How do I use FOIA to get information and how much would it cost?

Question

DON'T put links to something with 100 pages of nothing.

Answer 1

If I knew what costs you are referring to, I could provide you with addresses.  If it has something to do with Federal Government Programs, much information can be obtained from the GAO, the Government Accounting Office.  All you have to do is to write a letter to the GAO (Government Accounting Office) asking for the costs of whatever program or item you're looking for "Under the Freedom of Information Act" (FOIA).  The Office is required to respond, I believe within 30 days.     Your State Treasurer's Office often has information on costs and if the costs are local, such as your local School Board, the School Board is required to publish the Budget at certain times of the year.  Any item can be FOIA'd and the only reason they could deny you that information is if it is a major item in a lawsuit or if it pertains to personal information regarding students or school personnel.   Good Luck.

Answer 2

You would have to make a FOIA request to the agency you want the information from.  The costs will vary from agency to agency (the big issue is the amount of time and effort gathering the information will require).

One thing to keep in mind is that FOIA requests tend to be regarded as something that interferes with that person's real job.  So make sure that you are polite to the people when you make the request and thank them for their efforts on your behalf.