C. Administrative appeal.

The OIP is empowered to review and rule on agency denials and to adopt rules setting forth an internal appeals structure providing for direct appeal and time limits.

The OIP has prepared a first draft of its rules for the administrative appeal procedures and has made it available for public review and comment. OIP Annual Report 1999. These rules will govern the procedures for filing an appeal to the OIP by a person denied access to a government record and the review and hearing of an appeal. Id. Even without a formal appeal process, the OIP informally assists requesters and agencies in resolving disputes arising out of requests or denials. This assistance may sometimes lead to a formal written OIP opinion.