Ever tried to submit a FOIA request about the status of your security clearance investigation and then heard nothing but crickets for weeks or even months? If you have, you are not alone. Whether you are a member of the public trying to get answers or a government employee buried under a growing queue of requests, the frustration is real. The FOIA system does important work, but just about everyone involved would agree it is overdue for a refresh.
That is exactly the problem federal agencies are trying to tackle with the upcoming NexGen FOIA Tech Showcase 3.0. Recently announced on SAM.gov, the virtual event scheduled for May 12 through May 14, 2026 brings together federal FOIA professionals and technology experts to look at how modern tools, including artificial intelligence, could finally bring FOIA processing into the present day.
The event is being organized by the Chief FOIA Officers Council’s Technology Committee in partnership with the Office of Government Information Services at National Archives and Records Administration and the Office of Information Policy at the U.S. Department of Justice. It follows earlier showcases held in 2022 and 2024, both of which focused on helping agencies address persistent FOIA backlogs, case management challenges, and growing public expectations around speed and accessibility.
Why this showcase matters now
The timing is not accidental. Recent Executive Orders from President Trump have directed federal agencies to identify and implement artificial intelligence based solutions where appropriate. FOIA operations are one of the clearest candidates for automation and decision support, given the volume of records, manual review requirements, and compliance standards agencies face.
The stated goal of NexGen FOIA Tech Showcase 3.0 is to surface tools that can help streamline FOIA case management and processing, particularly those that leverage AI to improve efficiency while maintaining legal and transparency requirements.
What agencies want to see
According to the Request for Information, the Technology Committee is seeking solutions across a wide range of FOIA related capabilities, including:
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FOIA case management systems
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AI supported tools for discovery and processing
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Electronic discovery and electronic record search tools
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Workflow tools for collection, review, redaction, and release of records
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Automated and manual redaction technologies across multiple media types
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Public FOIA reading room and FOIA website tools
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Customer experience platforms, including self service portals
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Analytics, reporting, and performance measurement tools
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Integration and records management connectivity solutions
For vendors, this is not just about showcasing cutting edge AI. Submissions must clearly demonstrate how tools work in real world FOIA workflows and how they support compliance, accessibility, and public trust.
How the RFI process works
Vendors interested in participating must submit a written response of three to five pages describing their solution and identifying which category it addresses. Submissions must also include FedRAMP status and a list of federal government clients currently using the solution for FOIA.
Based on written submissions, selected vendors will be invited to submit short video demonstrations and complete a brief vendor survey. These videos will be shared with agency participants ahead of the event, presented during the showcase, and followed by live question and answer sessions. All written submissions and videos will be posted publicly on FOIA.gov.
The deadline to submit responses is March 12, 2026, at 11:59 pm Eastern. Responses must be emailed to CFO-Council@nara.gov and clearly labeled as an RFI response for NexGen FOIA Tech Showcase 3.0.
Not a contract, but a strong signal
It is important to note that this RFI is not a solicitation and will not result in a contract award. Each agency remains responsible for its own acquisition decisions. Still, participation offers vendors visibility across government and an opportunity to shape how agencies think about modernizing FOIA operations.
For federal FOIA professionals and technology leaders, the showcase reflects a broader shift. Transparency is no longer just a policy issue. It is increasingly a technology challenge, and one where AI is expected to play a meaningful role in the years ahead.
Agencies looking to reduce backlogs, improve public access, and meet growing transparency expectations will be watching closely to see which tools rise to the top in NexGen FOIA Tech Showcase 3.0.
