Many users of the eForms system have noticed that there are significant errors in their NFRTR inventory, as reported by eForms. Often, the information in eForms does not reflect the correct information evidenced by a Form 3 (as an example) in hand. It is common for a manufacturer or model name/number to be incorrect in eForms when it is correct on the Form in hand. ATF has confirmed that this is a "coding error" and that the NFRTR is actually still correct. This situation is problematic for a variety of reasons:
1) eForms does not allow the user to make modifications to the various fields describing firearms.
2) eForms provides a significant approval time advantage over paper/fax.
3) Submitting eForms applications with known errors has the potential to perpetuate known errors.
When an eForms user encounters known errors and wishes to submit a transfer application he/she can:
1) Revert to paper/fax and submit the application correctly, with the extended wait time assumed.
2) Submit the eForms application with errors and notify NFA Branch of the errors after approval has been received.
3) Preemptively attempt to correct the eForms entries using the following procedure:
- Identify the error
- Confirm that the inventory listing does not match the approved Form in hand
- Notify NFA Branch of the error in writing (or email?)
- Await confirmation of correction
- Process eForm application
Obviously, none of these approaches is ideal. The data that exists in the eForms system should already be accurate and reverting to paper should not even be a consideration. Further, there should be an online option for submitting correction requests. Unfortunately, there is no current budget to upgrade or improve the eForms system and all are being forced to make do with a less than perfect system.