(a) The bureau will notify you under this section unless:
(1) The anticipated fee is less than $50 (you will not be charged if the fee for processing your request is less than $50, unless multiple requests are aggregated under Sec. 2.54 of this subpart).
(2) You have been granted a full fee waiver; or
(3) You have previously 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 assurance of payment under paragraph (b)(2) of this section within 20 workdays, the request will be closed.
(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 Public Liaison can assist you.