U.S. Department of Agriculture Social Media Settings

Dear Mr. Steinbaugh:

This email acknowledges receipt of your attached Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA), Office of Information Affairs, FOIA Division (OIA-FOIA). Your request was received by this office on March 7, 2022.

The OIA-FOIA is under the purview of the General Counsel (GC) and serves as the focal point for USDA’s FOIA program. It provides coordination and ensures agency-wide compliance with the FOIA.

Additionally, the OIA-FOIA processes requests and appeals on behalf of the Office of the Secretary (OSEC); the Under Secretaries; USDA’s staff offices; and the Research, Education and Economics and Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs mission areas.

The FOIA, 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(6)(A)(i), requires USDA to make a determination in response to a FOIA request within 20 business days from its date of receipt. In unusual circumstances, the Federal agency time limit may be extended by 10 business days as stated in 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(6)(B). If your request seeks numerous records that will necessitate a wide-ranging search, including searches with components and possible consultations with components that have a substantial interest in the determination of this request, USDA will invoke a 10 business day extension for determination of your request. You have the option to narrow the scope of your request to limit the number of potentially responsive records.

Due to the increasing number of FOIA requests received by this office, we may encounter some delay in processing your request. Pursuant to USDA FOIA Regulations, Title 7 CFR §1.6(a), the USDA processes FOIA requests according to their order of receipt.

Provisions of the FOIA allow USDA to recover part of the cost of complying with your request. For purposes of fee assessment, you were categorized as a “all other” requester, pursuant to 7 CFR Appendix A to Subpart A of Part 1, Section (2)(b)(5)(i). For your review and information, a copy of the USDA FOIA Fee Schedule is attached. In accordance with 7 CFR Appendix A to Subpart A of Part 1, Section 3(b), your fees shall be waived where the amount of the fee is $25.00 or less.

You have requested a fee waiver. Your fee waiver request is under consideration.

A search will be conducted for records responsive to your request. If any responsive records are located, they will be reviewed for determination of releasability. Please be assured that a FOIA analyst will respond to your request as expeditiously as possible. We appreciate your patience as we proceed with your request.

Your request has been assigned FOIA Case No. 2022-DA-02499-F. Please refer to this case number in any future correspondence. If you have any questions regarding the processing of this request, please contact Ms. Susan Ruppel at 202-791-8499 or electronically at susan.ruppel@usda.gov<mailto:susan.ruppel@usda.gov> or USDAFOIA@usda.gov<mailto:USDAFOIA@usda.gov>. For additional information regarding USDA FOIA regulations and process, please refer to the information available on-line at Freedom of Information Act Division | USDA<https://www.usda.gov/ogc/office-information-affairs/foia-division>.

We appreciate the opportunity to assist you.

Sincerely,

Office of Information Affairs
Freedom of Information Act Division

[cid:image001.png@01D83217.7A5F6B60]

Susan Ruppel
FOIA Analyst - Contractor
Freedom of Information Act Division
Office of Information Affairs
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20250
202-791-8499
✉ Susan.Ruppel@USDA.gov<mailto:Susan.Ruppel@USDA.gov>

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.

Mr. Steinbaugh:

This email acknowledges receipt of your attached Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA), Office of Information Affairs, FOIA Division (OIA-FOIA). Your request was routed to this office on March 11, 2022. This request pertains only to records maintained by the Research, Education and Economics (REE) mission area of the USDA.

The OIA-FOIA is under the purview of the General Counsel (GC) and serves as the focal point for USDA’s FOIA program. It provides coordination and ensures agency-wide compliance with the FOIA. Additionally, the OIA-FOIA processes requests and appeals on behalf of the Office of the Secretary (OSEC); the Under Secretaries; USDA’s staff offices; and the Research, Education and Economics and Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs mission areas.

The FOIA, 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(6)(A)(i), requires USDA to make a determination in response to a FOIA request within 20 business days from its date of receipt. In unusual circumstances, the Federal agency time limit may be extended by 10 business days as stated in 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(6)(B). If your request seeks numerous records that will necessitate a wide-ranging search, including searches with components and possible consultations with components that have a substantial interest in the determination of this request, USDA will invoke a 10 business day extension for determination of your request. You have the option to narrow the scope of your request to limit the number of potentially responsive records.

Due to the increasing number of FOIA requests received by this office, we may encounter some delay in processing your request. Pursuant to USDA FOIA Regulations, Title 7 CFR §1.6(a), the USDA processes FOIA requests according to their order of receipt.

Provisions of the FOIA allow USDA to recover part of the cost of complying with your request. For purposes of fee assessment, you were categorized as a “all other” requester, pursuant to 7 CFR Appendix A to Subpart A of Part 1, Section (2)(b)(5)(i). For your review and information, a copy of the USDA FOIA Fee Schedule is attached. In accordance with 7 CFR Appendix A to Subpart A of Part 1, Section 3(b), your fees shall be waived where the amount of the fee is $25.00 or less.

A search will be conducted for records responsive to your request. If any responsive records are located, they will be reviewed for determination of releasability. Please be assured that a FOIA analyst will respond to your request as expeditiously as possible. We appreciate your patience as we proceed with your request.

Your request has been assigned FOIA Case No. 2022-REE-02606-F. Please refer to this case number in any future correspondence. If you have any questions regarding the processing of this request, please contact Mr. Nicholas Mantzaris at (202) 791-8516 or electronically at Nicholas.Mantzaris@usda.gov<mailto:Nicholas.Mantzaris@usda.gov> or USDAFOIA@usda.gov<mailto:USDAFOIA@usda.gov>. For additional information regarding USDA FOIA regulations and process, please refer to the information available on-line at https://www.usda.gov/ogc/office-information-affairs/foia-division.

We appreciate the opportunity to assist you.

Sincerely,

Office of Information Affairs

Freedom of Information Act Division

[cid:image001.png@01D8352F.2D1CB220]
Nicholas Mantzaris
FOIA Analyst - Contractor
Freedom of Information Act Division
Office of Information Affairs
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 4049D
Washington, DC 20250
☎ (202) 791-8516
✉ Nicholas.Mantzaris@USDA.gov

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.

Dear Mr. Steinbaugh:

The Office of Information Affairs (OIA), Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Division is under the purview of the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) and serves as the focal point for USDA’s FOIA program. It provides coordination and ensures agency-wide compliance with the FOIA. Additionally, the OIA-FOIA processes requests and appeals on behalf of the Office of the Secretary (OSEC); the Under Secretaries; USDA’s staff offices; and the Research, Education and Economics and Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs mission areas.

USDA has a decentralized FOIA program. Each agency processes its own FOIA requests and appeals independently. In addition to records under the purview of the OIA, your request seeks records that are likely to fall under the purview of the USDA agencies listed at: https://www.usda.gov/media/digital.

Pursuant to USDA regulation 7 C.F.R. § 1.4(c), the OIA is routing the portions of your request pertaining to USDA agencies which maintain the social media accounts listed at https://www.usda.gov/media/digital, specifically, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC), the Forest Service (FS), Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services (FNS), the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), the Food Safety & Inspection Service (FSIS), and Rural Development (RD), to the FOIA officersfor those agencies for processing and direct response to you. The OIA also continues to process your request for responsive records within our purview. You may contact the respective agencies at the addresses listed under “USDA FOIA Points of Contact” on the USDA Office of Information Affairs website: https://www.usda.gov/ogc/office-information-affairs/foia-division.
If you have any questions about this email, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Regards,

[cid:image001.png@01D83537.4B02AE90]

Susan Ruppel
FOIA Analyst - Contractor
Freedom of Information Act Division
Office of Information Affairs
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20250
202-791-8499
✉ Susan.Ruppel@USDA.gov<mailto:Susan.Ruppel@USDA.gov>

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.

Dear Adam Steinbaugh, This email acknowledges receipt of your attached Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Your request was received by this office on March 11, 2022. The FOIA, 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(6)(A)(i), requires USDA to make a determination in response to a FOIA request within 20 business days from its date of receipt. The Federal agency time limit may be extended by 10 business days as stated in 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(6)(B). If your request seeks numerous records that will necessitate a wide-ranging search including searches with components and possible consultations with components that have a substantial interest in the determination of this request, USDA will invoke a 10 business day extension for determination of your request. You have the option to narrow the scope of your request to limit the number of potentially responsive records. Due to the increasing number of FOIA requests received by this office, we may encounter some delay in processing your request. Pursuant to USDA FOIA Regulations, Title 7 CFR §1.6(a), the USDA processes FOIA requests according to their order of receipt. Provisions of the FOIA allow USDA to recover part of the cost of complying with your request. For purposes of fee assessment, you were categorized as a " news media" requester, pursuant to 7 CFR Appendix A to Subpart A of Part 1, Section (2)(b)(5)(i). For your review and information, a copy of the USDA FOIA Fee Schedule is attached. In accordance with 7 CFR Appendix A to Subpart A of Part 1, Section 3(b), your fees shall be waived where the amount of the fee is $25.00 or less. If you requested a fee waiver, please note that it is currently under consideration. A search will be conducted for records responsive to your request. If any responsive records are located, they will be reviewed for determination of releasability. A FOIA specialist will respond to your request as expeditiously as possible. We appreciate your patience as we proceed with your request. Your request has been assigned FOIA Case No. . Please refer to this case number in any future correspondence. If you have any questions regarding the processing of this request, please reply directly to this message or contact 2022-FSIS-00140-F FSIS.FOIA@usda.gov or FOIA specialist Ms. Sarah Ann Scharf at 571-749-5829. For additional information regarding USDA FOIA regulations and process, please refer to the information available online at www.fsis.usda.gov/foia . Sincerely, USDA FSIS FOIA Office

Steinbaugh: This letter acknowledges receipt of your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request (copy attached) dated March 07, 2022, to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Production and Conservation Business Center (FPAC-BC).  Your request was received in this office on March 11, 2022, and assigned control number 2022-FPAC-BC-02612-F. Please use this control number for all future communications regarding this request. You requested the following: I hereby request the following records:With respect to any Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram account created, operated, or maintained by your agency:1. A copy of the list of people, accounts, or pages banned by that account. This list is accessible by logging into the account as anadministrator and:(a) On Facebook, clicking "Settings" t the top of the official page, (C) clicking “People and Other Pages” in the left column, and (D) selecting “BannedPeople and Pages” from the drop-down menu. The final URL should look like: https://www.facebook.com/.../settings/? tab=people_and_other_pages.(b) On Twitter, navigating to this URL while logged into the account: https://twitter.com/settings/blocked.(c) On Instagram, follow these instructions: https://help.instagram.com/461525818338125/?helpref=uf_share.2. A copy of the settings for the Facebook page. This list is accessible by (A) logging into the Facebook page as an administrator, and then (B)clicking “Settings” at the top of the official page. The URL should look like: https://www.facebook.com/.../settings/?tab=settings.3. A copy of any policy concerning employee use of social media or use of your agency's social media accounts by the public.These requests include, and are limited to, the Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages referenced here: https://www.usda.gov/media/digital. Your request is being handled under the provisions of the FOIA, 5 U.S.C. § 552 ( http://www.usdoj.gov/oip/amended-foia-redlined.pdf ). We process requests on a first-in, first-out basis.  The actual processing time will depend upon the complexity of the request and whether or not it involves sensitive or voluminous records, or extensive searches and/or consultations.  We also process requests on a multi-track basis.  This means that simple requests, requiring minimal effort to respond, are processed in one track, and more voluminous and complex requests are processed in another track.  We have placed your request in the Simple track. We will be in contact with you as soon as possible regarding the cost estimate for this request, if applicable. If you have any questions regarding the processing of this request, please (insert contact information). We can also be reachedat the group e-mail address SM.FP.FOIA@usda.gov I appreciate the opportunityto assist you in this matter. Sincerely, Patrick McLoughlin Patrick McLoughlin FOIA Officer

Dear Mr. Steinbaugh,

This email confirms receipt of your attached FOIA request. Your request was routed from the USDA Office of Information Affairs and received in the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) FOIA Office on March 11, 2022. Our office will be processing the AMS portion of your request. The assigned tracking number 2022-AMS-00098-F. Please reference this number in any future communications with our office regarding your request.

Pursuant to the FOIA, 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(6)(A)(i), AMS has 20 business days upon receipt of your request to make a determination. In unusual circumstances, such as the need to search for and collect records from field offices, the need to examine a voluminous amount of records, or the need to consult with another agency, AMS can extend the 20-day time limit for processing a request. AMS generally processes FOIA requests on a "first-in/first-out" basis; however, the actual processing time will depend upon the complexity of your request, including whether it involves sensitive or voluminous records, business submitter records, extensive searches, and/or multiple consultations both within and outside of the Agency.

We will comply with your request to the fullest extent permissible by law. Any records not subject to an exemption will be forwarded to you promptly upon completion of AMS' search and review process.

If you have any questions regarding the status of your request, please contact Heather Higgs, Government Information Specialist, at (202) 641-8684 or by email at heather.higgs@usda.gov<mailto:heather.higgs@usda.gov>.

Thank you,

Heather Higgs
Government Information Specialist
FOIA Office
Agricultural Marketing Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Bozeman, Montana
Office/Cell: (202) 641-8684

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.

Dear Mr. Steinbaugh This email acknowledges receipt of your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, dated March 14, 2022, which was received in the Washington Office (WO) FOIA Service Center on March 14, 2022 .  Y ou requested: 1. A copy of the list of people, accounts, or pages banned by that account. This list is accessible by logging into the account as an administrator and:2. A copy of the settings for the Facebook page. This list is accessible by (A) logging into the Facebook page as an administrator, and then (B) clicking “Settings” at the top of the official page. The URL should look like: https://www.facebook.com/.../settings/?tab=settings.3. A copy of any policy concerning employee use of social media or use of your agency's social media accounts by the public.These requests include, and are limited to, the Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages referenced here: https://www.usda.gov/media/digital.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. Please be advisedthat the WO FOIA Service Center has a backlog of pending FOIA requests andappeals.  We are diligently working to process each request and appeal inthe order in which it was received.  Your patience is greatly appreciated. To check on the status of your request you may contact Ms. Fanny Ogbonna via e-mail to Fanny.Ogbonna@usda.gov.  Please reference your assigned case number, 2022-FS-WO-02648-F.
Thank you,

FOIA Service Center Team Forest Service

Good Afternoon MuckRock News, This email is to confirm Rural DevelopmentFOIA Office has received your PAL request.  Attached is anacknowledgement letter for your FOIA Case No. 2022-RD-02663-F. Please reference the case number listed above in any of your communicationswith our office.  Thank you. Best Regards, Bridzette Lane FOIA Assistant, Records and Information Branch Enterprise Services Division, Rural Development Phone: 202.720.4297

Good evening Mr. Steinbaugh:

This email acknowledges receipt of your attached Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA),
Your request was received by the Office of Information Affairs (OIA) on behalf of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) on March 16, 2022.

The OIA-FOIA Division is processing your request. OIA is under the purview of the General Counsel and serves as the focal point for USDA’s FOIA program. It provides coordination and ensures agency-wide compliance with the FOIA. Additionally, the OIA processes requests and appeals on behalf of the Office of the Secretary (OSEC); the Under Secretaries; the USDA’s staff offices, not including the Office of Inspector General; and the Research, Education and Economics and Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs (TFAA) mission areas.

The FOIA, 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(6)(A)(i), requires USDA to make a determination in response to a FOIA request within 20 business days from its date of receipt. In unusual circumstances, the Federal agency time limit may be extended by 10 business days as stated in 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(6)(B). If your request seeks numerous records that will necessitate a wide-ranging search, including searches with components and possible consultations with components that have a substantial interest in the determination of this request, USDA will invoke a 10 business day extension for determination of your request. You have the option to narrow the scope of your request to limit the number of potentially responsive records.

Due to the increasing number of FOIA requests received by this office, we may encounter some delay in processing your request. Pursuant to USDA FOIA Regulations, Title 7 CFR §1.6(a), the USDA processes FOIA requests according to their order of receipt.

Provisions of the FOIA allow USDA to recover part of the cost of complying with your request. For purposes of fee assessment, you were categorized as a “all other” requester, pursuant to 7 CFR Appendix A to Subpart A of Part 1, Section (2)(b)(5)(i). For your review and information, a copy of the USDA FOIA Fee Schedule is attached. In accordance with 7 CFR Appendix A to Subpart A of Part 1, Section 3(b), your fees shall be waived where the amount of the fee is $25.00 or less. You will be contacted before fees are accrued.

A search will be conducted for records responsive to your request. If any responsive records are located, they will be reviewed for determination of releasability. Please be assured that a FOIA analyst will respond to your request as expeditiously as possible. We appreciate your patience as we proceed with your request.

Your request has been assigned FOIA Case No. 2022-FAS-02690-F. Please refer to this case number in any future correspondence. I will be your point of contact going forward. If you have any questions regarding the processing of this request, please contact me at Jeffrey.crile@usda.gov<mailto:Jeffrey.crile@usda.gov>, at the number listed below, or if you cannot reach me, by emailing USDAFOIA@usda.gov<mailto:USDAFOIA@usda.gov>. For additional information regarding USDA FOIA regulations and process, please refer to the information available on-line at https://www.usda.gov/ogc/office-information-affairs/foia-division.

We appreciate the opportunity to assist you.

Sincerely,
Jeff

[cid:image001.png@01D83940.BECCC290]
Jeff Crile, Esq.
FOIA Analyst, Attorney-Contractor
Servicing the Foreign Agricultural Service
Freedom of Information Act Division
Office of Information Affairs
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., SW, Rm #4049-B
Washington, DC 20250
☎ 202.720.7732
✉ Jeffrey.Crile@USDA.gov<mailto:Jeffrey.Crile@USDA.gov>

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.

MuckRock News:

Hope this email finds you well. The attachments are pertaining to your FOIA request 2022-RD-02544-F.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me.

Thank you,

Claudia Palacios
Government Information Specialist
Record and Information Branch
Enterprise Service Division, Rural Development
United States Department of Agriculture
Phone: 202.205.7362
www.rd.usda.gov<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rd.usda.gov%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7C49ee69e24057444b730208d7bb7d56f3%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C637184019314616568&sdata=AeLPPS8WbmwYXfm657qtryrHNXNBsG9SZJELq3AdlYI%3D&reserved=0>

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.

MuckRock News:

Hope this email finds you well. The attachments are pertaining to your FOIA request 2022-RD-02663-F.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me.

Thank you,

Claudia Palacios
Government Information Specialist
Record and Information Branch
Enterprise Service Division, Rural Development
United States Department of Agriculture
Phone: 202.205.7362
www.rd.usda.gov<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rd.usda.gov%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7C49ee69e24057444b730208d7bb7d56f3%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C637184019314616568&sdata=AeLPPS8WbmwYXfm657qtryrHNXNBsG9SZJELq3AdlYI%3D&reserved=0>

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.

Good evening Adam,

Please find the attached response. Let me know if there are any questions.

Best,
Jeff

[cid:image001.png@01D83A37.F8D3EC00]
Jeff Crile, Esq.
FOIA Analyst, Attorney-Contractor
Servicing the Foreign Agricultural Service
Freedom of Information Act Division
Office of Information Affairs
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., SW, Rm #4049-B
Washington, DC 20250
☎ 202.720.7732
✉ Jeffrey.Crile@USDA.gov<mailto:Jeffrey.Crile@USDA.gov>

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.

See attached.

Final agency response attached.

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.

Dear Mr. Steinbaugh,

Please find attached the final response letter for FOIA 2022-AMS-00098-F.

Thank you,

Heather Higgs
Government Information Specialist
FOIA Office
Agricultural Marketing Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Bozeman, Montana
Office/Cell: (202) 641-8684

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.

Good morning, Mr. Steinbaugh.

Please find the attached correspondence pertaining to the subject Freedom of Information Act request. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Sarah A. Scharf, Esq.
Government Information Specialist
Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education
Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA
Room 1170 South Building
Washington, DC 20250
Sarah.Scharf@usda.gov<mailto:Sarah.Scharf@usda.gov>

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.

Mr. Steinbaugh:

Please see attached the final response letter and responsive document set for your FOIA request.

The OIA appreciates the opportunity to assist you with this matter.

[cid:image001.png@01D8403F.909598B0]
Nicholas Mantzaris
FOIA Analyst - Contractor
Freedom of Information Act Division
Office of Information Affairs
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 4049D
Washington, DC 20250
☎ (202) 791-8516
✉ Nicholas.Mantzaris@USDA.gov

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.

March 28, 2022 Dear Adam Steinbaugh
Attached please find a final/interim response letter in addition to records responsive to your request.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions or need assistance.
I can be reached at McLoughlin, Patrick Patrick.mcloughlin@usda.gov (202) 590-6168

Dear Mr. Steinbaugh:

Please find attached the Final Response associated with the above-referenced Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request you submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Information Affairs, FOIA Division. A copy of your incoming request is also attached for easy reference.

Sincerely,

[cid:image001.png@01D85B05.896F0C70]

Susan Ruppel
FOIA Analyst - Contractor
Freedom of Information Act Division
Office of Information Affairs
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20250
202-791-8499
✉ Susan.Ruppel@USDA.gov<mailto:Susan.Ruppel@USDA.gov>

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.

MuckRock News:

Hope this email finds you well. The attachments are pertaining to your FOIA request 2022-RD-02663-F.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me.

Thank you,

Claudia Palacios
Government Information Specialist
Record and Information Branch
Enterprise Service Division, Rural Development
United States Department of Agriculture
Phone: 202.205.7362
www.rd.usda.gov<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rd.usda.gov%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7C49ee69e24057444b730208d7bb7d56f3%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C637184019314616568&sdata=AeLPPS8WbmwYXfm657qtryrHNXNBsG9SZJELq3AdlYI%3D&reserved=0>

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Goodafternoon,
Thisemail is in reference to the above FOIA request filed with the USDA in March 2022, a copy of which is also attached.  First, I would like to apologizefor the delay in responding to your request.  The agency is workingthrough a large backlog of requests.  I was recently hired and assignedyour request and wanted to know if you were still interested in receivingrecords.  If you are no longer interested, please let me know, so that wecan conserve agency resources. Please respond to this emailwith your continued interest by May 20, 2023. If we do not receive a responsefrom you by that date we will assume you are no longer interested in theprocessing of this FOIA request and it will be closed administratively. Thataction would not preclude you from re-submitting a similar request in thefuture, if you choose to.  If you are still interested, I am alsoavailable to discuss possible narrowing of your request in order toprovide you a response much sooner.  Please note that we are only processing your request as it pertains to our office. Thank you for your patience as we continueto process this request.