(a) This subpart contains the procedures for submission to and consideration by the Department of the Interior of requests for records under the Freedom of Information Act.

(b) Before invoking the formal procedures set out below, persons seeking records from the Department may find it useful to consult with the appropriate bureau FOIA officer. Bureau offices are listed in Appendix B to this part.

(c) The procedures in this subpart do not apply to:

(1) Records published in the Federal Register, opinions in the adjudication of cases, statements of policy and interpretations, and administrative staff manuals that have been published or made available under subpart A of this part.

(2) Records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes and covered by the disclosure exemption described in § 2.13(c)(7) if—

(i) The investigation or proceeding involves a possible violation of criminal law; and

(ii) There is reason to believe that—

(A) The subject of the investigation or proceeding is not aware of its pendency, and

(B) Disclosure of the existence of the records could reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings.

(3) Informant records maintained by a criminal law enforcement component of the Department under an informant's name or personal identifier, if requested by a third party according to the informant's name or personal identifier, unless the informant's status as an informant has been officially confirmed.