Code of Federal Regulations (alpha)

CFR /  Title 43  /  Part 2  /  Sec. 2.15 What is multitrack processing and how does it affect

(a) Bureaus use processing tracks to distinguish simple requests from more complex ones on the basis of the estimated number of workdays needed to process the request.

(b) In determining the number of workdays needed to process the request, the bureau considers factors such as the number of pages involved in processing the request or the need for consultations.

(c) The basic processing tracks are designated as follows:

(1) Simple: requests in this track will take between one to five workdays to process;

(2) Normal: requests in this track will take between six to twenty workdays to process;

(3) Complex: requests in this track will take between twenty-one workdays and sixty workdays to process; or

(4) Exceptional/Voluminous: requests in this track involve very complex processing challenges, which may include a large number of potentially responsive records, and will take over sixty workdays to process.

(d) Bureaus also have a specific processing track for requests that are granted expedited processing under the standards in Sec. 2.20 of this part. These requests will be processed as soon as practicable.

(e) Bureaus must advise you of the track into which your request falls and, when appropriate, will offer you an opportunity to narrow your request so that it can be placed in a different processing track.

(f) The use of multitrack processing does not alter the statutory deadline for a bureau to determine whether to comply with your FOIA request (see Sec. 2.16 of this part).