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Federal Register: U.S. Geological Survey Issues Information Collection Notice on Topographic & Hydrography Data Grants
WASHINGTON, July 4 (TNSinfo) -- The U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey issued the following information collection:
* * *
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is proposing to renew an information collection.
In accordance with the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), we provide the public and other Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on new, proposed, revised, and continuing collections of information. This helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 4 (TNSinfo) -- The U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey issued the following information collection:
* * *
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is proposing to renew an information collection.
In accordance with the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), we provide the public and other Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on new, proposed, revised, and continuing collections of information. This helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize thepublic's reporting burden. It also helps the public understand our information collection requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format.
A Federal Register notice with a 60-day public comment period soliciting comments on this collection of information was published on April 24, 2026 (91 FR 22164). No comments were received.
As part of our continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burdens, we are again soliciting comments from the public and other Federal agencies on the proposed ICR that is described below. We are especially interested in public comments addressing the following:
(1) Whether or not the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility.
(2) The accuracy of our estimate of the burden for this collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used.
(3) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
(4) How the agency might minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including using appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of response.
Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of public record. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personally identifiable information (PII) in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment--including your PII--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your PII from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
Abstract: The 3D National Topography Model (3DNTM) is a USGS-led effort to modernize and integrate the nation's elevation and hydrography data through the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) and the 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP). This effort supports the most advanced scientific and operational needs by delivering high-quality, accessible topographic data. The 3DNTM is built on core components that align with federal mandates, including the National Landslide Preparedness Act, which authorized 3DEP, and the Geospatial Data Act of 2018, which directs federal agencies to (1) collect, maintain, disseminate, and preserve geospatial data such that the resulting data, information, or products can be readily shared with other Federal agencies and non-Federal users; and (2) coordinate and work in partnership with other Federal agencies, agencies of States, Tribal, and local governments, institutions of higher education, and the private sector to efficiently and cost-effectively collect, integrate, maintain, disseminate, and preserve geospatial data, building upon existing non-Federal geospatial data to the extent possible. The success of 3DNTM depends on shared investment from a wide range of stakeholders who benefit from high-resolution three-dimensional topographic data. To support this collaboration, the annual 3DNTM Data Collaboration Announcement provides a formal opportunity for partners to work with USGS and other federal agencies to acquire 3DEP lidar or 3DHP hydrography data. Eligible applicants include federal agencies, state and local governments, tribal nations, academic institutions, and private sector organizations. USGS collects information from applicants about their proposed topographic data collection and cost sharing to determine project acceptance.
Title of Collection: Topographic and Hydrography Data Grants.
OMB Control Number: 1028-0092.
Form Number: None.
Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
Respondents/Affected Public: State and local governments, tribes, academic institutions, and the private sector.
Total Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 80.
Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 80.
Estimated Completion Time per Response: 41 hours.
Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 3,280.
Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.
Frequency of Collection: Annually.
Total Estimated Annual Non-hour Burden Cost: None.
An agency may not conduct, or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
The authority for this action is the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
Rebecca Anderson,
Acting Director, National Geospatial Program.
[FR Doc. 2026-13361 Filed 7-1-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4338-11-P
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request additional information about this information collection request (ICR), contact Diana Thunen by email at dthunen@usgs.gov, or by telephone at 303-202-4279. Individuals in the United States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or Tele Braille) to access telecommunications relay services. Individuals outside the United States should use the relay services offered within their country to make international calls to the point-of-contact in the United States. You may also view the ICR at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain.
View, July 4, 2026, Federal Register source information here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/02/2026-13361/agency-information-collection-activities-topographic-and-hydrography-data-grants?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
Federal Register: U.S. Geological Survey Issues Information Collection Notice on Earth Mapping Resources Initiative Competitive Cooperative Agreement Program
WASHINGTON, July 4 (TNSinfo) -- The U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey issued the following information collection:
* * *
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), is proposing to renew an information collection.
In accordance with the PRA of 1995 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), we provide the general public and other federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on new, proposed, revised, and continuing collections of information. This helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 4 (TNSinfo) -- The U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey issued the following information collection:
* * *
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), is proposing to renew an information collection.
In accordance with the PRA of 1995 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), we provide the general public and other federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on new, proposed, revised, and continuing collections of information. This helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirementsand minimize the public's reporting burden. It also helps the public understand our information collection requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format.
A Federal Register notice with a 60-day public comment period soliciting comments on this collection of information was published on March 18, 2026 (91 FR 13051). No comments were received.
As part of our continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burdens, we are again soliciting comments from the public and other federal agencies on the proposed ICR that is described below. We are especially interested in public comment addressing the following:
(1) Whether or not the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether or not the information will have practical utility;
(2) The accuracy of our estimate of the burden for this collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
(3) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
(4) How the agency might minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of response.
Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of public record. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personally identifiable information (PII) in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment--including your PII--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your PII from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
Abstract:Public Law 117-58, Section 40201, "Earth Mapping Resources Initiative" contained in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) authorizes and accelerates the mapping efforts of the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI).
Earth MRI is a component of the USGS Mineral Resources Program and is a national effort to carry out the fundamental resources and mapping mission of the USGS. The goal of Earth MRI is to modernize the surface and subsurface geologic mapping of the United States, with a focus on identifying areas that may have the potential to contain mineral resources.
The IIJA directed the USGS to accelerate efforts to carry out fundamental integrated topographic, geologic, geochemical, and geophysical mapping and provide interpretation of subsurface and above-ground (mine waste) critical-mineral resources data at a funding level of $320,000,000 annually for five years (FY2022-FY2026). Additionally, Executive Order 14154, "Unleashing American Energy" (January 20, 2025), directed the Department in section 9(d) to "accelerate the ongoing, detailed geological mapping of the United States, with a focus on locating previously unknown deposits of critical minerals."
IIJA Section 40201 stipulates that the USGS may enter into cooperative agreements with State geological surveys to carry out the efforts of Earth MRI. The USGS developed a new competitive cooperative agreement program with the State geological surveys to support mine-waste activities authorized by the IIJA. State geological surveys apply for funds through an annual competitive agreement process. Individual State projects last for up to two years.
The IIJA requires the USGS to collect information necessary to ensure that cooperative agreement funds authorized by this legislation are used in accordance with the IIJA and federal assistance requirements under 2 CFR 200. Information collected by Earth MRI as part of the consolidated workplan is described below. The USGS seeks Office of Management and Budget approval to continue to collect this information to manage and monitor cooperative agreement awards and comply with the IIJA and federal assistance requirements.
Title of Collection: Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) Competitive Cooperative Agreement Program with State Geological Surveys.
OMB Control Number: 1028-0133.
Form Number: None.
Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
Respondents/Affected Public: State Geological Surveys.
Total Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 25.
Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 125.
Estimated Completion Time per Response:
Applications: 25 x 60 hrs. = 1,500 hrs.
Progress Reports: 25 recipients x (3 reports x 8 hrs.) = 600 hrs.
Final Reports: 25 x 20 hrs. = 500 hrs.
Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 1,500 + 600 + 500 = 2,600 hrs.
Respondent's Obligation: Required to obtain or retain a benefit.
Frequency of Collection: On occasion.
Total Estimated Annual Nonhour Burden Cost: None.
An agency may not conduct, or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
The authority for this action is the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
Sarah Ryker,
Associate Director for Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, U.S. Geological Survey.
[FR Doc. 2026-13405 Filed 7-1-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4388-11-P
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request additional information about this information collection request (ICR), contact Tina Hamalak by email at earthmri@usgs.gov, or by telephone at 303-236-5766. Individuals in the United States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or Tele Braille) to access telecommunications relay services. Individuals outside the United States should use the relay services offered within their country to make international calls to the point-of-contact in the United States. You may also view the ICR at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain.
View, July 4, 2026, Federal Register source information here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/02/2026-13405/agency-information-collection-activities-earth-mapping-resources-initiative-earth-mri-competitive?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
Federal Register: OPM Issues Information Collection Notice on Report of Medical Examination of Person Electing Survivor Benefits
WASHINGTON, July 4 (TNSinfo) -- The Office of Personnel Management issued the following information collection:
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Retirement Services offers the general public and other federal agencies the opportunity to comment on an expiring information collection request (ICR), Report of Medical Examination of Person Electing Survivor Benefits, OPM 1530.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Office of Personnel Management, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), provides the public with an opportunity to comment on proposed, revised, and continuing collections
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 4 (TNSinfo) -- The Office of Personnel Management issued the following information collection:
* * *
Retirement Services offers the general public and other federal agencies the opportunity to comment on an expiring information collection request (ICR), Report of Medical Examination of Person Electing Survivor Benefits, OPM 1530.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Office of Personnel Management, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), provides the public with an opportunity to comment on proposed, revised, and continuing collectionsof information. This helps the Agency assess the impact of its information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. It also helps the public understand the Agency's information collection requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format. OPM is soliciting comments on the proposed information collection request (ICR) that is described below. The Agency is especially interested in public comment addressing the following issues: (1) Is this collection necessary to the proper functions of the Agency; (2) will this information be processed and used in a timely manner; (3) is the estimate of burden accurate; (4) how might the Agency enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (5) how might the Agency minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents, including through the use of information technology. Please note that written comments received in response to this notice will be considered public records.
At the time of retirement, an employee or Member in good health may elect an insurable interest survivor annuity benefit on behalf of an eligible beneficiary. OPM Form 1530 is used to collect the information necessary to determine whether the employee or Member is in good health so that OPM can determine whether the applicant is eligible to elect an insurable interest survivor annuity benefit.
Analysis
Agency: Retirement Operations, Retirement Services, Office of Personnel Management.
Title: Report of Medical Examination of Person Electing Survivor Benefits.
OMB Number: 3206-0162.
Affected Public: Individuals or Households.
Number of Respondents: 500.
Estimated Time per Respondent: 30 minutes.
Total Burden Hours: 250.
U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
Alexys Stanley,
Federal Register Liaison.
[FR Doc. 2026-13431 Filed 7-1-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6325-38-P
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A copy of this information collection, with applicable supporting documentation, may be obtained by contacting the Retirement Services Publications Team, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW, Room 3316-BD, Washington, DC 20415, Attention: Cyrus S. Benson sent via electronic mail to: RSPublicationsTeam@opm.gov.
View July 2, 2026, Federal Register source information here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/02/2026-13431/submission-for-review-report-of-medical-examination-of-person-electing-survivor-benefits-opm-1530?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
Federal Register: Justice Dept. Issues Information Collection Notice on FBI Collecting Evaluation Data: End-of Session Questionnaires
WASHINGTON, July 4 (TNSinfo) -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following information collection:
* * *
The Training Division, Federal Bureau of investigation, Department of Justice (DOJ), will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information are encouraged. Your comments should address one or more of the following four points:
*
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 4 (TNSinfo) -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following information collection:
* * *
The Training Division, Federal Bureau of investigation, Department of Justice (DOJ), will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information are encouraged. Your comments should address one or more of the following four points:
*Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Bureau of Justice Statistics, including whether the information will have practical utility;
* Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
* Evaluate whether and if so how the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected can be enhanced; and
* Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.
Abstract: Data used to assess effectiveness of National Academy and Law Enforcement Basic Instructor Course curriculums and associated instructional staff.
Overview of This Information Collection
1. Type of Information Collection: Renewal of a previously approved collection.
2. The Title of the Form/Collection: FBI Collecting Evaluation Data: End-of Session Questionnaires (NA Level 1 and Post-Graduate Surveys, LEBIC Pre-Course Survey, LEBIC Level 1 Survey).
3. The agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the Department sponsoring the collection: N/A.
4. Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as well as the obligation to respond: Affected Public State, local and tribal law enforcement. The obligation to respond is voluntary.
5. An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of time estimated for an average respondent to respond: The total or estimated number of respondents for the NA surveys per year is approximately 1000 and the time per response is 15 minutes to complete the surveys. The total or estimated number of respondents for the LEBIC surveys per year is approximately 500 and the time per response is 10 minutes to complete the surveys.
6. An estimate of the total annual burden (in hours) associated with the collection: The total annual burden hours for this collection is 250 hours for NA surveys and 83 hours for LEBIC surveys.
7. An estimate of the total annual cost burden associated with the collection, if applicable: Median wage per year is $101,750 for an hourly salary of $48.92. Annual burden of $16,290.36.
Activity
NA Surveys
LEBIC Surveys
Unduplicated Totals
If additional information is required contact: Darwin Arceo, Department Clearance Officer, United States Department of Justice, Justice Management Division, Enterprise Portfolio Management, Two Constitution Square, 145 N Street NE, 4W-218, Washington, DC.
Dated: June 30, 2026.
Darwin Arceo,
Department Clearance Officer for PRA, U.S. Department of Justice.
[FR Doc. 2026-13449 Filed 7-1-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-02-P
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have additional comments especially on the estimated public burden or associated response time, suggestions, or need a copy of the proposed information collection instrument with instructions or additional information, please contact Denielle Johnson, 703-632-1938, HQ-DIV02-ACCU-SURVEY@FBI.GOV.
View, July 4, 2026, Federal Register source information here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/02/2026-13449/agency-information-collection-activities-proposed-ecollection-ecomments-requested-extension-of-a?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
Federal Register: HHS Issues Information Collection Notice on Research Complaint Form
WASHINGTON, July 4 (TNSinfo) -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued the following information collection:
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In compliance with the requirement of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of the Secretary (OS), Department of Health and Human Services, is publishing the following summary of a proposed Information Collection Request (ICR) for public comment.
Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including any of the following subjects: (1) The necessity and utility of the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 4 (TNSinfo) -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued the following information collection:
* * *
In compliance with the requirement of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of the Secretary (OS), Department of Health and Human Services, is publishing the following summary of a proposed Information Collection Request (ICR) for public comment.
Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including any of the following subjects: (1) The necessity and utility of theproposed information collection for the proper performance of the agency's functions; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden.
Title of the Collection: Research Complaint Form.
Type of Collection: Revision.
OMB No.: 0990-0490.
Abstract: The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP), is requesting a revision of the currently approved collection for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) No. of 0990-0490, OHRP Research Complaint Form. This form provides a simplified standardized format for submitting to OHRP allegations of noncompliance involving human subject research conducted or supported by HHS. The information collected will help OHRP ensure the rights of human subjects involved in such research and that OHRP-assured institutions are complying with the HHS Protection of Human Subjects regulations.
The revision request involves (1) updates to the form's frontmatter to conform to recent changes to the Federalwide Assurance (FWA) form (OMB No. 0990-0278); (2) addition of two new data collection elements to obtain information on the complainants' prior attempts to resolve the issue and past related submissions to OHRP; (3) clearer wording of instructions; and (4) additional details on the form about how OHRP communicates with complainants and shares information with other regulatory agencies.
Form name
Research Complaint Form
Catherine Howard,
Paperwork Reduction Act Reports Clearance Officer, Office of the Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2026-13467 Filed 7-1-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4150-36-P
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: When submitting comments or requesting information, please include the document identifier "0990-0490-60D" and project title, "Office for Human Research Protections Research Complaint Form" for reference, to Natalie Klein, Acting Director, Office for Human Research Protections, email: Natalie.Klein@hhs.gov, or call (240) 453-6900.
View, July 4, 2026, Federal Register source information here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/02/2026-13467/agency-information-collection-request-60-day-public-comment-request?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
Federal Register: FDIC Issues Information Collection Notice on Reverse Mortgage Products
WASHINGTON, July 4 (TNSinfo) -- The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation issued the following information collection:
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The FDIC, as part of its obligations under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the renewal of the existing information collections described below (OMB Control No. 3064-0176 and -0140).
Title: Reverse Mortgage Products.
OMB Number: 3064-0176.
Form Number: None.
Affected Public: Insured state nonmember banks and state savings associations making reverse mortgage.
Burden
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 4 (TNSinfo) -- The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation issued the following information collection:
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The FDIC, as part of its obligations under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the renewal of the existing information collections described below (OMB Control No. 3064-0176 and -0140).
Title: Reverse Mortgage Products.
OMB Number: 3064-0176.
Form Number: None.
Affected Public: Insured state nonmember banks and state savings associations making reverse mortgage.
BurdenEstimate:
Summary of Estimated Annual Burden
[View table in the link at bottom.]
General Description of Collection: Respondents must prepare and provide certain disclosures to consumers ( e.g., that insurance products and annuities are not FDIC-insured) and obtain consumer acknowledgments, at two different times: (1) Before the completion of the initial sale of an insurance product or annuity to a consumer; and (2) at the time of application for the extension of credit (if insurance products or annuities are sold, solicited, advertised, or offered in connection with an extension of credit). There is no change in the substance or methodology of this information collection. The estimated annual burden has increased by 64 hours, from 280 hours in 2024 to 344 hours currently, due to an increase in the number of respondents to IC 1 only partially offset by a decrease in the estimated number of respondents to IC 2.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Meiers, Regulatory Attorney, Romeiers@fdic.gov, MB-3013, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, 550 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20429.
View, July 4, 2026, Federal Register source information here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/02/2026-13444/agency-information-collection-activities-proposed-collection-renewal-comment-request?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
Federal Register: ATF Issues Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Registering NFA Firearms, Falling Out of Government Contract
WASHINGTON, July 4 (TNSFR) -- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) proposes amending Department of Justice regulations implementing a statutory exemption and a statutory authority to grant relief from certain National Firearms Act (NFA) requirements to better distinguish between them. ATF also proposes to amend manufacturer registration requirements to include a provision granting relief to manufacturers from registering firearms they manufacture for the U.S. Government (USG). In conjunction with this, ATF is proposing a new provision permitting manufacturers to register
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 4 (TNSFR) -- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) proposes amending Department of Justice regulations implementing a statutory exemption and a statutory authority to grant relief from certain National Firearms Act (NFA) requirements to better distinguish between them. ATF also proposes to amend manufacturer registration requirements to include a provision granting relief to manufacturers from registering firearms they manufacture for the U.S. Government (USG). In conjunction with this, ATF is proposing a new provision permitting manufacturers to registersuch firearms "late"--after the existing regulatory window for registering manufactured firearms--if they fall out of USG contract.
Comments are due on September 4, 2026, according to a Federal Register notice.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
The Attorney General is responsible for enforcing the National Firearms Act ("NFA"), as amended, 26 U.S.C. chapter 53.[1] Congress and the Attorney General have delegated the responsibility for administering and enforcing the NFA to the Director of ATF ("Director"), subject to the direction of the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General. See28 U.S.C. 599A(b)(1), (c)(1); 28 CFR 0.130(a)(1)-(2); Treas. Order No. 221(2)(a), (d), 37 FR 11696-97 (June 10, 1972).[2] Accordingly, the Department and ATF have promulgated regulations to implement the NFA in 27 CFR part 479.
The NFA, at 26 U.S.C. 5845(a), defines "firearm" to include machine guns, a shotgun having a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length, a rifle having a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length, certain weapons made from a rifle, certain weapons made from a shotgun, silencers, destructive devices, and any other weapon as defined in 26 U.S.C. 5845(e) ("NFA firearm"). Section 5841(b) mandates that each manufacturer, importer, and maker must register each NFA firearm they manufacture, import, or make in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record ("NFRTR"), unless, as specified in section 5841(a), the United States Government ("USG") possesses or controls the NFA firearm, in which case it is exempt from NFA registration requirements.
A person engaged in the business of manufacturing or importing NFA firearms must pay a special (occupational) tax ("SOT") under the NFA. 26 U.S.C. 5801. A federal firearms licensee who pays a manufacturing SOT or an importing SOT is then qualified to manufacture or import NFA-regulated firearms (sometimes referred to as a "qualified manufacturer" or "qualified importer").
The NFA defines a "manufacturer" as a person who engages in the business of manufacturing NFA firearms. 26 U.S.C. 5845(m). Section 5841(c) further requires that manufacturers notify the Attorney General in such manner as regulations prescribe that they have manufactured an NFA firearm, and that doing so serves to register the firearms in the NFRTR. Implementing regulations at 27 CFR 479.103 provide that manufacturers must register NFA firearms on ATF Form 5320.2, Notice of Manufactured or Imported NFA Firearms ("Form 2"), no later than the close of the next business day after they manufacture the firearm.
However, 26 U.S.C. 5851(a) includes an exemption from the special (occupational) tax for manufacturers exclusively doing business with the USG, and 27 CFR 479.33(a) incorporates and mirrors the statutory exemption. The exemption excuses any persons from paying the SOT if they establish that they conduct business exclusively with, or on behalf of, the USG. Paragraph (b) in both the statute and regulation requires persons who wish to be exempt from paying the SOT to submit an application to the Director.
In addition, section 5851(a) and Sec. 479.33(a) authorize the Director to relieve persons manufacturing firearms for or on behalf of the USG from complying with any NFA regulatory provision with respect to conducting business involving those USG firearms, whether they do business exclusively with the USG or not. This portion of the provision does not create an exemption, but permits the Director to grant relief and, unlike the exemption, applies only to manufacturers and does not require that they do business exclusively with the USG. The Director has long applied this authority to relieve qualified manufacturers from registering firearms manufactured for or pursuant to a contract with the USG. In other words, under this grant of relief, manufacturers who manufacture NFA firearms pursuant to a contract with the USG do not have to provide notice to ATF on Form 2 or register such firearms in the NFRTR. The Director has granted this relief, but it has not been included in the regulations.
II. Proposed Rule
ATF is proposing first to reorganize Sec. 479.33 so that the SOT exemption and the Director's authority to grant relief are separated, for better clarity. In addition, ATF is proposing to amend Sec. 479.103 to articulate the Director's existing grant of relief to manufacturers doing business with the USG from registering firearms they manufacture for, or on behalf of, the USG. In conjunction with this, ATF is also proposing to add to Sec. 479.103 a provision allowing manufacturers to register such firearms later, if they fall out of USG contract.
In addition, ATF is proposing minor technical plain writing edits and updates to form numbers and titles in Sec.Sec. 479.33 and 479.103.
A. Reorganizing and amending Sec. 479.33
ATF is proposing to reorganize Sec. 479.33 by moving the second sentence of Sec. 479.33(a)--which states the Director's authority to grant relief--into a stand-alone paragraph separate from the SOT exemption (also in Sec. 479.33(a)).
The SOT exemption for licensees who conduct business exclusively with the USG applies to any licensee who is required to pay a SOT, not just manufacturers, and would remain at Sec. 479.33(a). This regulatory exemption arises from the exemption in 26 U.S.C. 5851(a), which also provides a SOT exemption for any person required to pay a SOT who conducts business exclusively with the USG. The current paragraph (b) in the implementing regulation, which describes the requirements for this exemption, would remain paragraph (b).
The second sentence of the current paragraph (a), the Director's authority to grant relief, would move to a new paragraph (c) to better clarify that it is not applicable only to those who conduct business exclusively with the USG but is applicable to manufacturers, though only with respect to firearms manufactured for or on the USG's behalf. The Director's regulatory authority to grant relief from other NFA requirements under what would now be Sec. 479.33(c) mirrors the provision in 26 U.S.C. 5851(a) that allows the Director to grant relief to any person who manufactures NFA firearms for, or on behalf of, the USG from NFA requirements with regard to those items.
ATF is also proposing to add a new paragraph (d) that would parallel the existing paragraph (b) by providing the process a manufacturer would need to follow to request any specific relief they would like the Director to grant from an NFA requirement. The current paragraph (b) has been confusing by mixing elements applicable to both the exemption and the relief authority, so having one application requirements paragraph for each would be clearer. Like paragraph (b), new paragraph (d) would require the request to be in letter form and to contain the manner in which the manufacturer conducts business with the USG, the types of firearms involved in the request, and the nature and specifics of the USG contract(s) under which the manufacturer is requesting relief from a requirement. In addition, paragraph (d) would also require manufacturers to include the relief they are requesting and the reasons they are requesting relief, since this paragraph covers requests for relief.
The Director has previously granted manufacturers relief from registering firearms they manufacture for the USG, as discussed above (though not currently included in regulation), and--as one of the terms of that grant--has been requiring manufacturers to submit their request in a letter so that ATF can verify the manufacturers are contracting with the USG and then, during inspections, can easily determine that they are relieved from the registration requirement with regard to firearms they manufactured for the USG. Therefore, ATF is also proposing to retain that requirement in this rule. However, ATF proposes including it in Sec. 479.103 with the grant provision relieving manufacturers from registering so that all the terms of the relief are located in one place. The proposed revisions to Sec. 479.103 are discussed in more detail in the next section.
B. Relief From Registering Manufactured USG Firearms and From Timing Requirements
ATF is proposing to amend Sec. 479.103 to clarify that the Director has granted relief under 26 U.S.C. 5851(a) and the new 27 CFR 479.33(c) to manufacturers from the requirement to register NFA firearms that they manufacture for, or on behalf of, the USG. ATF is proposing to include this clarification specifically in its regulations as a new paragraph (b) under Sec. 479.103, which governs registering manufactured NFA firearms. In addition, ATF is proposing to include in this new paragraph (b) both the existing requirement that manufacturers submit a letter to ATF to request the relief and a new grant of relief from the registration timing requirements. This new provision granting relief from timing requirements would permit such manufacturers to register, after the standard registration window, rejected, residual, or repurposed (collectively, "rejected") USG firearms not previously registered when they were part of a contract with the USG ( e.g., a contract with the Department of Defense).
Licensees who conduct business solely with the USG do not have to pay the SOT because the statute explicitly carves out this exemption. But licensees who also conduct business with others do still pay the SOT because those other business activities remain taxable. And the Director can grant relief from other NFA requirements to licensees conducting business with the USG, relevant to that portion of their business, pursuant to the last sentence of 26 U.S.C. 5851(a).[3]
The Director's authority to grant relief from NFA requirements, even though it does not explicitly discuss granting relief to manufacturers from registering NFA firearms they manufacture for the USG, has been consistently interpreted and applied as including authority to grant registration relief. ATF has been offering this registration relief to manufacturers for many years although it has not been in the regulations. However, people new to the industry are often confused by this, and ATF considers it better to make the registration relief more explicit.
Therefore, ATF also proposes to amend its regulations at Sec. 479.103 to reflect the Director's grant of relief for manufacturers from the NFA registration requirement under what would become Sec. 479.33(c). ATF has already been granting this relief, and it should be included in the regulations along with its existing requirement that manufacturers who wish to make use of this relief must submit a request letter to ATF that sets out the manner in which the manufacturers conduct business, the types of firearms they manufacture, and proof satisfactory to the Director of the USG contract under which they operate.
In addition, ATF proposes to add to the proposed new Sec. 479.103(b) a new grant of relief, providing a mechanism for manufacturers approved for registration relief to subsequently register NFA firearms they manufactured under a USG contract but that have since fallen out of contract.[4] Without a mechanism to register the firearms once they are no longer covered by the USG contract, the firearms must be destroyed or exported.
Manufacturers have requested permission to register such firearms "late"-- i.e., after they fall out of USG contract. For example, ATF has been presented with scenarios where a Type 10 SOT licensee, a Manufacturer of Destructive Devices, Ammunition for Destructive Devices, or Armor Piercing Ammunition, sells destructive device munitions to the USG, but the munitions fall out of contract. Reasons might include that the USG rejected the items or directed the licensee to redirect the items to a commercial customer, or that the firearms are residual munitions manufactured for testing and research or development pursuant to a USG contract. While these munitions still maintain commercial value, they currently cannot be registered in the NFRTR and resold by the manufacturer. There is no regulatory mechanism to register NFA firearms manufactured for the USG that have fallen out of USG contract, so manufacturers must destroy or export such items, which can be extremely costly and burdensome. In the past, however, ATF has issued variances pursuant to the Director's authority to grant relief under what would now become Sec. 479.33(c). These variances have provided relief from the regulatory requirement at Sec. 479.103 that firearms be registered by the close of the next business day after manufacture, and they have allowed such firearms to be registered "late."
Because the firearms were originally procured for the USG under contract, the proposed change to Sec. 479.103 would allow otherwise eligible manufacturers who were initially exempt from registering those NFA firearms to subsequently register them if they fall out of USG contract. This relief from the standard registration period would be codified in the proposed new Sec. 479.103(b) after the new provision explicitly granting manufacturers relief from registering firearms manufactured for the USG. ATF is proposing to permit manufacturers to register rejected USG firearms within 15 days after the date on which the items fall out of USG contract. ATF has decided to provide 15 days because these items usually fall out of contract in large batches without much, if any, notice, and it takes time to mark and register them all. A similar timeframe exists in ATF regulations for imported items,[5] which are often imported in lots or batches, as well, and industry has found it to be sufficient time, while ATF has found it to not be an excessive delay in terms of firearms accountability and public safety. The proposed 15-day late registration window thus comports with existing regulatory provisions. As an example, if a licensee manufactured thousands of unmarked firearms for the US military and that contract fell through, the manufacturer--under the standard registration period in the current regulations--would be required to have every firearm marked and registered by the end of the next business day. That would be an unreasonable timeframe. A licensee manufacturing non-USG NFA firearms knows how many it can mark and run off the line in a day, so the licensee can plan its manufacturing accordingly. If an entire lot falls out of contract, the manufacturer would have a difficult time marking the entire lot in a day.
Although this provision would grant manufacturers relief from registering NFA firearms they manufacture for the USG, and would permit them to later register any such firearms that fall out of government contract, other NFA and GCA requirements would remain in effect. For example, the record-keeping and marking requirements of the GCA would remain applicable. See, e.g.,27 CFR 478.92. Although many USG contracts specify the required markings, some specify other markings that are not the same as those in ATF regulations. Licensees may apply for a marking variance for NFA firearms under Sec. 479.102 or rely on ATF Ruling 2016-5, if applicable.[6] However, if those NFA firearms later fall out of USG contract, the licensees must comply with the regulatory marking requirements and apply those markings to the fallen firearms. Additionally, explosives regulations under 27 CFR part 555 would remain applicable.
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Robert Cekada,
Director.
[FR Doc. 2026-13586 Filed 7-2-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-FY-P
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Office of Regulatory Affairs, by email at ORA@atf.gov, by mail at Office of Regulatory Affairs; Enforcement Programs and Services; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; 99 New York Ave NE; Washington, DC 20226, or by telephone at 202-648-7070 (this is not a toll-free number).
View July 6, 2026, Federal Register source information and footnotes here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/06/2026-13586/registering-nfa-firearms-that-fall-out-of-government-contract?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
