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  1. Last Updated: May 22, 2008

    U.S. Public Records Law

    Documents and other data are often the building blocks of a great investigative report. So understanding and using laws that give you access to such information are necessary tools of the trade.

  2. Last Updated: May 22, 2008

    Suggested FOI Resources

    Suggested online resources for more detailed information on filing FOIA requests include:

  3. Last Updated: May 22, 2008

    Sample FOIA Request Letter

    A sample request letter for public records covered by the Freedom of Information Act

  4. Last Updated: May 22, 2008

    General Instructions for Filing Requests

    Instructions for Filing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests

  5. Last Updated: May 22, 2008

    Exemptions under the FOIA

    The federal law allows for nine specific exemptions, although an agency cannot withhold an entire document because some parts are exempt from disclosure. The FOIA states that the agency can delete only the exempted parts and must release the remaining information. Even if you are uncertain, do not let the exemptions prevent you from filing a FOIA request. Generally, the exemptions cover:

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  1. Last Updated: Apr 08, 2008

    Iraq/Afghanistan Contractors

    U.S. military contracts worth up to $48.7 billion

    150+ companies

    Search the more than 150 companies with U.S. military contracts worth up to $48.7 billion for work in Iraq and Afghanistan.

  2. Last Updated: Nov 30, 2006

    Divine Intervention

    PEPFAR Grants

    PEPFAR Grants

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The Center for Public Integrity is dedicated to producing original, responsible investigative journalism on issues of public concern in the USA and around the world.

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International Consortium of Investigative Journalists

The Center’s International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) is a collaboration of some of the world’s leading investigative reporters. ICIJ extends globally the Center’s style of watchdog journalism, working with 100 reporters in 50 countries to produce long-term, transnational projects.

ICIJ website