USAID’s Bureau for Management (M), Management Services, Information and Records Division has been working enthusiastically with the M/Office of the Chief Information Officer, to ensure the information security and integrity of the public access link (PAL) on the web, in addition to configuring the features.
The launch of USAID’s PAL is planned for deployment in FY 2013, pending successful completion of security certification and accreditation process. The PAL will allow FOIA requesters to submit their request on-line; attach supporting documents; correspond with the Government Information Specialist assigned to their request; receive status updates; view the entire request submission history; and also receive the final response letter and documents. The portal will also allow the public to download frequently requested records from USAID’s FOIA Library.
The PAL will increase transparency and offer on-demand status updates. For USAID, the ability to offer FOIA requesters status updates and unprecedented access to FOIA processes, will lend itself to decreased response times, enhance our FOIA customer service and improve overall FOIA administration.