View all text of Subpart G [§ 2.37 - § 2.56]
§ 2.49 - When will you be notified of anticipated fees?
(a) The bureau will notify you under this section unless:
(1) The anticipated fee is less than $50 (see § 2.37(g) of this subpart).
(2) You have been granted a full fee waiver;
(3)Your request does not reasonably describe the records sought and/or does not explicitly state that you will pay all fees associated with the processing of the request, that you will pay fees up to a specified amount, and/or that you are seeking a fee waiver; or
(4) You have already agreed to pay all the fees associated with the request.
(b) If none of the above exceptions apply, the bureau will:
(1) Promptly notify you of the estimated costs for search, review, and/or duplication;
(2) Ask you to provide written assurance within 20 workdays that you will pay all fees or fees up to a designated amount;
(3) Notify you that it will not be able to comply with your FOIA request unless you provide the written assurance requested; and
(4) Give you an opportunity to reduce the fee by modifying the request.
(c) If the bureau does not receive your written response containing the additional information that resolves any fee issues, in accordance with paragraphs (b)(2) and/or (b)(4) of this section, within 20 workdays after the bureau has requested it, the bureau will presume that you are no longer interested in the records and will close the file on the request.
(d) After the bureau begins processing a request, if it finds that the actual cost will exceed the amount you previously agreed to pay, the bureau will:
(1) Stop processing the request;
(2) Promptly notify you of the higher amount and ask you to provide written assurance of payment; and
(3) Notify you that it will not be able to fully comply with your FOIA request unless you provide the written assurance requested; and
(4) Give you an opportunity to reduce the fee by modifying the request.
(e) If you wish to modify your request in an effort to reduce fees, the bureau's FOIA Requester Center can assist you.