGIS cannot force an agency to release records or overturn a decision, and it is not a court. But its neutral involvement often unsticks a request that has gone quiet.

OGIS vs. an Administrative Appeal

Contacting OGIS does not replace your right to file an administrative appeal with the agency, and using OGIS generally does not stop your appeal clock. If you receive a denial, you can pursue an appeal, seek OGIS mediation, or both. Many requesters reach out to OGIS after a delay or denial to understand their options before escalating further.

A Note on State Records

OGIS handles only federal FOIA matters. State and local public-records laws vary widely, and many states have their own ombudsman or appeal mechanism. Check your state’s specific statute for those procedures.

For related background, see our overview of FOIA and public records.