Official Use Requests

Official Use Requests may be made by service members, federal civilian personnel, or federal contractors seeking records that are necessary to fulfill their official duties.  Requested records may be designated “For Official Use Only,” Controlled Unclassified Information,” and/or “Classified.”

The following do not qualify as Official Use Requests:

  • Requests for records from Members of Congress.
  • Requests for records pursuant to the FOIA and/or the Privacy Act.
  • Requests for EEO records.
  • Requests to share records with foreign governments or international organizations.
  • Requests to share records in bulk requiring formal data sharing agreements.
  • Sharing of records pursuant to personnel security requirements.
  • Sharing of records pursuant to formal agreements to conduct joint investigations, joint audits, and joint evaluations.
  • Touhy requests and incoming subpoenas.

Submission Requirements

Requests by service members and federal civilian personnel must be submitted on signed agency letterhead and include the following:

  • The requester’s name, position, and contact information;
  • The scope of the information requested and the response deadline; and
  • The basis for the need to know and the intended use.

Requests by federal contractors must be submitted on agency letterhead and signed by the Government representative the contractor supports.  Requests must also include the following:

  • The requester’s name, position, and contact information;
  • The scope of the information requested and the response deadline;
  • A statement that the contractor is cleared to receive the information at the level in which it is classified;
  • An explanation as to why the contractor needs the information in the course of their official duties;
  • An acknowledgment that the requesting agency will ensure the contractor complies with handling requirements and that the agency is responsible for the contractor’s handling of the information; and
  • A statement confirming that the DoD OIG can share the information directly with the contractor or whether it must be provided to the Government representative that the contract supports.

Official Use Requests are subject to review by the issuing DoD OIG component.  You may be contacted for additional information.  Please do not submit Official Use Requests through FOIA.gov; rather, submit your request to OIGOUR@dodig,mil.