FOIA Records Analyst

BRILLIENT CORPORATION•Silver Spring, MD

124d•Onsite

About The Position

The FOIA Disclosure Specialist supports the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) program through the review, analysis, redaction, and release of responsive records. This position is responsible for ensuring FOIA requests are processed accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable statutes, regulations, agency policies, and procedures. The role requires strong analytical and communication skills, sound judgment in making disclosure and redaction determinations, and the ability to effectively interact and negotiate with requesters, regulated industry representatives, agency staff, contractors, and other stakeholders. The position may also involve the review of scientific and technical records and the application of regulatory and subject-matter knowledge to disclosure determinations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Health, Regulatory Affairs, Information Science, Legal Studies, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
Minimum six (6) years of experience processing FOIA requests or performing closely related information disclosure, records management, compliance, or regulatory work.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience applying FOIA laws, regulations, rules, and procedures.
Demonstrated experience reviewing and redacting records containing trade secrets and confidential commercial information (CCI).
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance.
Strong analytical skills and sound judgment, with the ability to evaluate records and make appropriate disclosure and redaction determinations.
Hands-on experience with Adobe Acrobat Pro or similar approved software for electronic document review and redaction.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with requesters, regulated industry representatives, agency personnel, contractors, and other stakeholders.
Demonstrated negotiation and problem-solving skills to effectively facilitate the processing and resolution of FOIA requests.
Ability to clearly and accurately communicate disclosure decisions and prepare supporting correspondence.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet established processing timelines and performance standards.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting a regulatory agency, preferably the FDA.
Knowledge of FDA laws, regulations, and procedures and their application to FDA records and FOIA requests.
Experience reviewing scientific, technical, pharmaceutical, biological, or other regulated-industry records.
Experience supporting FOIA or disclosure-related litigation, including preparation of Vaughn indices.
Experience working with FOIA tracking databases or other electronic records management systems.

Responsibilities

Process FOIA requests from receipt through final response, supporting cradle-to-grave request processing.
Review FOIA requests to determine appropriate actions, processing requirements, and response timelines.
Search, identify, analyze, and process records responsive to FOIA requests.
Review records and recommend appropriate disclosure, withholding, or redaction determinations under FOIA, the Privacy Act, and applicable regulations.
Prepare FOIA request folders, maintain accurate request documentation, track requests in agency systems, and draft response correspondence.
Prepare indexes of produced documents, including document details, withheld portions, and applicable exemption codes.
Review routine disclosure requests and recommend clearance of disclosure activities.
Ensure disclosure analyses are accurate, complete, timely, and contain only information appropriate for release.
Apply demonstrated knowledge of FOIA laws, regulations, rules, and procedures to disclosure determinations.
Maintain awareness of current statutory, regulatory, and policy developments affecting FOIA and disclosure activities.
Apply scientific and technical knowledge, including an understanding of drug and biological products, when reviewing records with scientific content.
Review and redact records in accordance with FOIA, the OPEN Government Act, the E-Government Act, applicable regulations, agency guidance, and established job aids and procedures.
Appropriately apply FOIA exemptions and other applicable statutory protections to ensure exempt information is withheld.
Review and redact records containing trade secrets and confidential commercial information (CCI).
Use Adobe Acrobat Pro or other approved software to electronically redact and prepare records, including boxing exempt material, sanitization, and Bates numbering when applicable.
Conduct quality-control reviews to ensure released records do not contain information exempt from disclosure.
Prepare documents and Vaughn indices in support of disclosure-related litigation, as required.
Draft original correspondence for release on behalf of the agency.
Communicate professionally and effectively with FOIA requesters, regulated industry representatives, sponsors, agency staff, contractors, and other stakeholders.
Clarify the scope and requirements of FOIA requests and provide appropriate status updates.
Serve as a liaison with requesters and, when appropriate, other agencies or appellants.
Use effective negotiation and problem-solving skills to facilitate the timely processing and resolution of FOIA requests.
Clearly explain disclosure decisions and communicate complex regulatory or disclosure requirements to internal and external stakeholders.
Ensure disclosure analyses and work products comply with FOIA, the Privacy Act, applicable statutes and regulations, agency policies, job aids, and procedures.
Stay current on changes to FOIA requirements, statutes, regulations, and agency policies.
Apply sound judgment and attention to detail when making disclosure and redaction recommendations.
Ensure released materials contain only information appropriate for disclosure.
Meet established agency performance standards, including quality, review rates, processing timelines, and other applicable metrics.
Maintain accurate and timely data entry in FOIA tracking databases and agency systems.
Monitor request backlogs and prioritize sensitive, complex, or time-critical requests.
Maintain accurate records and documentation throughout the FOIA processing lifecycle.
Prepare document indexes and other supporting materials required for disclosure processing.
Support reporting requirements for leadership, oversight personnel, and agency stakeholders.