FOIA Capabilities Statement

Compass Systems Consulting, Inc. provides a full range of Freedom of Information Act expert support services, including:

• Process FOIA requests from receipt of initial request through final response to the requester and FOIA close out.
• Assist with FOIA appeals and litigation matters.
• Develop, implement, and maintain efficient and effective FOIA and document retention processes, procedures, and document retention best practices.
• Design, develop, implement, and maintain systems and reporting mechanisms to track FOIA status, issues, and metrics (FOIA Tracker.)
• Surge proccesing (rapid bñacklog reduction).
• Assist with development of FOIA policies, standard operating procedures, and contract language.
• Assist with periodic and annual reporting requirements.
• Develop and implement FOIA Reading Room program, policies, and procedures.
• Conduct efficiency and compliance studies to identify areas of needed improvement within the organization.

Special Expertise

• Freedom of Information Act (5 U. S. C. § 552, as amended, including the OPEN Government Act of 2007; the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C § 552,
  as amended); and other applicable statutes and regulations.
• Proven record of quickly eliminating FOIA backlog without appeals, litigation, or negative public repercussions.
• Serve as FOIA point of contact within an office allowing agency staff to focus on core mission.
• Unique staffing model - legal professionals, critical and analytical thinkers.
• Proven record of completing FOIA request processing within the statutorily required time period
• Professional and effective oral and written communication with FOIA requesters, submltters, and agency executive management, senior management,
  and staff.
• Knowledgeable guidance and advice regarding FOIA and Privacy Act, agency implementing regulations, Obama Administration 2009 transparency and
  openness directive, search and processing procedures and exemptions.
• Proven record of addressing FOIA requests for high profile and controversial government programs.
• Green processing, virtually eliminating paper, folders, and filing cabinets in the processing and tracking of FOIAs.

Proven Experience

• DHS/CBP Secure Border Initiative Acquisition Office (Prime) - eliminated painful backlog without appeals or litigation, established FOIA response program,
  developed effective tools and processes for managing FOIA workload.
• DHS/CBP Procurement Directorate (Prime) - Compass s FOIA processing best practices model adopted; Compass developed, implemented, and maintains
  the DHS/CBP Procurement Directorate Reading Room program.
  

Minority Certifications

• Small Business Administration (SBA) - 8(a) Certification.
• Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council (VMSDC) - Minority Business Enterprise (MBE).
• Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority - Local Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (LDBE).
• Maryland Department of Transportation - - Minority Business Enterprise (MBE).