In an effort to unify FOIA processing and reporting throughout NOAA, the NOAA FOIA Office is currently reviewing off-the-shelf electronic database systems that are compatible with the current Oracle FOIA database used by the NOAA FOIA Office. Upon selection of a system and implementation of an off-the-shelf system, the database will be opened to NOAA FOIA Liaisons nationwide. This will create a centralized electronic system that will enable NOAA's FOIA liaisons to update and enter statistics on FOIA requests assigned to their offices and to retrieve FOIA reports instantaneously. The Commerce Department Form CD-244, FOIA Request and Action Record, will also be tied into the database, enabling data typed on this form to be dumped into the new database. This system will also eliminate the subsidiary FOIA logs kept by NOAA's FOIA liaisons.
ELECTRONIC FOIA READING ROOM
NOAA's Electronic FOIA Reading Room is located at 1315 East-West Highway, Room 10730, SSMC-3. This facility includes a computer, scanner, copier for individuals who are interested in accessing NOAA's electronic records. Conventional reading room materials are also available at this location.
FOIA HOME PAGE
The NOAA FOIA Home Page encompasses all the requirements of the Electronic FOIA Amendments of 1996. The home page went online in November 1997, as required by the Electronic FOIA Amendments, and was completely developed and designed by members of the NOAA FOIA Office. The NOAA FOIA Home Page address is: http://www.ofa.noaa.gov/~foia. It can also be accessed by pressing the Corporate Information button on the NOAA Finance and Administration Home Page or by pressing the FOIA button on the NOAA Home Page. A review and update of all information and links on the home page was completed in June 2003.
FOIA LIAISON OUTREACH
In October 2002, NOAA FOIA Office conducted a training section for NOAA FOIA Liaison Officers. A training handbook was developed and distributed to all attendees. The handbook was mailed to liaison officers who did not attend the meeting. Other pertinent material distributed at the meeting included the May 2002 Edition, Freedom of Information Act Guide & Privacy Overview, May 2002 Edition, Freedom of Information Case List, a pamphlet on NOAA's Freedom of Information Act Program, and various materials used in processing FOIA requests. The staff is available on a daily basis to provide FOIA guidance to NOAA offices and to serve as a liaison with external customers on FOIA issues or general FOIA information. Individuals who assume or vacate NOAA FOIA liaison positions are requested to notify the NOAA FOIA Office, (301) 713-3540, so arrangements can be made to train individuals who assume new FOIA liaison positions. An upcoming formal training seminar will be scheduled this fall.
FOIA TRAINING TUTORIAL
The training tutorial was developed to assist all NOAA FOIA liaisons, managers, and FOIA processors to perform their FOIA duties more efficiently. This tutorial is designed to provide all those who work in FOIA with in-depth information to ensure NOAA compliance with the FOIA. Suggestions for adding information to this tutorial may be sent to Jean.Carter.Johnson@noaa.gov or Marie.H.Marks@noaa.gov.