Background

This transmittal amends HALLEX Chapter I-1-4 to reflect changes in Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) procedures in the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act process.

Explanation of Content and Changes

The Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act Staff in ODAR is now located within the Office of Executive Operations and Human Resources, Division of Executive Operations, Audit Liaison Branch. This transmittal updates this chapter to replace references to the Office of Policy, Planning and Evaluation (OPPE) and to update organizational nomenclature.

I-1-4-1 is revised to include language that the agency take affirmative steps to make information public. This language is added to ensure openness and transparency. This is consistent with the President's memorandum of January 21, 2009—Transparency and Open Government.

I-1-4-2 is revised to reflect updated FOIA procedures in hearing offices and regional offices.

I-1-4-3 is revised and reorganized to reflect updated ODAR System of Records, record retention issues, and FOIA/Privacy Act request procedures.

I-1-4-4 is deleted.

Editorial revisions were made throughout the chapter to update addresses, component designations, and regulatory references. All references to “OHA” were revised to “ODAR.”

Date: December 1, 2010