Skip to content

Case Detail

[Subscribe to updates]
Case TitleJUDICIAL WATCH, INC. v. DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
DistrictDistrict of Columbia
CityWashington, DC
Case Number1:2004cv00301
Date Filed2004-02-25
Date Closed2007-01-31
JudgeJudge Ricardo M. Urbina
PlaintiffJUDICIAL WATCH, INC.
DefendantDEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
DefendantKELLOGG BROWN & ROOT, INC.
Documents
Docket
Complaint
Complaint attachment 1
Complaint attachment 2
Complaint attachment 3
Complaint attachment 4
Opinion/Order [37]
FOIA Project Annotation: Judge Ricardo Urbina has ruled that the Department of the Army properly withheld documents concerning Iraq reconstruction contracts awarded to Kellogg Brown & Root, a subsidiary of Halliburton under Exemption 5 (deliberative process privilege). He also allowed KBR to intervene in the action to argue that some of the information it provided to the Army was protected by Exemption 4 (confidential business information). In upholding the Exemption 5 claims, Urbina noted on one document that "although the document has the appearance of a final copy and contains signatures of military officials, it includes a page with a blank space to be signed by a military official and also an e-mail on the first page indicating that it is a draft that still requires the signature of that military official." Saying that "the interests of justice weigh in favor of reconsidering the court's prior order," Urbina reviewed arguments from KBR that some of the material submitted was protected under Exemption 4. In an interesting splitting of hairs over whether its submissions were voluntary or mandatory, Urbina found that the disputed information was submitted voluntarily. He observed that "the intervenor provided the information in these documents not in an effort to bid for or obtain a contract but to negotiate the administration of the contract. The intervenor provided this information after it had been awarded a contract by the defendant, and the discussion contained in these documents concerns ongoing contract implementation, not bid proposals or contract procurement." Having examined an affidavit submitted by KBR indicating that the information was sensitive commercial and financial information about selecting subcontractors and having further conducted an in camera review of the information, Urbina indicated that he was satisfied that the information qualified for protection under Exemption 4.
Issues: Exemption 4 - Competitive harm, Exemption 5 - Privileges - Deliberative process privilege - Deliberative
User-contributed Documents
 
Docket Events (Hide)
Date FiledDoc #Docket Text

2004-02-251COMPLAINT against DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY (Filing fee $ 150.) , filed by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1# 2 Exhibit 2# 3 Exhibit 3# 4 Exhibit 4)(cp, ) (Entered: 02/27/2004)
2004-02-252LCvR 7.1 - CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC. (cp, ) (Entered: 02/27/2004)
2004-02-25SUMMONS Issued (3) as to DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (cp, ) (Entered: 02/27/2004)
2004-03-253STANDING ORDER. Signed by Judge Ricardo M. Urbina on 3/25/04. (Entered: 03/25/2004)
2004-03-264ANSWER to Complaint by DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY.(Diller, Paul) (Entered: 03/26/2004)
2004-03-305MOTION to Intervene by KELLOGG BROWN & ROOT, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Points & Authorities# 2 Certificate of Service# 3 Exhibit ANSWER to complaint# 4 Text of Proposed Order)(cp, ) (Entered: 03/31/2004)
2004-04-237NOTICE of Appearance by Elizabeth B. McCallum on behalf of KELLOGG BROWN & ROOT, INC. (McCallum, Elizabeth) (Entered: 04/23/2004)
2004-06-226LCvR 7.1 - CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests by KELLOGG BROWN & ROOT, INC. (cp, ) (Entered: 03/31/2004)
2004-06-22MINUTE ORDER granting 5 Consent Motion to Intervene. Signed by Judge Ricardo M. Urbina on 6/22/04. (Entered: 06/22/2004)
2004-06-22MINUTE ORDER Setting Initial Status Conference for August 19, 2004 at 11:15 am in Courtroom 12. Signed by Judge Ricardo M. Urbina on 6/22/04. (Entered: 06/22/2004)
2004-06-228ANSWER to Complaint by KELLOGG BROWN & ROOT, INC..(rje, ) (Entered: 06/23/2004)
2004-08-139Unopposed MOTION to Continue Initial Status Conference by DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY. (Diller, Paul) (Entered: 08/13/2004)
2004-08-16MINUTE ORDER granting 9 Motion to Continue. The status conference is rescheduled for September 14, 2004, at 2:30pm.. Signed by Judge Ricardo M. Urbina on 8/16/04. (Entered: 08/16/2004)
2004-08-16Set Deadlines/Hearings: Status Conference set for 9/14/2004 02:30 PM in Courtroom 12 before Judge Ricardo M. Urbina. (jwd) (Entered: 08/16/2004)
2004-09-0910Unopposed MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Orfanedes, Paul) (Entered: 09/09/2004)
2004-09-09MINUTE ORDER granting 10 Motion for Leave to Appear. Signed by Judge Ricardo M. Urbina on 9/9/04. (Entered: 09/09/2004)
2004-09-14Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Ricardo M. Urbina: Status Conference held on 9/14/2004. Production of documents deadline is 11/14/2004. A further Status Conference set for 11/29/2004 11:00 AM in Courtroom 12 before Judge Ricardo M. Urbina. (Court Reporter William D. McAllister.) (jwd (Entered: 09/14/2004)
2004-11-2311Unopposed MOTION to Continue Nov. 29 Status Conference by DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY. (Diller, Paul) (Entered: 11/23/2004)
2004-11-23MINUTE ORDER granting 11 Motion to Continue. The hearing is rescheduled for 2:15pm on 12/13/04. Signed by Judge Ricardo M. Urbina on 11/23/04. (jp, ) (Entered: 11/23/2004)
2004-12-02Set Deadlines/Hearings: Status Conference set for 12/13/2004 at 2:15 PM in Courtroom 12 before Judge Ricardo M. Urbina. (jwd) (Entered: 12/02/2004)
2004-12-13Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Ricardo M. Urbina: Status Conference held on 12/13/2004. A Further Status Conference is set for 1/24/2005 at 2:00 P.M. in Courtroom 12 before Judge Ricardo M. Urbina. (Court Reporter William D. McAllister.) (jwd) (Entered: 12/13/2004)
2005-01-24MINUTE ORDER. Status hearing set for 3/31/05 at 9:45 am. Motions to amend pleadings or join parties due on or before 2/24/05; oppositions thereto on or before 3/10/05; replies thereto on or before 3/17/05 . Signed by Judge Ricardo M. Urbina on 1/24/05. (jp, ) (Entered: 01/24/2005)
2005-01-24Set Deadlines/Hearings: Motions to Amend Pleadings or Join Parties due by 2/24/2005. Oppositions due by 3/10/2005. Replies due by 3/17/2005. (jwd) (Entered: 01/24/2005)
2005-01-24Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Ricardo M. Urbina Status Conference held on 1/24/2005. (Court Reporter William D. McAllister.) (jwd) (Entered: 01/24/2005)
2005-03-3012NOTICE of Appearance by Meredith Cavallo on behalf of JUDICIAL WATCH, INC. (Orfanedes, Paul) Modified on 3/31/2005 (nmw, ). (Entered: 03/30/2005)
2005-03-31Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Ricardo M. Urbina : Status Conference held on 3/31/2005. Parties are to submit a proposed stipulated schedule for the Court's consideration by the close of busniess, Wednesday, April 6, 2005. (Court Reporter William D. McAllister.) (jwd) (Entered: 03/31/2005)
2005-04-0613STIPULATION by KELLOGG BROWN & ROOT, INC., JUDICIAL WATCH, INC., DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Orfanedes, Paul) (Entered: 04/06/2005)
2005-04-0714ORDER Signed by Judge Ricardo M. Urbina on April 7, 2005, as to joint stipulation submitted by parties regarding plaintiff's claims arising under Freedom of Information Act ("FOIA"), 5 U.S.C. Section 552.. (jwd) (Entered: 04/07/2005)
2005-04-2515TRANSCRIPT of Status Hearing held on March 31, 2005 before Judge RicardO M. Urbina. Court Reporter: William D. McAllister. The public may view the document in the Clerk's Office between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m, Monday through Friday. (jf, ) (Entered: 04/27/2005)
2005-04-2516TRANSCRIPT of Status Hearing held on January 24, 2005 before Judge Ricardo M. Urbina. Court Reporter: William D. McAllister. The public may view the document in the Clerk's Office between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m, Monday through Friday. (jf, ) (Entered: 04/27/2005)
2005-04-2517TRANSCRIPT of Status Hearing held on December 13, 2004 before Judge Ricardo M. Urbina. Court Reporter: William D. McAllister. The public may view the document in the Clerk's Office between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m, Monday through Friday. (jf, ) (Entered: 04/27/2005)
2005-06-0618MOTION for Summary Judgment by DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY. (Attachments: # 1 # 2 Exhibit # 3 Exhibit # 4 Exhibit # 5 Exhibit # 6 Exhibit # 7 Exhibit # 8 Statement of Facts # 9 Text of Proposed Order)(Zimmerman, Jonathan) (Entered: 06/06/2005)
2005-07-0119Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 18 MOTION for Summary Judgment of Defendant by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Orfanedes, Paul) (Entered: 07/01/2005)
2005-07-05MINUTE ORDER granting 19 Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply re 18 MOTION for Summary Judgment Responses due by 7/20/2005 Replies due by 8/4/2005. Signed by Judge Ricardo M. Urbina on 7/5/05. (jp, ) (Entered: 07/05/2005)
2005-07-05Set/Reset Deadlines: Responses due by 7/20/2005 Replies due by 8/4/2005. (tth, ) (Entered: 07/06/2005)
2005-07-14Set Deadlines/Hearings: Response to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 7/20/2005. Reply to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 8/4/2005. (jwd) (Entered: 07/14/2005)
2005-07-2020Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply /Opposition to Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Orfanedes, Paul) (Entered: 07/20/2005)
2005-07-21MINUTE ORDER granting 20 Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply. Opposition due 7/25/05 and reply due 8/9/05 . Signed by Judge Ricardo M. Urbina on 7/21/05. (lcrmu1, ) (Entered: 07/21/2005)
2005-07-22Set/Reset Deadlines: Responses due by 7/25/2005 Replies due by 8/9/2005. (tth, ) (Entered: 07/22/2005)
2005-07-2521Memorandum in opposition to motion re 18 /Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment filed by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1# 2 Exhibit 2# 3 Exhibit 3# 4 Exhibit 4# 5 Exhibit 5# 6 Exhibit 6# 7 Exhibit 7# 8 Exhibit 8# 9 Text of Proposed Order)(Orfanedes, Paul) (Entered: 07/25/2005)
2005-08-0422First MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply to plaintiff's Opposition to Defendant's Motion For Summary Judgment by DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Zimmerman, Jonathan) (Entered: 08/04/2005)
2005-08-08MINUTE ORDER granting 22 First MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply. Reply due on or before August 16, 2005. Signed by Judge Ricardo M. Urbina on 8/8/05. (djr) (Entered: 08/08/2005)
2005-08-08Set Deadlines/Hearings: Reply to Opposition to Motion for Summary Judgment due by 8/16/2005. (jwd) (Entered: 08/08/2005)
2005-08-1623REPLY to opposition to motion re 18 for summary judgment filed by DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY. (Attachments: # 1 Supplemental Declaration)(Zimmerman, Jonathan) (Entered: 08/16/2005)
2005-08-1724ERRATA by DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY. (Attachments: # 1 )(Zimmerman, Jonathan) (Entered: 08/17/2005)
2005-11-1725ORDER granting in part and deferring ruling in part 18 Motion for Summary Judgment. Signed by Judge Ricardo M. Urbina on 11/17/05. (djr) (Entered: 11/17/2005)
2005-11-1726MEMORANDUM AND OPINION. Signed by Judge Ricardo M. Urbina on 11/17/05. (djr) Additional attachment(s) added on 11/17/2005 (lcrmu1, ). (Entered: 11/17/2005)
2005-12-2927NOTICE of In Camera Filing by DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY (Attachments: # 1 Declaration# 2 Exhibit TAB A to Declaration# 3 Exhibit TAB B to Declaration# 4 Exhibit TAB C to Declaration# 5 Exhibit TAB D to Declaration# 6 Exhibit TAB E to Declaration)(Zimmerman, Jonathan) (Entered: 12/29/2005)
2006-05-3128ORDER GRANTING IN PART and DENYING IN PART the Defendant's motion for summary judgment. Signed by Judge Ricardo M. Urbina on 5/31/06. (djr) (Entered: 05/31/2006)
2006-05-3129MEMORANDUM AND OPINION. Signed by Judge Ricardo M. Urbina on 5/31/06. (djr) (Entered: 05/31/2006)
2006-06-0930RESPONSE TO 28 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE by DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Linda J. Selinger# 2 Appendix #2# 3 Appendix #3)(Zimmerman, Jonathan) Modified on 6/12/2006 (nmw, ). (Entered: 06/09/2006)
2006-06-0931MOTION for Reconsideration of May 31, 2006 Order by KELLOGG BROWN & ROOT, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(McCallum, Elizabeth) (Entered: 06/09/2006)
2006-06-1232NOTICE of Partial Production of Documents to Plaintiff by DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY (Attachments: # 1 Appendix 1# 2 Appendix 2)(Zimmerman, Jonathan) (Entered: 06/12/2006)
2006-06-1933Memorandum in opposition to re 31 MOTION for Reconsideration of May 31, 2006 Order filed by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Di Liberto, Meredith) (Entered: 06/19/2006)
2006-06-2834REPLY to 33 Plaintiff's Opposition to Intervenor's Motion to Reconsider filed by DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY. (Zimmerman, Jonathan) Modified on 6/29/2006 (nmw, ). (Entered: 06/28/2006)
2006-06-2935REPLY re 33 of Intervenor Kellogg Brown & Root to Plaintiff's Opposition to Motion for Reconsideration filed by KELLOGG BROWN & ROOT, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit)(McCallum, Elizabeth) Modified on 6/30/2006 (nmw, ). (Entered: 06/29/2006)
2006-12-1236ORDER granting 31 Motion for Reconsideration. Signed by Judge Ricardo M. Urbina on 12/12/06. (djr) (Entered: 12/12/2006)
2006-12-1237MEMORANDUM AND OPINION. Signed by Judge Ricardo M. Urbina on 12/12/06. (djr) (Entered: 12/12/2006)
2006-12-1938MOTION for Extension of Time to File Motion for Attorney's Fees and Litigation Expenses by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Di Liberto, Meredith) (Entered: 12/19/2006)
2006-12-19MINUTE ORDER granting 38 Motion for Extension of Time to File. If the parties are unable to resolve the plaintiff's request for attorneys fees, the plaintiff's Motion For Attorney?s Fees and Litigation Expenses is due by Tuesday, January 9, 2007. Signed by Judge Ricardo M. Urbina on 12/19/06. (djr) (Entered: 12/19/2006)
2006-12-20Set Deadlines/Hearings: plaintiff's Motion For Attorney?s Fees and Litigation Expenses is due by Tuesday, January 9, 2007. (jwd) (Entered: 12/20/2006)
2006-12-2139NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL OF APPEARANCE as to DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY. Attorney Paul A. Diller terminated. (Zimmerman, Jonathan) (Entered: 12/21/2006)
2007-01-0940Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Motion for Attorney's Fees and Litigation Expenses by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Orfanedes, Paul) (Entered: 01/09/2007)
2007-01-09MINUTE ORDER granting 40 Motion for Extension of Time to file a motion for attorneys fees. The court expects the parties to resolve this matter without judicial intervention. If the parties are unable, however, the plaintiff must file its motion by January 19, 2007. Signed by Judge Ricardo M. Urbina on 1/9/07. (djr) (Entered: 01/09/2007)
2007-01-09Set Deadlines/Hearings: Plaintiff's Motion for attorney fees due by 1/19/2007. (jwd) (Entered: 01/09/2007)
2007-01-1941Third MOTION for Extension of Time to File Motion for Attorney's Fees and Litigation Expenses by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Orfanedes, Paul) (Entered: 01/19/2007)
2007-01-22MINUTE ORDER granting 41 Motion for Extension of Time to File. The plaintiff may file its motion for attorney's fees by January 26, 2007. Signed by Judge Ricardo M. Urbina on 1/22/07. (djr) (Entered: 01/22/2007)
2007-01-22Set Deadlines/Hearings: Plaintiff's Motions for Attorney Fees due by 1/26/2007. (jwd) (Entered: 01/22/2007)
2007-01-3142STIPULATION of Dismissal by JUDICIAL WATCH, INC., DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY. (Orfanedes, Paul) (Entered: 01/31/2007)
Hide Docket Events
by FOIA Project Staff
Skip to toolbar