Justifcation for OMB 1140-0049 (ATF Form 6330.1) 7.16.2020

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

Justification
1.

Necessity of Information Collection
The Office of Science and Technology’s (OST), Forensic Services offers
National Firearms Examiner Academy (NFEA) training program for entrylevel firearm and toolmark examiners. This program is designed in part to
address the critical law enforcement services provided by firearm and
toolmark examiners. The examiners themselves are a finite and dwindling
population across the country. However, all law enforcement organizations
that perform ballistic and forensic firearms examinations require this
technical expertise. This program curriculum is designed for qualified
applicants from state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies, and
newly appointed ATF firearm and toolmark examiners. In order for
personnel from external agencies and within the ATF to request enrollment
at the NFEA, they must complete the Application for National Firearms
Examiner Academy - ATF Form 6330.1. Specifically, ATF Form 6330.1 is
used to acquire information about a candidate’s qualification and
completion of the prerequisites, prior to enrollment in ATF’s NFEA
program.

2.

Needs and Uses
The information obtained from ATF Form 6330.1 is collected and
maintained by ATF’s Office of Science and Technology, Forensic Services.
In particular, this data is used to plan program courses and to ensure a
candidate’s compliance with established program prerequisites. Meeting or
exceeding threshold requirements is critical, since recognition in this field
is obtained from both ATF, as well as an independent professional
organization known as the Association of Firearm and Toolmark
Examiners (AFTE). In order for the NFEA program to be valid, it must
operate within the guidelines of the governing body that recognizes and
certifies the work of the examiners. Prerequisites established for the NFEA
are in accordance with AFTE standards. Some of these prerequisites
include completion of a four-year college degree, as well as

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permanent assignment to a law enforcement forensic laboratory, for the
purpose of conducting examinations related to this field.
3.

Use of Information Technology
This fillable ATF Form 6330.1 is available for download from the ATF
website, and can be e-mailed to the [email protected] inbox, upon
completion. The fillable form can be signed with a wet signature, scanned
and then emailed to NFEA. Applicants can also complete the 508
compliant PDF form online, digitally sign and e-mail it to the NFEA
inbox, thereby ensuring a completely paperless method of submission.

4.

Efforts to Identify Duplication
ATF uses a uniform subject classification system 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
This collection of information has no impact on small businesses.

6.

Consequences of Not Conducting or Less Frequent Collection
Without this information collection, critical information obtained through
the work of ballistic and forensic firearms would be unavailable during
criminal case investigations. This is because every law enforcement
organization relies on this expertise when conducting investigations. This
collection ensures that ATF has access to appropriate data to evaluate and
enroll suitable candidates for the NFEA program, and plan future training.

7.

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

8.

Public Comments and Consultations
No comments were received during the 60-day Federal Register notice
period. However, a 30-day notice will be published in the Federal Register
to solicit public comments.

9.

Provision of Payments or Gifts to Respondents
ATF will not provide any payment or gift of any type to respondents.
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10.

Assurance of Confidentiality
The collected data for this information collection is kept in a secure
location at the ATF National Laboratory Center, and is exclusively
reviewed by ATF employees who determine a candidate’s eligibility to
enroll in the NFEA program. Confidentiality is not assured.

11.

Justification for Sensitive Questions
The social security number is requested to verify the identity of the
applicant, as well as their citizenship and/or immigration status. This data
is also used to track the applicant’s training progress and course
completion. Currently, the NFEA can only accept applications from U.S.
citizens, due to current Department of State and Department of Defense
regulations regarding individuals allowed to enter firearm 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 is 75. The time it takes to complete the form is 12
minutes. The total annual burden associated with this collection is 15
hours, which is calculated as follows: 75 respondents x .20 (12 minutes) =
15 hours).

13.

Estimate of Cost Burden
Cost is non-existent since the form can be e-mailed to the NFEA Training
mailbox for processing.

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.

17.

Display of Expiration Date
ATF does not request approval to not display the expiration date of OMB
approval for this information collection.
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18.

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

B.

Statistical Methods
None

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