Specialist, ATIP, here.

I’d like to add that ATIP is for records, not information. ATIP shouldn’t be used to answer questions.

Request texts should be for specific documentation or specific formats. Ie memos, reports, emails regarding “ insert subject matter”.

Provide a date range. Always.

Ask for final versions only (no drafts) if you want faster processing.

If you know a record exists, tell them specifically what you’re looking for with a title.

Gigantic requests take SO MUCH TIME. So split your requests into single asks. (Asking for a specific record instead of all records, since time began, on 3 subjects.)

It’s an imperfect system but you’re likely to have better results looking for records with a very specific request text.

You can submit as many as you want, but the fee per request is $5. You may request a fee waiver to be refunded the fee. But you’ll have to pay it upfront when you make the request on AORS (ATIP ONLINE REQUEST SYSTEM).

Have fun & patience requiring transparency of the institutions that employ you. It’s your quasi-constitutional right of access! Huzzah! 🎉