On 12 March 2002, I filed two Freedom of Information Act requests with the CIA for:

1) "any report(s) on the history of the CIA polygraph division, including, but not limited to, any written by former CIA polygrapher John F. Sullivan" and

2) "documentation of any standardized briefing provided to CIA employees or applicants prior to their taking polygraph examinations, whether on paper, videotape, or any other media."

In a reply dated 26 March 2002, CIA Information and Privacy Coordinater Kathryn I. Dyer wrote back, stating that I must agree to pay estimated costs of up to $150 per request before the CIA will take further action on them. Fees would be payable even if the CIA ultimately decides to withhold the requested information.

Fees would accrue for time spent searching for the requested items beyond the first two hours, which are free. While I think that I've described the documents requested well enough that they should be findable within the two free hours allotted per request, I'm left to contemplate whether I can afford the possible charges of up to $300 associated with these requests.

If anyone else would be willing to share the costs of these FOIA requests with me, if indeed fees are incurred, please let me know to what extent you are willing to help, either through a post to the message board or by private e-mail to me at maschke@antipolygraph.org.

Ms. Dyer seeks a response from me within 45 days of the date of her letter, that is, by 10 May.