US: DoD blocks CRADA records release via FOIA exemptions
Defense Department officials invoked specific statutory exemptions to withhold records about the material testing program. Citing national defense concerns, authorities denied access to documents requested under freedom of information laws.
Background
On January 25, 2021, defense officials formally declined to release documentation regarding the testing collaboration. Invoking exemptions typically reserved for sensitive national security matters, the department blocked disclosure of the research results and material origins. This decision prevented journalists and researchers from obtaining specifics about the laboratory findings through standard transparency mechanisms. The invocation of such exemptions suggested the materials or results might involve classified technologies or foreign intelligence considerations.