ATTN: FOIA request from Business Insider

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following records:

-- Copies of any and all communications, including emails, email attachments, text messages, voicemails, and memos, held by the Department of Veterans Affairs referencing the Department of Government Efficiency’s “DOGE” access to agency data systems and records
-- The list of Department of Government Efficiency “DOGE” employees with a “@va.gov” email domain

Please provide records from 01/20/25 through the date this request is processed.

For reference, according to news reports, VA leaders confirmed that they're working with DOGE officials for purposes of "identifying wasteful contracts, improving VA operations and strengthening management of the department's IT projects." Please make sure to provide names and contact info for those DOGE officials: https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2025/02/06/va-leaders-working-with-doge-but-say-veterans-personal-info-is-secure/

I would like these records in electronic format, transmitted via email or other digital method; please refrain from sending paper copies of the records.

If you determine that any of the information qualifies for an exemption from disclosure, I ask you to note whether the exemption is discretionary, and if so whether it is necessary in this case to exercise your discretion to withhold the information. In any event, please provide a signed notification citing the legal authorities on which you rely if you determine that any of the information is exempt and will not be disclosed.

Please waive any applicable fees; this information is being sought for reporting purposes. As I am making this request as a journalist and this information is timely, I would appreciate your communicating with me by telephone if you have questions regarding this request. If I can provide any clarification that will help expedite the processing of my request, please contact me directly at 714-833-8487.

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Nicole Einbinder