assistance swelled in FY 2013, the Office’s fourth year. OGIS opened 508 cases, a

assistance swelled in FY 2013, the Office’s fourth year. OGIS opened 508 cases, a 40-percent increase from FY 2012 when OGIS opened 361 cases. OGIS also handled more than 230 inquiries—telephone calls and emails yielding quick responses that did not require cases be opened—in FY 2013. OGIS closed 497 cases in FY 2013, a 40-percent increase from FY 2012 when the Office closed 354 cases. OGIS cases involve issues that arise at various points in the FOIA process. In some cases, requesters attempt to learn a request’s estimated date of completion as required by FOIA, 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(7)(B) (ii), but are not able to obtain it from an agency. In other cases, requesters disagree with an agency’s application of FOIA exemptions or an agency's decision with regard to FOIA fees. In all cases, there is some issue that benefits from OGIS- facilitated communication between the requester and the agency. OGIS’s mediation services also include providing Dispute Resolution Skills OGIS encourages requesters and agencies to communicate training to agency FOIA professionals. through whatever means work best for them. (NARA Identifier i. . 6479577) The goal of training is not to turn agency 2007 December 14 December 31 U.S. Senate passes by unanimous consent President George the Openness Promotes Effectiveness in W. Bush signs the our National (OPEN) Government Act of OPEN Government Us r 2007, which includes a provision creating Act of 2007; it "4 (ay) the Office of Government Information becomes Public k" a Services (OGIS) at the National Archives Law 110-175 iN and Records Administration (NARA) et December 18 Sir U.S. House passes the OPEN Government Patent drawing for watch a case (NARA Identifier ar oo nye Act of 2007 by a voice vote 7451700) HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_025856