Information on Federal Firearms and Explosives Adapted from Information by ATF The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Federal Firearms Licensing Center (FFLC) issues and renews federal firearms licenses (FFL) in accordance with the Gun Control Act of 1968. The FFLC performs the following functions: j Processes all FFL applications and reviews application data, conducts thorough background investigations, and issues FFLs. The FFLC forwards applications to the appropriate ATF field office, which coordinates field inspections and provides final approval to issue the FFL. j Provides an official repository and archive of all FFL-related documents and ensures all documents are properly prepared for digital imaging. Maintains audiotapes and CDs of licensee hearings related to administrative actions. Upon request, provides copies of documents and/or audio media regarding administrative hearings, congressional correspondence, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. j Supports ATF investigations by providing Blue Ribbon Certifications and direct testimony to verify the licensed status of defendants and others related to criminal prosecutions or administrative actions. The Federal Explosives Licensing Center (FELC) issues and renews federal explosives licenses and permits (FEL/FEP) submitted by industry members who manufacture, deal in, and import or receive explosive materials. The FELC reviews and acts upon all applications for FEL/FEPs, coordinates applicant inspections with the appropriate ATF field offices, and performs background checks on all responsible persons and employee possessors. Title XI of the Organized Crime Control Act (OCCA) of 1970 established ATF’s explosives licensing jurisdiction and the Safe Explosives Act of 2002 amended the OCCA. Consequently, ATF established the FELC as a separate organizational entity to review and act upon applications in accordance with the law and regulations to deny access to individuals who are prohibited by law from receiving and/or possessing explosives. The FELC provides certification to ATF field personnel on license status and provides a call center to respond to inquiries from the general public and members of the industry. The FELC performs the following additional functions: j Upon receipt of FEL or FEP applications, enters the data into ATF’s database and transmits identification data to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for required background checks. Depending upon the result of background checks and other factors, the FELC either issues letters of clearance or denial. The FELC also processes appeals from individuals whose background checks indicate they are prohibited from receiving or possessing explosives. j Serves as the official repository and archive for all FEL/FEP-related documents ensuring all documents are properly prepared for digital imaging. The FELC provides copies of documents for court cases, congressional correspondence, and FOIA requests. j In support of ATF investigations, provides Blue Ribbon Certification and direct testimony to verify the licensed status of defendants and others related to criminal prosecutions or adverse actions. j Works with ATF field offices to coordinate applicant inspections and obtain omitted or incomplete application data. j Participates in explosives industry conferences, seminars, and trade shows to promote voluntary compliance within the industry. j Provides input regarding ATF rulings that clarifies regulations governing the industry’s business practices. EXB Looking for Events? Click on this box in our online issue worldwidedrillingresource.com 19 OCTOBER 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
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