Review of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’
Implementation of the Safe Explosives Act

Evaluation and Inspections Report I-2005-005
March 2005
Office of the Inspector General

EXECUTIVE DIGEST LIST OF ACRONYMS INTRODUCTION Purpose Background Scope and Methodology RESULTS OF THE REVIEW Failure to complete the background check and clearance process Failure to check backgrounds Unidentifiable NICS background checks Failure to adjudicate background checks Failure to act upon background check determinations Failure to complete FBI-initiated background checks Many licensees have not reported new employees Ineffective information systems for managing explosives licenses The FLS cannot ensure that all NICS E-Checks are conducted The FLS cannot properly manage clearance statuses The FLS cannot ensure that records are current and consistent The FLS cannot be used to track trends in new employees The FLS does not have sufficient error-checking mechanisms Recommendations Failure to adjudicate Relief of Disability appeals timely Inadequate inspection procedures Failure to train ATF Inspectors ATF Inspectors’ interpretations of regulations lack consistency Little progress in collecting and cataloging explosives Progress at establishing a National Explosives Licensing Center Recommendations ADDITIONAL ISSUES APPENDICES: Domestic and Foreign Bombing Incidents Employee Possessor Questionnaire [Not Available Electronically] Notice of Clearance [Not Available Electronically] Comments from the ATF OIG Analysis of the ATF’s Comments