# 36 CFR § 1251.12: How does NARA process your demand?

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1251.12

## Section

- **Citation:** 36 CFR § 1251.12
- **Heading:** How does NARA process your demand?
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** September 22, 2026
- **Source:** Publisher's official text
- **Location:** Title 36—Parks, Forests, and Public Property > CHAPTER XII—NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION > SUBCHAPTER C—PUBLIC AVAILABILITY AND USE > PART 1251—TESTIMONY BY NARA EMPLOYEES RELATING TO AGENCY INFORMATION AND PRODUCTION OF RECORDS IN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

## Text

(a) After service of a demand for production of records or for testimony, an appropriate NARA official reviews the demand and, in accordance with the provisions of this, determines whether, or under what conditions, to produce records or authorize the employee to testify on matters relating to agency information.
(b) NARA processes demands in the order in which we receive them. NARA will not complete and return certifications, affidavits, or similar documents submitted with a demand for records, but if requested will certify records in accordance with NARA's published fee schedule at 36 CFR part 1258. Absent exigent or unusual circumstances, NARA responds within 45 days from the date of receipt. The time for response depends upon the scope of the demand.
(c) The General Counsel may grant a waiver of any procedure described by this part where a waiver is considered necessary to promote a significant interest of NARA or the United States or for other good cause.

## Nearby sections

- [36 CFR § 1251.1 § 1251.1 What is the purpose of this part?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1251.1.md)
- [36 CFR § 1251.2 § 1251.2 To what demands does this part apply?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1251.2.md)
- [36 CFR § 1251.3 § 1251.3 What definitions apply to this part?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1251.3.md)
- [36 CFR § 1251.4 § 1251.4 May employees provide records or give testimony in response to a demand without authorization?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1251.4.md)
- [36 CFR § 1251.6 § 1251.6 How does the General Counsel determine whether to comply with a demand for records or testimony?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1251.6.md)
- [36 CFR § 1251.8 § 1251.8 Who is authorized to accept service of a subpoena demanding the production of records or testimony?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1251.8.md)
- [36 CFR § 1251.10 § 1251.10 What are the filing requirements for a demand for documents or testimony?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1251.10.md)
- [36 CFR § 1251.12 § 1251.12 How does NARA process your demand?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1251.12.md)
- [36 CFR § 1251.14 § 1251.14 Who makes the final determination on compliance with demands for records or testimony?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1251.14.md)
- [36 CFR § 1251.16 § 1251.16 Are there any restrictions that apply to testimony?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1251.16.md)
- [36 CFR § 1251.18 § 1251.18 Are there any restrictions that apply to the production of records?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1251.18.md)
- [36 CFR § 1251.20 § 1251.20 Are there any fees associated with producing records or providing testimony?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1251.20.md)
- [36 CFR § 1251.22 § 1251.22 Are there any penalties for providing records or testimony in violation of this part?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1251.22.md)
- [36 CFR § 1252.1 § 1252.1 Scope.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1252.1.md)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-36-1251.12. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.