FAR 24.201—Authority.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 24.201 explains the basic disclosure methods required by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552, as amended. It identifies the three ways information must be made available to the public: publication in the Federal Register, allowing the public to read and copy records at convenient locations, and providing copies of reasonably described records upon request. In practice, this section is the legal foundation for how agencies make procurement-related and other agency records accessible, and it frames the default expectation that government information should be available unless a specific exemption applies. For contracting officers, program offices, and FOIA staff, the section matters because it sets the baseline for public access procedures, record availability, and response obligations. For contractors, it is important because information submitted to the government may later be requested and disclosed under FOIA, subject to applicable exemptions and protections.
Key Rules
Publish in Federal Register
Agencies must make certain information available by publishing it in the Federal Register. This is the formal public notice method used when the law or agency practice requires broad public dissemination.
Allow record inspection
Agencies must provide an opportunity for the public to read and copy records at convenient locations. This means records cannot be kept inaccessible when they are subject to public disclosure.
Provide records on request
Agencies must furnish a copy of a reasonably described record when requested. The request must describe the record well enough for the agency to locate it without undue burden.
FOIA governs access
This section ties the disclosure methods to FOIA, meaning the agency’s obligation to release information is controlled by FOIA’s rules, including exemptions, procedures, and any applicable amendments.
Responsibilities
Agency
Make information available through the three FOIA methods identified here: Federal Register publication, public inspection and copying, and copies of reasonably described records upon request.
FOIA Office / Disclosure Staff
Process requests, locate responsive records, and provide copies or access in accordance with FOIA procedures and agency rules.
Contracting Officer / Program Office
Maintain records in a manner that supports lawful disclosure and coordinate with FOIA staff when records related to procurement are requested.
Requester / Public
Submit a reasonably described request when seeking copies of records and use the agency’s established access procedures.
Practical Implications
This section is the starting point for understanding public access to agency records, so contractors and agencies should assume records may be requested unless protected by a FOIA exemption.
A common pitfall is failing to keep records organized enough to locate them quickly when a request for a reasonably described record arrives.
Another issue is confusing public access obligations with automatic disclosure; FOIA still allows withholding of exempt information, even though this section states the general methods of availability.
Contractors should be careful with sensitive proposal, pricing, proprietary, or source-selection information because it may be requested, but disclosure depends on FOIA rules and exemption analysis.
Agencies should ensure their public reading locations, publication practices, and request-handling procedures are current and consistent with FOIA requirements.
Official Regulatory Text
The Freedom of Information Act ( 5 U.S.C.552 , as amended) provides that information is to be made available to the public either by- (a) Publication in the Federal Register ; (b) Providing an opportunity to read and copy records at convenient locations; or (c) Upon request, providing a copy of a reasonably described record.