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Make a Privacy Act Request

Privacy Act (PA)

Under the Privacy Act (PA), a person may seek access to records that are retrieved by that person’s name or other personal identifier, such as Social Security number or employee identification number. Such records will be made available unless they fall within the exemptions of the PA or the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Detailed information about TVA policies and procedures for obtaining access to information under the FOIA and the PA is available in 18 CFR Part 1301.

Privacy Act Requests

We have streamlined TVA’s PA request process to better serve our requester community. TVA has transitioned to the Public Access Link (PAL) to increase efficiency for those seeking records from TVA and the TVA staff assigned to process requests. To submit a PA request for access to records pertaining to yourself, please visit the Public Access Link (PAL). You must register to create an online profile or log into your existing profile to submit a request.

Please note: Sending your request via PAL will ensure your request reaches our office immediately. If you prefer not to submit your request via the PAL, TVA will accept your request via email or United States Postal Service (USPS); however, use of email or USPS will result in slower receipt and processing time. You may submit a request in any one of the following methods listed below, but submitting the request online is the most efficient method.

  1. Submit your request online and attach the required documentation.

    Submit a PA request

    —— OR ——

  2. Mail your request in writing to the address below.

    Chris Marsalis
    TVA Privacy Officer
    400 W. Summit Hill Dr.
    Knoxville, TN 37902-1499

    —— OR ——

  3. Email your request to privacy@tva.gov.

Required Documentation

There are three basic elements to a request for records under the Privacy Act.

  1. Prepare a letter and state the request is being made under the Privacy Act.

  2. The letter should include the name, address, telephone number, email address, and signature of the requester. The requester will be required to submit a notarized statement attesting to his/her identity with an understanding of the criminal penalties provided under section 1001 of title 18 of the United States Code for making false statements to a Government agency and under subsection (i)(3) of the Act for obtaining records under false pretenses. Also, pursuant to 10 CFR, § 1008.4 (b)(1) and (b)(2), include a photocopy of two identifying documents bearing name and signature, one of which shall bear current home or business address and date of birth.

  3. The request should describe the records in as much detail as possible and identify the specific TVA system of records where you believe the information is located. If possible, include in your description, information such as the date and place the records were created, file descriptions, subject matter, persons involved, and other pertinent details that will help identify the records.

What Happens after I File a Request?

TVA will make a record available within 20 workdays after receipt of your request. If a delay of more than 20 workdays is expected, you will be notified in writing of the reason for the delay and when the record will be available. You may be asked for additional information to clarify your request. TVA will have an additional 20 workdays after receipt of the new information to provide the record to you, or provide another acknowledgment letter if a delay in locating the record is expected.

In the case of a requested amendment, TVA will determine whether the record is in fact inaccurate, incomplete, misleading, irrelevant, or not timely, as claimed. If TVA finds a need for amendment according to the information you submit, then TVA will amend the record in accordance with your request. You will then receive notice that TVA has taken the action to amend. Conversely, if TVA denies amendment in whole or in part, you will receive notification of this fact.

Exemptions

The Privacy Act (5 USC 552a) generally provides that any person has a right – enforceable in court – of access to federal agency records in which that person is a subject, except to the extent that such records (or portions thereof) are protected from disclosure by one of ten exemptions. The list below describes the type of material withheld under each subsection of the Privacy Act.

(d)(5) Information compiled in reasonable anticipation of a civil action or proceeding.
(j)(1) CIA records (information concerning polygraph records, sources and methods to gather intelligence -- including the facilities, organization, functions, names, official's titles, salaries, or numbers of personnel employed by the Agency -- and documents or information provided by foreign governments).
(j)(2) Material reporting investigative efforts pertaining to the enforcement of criminal law, including efforts to prevent, control or reduce crime or to apprehend criminals.
(k)(1) Information that is currently and properly classified pursuant to an executive order in the interest of the national defense or foreign policy – for example, information involving intelligence sources or methods.
(k)(2) Non-criminal law enforcement records compiled by any agency, or criminal law enforcement records compiled by a non-principal law enforcement agency which did not result in loss of a right, benefit or privilege under federal programs, or which would identify a source who furnished information pursuant to a promise that his/her identity would be held in confidence.
(k)(3) Material maintained in connection with providing protective services to the U.S. President or any other individual pursuant to the authority of Title 16, U.S. Code, Section 3056.
(k)(4) Required by statute to be maintained and used solely as statistical records.
(k)(5) Investigative material compiled solely for the purpose of determining suitability, eligibility, or qualifications for federal civilian employment or for access to classified information, the disclosure of which would reveal the identity of the person who furnished information pursuant to a promise that his/her identity would be held in confidence.
(k)(6) Testing or examination material used to determine individual qualifications for appointment or promotion in federal government service – the release of which would compromise the testing or examination process.
(k)(7) Material used to determine the potential for promotion in the armed services, the disclosure of which would reveal the identity of the person who furnished the material pursuant to the promise that his/her identity would be held in confidence.

Fees

Agencies are authorized by law to recover the direct costs of providing information to a requester. If you make such a request, you may be required to pay fees for searching, reviewing and copying records. You will be notified in advance if these fees will exceed $25.