1140-0049 Justification (01 2017) 2.9.17 V2 508

Department of Justice
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Information Collection Request
Supporting Statement
1140-0049
Application for National Firearms Examiner Academy
ATF F 6330.1

A. JUSTIFICATION
1.

Necessity of Information Collection
The Office of Science and Technology, Forensic Services offers the
National Firearms Examiner Academy (NFEA) training program for entry
level firearms and toolmark examiners. This program is designed in part
to address the critical law enforcement needs of the services provided by
firearms and toolmark examiners. The examiners themselves are a finite
and dwindling population across the country. Yet, all law enforcement
organizations that rely on ballistic and forensic firearms examinations
require the services of this technical expertise. This course is designed to
be offered qualified applicants from state, local, and federal law
enforcement agencies and to newly appointed ATF firearms and toolmark
examiners. In order for an agency outside of ATF to request enrollment at
this academy, an application form would be necessary to transfer pertinent
data to ATF for the purpose of planning as well as determining
compliance with established prerequisites.

2.

Needs and Uses
The information from the application form would be collected and
maintained by ATF’s Office of Science and Technology, Forensic
Services for planning purposes as well as determining compliance with
established prerequisites. Meeting or exceeding threshold requirements is
critical in that recognition in this field comes not from ATF but from an
independent professional organizational known as the Association of
Firearms and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE). In order for an Academy
program to be valid it must be in line with the governing body that
recognizes and certifies the work of the examiners. Prerequisites
established for the NFEA are in accordance with those of AFTE standards.
Prerequisites include completion of a four year college degree as well as
permanent assignment to a law enforcement forensic laboratory for the
purposes of conducting the types of examinations related to this field.

Rev. 1/17

3.

Use of Information Technology
This fillable form is available on the ATF website and can be e-mailed to
the [email protected] mailbox. Recognizing that interest in this
Academy will be found throughout all areas of the country, we cannot
exclude those areas where agency funding would prevent internet access on
behalf of the prospective student. Additionally, a signature would be
required on the application form since we are requesting compliance with
established prerequisites to attend the NFEA.
Individuals who can complete the PDF form online, will be able to sign the
form digitally and email it to the NFEA Training e-mail inbox, thereby
providing for a completely paperless and electronic method of submission
alongside other existing methods of submission. Digital signature and esubmision capability is expected to positively impact the public burden for
this collection.
Once the form has cleared the public comment period and is approved by
OMB, electronic version of this forms it will be made fully 508 compliant,
and available for completion, electronic submission by individuals with
disabilities.

4.

Efforts to Identify Duplication
ATF uses a uniform subject classification system for forms to identify
duplication and to ensure that any similar information already available
cannot be used or modified for use for the purpose of this information
collection.

5.

Minimizing Burden on Small Businesses
The collection of information has no impact on small businesses.

6.

Consequences of Not Conducting or Less Frequent Collection
The consequences of not conducting this information collection would
result in critical information that would not be available during the
investigation of criminal cases. All law enforcement organizations that rely
on ballistic and forensic firearms examination require the services of this
technical expertise. The collection is necessary for ATF to process
prospective NFEA applicants, plan future training sessions, and verify
eligibility of candidates.

7.

Special Circumstances
This information will be collected in a manner consistent with the
guidelines in 5 CFR 1320.6.

Rev. 1/17

8.

Public Comments and Consultations

No public comments were received for the 60-day or 30-day notices
that were published in the Federal Register notice.
9.

Provision of Payments or Gifts to Respondents
ATF will not provide any payment or gift of any type to respondents.

10.

Assurance of Confidentiality
The information regarding this information collection is kept in a secure
location at the ATF National Laboratory Center. Also, the information on
the form is reviewed only by ATF employees who determine the
eligibility of the applicant. Confidentiality is not assured.

11.

Justification for Sensitive Questions
The respondents’ social security number is requested to verify the identity
of the applicant, verify the applicant’s citizenship and/or immigration
status, and track training progress and completion. The National Firearms
Examiner Academy can only accept applications from U.S. citizens due to
Department of State and Department of Defense regulations regarding
who is allowed to enter firearms manufacturer’s facilities in the U.S.

12.

Estimates of Respondent’s Burden
The number of respondents associated with this collection is 75. The total
annual responses are 75. The time it takes to complete the form is 12
minutes. The total annual burden associated with this collection is 15
hours (75 respondents x .20 (12 minutes) = 15 hours).

13.

Estimate of Cost Burden
Cost is non-existent as the form can be emailed to the NFEA Training
mailbox. Therefore, number 14 on the 83-I will be reported as 0.

14.

Cost to the Federal Government
There is no cost to the Federal Government.

15.

Reason for Change in Burden
There are no changes associated with this submission.

16.

Anticipated Publication Plan and Schedule
The results of this collection will not be published.

Rev. 1/17

17.

Display of Expiration Date
ATF does not request approval to not display the expiration date of OMB
approval for this information collection.

18.

Exception to the Certification Statement
There are no exceptions to the certification statement.

B. STATISTICAL METHODS
None

Rev. 1/17