What type of data from public-private competition is considered releasable under FOIA requests?

Cost and performance data stands out as the type of information that is generally releasable under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. These types of data are often subject to public scrutiny, as they pertain to how taxpayer dollars are spent and evaluate the effectiveness of public-private competition. Cost data provides insight into the financial aspects of agreements, while performance data reflects the outcomes and efficiencies gained through such competitions.

This openness is crucial for promoting transparency and accountability in government operations, allowing interested parties to analyze and assess the value and efficiency of contracted services. On the other hand, operational details, employee evaluations, and contractor assessments are often sensitive in nature and could contain proprietary or personal information, which can make them exempt from public disclosure under FOIA. This calibration ensures that while the public has access to essential performance and financial metrics, more confidential or individualized information remains protected.