About OGIS
OGIS is the Federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Ombudsman. Under FOIA, OGIS reviews agency compliance with FOIA, provides mediation services to resolve FOIA disputes, and identifies policies and procedures for improving FOIA compliance.
Congress created OGIS within the National Archives and Records Administration when it passed the OPEN Government Act of 2007 amendments to the FOIA (5 U.S.C. § 552). OGIS's doors opened in September 2009. In addition to its compliance and dispute resolution functions, OGIS’s Director chairs the Federal FOIA Advisory Committee, with staff providing the Committee with administrative support. OGIS’s director also co-chairs the Chief FOIA Officers' Council. OGIS provides dispute resolution training for FOIA staff of Federal agencies, and engages key FOIA stakeholders, including the requester community, civil society groups, and open government advocates.
OGIS can also help you. If you want more information on how to file a FOIA request, the Additional FOIA Resources page. If you have already made a FOIA request and are interested in OGIS's dispute resolution services, see our page on Requesting OGIS Assistance. If you are not sure whether or not OGIS can help, please contact us.