FOIA Request to Town of Southern Pines regarding procurement bids and RFP submissions on February 1, 2026.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Town of Southern Pines by Pinehurst Today, a media organization dedicated to providing thorough news coverage on local governmental affairs. The request, dated February 1, 2026, seeks access to specific records under the North Carolina Public Records Law, G.S. §132-1.
The request focuses on obtaining copies of procurement bids and responses to requests for proposals (RFPs) received by the city during the immediately preceding calendar month. The requested records should 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.
Pinehurst Today emphasizes that this request is intended for gathering information of public interest for dissemination purposes. It specifically asks for existing records and does not require the creation of new documents. In case any part of the request is denied or withheld, Pinehurst Today requests a detailed explanation citing the statutory basis for such denial while releasing all reasonably segregable portions of the records.
The media organization also mentions its willingness to receive these records in electronic format if available. Furthermore, given their role in disseminating information and holding public institutions accountable, they believe they are eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional.
Additionally, Pinehurst Today highlights its affiliation with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that aids media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies using Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More information about this coalition can be found at https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
Our team will continue to keep you updated as we gather and report news related to this request and other matters of public interest. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification regarding this matter.
