FOIA Analyst

Ardelle Associates is seeking a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)/ Privacy Act (PA) Analyst to provide contract support to the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), Bureau of Economic Analytics (BEA) in Suitland, MD.

This position has remote-work options available after initial training.

The purpose of this contract is to support BEA and Office of Under Secretary of Economic Affairs (OUSEA) in providing efficient processing of FOIA requests, Privacy Act requests, and review and clearance of Privacy Act System of Records Notices, as well as to provide administrative assistance to the Chief of Communications Division for FOIA/PA Operations and programs, FOIA request search support and serve as liaison between BEA/OUSEA and U.S. Government Accountability Office (U.S. GAO) and Office of Inspector General (OIG).

SCOPE OFWORK

The Contractor shall provide a FOIA Analyst/Specialist to perform the following tasks:

A. Review incoming FOIA requests.

B. Enter new FOIA requests into the FOIA database, utilizing the agency FOIA online tracking system.

C. Make assignment of FOIA requests.

D. Make fee waiver and expedited processing determination recommendations and draft correspondence.

E. Work within FOIAonline to assist in the processing of FOIA requests.

F. Work with program office to complete FOIA requests.

G. Conduct and conclude searches for responsive documents.

H. Maintain records, is privy to confidential information which may not be discussed freely. Prepare and file a variety of records and documents. Maintain office files and oversee filing procedures as necessary.

I. Analyze data collected to produce formal request responses.

J. Review documents and redact information which requires protection through redaction utilizing Adobe.

K. Answer phone calls/emails and provide assistance.

L. Prepare routine correspondence.

M. Work on special projects related to FOIA processing.

N. Review and edit new and amended Privacy Act SORNs for publication in the Federal Register and assures requisite clearances are made.

O. Work with Departmental FOIA/PA Officer to develop improved performance in the FOIA and PA programs.

P. Review Privacy Impact Assessments to ensure correct SORNs are included and that they sufficiently cover the intended Privacy Act system of records.

Q. Operate a personal computer and other office equipment.

R. Proficiently use eDiscovery tools, such as Relativity.

S. Determine and document FOIA request search terms.

T. Provide documents to end-users in consumable and useable formats.

U. Support eDiscovery tool users by answering end-user questions (received via phone, email, and in- person) and provide end-user application training.

V. Proficiently provide eDiscovery tool case management to include creating and maintaining database, loading documents, security administration, and production support.

W. Support office in effective use of eDiscovery tool for analysis, document review and productions.

X. Handle escalated support, problem definition, and resolution in eDiscovery tool. Y Manage document review workflow and work with the Departmental FOIA/PA Officer to improve performance in the work review process.

Z. Work on special projects related to FOIA processing, including metrics and reporting

AA. Maintain records according to laws, regulations, and policies.

BB. Support project teams and clients in effective use of eDiscovery tool for analysis, document review and productions.

CC. Serves as BEA/OUSEA FOIA Officer; receives and acts promptly on all incoming FOIA requests, ensuring each request advances through established Bureau processes and policy and in line with established time requirements.

DD. Ensures all FOIA requests are properly logged and maintained in appropriate systems, pursuant to applicable Departmental and Bureau policy.

EE. Provides complete and accurate responses to all required reporting and data calls from the Department's Office of Privacy and Open Government or the Department of Justice's Office of the FOIA Counsel.

FF. Attends necessary and appropriate trainings to stay abreast of new FOIA developments and applicable case law.

GG. Suggests and develops new processes and procedures to enhance the effectiveness and responsiveness of the Bureau's FOIA program.

HH. Serves as principal advisor to Bureau management on all FOIA related matters.

II. Provides support and guidance to Bureau Chief Privacy Officer on resolving Privacy Act (PA) requests.

JJ. Receives, coordinates responses to, tracks and monitors incoming tasks related to GAO and OIG.

DELIVERABLE SCHEDULE

The FOIA Analyst/Specialist shall provide the following as deliverables:

A. Submit weekly progress reports to the FOIA/PA Officer.

B. Manage FOIA related activities and processes documents related to FOIA.

C. Review PA SORNs within three (3) days of assignment.

D. Manage PA SORN related activities and processes documents related to SORNs.

QUALIFICATIONS

A. Two (2) years or more of strong knowledge of the FOIA and Privacy Act.

B. Two (2) years or more of experience reviewing records for disclosure for FOIA and Privacy Act request.

C. Two (2) years or more of experience processing FOIA requests using automation such as eDiscovery tools.

D. Must be able to utilize Microsoft Office software (Access, Adobe, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).

E. Minimum Education: Associate’s degree.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $32.36 - $36.85 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• 2 remote days and 3 onsite
• Monday to Friday
• No nights
• No weekends

Experience:

• FOIA: 2 years (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Suitland, MD 20746