---
title: "Assemble the file for a notice of decision on an access request"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/practice/administrative-and-public-law/prepare-the-notice-of-decision-and-reasons-on-an-access-request/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A31-X20260927-4-US"
practice_area: "Administrative & Public Law"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Assemble the file for a notice of decision on an access request

> List the request, the date it was received, each document withheld, and any ground already written in the file. Write no sentence of the notice.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/practice/administrative-and-public-law/prepare-the-notice-of-decision-and-reasons-on-an-access-request/united-states  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Administrative & Public Law](https://ailawframework.com/practice/administrative-and-public-law.md) |
| Human involvement | Yellow: Lawyer and AI draft together |
| How AI is used | List the request, the date it was received, each document withheld, and any ground already written in the file. Write no sentence of the notice. |
| What the lawyer must review | 5 U.S.C. § 555(e) requires prompt notice of the denial of a written application, petition, or other request in an agency proceeding, with a brief statement of the grounds, except when the denial affirms a prior denial or is self-explanatory. The Freedom of Information Act determination period is the 20-day period in § 552(a)(6)(A), excluding weekends and legal public holidays. You write the notice. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Prepare the notice of decision and reasons on an access request](https://ailawframework.com/practice/administrative-and-public-law/prepare-the-notice-of-decision-and-reasons-on-an-access-request.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: List the request, the date it was received, each document withheld, and any ground already written in the file. Write no sentence of the notice.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- A document schedule is not a Vaughn index. No case using that name was opened.
- State freedom-of-information statutes were not opened. Use them for a state agency.

## Sources

- [5 U.S.C. § 555, Ancillary matters](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/5/555) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [5 U.S.C. § 552, Freedom of Information Act](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/5/552) (checked 2026-10-22)

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*