The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requires that federal agencies respond to FOIA requests within 20 days. If it needs more information, the government agency is allowed to wait for you to respond and not count that against the 20 days. The law does provide for a situation where, „in unusual circumstances“ the 20 day period can be extended with a specific notice explaining the „unusual circumstances,“ but „no such notice shall specify a date that would result in an extension for more than ten working days.“