National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) 5 Oldest FOIA Requests, as of June 2009

8/7/2019 National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) 5 Oldest FOIA Requests, as of June 2009

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http://www.blackvault.com/


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NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE14675 Lee RoadChantilly, VA 20151-1715

10 November 2010John Greenewald, J r .

Dear Mr. Greenewald:This i s in response to your emai l , dated 17 June 009,

rece ived in the Informat ion Management Serv ices Center of theNat ional Reconnaissance Office (NRO) on 17 June 2008. Pursuantto the Freedom o f Informat ion Act (FOIA), you are requ s t i n g th ecop ies o f , " ... the 5 oldes t OPEN FOIA case / reques t s record .Please inc lude a l l l e t t e r s o f correspondence to and m therequesters , a l l in teragency memos/ communications, rch o fa l l e lec t ron ic records , e tc .... n

Your reques t was processed in accordance wi th the Freedomo f Informat ion Act, 5 U.S.C. 552, as amended. A tho oughsearch of our f i l e s and databases loca ted f ive recordsrespons ive to your reques t t o t a l i n g 190 pages . These ecordsare being re leased to you in p a r t .

The m a t e ~ i a l being withheld i s denied pursuan t to FOIAexemptions :

- (b) (1) as proper ly c l a s s i f i e d in fo rmat ion under Execut iveOrder 12 958 , Sect ion 1 .4 (c ) ;(b) (3) which a l lows th e withholding of informatproh ib i t ed from disc losure by s t a t u t e , 10 U.S.Cwhich s t a t e s : "Except as required by the Pres iprovided in subsec t ion (c) , no provision of lawconstrued to requ i re th e disc losure of (1) Theorgan iza t ion o r any funct ion ... (2) ... nupersons employed by or ass igned o r de ta i l ed toorgan iza t ion o r th e name, o f f i c i a l t i t l e , occupse r i e s , grade, o r sa l a ry of any such person .Covered Organizat ions . . th e National ReconnOff ice ; " and(b) (6) which app l ies to records which, ifco n s t i t u t e a c l ea r ly unwarranted invas ionpr ivacy of indiv idua ls .

on 424

i ssance

ed, wouldpersonal


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The FOIA author izes fede ra l agencies to assess fees fo rrecord se rv ices . Based upon th e information provided , you havebeen placed in th e "educa t iona l / s c ien t i f i c /med ia" ca te ory o freques te rs f which means you are responsib le fo r dupl ic t ion fees( .15 per page) exceeding 10 0 pages . Addi t ional informa ion aboutfees can be found on our websi te a t www.nro.gov .fees have been incurred in t h i s case . essable

You have th e r i g h t to appeal t h i s determinat ion baddressing your appeal to the NRO Appeal Authori ty , 14 75 LeeRoad, Chant i l ly , VA 20151-1715, within 60 days of the a te o ft h i s l e t t e r . Should you decide to do so , please exp la 'n th ebas i s o f your appeal .

I f you have any ques t ions , please ca l l the Reques e rService Center a t (703) 227 -9326 and re fe rence case nu e r F09-0093.

Enclosures :

Sincere ly ,~ L Stephen R. GlennChief , Informat ion A cess

and Release Team

1) Correspondence fo r th e NRO's 5 o ldes t OPEN FOIA ases :F02-0001F03-0033F06-0057F06-0072F07-0088


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F02-0001


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( NRO A proved fo r ReleaseNATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE14675 Lee Road

Chantilly, VA 201511715

2 Oc ober 2001Information Access and Release Center(703) 808-5029

Mr. Je f f rey T. Richelson3201 Landover S t r e e t , #1404Alexandr ia , VA 22305Dear Mr. Richelson:

This i s in response to your l e t t e r , da ted 29 Septe2001, r ece iv ed in the Informat ion Access and Release Ce o fth e Nat ional Reconnaissance Off i ce (NRO) on 2 October 2Pursuan t to th e Freedom of Informat ion Act (FOIA) , youreques t ing " . . . Fina l Repor ts of the DNRO . . . . "

We have accepted your reques t . It w i l l be process d inaccordance wi th th e FOIA, 5 U.S.C. 552, as amended.Since we may not respond wi th in the 20 working day

s t i p u l a t e d by th e Act, you have th e r i g h t to cons ider tden ia l and may appeal to the NRO Appeal Review Pane l .seem more reasonab le , however, to have us cont inue procyour r eq u es t and respond as soon as we can. You can apden ia l of records a t t h a t t ime . Unless we hear from yootherwise , we w i l l assume t h a t you agree , and w i l l proct h i s b as i s .

, You have th e r i g h t to appea l t h i s determinat ion byaddress ing your appea l to the NRO Appeal Author i ty , 146Road, Chant i l ly , VA 20151-1715 with in 60 days of th e abShould you dec ide to do t h i s , please expla in th e b a s i sap p ea l .

i s as at would

5 Lee.ve da te .f your

As you a re aware, the FOIA au thor izes f ed e ra l agen ie s toasse ss fees fo r record se rv ice s . B a ~ e d upon the inform t i on youprov ided , you have been placed in to the "other" ca tego , whichmeans t h a t a r eq u es t e r i s responsib le fo r search in exc ss o ftwo hour s and reproduct ion cos t s in excess o f 100 pages .

-


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NRO pproved for Release

waiverPlease be advised regarding your request for a feethat fee waivers or reductions are granted when there i s apublic in te res t in disclosure of info:nnation, which wil lcontribute s ignif icant ly to the public 's understanding ooperations or act iv i t ies of the NRO. A decision to waivreduce fees cannot be made unti l af ter responsive documebe disclosed have been reviewed for "public in teres t . "

theorts to

For reference purposes, your request has been assig ed casenumber F02-0001. I f you have any questions, please ca l l me a t(703) 808-5029 and reference your case number.

Sincerely,

Barbara E. FreimannChief; InformationRelease Center

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(

MEMORANDUM FOR INFORMATION DECLASSIFICATION AND REVICENTER

ATTENTION: ,, . (~ - f l i j _ f & ) __- - jSUBJECT: FOIA Request - F02-0001

We have received a request from Jeffrey Richelsspecif ic memoranda noted in his attached request. Welocated four of the documents which are twenty-five rs orolder .

Please review the documents attached for declass f icat ion,indicat ing what portions require continued protect ionI f you have any questions, please ca l l me a treference case number F02-0001.

Attachments:Request LetterDNRO Final Reports:1963, 1965, 1969, & 1972

Barbara E. FreimannChief, InformationAccess and Release Cent

and


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NRO proved fo r Release

NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE

7 Feb ary 2002

MEMORANDUM FOR THE DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL INTELLIGENCEATTENTION: U ) : : _ _ - -__ _jSUBJECT: Freedom of Information Request--Mr. Jeffrey(NRO FOIA Case F02-0001)

In our search fo r records responsive to the FreedoInformation Act (FOIA) request from Mr. Jeffrey Richels29 September 2001 (Tab A), the National Reconnaissance(NRO) has ident i f ied f ive documents responsive to hisofn, datedf f ice

which may contain Community Management Staff equi t ies . Thesedocuments are being provided to you for coordination a ~ a re turnus for release to the requester . These records are alsb beingcoordinated with the Defense Intel l igence Agency, the ent ra lIn te l l igence Agency, and the National Security Agency.to

We are providing a sanit ized copy of these docume t s with NROequi t ies redacted (Tab B) . The information will be wi eldpursuant to FOIA exemption (b) {1), information tha t i s current lyand properly class i f ied pursuant to Executive Order 12 58, Section1.5(c) , which protects intell igence act iv i t ies (includng specia lac t iv i t ies) , intel l igence sources or methods, or crypt logy.Please review these records identifying any addit ional a te r i a lyou feel should be withheld pursuant to the FOIA, 5 u.. c. 552.

Per Department of Just ice guidance, agencies are ncouragedto place coordination and/or refer ra ls in the i r queue ased on thedate of the i n i t i a l request, in th is instance, Septemb r 2001.

CL BY:CL REASON:DECL ON:DRV FROM: This ...or&Ddum i s uncl aaif iedwhen r..oved from attac t s


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NRO pproved fo r Rele(!se. .,

I f you have any questions, please cal l me a t (703) 808-5029and reference Case Number F02-0001.

Attachments:Final Reports of D/NRO from1963, 1965, 1969, 1972, and 1979

Barbara E. FreimannChief, InformationRelease Center


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r ( NRO pproved for ReleaseNATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE

7 Fe ruary 2002

MEMORANDUM FOR THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY, INFOREVIEW OFFICEATTENTION: ..9 ITION

SUBJECT: Freedom of Information Request--Mr. Jeffrey ichelson(NRO FOIA Case F02-0001)In our search for records responsive to the FreedInformation Act (FOIA) request from Mr. Jeffrey Richel29 September 2001 (Tab A), the National Reconnaissance

(NRQ) has ident i f ied five documents responsive to hiswhich may .contain Central Intel l igence Agency equi t iesdocuments are being provided to you for coordination aus for re lease to the requester. These records are a lcoordinated with the Defense Intel l igence Agency, theSecur i ty Agency, and the Community Management Staff .We are providing a sanit ized copy of these documeequi t ies redacted (Tab B). The information wil l be wi

m ofon, datedOfficeequestThesed return too beingat ional

pursuant to FOIA exemption (b) (1), information tha t is currentlyand properly class i f ied pursuant to Executive Order 12 58, Section1.5(c) , which protects in te l l igence act iv i t i es (includ ng specialac t iv i t i e s ) , intel l igence sources or methods, or crypt logy.Please review these records identify_ing any .addit ional materialyou fee l should be withheld pursuant to the FOIA, 5 U. . C. 552.

Per Department of Justice guidance, agencies are ncouragedto place coordination and/or referra ls in the i r queue ased on thedate of the i n i t i a l request, in th is ins tance, Septemb r 2001.

CL BY: .CL REASON:DECL ON:DRV FROM: This ...orandum is uncl asifiedwhen r . .aved from a t t ac t a


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r NRO A proved fo r Release


Attachments:Final Reports of D/NRO

Barbara E. FreimannChief, Information A cess andRelease Center

from 1963, 1965, 1969, 1972, and 1979


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NRO pproved fo r Release

NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE

7 Feb uary 2002

MEMORANDUM FOR THE DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE AGENCY, INFORMA IONREVIEW OFFICEATTENTION: ' ' ' - _ - - : _ _ ~ - - - - _::_::_ -- -----,SUBJECT: Freedom of Information Request--Mr. Jeffrey R'chelson(NRO FOIA Case F02-0001)

In our search for records responsive to the FreedoInformation Act (FOIA) request from Mr. Jeffrey Richels29 September 2001 (Tab A), the National Reconnaissance(NRO) has ident i f ied one document responsive to his remay contain Defense Intel l igence Agency equi t ies . Thisi s being provided to you for coordination and return torelease to the requester . This record i s also being cowith the Central Intel l igence Agency, the National SecuAgency, and the Community Management Staff .We are providing a sanit ized copy of th i s documentequi t ies redacted (Tab B) . The information wil l be witpursuant to FOIA exemption (b) (1), information that is

and properly class i f ied pursuant to Executive Order 129l .S (c ) , which protects intel l igence act iv i t i es (includiac t iv i t ies ) , in te l l igence sources or methods, or cryptoPlease review these records ident ifying any addit ional

NRO

you feel should be withheld pursuant to the FOIA, 5 U.SPer Department of Just ice guidance, agencies are e couragedto place coordination and/or referra ls in the i r queue b sed on thedate of the i n i t i a l request , in th is instance, Septembe 2001.

CL BY:CL REASON:DECL ON:DRV FROM:

l . S ( c )XlNCG 5 .11 May 2000 This memorandum is uncla s i f iedwhen removed from attac ents."


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Attachment:Final Report of D/NRO from 1969

----I '


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( ' NRO A proved fdr ReleaseI0 NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE

7 Feb

MEMORANDUM FOR THE NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY, OFFICE OF IPOLICYA'rl'ENTION:SUBJECT: Freedom of Information Request--Mr.(NRO FOIA Case F02-0001)

In our se.arch for records responsive to the FreedomInformation Act (FOIA) request from Mr. Jeffrey Richelso29 September 2001 (Tab A), the National Reconnaissance 0(NRO) has identif ied one document responsive to his requmay contain National Security Agency equities o This docbeing provided to you for coordination and return to usrelease to the requester. This record i s also being coowith the Central Intell igence Agency, the Defense Inte l lAgeny, and the Community Management Staff .We are providing a sanitized copy of this documentequit ies redacted (Tab B) 0 The information will be witpursuant to FOIA exemption (b) (1), information that isand properly classif ied pursuant to Executive Order 1295loS(c), which protects intelligence act iv i t ies (includin

ac t iv i t i es ) , intelligence sources or methods, or cryptolPlease review these records identifying any additionalyou feel should be withheld pursuant to the FOIA, 5 U.S.Per Department of Justice guidance, agencies are ento place coordination and/or referrals in their queue badate of the i n i t i a l request, in this instance, September

CL BY:CL REASON:DBCL ON: X l

of, datedf ices t whichent i s

i th NROe ldrrent ly, sectionspecial

DRV FROM: HCG 5.1 '!hi . - , radua b UDGla ifiec!1 May 2000 when r..aved f :n . a t ta


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r NRO A proved for Release

I f you have any questions, please call me at (703) .and reference Case Number P02-0001.

Attachment:Pinal Report of D/NRO from 1969 ~ Barbara E. PreimannChief, Information AcRelease Center


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. . . . r ~ .. . NRO A proved fo r Release( NATIONAL REC.ONNAISSANCE oF\_ .E. 14675lee Road

Chantilly, VA20151-1715

2 May 2003Information Access and Release Center(703) 808-5029Jef f rey T. R i c ~ e l s o n 3201 Landover Street , #1404Alexandria, VA 22305Reference: FOIA Case No. F02-0001Dear Mr. Richelson:

This i s in response to your l e t ter , dated 29 Sept2001, received in the Information Access and Release Cthe National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) on 2 OctoberPursuant to the Freedom of Information Act {FOIA), youreques t ing" . . . . Final Reports of the DNRO . . . ".

of

According to the Intell igence Authorization Act 2003,Section 502, operat ional f i les of the NRO are exempt om thepubl icat ion, disclosure, search, and review -provisions of theFreedom o ~ Information Act, 5 u.s.c. 552. As such, t ' e f i l e stha t would contain responsive records, i f any exis t , a e notsubject to search in response to your request .

. You have the r igh t to appeal th is determinationaddressing your appeal to the NRO ~ p p e a l Authority, 14 75 LeeRoad, Chanti l ly , VA 20151-1715 -within_60 days of the a ove date . Should you decide to do th is , please explain the basis of yourappeal . I f you have any questions, please ca l l . me a t (703 808-5029

and reference your case number.Sincerely,


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NRC Appeal Authority14675 Lee RoadChantil ly, Va. 20151-1715

JEFFREY T. R I C H E ~ ~ 3201 Laridover ~ e e t . #14o4

Alexandria, VA 22305 -

NRO

June 12, 2003.

~ ; . ... o c ( provedror Release .

This le t te r appeals the NRC's response of 21 May 003 to myFCIA request (F02-0001) of 29 September 2001 for copies f :

John lfcLucaa, "l'iDal a-port o ~ the DDO," 1973.IIana Nark, "l'iDal a.poz:ot o ~ the DJUtO," October 1979The NRO has denied the request in i t s entirety on t e groundsthat any responsive records are part of the NRC's operati nal f i les ,and therefore "not subject to searcll." A copy of the de ia l le t te ris attached .I believe that use of the operational f i les exempti n to denymy request, without search and review, is completely ina ropriate.NRC operational f i les are defined as "f i les . that do ument the

means by which foreign intel l igence or counterintel igence iacollected through scient i f ic a ~ d technical systems."The requested documents are historical documents t a t concerna variety of matters, including organizational. At least one of thedocuments (McLucas) is also l ikely to contain significa t data onalready declassified and/or obsolete (as specified by t e DCI andNRC) cpllection systems - including the U-2 and Corona.Reports by ear l ier DNRO's have already been releas d in part ,

in response to ear l ier FOIA requests. Those documents a e enclosedto i l lus t ra te the nature of such reports . For example BrockwayMcMillan's 1965 report to the Secretary of Defens containsinformation on the A-12 and SR-71, as well as a discussion of the1965 NRC Agreement, the job of the DNRO, and org nizationalproblems.


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j

Finally, I would note tha t the "NRO and the FOIA"the NRO's web s i te s ta tes tha t "The goal of the FOIA ofNRO is to release as much information as possible, consthe need to protect information" and "where discretionacan be made without causing harm, the Chief InformationRelease Center, as the in i t i a l denial authority, and tof Staff , as the appeal authority , use their discret ioninformation even where an exemption may be avai lable." Treview the documents requested and release informationdisclosed without harm would not be consistent with thestated information release policy.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey T. Richels

sect ion ofice of thestent withreleasesAccess andNRO Chiefto releaserefuse tot would be

' s own


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MEMORANDUM FOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, DIRECTORATE FOR FREEDOOF I N F O R M A T ~ I T Y REVIEWA T T E N T I O N : ~ ~ SUBJECT: (U) NRO FOIA Case F02-0001--Mr. Jeffrey Richelson

8 May 2004

(U) In our search for records responsive to the Freedom ofInformation Act (FOIA) request from Mr. Jeffrey Richelson, da ed 29September 2001 (Tab A) , the National Reconnaissance Office ( 0) hasident i f ied five documents respons"ive to his request which may containDepartment of Defense equities. These documents are being pr vided toyou for coordination and return to us for release to the requ s ter .These records have been coordinated with the Central Intel l ig neeAgency, the National Security Agency, and the Community Manag mentStaff .

(U) We are providing a sanitized copy of this documentequit ies redacted (Tab B). The information .will be withheld Ursuant toFOIA exemption (b) (1), information that i s currently and prop r lyclass if ied pursuant to Executive Order 12958, section 1.5 (c), whichprotects intel l igence activi t ies (including special act iv i t ie ) ,in te l l igence sources or methods, or cryptology. Please revie theserecords identifying an y additional material you feel should b withheldpursuant to the FOIA; 5 U.S.C. 552.(U) Per Department of Justice .guidance, agencies are enplace coordination and/or referrals in their queue based onthe in i t i a l request, in this instance, September 2001.(U) I f you have any questions, please cal l me, ActingInformation Access and Release Center on (703) 2 2 7 ~ 9 1 2 8 andcase number F02-0001.

Attachments:1. (U) Rpt of D/NRO 19632. (U ) Rpt of D/NRO 19653. (U) Rpt of D/NRO 19694. (U) Rpt of D/NRO 19725. (U) Rpt of D/NRO 1979

Linda S. HathawayActing Chief, Informatiand Release Center

CL BY: tJNCLASS:IPBD when separa t c! frOID.CL REASON: attaebmantDECL ON: X1DRV FROM: NCG 5.11 MAY 2000


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F - NRO pproved fo r Release(A \ \ 'i ) ' \ l> ) {- ' ,fb)f6f,-fbff&J _-_ 1From:Sent:To:Subject:

Hi: These cases are s t i l l open in this Office as we are awaiting respon es for OSD/JScomponents. I will check into this further and get back to you.

Thanks,

{}" ) {( )- - - - - - _ j ChiefFOIA/PA BranchOffice of Freedom of Information

When you have an opportunity would you pleas.e provide updates to the fol owirig casessubmitted for coordination to your agency?

OFISR Case # 05-F-0531

OFISR Case # 05-F-0615

OFISR Case# 04-F-1898(A)

Thanks for your assistance.7

~ ~ ~ - ~ ~ - s \ ~ ~ . OQ'"\ '\..

~ ~ ~ t ; ) Q \ 1 . ~

1


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{ b ) : f f i ; - f b } f ~ ) - - -- lFrom:

( - - Page 1NRC pproved for Release

Sent: Monday, November 27, 2006 1:23PMTo: ~ ----- ~ - " ] - - - -- -Cc: [email protected]: Status of Case Coordinations

HiWhen you have an opportunity would y

1ency:OFISR Case# 05-F-0531OFISR Case# 05-F-0615c.-6FISR Case# 04-F-1898(A)OFISR Case# 04-F-2166Thanks for your assistance

please provide updates to the following cases submitt d for coordination to y


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From:Sent:To:Cc:.Subject:

( -- NRO pproved fo r Release

' '.- b & l PM

Status of Case Coordinations

When you have an opportuity would you please provide updates to the following cases submitted ~ coordination to youragency:OFJSR Case# 05-F-0531OFISR Case# 05-F-0615OFISR Case #04-F-1898(A)OFISR Case #04-F-2166Thanks for your assistance

~ l y s t

1


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From:Sent: PMTo:Cc:Subject: RE: Status of Case Coordinations

Please provide updates to the following cases submitted for coordination to your agency:OFISR Case# 05-F-0531OFISR Case# 05-F-0615OFISR Case #04-F-1898(A)OFISR Case #04-F-2166Thanks for your assistance

1

NRO pproved fo r Release


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r\l ' ' ' 'l J ' >f b ~ ( b ) f & ) J

L _ _ ~ -------- - - - - -From:.Sent:To:Cc:Subject: RE: Status of Case Coordinations

Hello-Please provide updates to the following cases submitted for coordination to your agency:

OFISR Case# 05-F-0531.OFISR Case# 05-F-0615OFISR Case #04-F-1898(A)OFISR Case #04-F-2166Thanks for your assistance

1



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( -\

,,,, '< i' ,. 'b } t 6 t l - ( & H l } : ) ~ From:Sent: PMTo:Cc:Subject: Request for status on NRO cases

tl!ll thank you so much for filling me in on what's going on there . . . and for volunteering to .cases.We have three that we'd like to update:NRO Case # F04-01 01 - IG Report on Responsibilities of the Director, NROOFISR Case #05-F-o615Sent on 17 May 2004Requester - RichelsonNRO Case # F03-0033 (APPEAL) - MOUsOFISR Case #05-F..0531Sent on 13 May 2005

Requester: RavnitzkyNRO Case # F02-0001 (APPEAL) - Final Report of the DNAOOFISR Case# 04-F2166Sent on 18 May 2004Requester: Richelsori

Let me know if there is anything else you neecL

1

the status of some


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"fbH-6f,-(bH6-)-- J-- -From:Sent: Monday, April 07,2008 8:55AMTo: ' ' 'o ICc: FOIASubject: Request for status on NRO cases

Good morning.We were hoping to get_some information on the status of these cases:NRO Case F04-0101 - IG Report on Responsibilities of the Director, NROOFISR Case #05-F-0615Sent 17 May 2004_Requester- RichelsonNRO Case F03-Q033 (Appeal)- MOUsOFISR Case #05-F-0531Sent 13 May 2005Requester - RavnitskyNRO Case F02-0001 (Appeal)- Final Report of the DNROOFGISR Case #04-F-2166 -Sent 18 May 2004Requester- Richelson

ir- NRO pproved ~ / l i M J a a f 1

In the event you are not the proper recipient for requests of this kind, any updated contact in ormation you canprovide will be most helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.Thank you for your assistance!

AnalystInformation Access and Release Team


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( NROr .\. .

(I ( >! ' ' ' ')=.From: ,1 . ' l) ~ ~ b M & ) _ _ _ -__ ---=--- JSent: _Wednesday, Novembe( 26, 2008 6:26 AMTo: - - ' - - ~ - - - J . .~ " ' 1 t - 0 J r ' t ' & - - - - -

-$ub]eet:.Fw: OFISR Q ~ s e # 0 4 - - F ~ 2 1 6 6 (NRO Case# F02-0001 - ~ p p e a l Richelsonl) ---. . UNCLASSiFIED11FSUQ-.:.: ' . .. . .. . : .: . . . ciassification:UNCLASSIFIED11FC1:rro

fib!!iMt .Could you print this.for me?Thanks.

U"T-r-L.LDD (NRO Qise # F02-Q001 -Appeal_- Richelsonl) _;;.. v ' " ' " " " " ' " ; , ~ , . classification: UNCLASSIFIED71FC1b -Good morning.Could you please _provide an update on the status of this case? Our records indicate that thesent to OFISR on 18 May 2004 for review and return .to the NRC. Please let me know if you need additional information to track this request.Thanks.

UNCLASSIFIED7JF5dUNCLASSIFIED119tJ

materials were


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/'1 ) ~ ' '- ' ((blf6f.-fbHl>1 -- lFrom:Sent:To:Subject:

' 'a. - b & )- ,200811:16AMFW: OFISR Case # 04-F-2166 (NRO Case# F02-0001 - Appeal -UNCLASSIFIEDflFOCJo

class i f icat ion: UNCLASSIFIED/?l'CYOLMfiftB ~ a n you pr in t a copy for me, please? Thanks!

-ilSMI&

Case # 04-F-2166 (NRO Case # F02-0001 - Appeal -U N C L A S S I F I E D / / ~ S Y

r - tbis case is s t i l l pending. I will s t i r up the reviewer and see

Richelsonl) - F ~ 2 1 6 6 (NRO Case # F02-0001 - Appeal -UNCLASSIFIED/ t?6BB-class i f icat ion: U N C L A S S I F I E D / ~ ~ Y G -

Good morning.

Could you please provide an update on the s ta tus of this case? Ourthe case materials were sent to OFISR on 18 May2004 for review an d return to the NRO .

t we get . -

indica-te that

Please le t me know i f you need addit ional information to t rack th is t .

Thanks.

(l) ' l)- - - - ~ ,,& .- bun-1 .. JSenior Case Analyst

) ) ) ( 'n ) f ~ - f n H & ) IUNCLASSIFIED/ /Ferag_

1


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f NRO Iproved fo r ReleaseUNCLASSIFIED/tFOU0-

2


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From:Sent:To:Cc:Subject:

Classification:

:--..('

Case # 04-F-2UNCLASSIFIEDfft=t)l::J9-UNCLASSIFIED17F6t:J -

class i f icat ion: UNCLASSIFIED/f F86, ~ - --- - ~ lt Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 200910:27 AMTo:Cc: FOIA(IART)Subject: FOIA Case F06-0057 - UNCLASSIFIED77FOtiG-Classification: UNCLASSIFIEDnFOtl

classification: UNCLASSIFIED/lF6l:T{LMlfi FOIA Case F06-0057; Request f r o ~ ( e-mail May 30, 2006)I talked with you last on 9 January 09 regarding the status of this case. You said that all inputs ere in and youwere awaiting final processing. You thought it would be another couple of weeks to get it out. an you pleasegive me a status on progress? I look forward to hearing from you!

UNCLASSIFIEDT/Ft>HQ.__


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NRO pprovecHagaJeafel

(b)(3), (b)(6)

From: (b)(3) , (b)(6Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:29 AMTo: (b)(6)Cc: FOIASubject: Case F06-0057 - Request for Records

REF: FOIA Case F 0 6 ~ 0 0 5 7 Request :frO'f l- (e-mail May 30, 2006).......__f 'M! !d with you last on 9 Jan 09 regarding the.status of this case. You said that aU inputs wer in and you were awaiting final processing. You thoughfj t would be another couple of weeks tp g ~ t i t out. Can . ou please give mea status on progress? I also sent you this request on the G W ~ side. Once I have your input, we can finallyclose this easel Thanks and I am looking forward to hearing from you!(b)(3), (b)(6)


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F06-0072


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. '( NRO A proved for Release

Steven "-ftergood .

NATIONAL R E C O N N A I S S A N C ~ OFFICE14675 Lee RoadChantllly,'VA 20151-171_5

Senior Research AnalystFederation of American Scient ists 1717 K Street N.W., Suite 209.washington, D.C. 20036Dear Mr. A f t ~ r g o e d :

2 Au

This is in response to your faxed l e t t e r , dated 262006, received in the Information Management Services Cethe National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) on 26 July 2006Pursuant to the Freedom of Information ' Act (FOIA) _, you r' 'a copy of a l l unclassified portions . of the NRO CongressBudget Just i f icat ion Book _(CBJB) for Fiscal Year 2007."

t 2006

ulyte r ofquestedonal

We have accepted your request. I t w;11 be processe inaccordance with the FOIA, as amended, Tit le 5 U.S.C. 5 2. Since we may not respond within the 20 working dayss t ipula ted by the Act, you have -the r ight to consider th s as adenial and may appeal to the NRO Appeal Review -Panel. I wouldseem more reasonabie, however, to have us continue proceyour request and respond as soon as we can. You may appdenial of records a t that time. Unless we hear from youotherwise, we will assume that you agree, and will proce

th is basis .The FOIA authorizes federal agencies to assessrecord services. You have been placed in the fee catego

"others" for purposes of th i s request. This means you wresponsible for the cost of search time exceeding two horeproduction -costs a f te r the f i r s t 100 pages.Regarding your request for a fee waiver, please be

beand

that fee waivers or reductions are granted when there i s apublic in te res t in disclosure of i n f o r n i a t i o n ~ which willcontribute s ignif icant ly to the public 's understanding o theoperations or activities of the NRO. A decision to or


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reduc.e fees cannot be made unt i l after any responsive meritsto be disclosed have been reviewed for public interest .You also requested a waiver of .production costs ifwaiver was deni.ed and expressed a willingness to payfees up to $50.00 . .we will notify you i f i t appears anyadditional. fees will be incurred in processing th is requYou have the r ight to appeal this determination by .addressing your appeal to the NRC Appeal . Authority, 1467Road, Chantilly, VA 20i5l-l7l5 within 60 days of the aboShould you decide to do th is , please explain the basis yourappeal.I f you have any questions, please ca l l theService Center a t . (703) 227-9326 and reference

0072.Sincerely,

Linda S. Hathaw yChief, Informat onand Release Team


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12:35

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I .

T: 202is46,.3300F; 202/6751010

FAS

lnfomiation Access and .Release TeamNational ReeonnaissanceOffice. 14675 Lee RoadChantifly, VA 20151-1715sy fax: (703)227-9198 RE: Change ofaddress

Dear Sir/Madam:

1IC.

October 4, 2007( 2 0 2 ) 4 ~ 9 1 [email protected] .

www.fat.IJII .. ~ 0 1 ' 8

I am wrlting to advise you that the Federation of American s ntists has anew mailingaddress, effective October 1, 2007, and future correspondence regarding any of our pending FOIA requests should besent to the new address, which is:Federation of.American Scientists1725 OeSales St NW, 6" floor Washington,DC 20036My pending.FOIA requests at NRO Include:

F07-0065F06-0072 .Thank you for your assistance.

~ ~ ~ D ~ ~ ~ OCT 4 'JIJ1I

'=./

S i n c e ~ l y ,

Steven Afterg octSenior Resea h Analyst

. TJc-d ofDirec:tor3 :

Rotlu lliarbmn FIIIIM!Oit Cllolooiftt:D;MdF_,

ellr)'KcllyI' N.Wdt!ftt

~ a i n c 5 1 i l 7 . RiclwdWIIId


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. NRO A proved for Release'l'OP sacu(''C


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NRO A proved fo r Release

NATIONAL"RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE .14675 Lee RoadChantilly, VA 20151.;1715

Mr. Steven Aftergood Senior Research AnalystFederation of American Scientists1725 DeSales St NW, 6th Floor washington, D.C. 20036Dear Mr. Aftergood:

6 July 2009

. This is in response to your faxed le t ter , dated 26 July2006, received in the Information Management Services C te r ofthe National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) on 26 July 200Pursuant to the Freedom of Information .Act {FOIA), .you"a copy o f a i l unc lass i f ied por t ions o f the NRO CongresBudget Jus t i f i ca t ion Book (CBJB) fo r Fisca l . Year 2007."

Your request was processed in accordancewith theof Information Act, 5 u.s.c. 552, as amended. A thorsearch of our f i les and databases located one record, cof 596 pages that i s responsive to your request. Thisbeing released to you in part . Material withheld is dpursuant to FOIA exemptions (b) (3) which applies to infspecif ical ly exempt by statute, 50 u.s.c.. 403-1{i) whprotects intell igence sources and methods from unauthordisclosure.

reedomughnsist ingecord .i siedzed

As you are aware, the FOIA authorizes federal agenc'es toassess fees for record services. Based upon the informat'onprovided, you have been placed in the other category orequesters, which means that a requester i s responsible orcharges incurred for the cost of search time exceeding t o hoursand duplication in excess of the f i rs t 100 pages of doc entreproduction in the processing o.f this request. In yo request ,you expressed a willingness to pay fees up to the amoun of$50.00. The costs as.sociated with processing your requinclude 496 pages a t .15 per page which equals $74.40.case, a l l fees are being waived.

You have the r ight to appeal this determination baddressing yourappeal to the NRO Appeal Authority, 146 5 LeeRoad, Chantilly, VA 20151-1715 within 60 days of theShould you decide to do th is , please explain the basis of yourappeal.


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. I f you have any questions, please cal l the RequesteService Center a t (703) 227-9326 and reference case numb r F06-0072.

Attachment: Document (596 pages)

Sincerely,

Linda s. HathawayChief, Information AceAnd Release Team


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F07-0088


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( 'N A n O N A L R E C O N N ~ S S A N C E O F A C E

14675U..RoadChantilly, VA 201511715

NRO A proved for Release

2 W.y 2007

Jeffrey R i c h ~ l s o n 401 s. Burnside Avenue, #8JLos Angeles, CA 90036Dear Mr. Richelson:

This i s in response to your fax, dated 8 June 2007,received in the Information Management. Services Center oNational Reconnaissance Office (NRO) on 8 June 2007.to the Freedom of Information Act (FO!A), you are reques. copy of LBO Systems Program Office., u.s. Navy/NRO ProgrElectronic Intelligence Satel l i tes (1958-1977), Septembe1998.

thesuanting "ac3,We have accepted your request. I t will be processed in_accordance with the FOIA, 5 U.S.C. 552, as amended, an the . NRO Operational Pile Exemption, so u.s.c. 432a.Since we may not respond within the 20 working daysst ipulated by the Act, you have the r ight to consider th ' s as adenial and may appeal to the NRO Appeal Review Panel. I wouldseem more reasonable, however, to have us continue proce sing

your request and respond as soon as we can. You may app a l anydenial of records a t that time. Unless we hear from youotherwise, we wil l assume that you agree, and wil lproce donth is basis .

The FOIA authorizes federal . agencies to assess fees for record services. Based upon the information provided, u havebeen placed in the "other category of requesters, whic meansyou are responsible for the cost of search time exceedi g twohours ($44.00/hour) and reproduction fees (.15 per page}exceeding 100 pages.Regarding your request for a fee waiver, please be advised

tha t fee waivers or reductions are granted when there i apublic in teres t in disclosure of information, which wilcontribute signif icantly to the public 's understandingoperat ions or act iv i t ies of the NRO. A decis-ion to waireduce fees cannot be made unti l af ter any responsive dto be disclosed have been reviewed for "public interest .


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You have the r ight to appeal th is determination byaddressing your appeal to the NRO Appeal Authority, 146Road, Chanti l ly, VA 20151-1715 within 6.0 days of the. abShould you decide to do th is , please explain the basisappeal .

I f you have any questions, please ca l l the Request rService Center a t ( 703) .227-9326 and reference case n . r P07-0088.Sincerely,

i P ~ J ~ ~ J . _ . ; . o : o .P'1.,__Linda s. Hat yClUef, Information Acand Release Team


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0 ( g ; ~ - z t 7 ' - f t r l - ~ ~ (\ . - ~ NATlONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE14675 L8e RoadChantilly, VA 20151-1715 - NRO A proved fo r Release14 rch 2008

MEMORANDUM . FOR THE NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCYCENTRAL SECURITY SERVICEATTENTION: FOIA/PA OFFICE

SUBJECT: (U) Freedom of Information R:equest ReferralJeffrey T. RichelsonREFERENCE: (U) National Reconnaissance Officecase .Number P07-0088

.(U) In our s e a r c ~ for records responsive toInformation Act reqtiestfrom -Jef f rey T. Richelson,2007, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)_ hasrecord responsive to h is request tha t contains, NationalAgency equi t i es . NRO equi t ies have been redacted. are being sent to you fo r your review, redaction, andthe NRO.

(U) I f you have any questions, please ca l l me,Information Access and Release Team on (703)r e f e r ~ c e our case number.

Linda .s. HathawayAttaclunent-s :1 . (U}Ltr dtd 8 June 07 . .2. "tslu.s . Navy/NRO Program c document

ofJune

records

mrCLASSII'IBD wileD aeparat d froaa t t a c ~ t aad 8&aitizedDBCL ON: X1DRV FROM: NRO SCG 6 0. 21 May 2005


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31 . ch .2008MEMORANDUM FOR -.THE 'NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY,A"r!'ENTION: :FOIA coordinator, Code .l03.0SUBJECT: . (U) Freedom of Information Request :Referral.Jeff rey T. Riebelson R8FEREHCE: (U) National Reconnaissance OfficeCase NumberF0?-0088

(U) In our search for records responsive to -a Freed of. . .Information Act request ..from Jeff rey T .Riebelson, dated 8 J\lr.!.e

. .2007; .the National Reconna;ssance Office (NRO) has ident f ied onerecord responsive to h i s request tha t contains Naval ResLaboratory equi t i es . NRO equi t ies have ~ e n redacted_. eserecords a re being sent to you fo r your review, redact ion and.re turn to the NRO.

. .

(U} I f you have any quest-ions, please ca l l me, ChieInformation Access and Release Team on(703) 227-912S anreference our c ~ s e number.

Attaclunents:

. . ~ . / . "' /' .. ~ J-F s.1. (U)Ltr dtd 8 June 072 . l'S}-IJ . s Navy/NRO Program C document

DECL ON: XlDRV FROM: NRO SCG 6. 021 May 2005

tnrC!LUISXrtiiD wlum epara t f raaattaC.Ut and anitised


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___--,(.Hathaway Linda {MSO)From: Hathaway Linda (MSO)Sent:To:Cc::

Pa2e t of2NRO pprovedloi"Refease

Subject: . NRO CASE NO. F07-0088 - - s E S R E T / I f - A I : E N - T K E H 0 l : E I ~ X ~ ~ .an50+ RRG-datad July 2005Importance: High

!!! I don't have a correct phone number for you. I think we have a disconn ct hereregarding POPPY. At any rate I don't know who in you organization is awa that we nowhold the POPPY documents and that 'fact of' and many facts about POPPY a e releasable.We are still wortdrig on the POPPY declassification manual and should have it finished verysoon. As soon as it is completed, we will be sending it to you and NSA for yo r coordinationand approval.It is my understanding that you will send a NRL subject matter expert to our o 1ce to review thePOPPY records once we have completed our review and redactions of the r: rds.While the plan is clear from the 25 year declassification aspect, we will still rec ive Freedomeof lnfonnation Act (FOIA) requests in the interium. (It is unavoidable).FOIA is a Jaw and we just can't say "he does not want this document released . There aremany ways we can protect information under FOIA but the above response wil not keep us outof federal court.When we get a FOIA case we are required to go through the 'FOJA door' . Isaware of the recent events with POPPY?

-- p l e a s e call me at 7032279128 (black) oMany thanks.Linda HathawayChief, IARTFrom ;,Sent: , May 01, 2008 7:54 AMTo: Hathaway Linda (MSO)


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1. The document in regard to 1he subject case number was reviewed byCenter for Space Technology.He does not want this document released.

r a g e ~ 01 ~ .NRO A proved fo r Release

. 2. NRL does not have an SCI cleared FOIA person.- is one of the orig\na\ rev\ewe of the documemt u.s. Navy/NRO Program C Electronic Intelligence Satellites (1958-19n).3. If you need further discussion w i ~ h i s phone ihim via Red Secure.

C_JWarning: 1bis d o c u m ~ t may not be used as a source ofderivative classification.DECL ON: 25X1 20580501 RRG dated July 2005 Derived From: NCG 6.0, 21 May 2005C I E & " ' . r < E - ' F H f - A L- E N ~ - I f f i - Y - H S h E I R ~ X ~ 5 8 0 5 G l R : : R . ~ a t e d ~ ~ - O W - W aming: 1bis document may not be used as a source ofderivative classification.DECL ON: 25X1 20580501 RRG dated July 2005Derived From: NCG 6.0, 21 May 2005 .S : E : G P , . E ! : , l , q : . 4 J : . ~ ~ : Y - U Q L , & l t 2 ~ 1 2 9 - 5 8 0 - 5 0 . 1 A ~ - d a t e d - J c l y - 2 0 0 $ -

c 11 /"tnno


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( '0 NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE14675 Lee RoadChantilly, VA 20151-1715 -Mr. Jeffrey T. Ricnelson401. s. Burnside Avenue, #8JLos Angeles, CA 90036Dear Mr. Richelson:

NRO proved fo r Release

i2 May 2008

This- i s in response to your le t ter , dated 14 May 20 7: _r e c ~ i ved in the Information Management SerVices Center ( MSC}- ofthe National Reconnaissance Office _(NRO) on 1.4 May 2004. Pursuantto the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), you requested . . . a copyof LEO Systems ~ r o g r a m Office, u.s. Navy/NRO Program c B ectronic_Intel l igence sa te l l i t e s (1958-1977}, September 3, 1998."

I t has come to our attention that the record that y urequested i s par t of collection that is currently being eviewedby several government agencies for declassification unde aprogrammatic declas-s i f icat ion effort . As you know, th is i s alengthy process. As soon as the record is available, .i t wil l be

Documents

National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) 5 Oldest FOIA Requests, as of June 2009