FOIA Request to Surry County regarding procurement bids and RFP submissions on February 1, 2026.
On February 1, 2026, Old North News submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Surry County, North Carolina. The request seeks access to records related to procurement bids and responses to requests for proposals (RFPs) received by the county during the immediately preceding calendar month. This request is made under the North Carolina Public Records Law, G.S. ยง132-1.
The specific records requested include details such as solicitation or project titles, names of bidders or proposers, submission dates, bid amounts or proposed costs, and descriptions of the goods or services proposed. The aim is to gather information of public interest for dissemination to the public. Old North News has emphasized that this request pertains only to existing records and does not necessitate the creation of new documents.
The requester has also asked for any denials or withholdings to be accompanied by a specific statutory basis and requests that all reasonably segregable portions of the records be released. Additionally, they have expressed a preference for receiving these records in electronic format if available.
Old North News has highlighted its role in gathering and reporting news as part of its professional responsibilities, which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency. They have requested a fee waiver based on their status as a media organization.
The requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that assists media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies using Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More information about this organization can be found on their website: https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
We look forward to receiving this information in an electronic format as it will greatly aid in our reporting efforts. As always, we remain open for any questions or clarifications regarding this request.
