Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests
How to Request Documents Using FOIA
Freedom of Information requests must be printed or typed and include the following information: 1). the name, mailing address and daytime phone number of the requester; and 2). a description of the records being requested. The request can be e-mailed, mailed, faxed or dropped off in person at the PBC front desk. The request should be directed to Freedom of Information Act Officer.
Freedom of Information Act Officer
FOIA Officer
Richard J. Daley Center
50 West Washington
Room 200
Chicago, IL 60602
Email: FOIA@pbcchicago.com
Phone: 312/744-3090
Fax: 312/744-8005
Categories Of Records
The Public Building Commission of Chicago maintains the following categories of records. Many of these records can be viewed using the PBC website. There is additional information regarding access to documents through the PBC website under the heading "Website Navigation." That heading follows "FOIA Fees"
- Project Files (includes contracts, pay applications, payment and performance bonds)
This link allows you to search by project name, community, ward or zip code; and enables you to navigate to all the contracts and payment applications associated with the project. Additionally, project details, including press releases, project maps, fact sheets and project photos are available. Type the project name, community, ward or zip code in the appropriate field and click search. - Architect of Record by project
Type the project name, community, ward or zip code in the appropriate field and click search. - Construction Contracts by project
Type the project name, community, ward or zip code in the appropriate field and click search. - PBC Board of Commissioners (Agenda, Minutes and Resolutions)
This link lists all the 2010 PBC Board meetings and allows the option to access meetings from 2006 through 2010. Each meeting description is a link for the date shown on the left. To view other years click the dropdown box located upper right on the page. - PBC Financial Report for Years Ending 2000 - 2008
- PBC Annual Reports for 1999 - 2008
FOIA Fees
- For paper copies
The first 50 pages are free. Starting with page 51, black and white letter or legal sized copies are 15 cents per page. Copies in color or a size other than letter or legal will be charged at the cost of copying. If you request color copies or oversized copies, the FOIA Officer will advise you of the cost before copies are made. If there is a copy charge, payments must be received before the copies will be made. - Documents Sought in Electronic Format
The charge will be the cost of the recording medium (Compact Disk etc). - Documents Sought in Electronic Format which can be e-mailed to Requestor
No Charge. Please note that about 50 scanned sheets of letter sized paper is the maximum that can be e-mailed. If the file is larger, the e-mail can not be sent. - Documents Furnished Without Charge or At A Reduced Charge
The person requesting the documents may state the specific purpose for the request and indicate that a waiver or reduction of fees is in the public interest. In order to qualify as a request in the public interest, the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA) states, "the principal purpose of the request is to access and disseminate information regarding the health, safety and welfare or the legal rights of the general public and is not for the principal purpose of personal or commercial benefit." The FOIA also provides that, "In setting the amount of the waiver or reduction, the public body may take into consideration, the amount of materials requested and the cost of copying them."
Website Navigation
Many documents are available on the PBC website. The Home Page has a "What's New" section with links to upcoming contracts, RFQ's, PBC project grand openings, presentations, and other information. Also on the Home Page are quick links to PBC Alerts, Contractor pay applications, project information, contract forms and upcoming events.
The "About The PBC" tab includes links to Board of Commissioners bios, statements from both the PBC's Chairman and Executive Director, various PBC reports, press releases, Agendas, Minutes and Notices, recent PBC Board Actions, and links to the "Sister Agencies."
The "PBC Projects" tab includes a hyperlink to projects that are currently under construction, including a project map and project search screen. Additionally, a list of current programs which contain hyperlinks to the specific projects; information on Green projects (including LEED strategies), construction site visits protocol; PBC History and other general project information.
The "Doing Business with the PBC" tab provides a general overview on how the PBC solicits contractors and provides information on Current Opportunities; shows PBC Alerts, Vendor Information, Pre-Qualification; MBE/WBE, Awarded Contracts, Downloads to PBC's Standard Terms & Conditions, General Contract Forms and Ethics Policy.
The "Contact the PBC" tab provides hyperlinks to the following areas: Freedom of Information Act; Job Opportunities; Daley Center Map; and Legal Notice.