Experience (Special Agent)
The announcement will list details to help you determine whether you are qualified for the position. We encourage you to pay close care to these descriptions and guidelines so that you are fully aware of the specifics of the position and desired qualifications/requirements. We highly encourage you address the specialized experience requirements in your resume. Do not copy and paste the specialized experience into your resume; provide examples, illustrations and achievements instead, so we can better assess your experience.
Everyone hired for a federal job undergoes a basic background check of his or her criminal and/or credit histories to ensure that all federal employees are “reliable, trustworthy, of good conduct and character and loyal to the United States.” The U.S. Office of Personnel Management, a central agency that serves as the corporate human resources organization for the federal government, performs the majority of background checks. In addition, federal positions that include access to sensitive information generally require a security clearance. This clearance must be obtained to determine the applicant’s trustworthiness and reliability before granting him or her access to national security information.
Types of Security Clearances and Background Checks
Positions in the federal government are classified in three ways: Non-Sensitive Positions, Public Trust Positions and National Security Positions. Each of these positions requires some level of background investigation. The elements that make up a background investigation vary depending on the level of clearance that is deemed necessary for a position. Background investigations for lower risk levels generally rely on automated checks of an individual’s history. For a secret clearance in a national security position, the investigation requires agents to interview people who have lived or worked with the candidate at some point in the last seven (or more) years.
Once the agency has selected a candidate to hire, the applicant will typically receive a job offer contingent upon successfully obtaining a security clearance. The extensive background investigation takes place after the initial offer has been accepted.
The length and depth of the background investigation will depend on the position’s requirements, as well as the type of security clearance needed (if applicable) for a particular job or internship. This process may take several months or up to a year depending on backlog, need for more information, depth of the investigation process and other factors.
In order to help speed the process along, begin to gather relevant information now. Once you are offered the position, you’ll be asked to submit a series of forms and information about yourself. Gather this information now so you can save time on your end. You can view the forms for background checks (SF-85: Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions) and security clearances (SF-86: Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions) on the Office of Personnel Management’s website.
Once you have submitted the documentation, the designated agency will proceed with the investigation, depending on backlog and priority.
Applicants may apply to any job they wish to be considered for. However, to make the best use of your time and the agency’s time, we recommend reviewing the qualifications and the entire announcement before you apply. If you feel that you meet the requirements of the job, then apply!
Filing a Claim, Petition, or Contesting Forfeiture of Property
THE GOVERNMENT MAY CONSIDER GRANTING PETITIONS FOR REMISSION OR MITIGATION WHICH PARDONS ALL OR PART OF THE PROPERTY FROM THE FORFEITURE.
TO REQUEST A PARDON OF THE PROPERTY YOU MUST FILE A PETITION FOR REMISSION OR MITIGATION
- You may file both a claim and a Petition for Remission or Mitigation (Petition). If you file only a petition, and no one else files a claim, your petition will be decided by the seizing agency.
- The petition must be in writing and sent to the official address provided in the notice of seizure within thirty (30) days of the last date of publication on the forfeiture.gov website, or the deadline set forth in the personal notice letter. If no address is provided in the notice, then the petition should be sent to Associate Chief Counsel; Office of Chief Counsel; 99 New York Avenue, NE; Mail Stop 3N 600; Washington, DC 20226.
- The petition must include a description of your interest in the property supported by documentation and any facts you believe justify the return of the property and be signed under oath, subject to the penalty of perjury. See 28 U.S.C. § 1746.
- The authority to grant remission or mitigation in administrative forfeiture cases is given to the federal agency that seized the property. The ruling official in judicial forfeiture cases is the Chief, Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section, Criminal Division, Department of Justice. See 28 C.F.R. § 9.1.
TO CONTEST THE FORFEITURE OF THE PROPERTY IN UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM. Failure to file a claim may result in the seized property being forfeited to the United States.
- To file a claim: A claim must be filed with the agency that gave notice of the seizure and intent to forfeit. To contest the forfeiture, the claim must be sent to the notifying agency’s address which is identified within the notice. A claim should be sent by mailing it with the U.S. Postal Service, or by using a Commercial Delivery Service, and sending it to the notifying agency’s address. If no address is provided in the notice, then the claim should be sent to Associate Chief Counsel; Office of Chief Counsel; 99 New York Avenue, NE; Mail Stop 3N 600; Washington, DC 20226.
- Time limits: A claim must be filed by the deadline date identified in the notice. See 18 U.S.C. § 983(a)(2). A claim is deemed filed on the date received by the agency if mailed with the U.S. Postal Service or if sent by Commercial Delivery Service.
- Requirements for claim: A claim must (1) be in writing, (2) describe the seized property, (3) state your ownership or other interest in the property, and (4) be made under oath, subject to penalty of perjury. See 18 U.S.C. § 983(a)(2)(C) and 28 U.S.C. § 1746.
- Claim forms: A claim need not be made in any particular form, but a claim form is available in PDF format. You may print and deliver the form to the agency pursuant to the instructions above. See 18 U.S.C. § 983(a)(2)(D).
- Supporting evidence: Although not required, you may submit supporting evidence (for example, title paperwork or bank records showing your interest in the seized property) to substantiate your claim.
- When you file a claim: A timely claim stops the administrative forfeiture proceeding. The seizing agency forwards the timely claim to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for further proceedings.
- Penalties for filing false or frivolous claims: If you intentionally file a frivolous claim you may be subject to a civil fine. See 18 U.S.C. § 983(h). If you intentionally submit a claim containing false information, you may be subject to prosecution. See 18 U.S.C. § 1001.
- If no claim is filed: Failure to file a claim by the deadline date may result in the property being forfeited to the United States.
- No attorney required: You do not need an attorney to file a claim. You may, however, hire an attorney to represent you in filing a claim.
Source: Forfeiture.gov
Final Rule - 2021R-05F
The final rule amends 27 CFR 478.92(a)(2) and explains that an acceptable method of identifying a polymer frame privately made firearm (PMF) is by placing a serial number on a metal plate that is permanently embedded into a polymer frame or receiver, or other method approved by the Director.
A marking variance can be applied for under 478.92(a)(4), as amended, which states:
Exceptions—(i) Alternate means of identification. The Director may authorize other means of identification to identify firearms upon receipt of a letter application or prescribed form from the licensee showing that such other identification is reasonable and will not hinder the effective administration of this part.
The term “firearm” is defined in 27 CFR 478.11 to includes a weapon parts kit that is designed to or may readily be completed, assembled, restored, or otherwise converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, and would not include a weapon parts kit, in which the frame or receiver of such weapon is destroyed.
Licensees may voluntarily request a determination whether a weapons parts kit is a regulated firearm by contacting ATF’s Firearms and Ammunition Technology Division (FATD).
A weapon parts kits that is determined to be a firearm shall be recorded as a “firearm” in the licensees’ A&D records and on ATF Form 4473.
Yes. Except for a firearm received for adjustment or repair that is returned to the person from whom it was received on the same day, any federal firearms licensee (FFL) who takes an unmarked PMF into inventory must mark the PMF in accordance with 27 CFR 478.92(a)(2).
Any cost associated with marking PMFs is to be determined by the licensee and the customer.
The final rule does not require licensees to notify ATF when a PMF has been marked. PMF marking and corresponding recordkeeping requirements ensure traceability of those PMFs should they be recovered.
Yes. Licensees who acquire PMFs into inventory for any reason, including private party transfers, are required to mark those PMFs, unless already marked by another licensee pursuant to 478.92(a)(2).
No. In cases where the acquiring FFL is contracting out marking services of PMFs to a licensed gunsmith (or unlicensed engraver), the gunsmith or engraver may only perform such engraving services on the spot under the direct supervision of the requesting FFL. The marking FFL need not record the PMF in his/her A&D records.
No.
The final rule clarifies that the definition of “firearm” includes a weapon parts kit that is designed to or may readily be completed, assembled, restored, or otherwise converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive. It also clarifies that the term “firearm” does not include a weapon, including a weapon parts kit, in which the frame or receiver of such weapon is “destroyed” as described in the definition “frame or receiver.” The final rule also explains that persons engaged in the business of selling or distributing weapon parts kits cannot avoid licensing, marking, recordkeeping, or other requirements to which federal firearms licensees (FFLs) are subject ‘‘by selling or shipping the parts in more than one box or shipment to the same person, or by conspiring with another person to do so.’’
Licensees who require a determination whether a weapon parts kit is a regulated firearm may contact ATF’s Firearms and Ammunition Technology Division (FATD) for a determination.
The term ‘‘receiver’’ in 478.12(a)(2) means the part of a rifle, shotgun, or projectile weapon other than a handgun, or variants thereof, that provides housing or a structure for the primary component designed to block or seal the breech prior to initiation of the firing sequence (i.e., bolt, breechblock, or equivalent), even if pins or other attachments are required to connect such component to the housing or structure.
The term ‘‘receiver’’ as stated in 478.12I shall include a partially complete, disassembled, or nonfunctional frame or receiver, including a frame or receiver parts kit, that is designed to or may readily be completed, assembled, restored, or otherwise converted to function as a frame or receiver, i.e., to house or provide a structure for the primary energized component of a handgun, breech blocking or sealing component of a projectile weapon other than a handgun, or internal sound reduction component of a firearm muffler or firearm silencer, as the case may be. The term shall not include a forging, casting, printing, extrusion, unmachined body, or similar article that has not yet reached a stage of manufacture where it is clearly identifiable as an unfinished component part of a weapon (e.g., unformed block of metal, liquid polymer, or other raw material). When issuing a classification, the Director may consider any associated templates, jigs, molds, equipment, tools, instructions, guides, or marketing materials that are sold, distributed, or possessed with the item or kit, or otherwise made available by the seller or distributor of the item or kit to the purchaser or recipient of the item or kit. The amended regulations examples that illustrate the definitions.
The term “readily” as defined in 478.11 means a process, action, or physical state that is fairly or reasonably efficient, quick, and easy, but not necessarily the most efficient, speediest, or easiest process, action, or physical state. With respect to the classification of firearms, factors relevant in making this determination include the following: (1) Time, i.e., how long it takes to finish the process; (2) Ease, i.e., how difficult it is to do so; (3) Expertise, i.e., what knowledge and skills are required; (4) Equipment, i.e., what tools are required; (5) Parts availability, i.e., whether additional parts are required, and how easily they can be obtained; (6) Expense, i.e., how much it costs; (7) Scope, i.e., the extent to which the subject of the process must be changed to finish it; and (8) Feasibility, i.e., whether the process would damage or destroy the subject of the process, or cause it to malfunction.
The absence of a serial number is irrelevant in determining whether a weapon is a firearm.
Licensees may voluntarily request a determination whether a receiver is a regulated firearm by contacting ATF’s Firearms and Ammunition Technology Division (FATD).
Under federal law, it’s not unlawful for a person who is not prohibited from possessing firearms to make a non-NFA (National Firearms Act) privately made firearm (PMF) for their own personal use.
27 CFR 478.12(a)(c) states:
The terms ‘‘frame’’ and ‘‘receiver’’ shall include a partially complete, disassembled, or nonfunctional frame or receiver, including a frame or receiver parts kit, that is designed to or may readily be completed, assembled, restored, or otherwise converted to function as a frame or receiver, i.e., to house or provide a structure for the primary energized component of a handgun, breech blocking or sealing component of a projectile weapon other than a handgun, or internal sound reduction component of a firearm muffler or firearm silencer, as the case may be. The terms shall not include a forging, casting, printing, extrusion, unmachined body, or similar article that has not yet reached a stage of manufacture where it is clearly identifiable as an unfinished component part of a weapon (e.g., unformed block of metal, liquid polymer, or other raw material). When issuing a classification, the Director may consider any associated templates, jigs, molds, equipment, tools, instructions, guides, or marketing materials that are sold, distributed, or possessed with the item or kit, or otherwise made available by the seller or distributor of the item or kit to the purchaser or recipient of the item or kit.
All situations are unique, and a determination can only be made based on an analysis of the facts specific to the individual scenario. Licensees may contact ATF’s Firearms and Ammunition Technology Division (FATD) at fire_tech@atf.gov if they require a determination whether the items in question are regulated under federal law and regulation.
Yes. The final rule amended the definition “engaged in the business” as it relates to a ‘‘gunsmith’’ in 478.11 to mean, in part a person who, as a service performed on existing firearms not for sale or distribution, devotes time, attention, and labor to repairing or customizing firearms, making or fitting special barrels, stocks, or trigger mechanisms to firearms, or placing marks of identification on privately made firearms in accordance with this part, as a regular course of trade or business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit but shall not include a person who manufactures firearms (i.e., frames or receivers or complete weapons) by completion, assembly, or applying coatings, or otherwise making them suitable for use, requiring a license as a manufacturer.
Licensed manufacturers and importers must mark firearms they manufacture or import pursuant to 478.92(a)(1). However, there are exceptions allowing licensed importers and manufacturers to adopt existing markings previously placed on firearms under specified circumstances.
Pursuant to 478.92(a)(4)(iii)(A), licensed manufacturers may adopt the serial number and other identifying markings previously placed on a firearm by another licensed manufacturer provided the firearm has not been sold, shipped, or otherwise disposed of to a person other than a licensee, and the serial number adopted is not duplicated on any other firearm.
Pursuant to 478.92(a)(4)(iii)(B), licensed manufacturers and licensed importers may adopt the serial number or other identifying markings previously placed on a firearm that otherwise meets the requirements of this section that has been sold, shipped, or otherwise disposed of to a person other than a licensee provided that, within the period and in the manner herein prescribed, the licensee legibly and conspicuously places, or causes to be placed, on the frame or receiver either: Their name (or recognized abbreviation), and city and State (or recognized abbreviation) where they maintain their place of business; or their name (or recognized abbreviation) and abbreviated Federal firearms license number, which is the first three and last five digits, individually (i.e., not as a prefix to the serial number adopted) after the letters ‘‘FFL’’, in the following format: ‘‘FFL12345678’’. The serial number adopted must not duplicate any serial number adopted or placed on any other firearm, except that if a licensed importer receives two or more firearms with the same foreign manufacturer’s serial number, the importer may adopt the serial number by adding letters or numbers to that serial number and may include a hyphen.
Although licensees may adopt markings pursuant to the noted regulations, licensee must ensure ALL marking requirements are met under 478.92(a)(1). For instance, a licensed manufacturer that assembles newly manufactured receivers acquired from another licensee, must also mark the caliber (if not already marked) and model (if not already marked and the licensee assigns a model) of the completed firearm.
Any person manufacturing firearms for the purpose of sale and distribution must be licensed as a manufacturer. Cerakoting is considered a manufacturing activity.
The final rule amends 478.92(a)(4)(iii)(A) and states in part that “Licensed manufacturers may adopt the serial number and other identifying markings previously placed on a firearm by another licensed manufacturer provided the firearm has not been sold, shipped, or otherwise disposed of to a person other than a licensee, and the serial number adopted is not duplicated on any other firearm.”
If assembling firearms from a new frames or receivers, the licensed manufacturer must mark the caliber or gauge, if any, on the firearms and, if a model is assigned, mark the model on the firearms.
Yes. Pursuant to 27 CFR 478.129(b), as amended, all ATF Forms 4473, to include those where a sale, delivery, or transfer did not take place, must be retained until business or licensed activity is discontinued.
“Remanufacturing” occurs when a new and different firearm is produced from an existing firearm (i.e., frames or receivers or complete weapons) by completing, assembling, applying coatings, or otherwise making them suitable for use. Remanufacturing cannot occur if a firearm has never entered into commerce. An example is when a licensee purchases a used firearm from another licensee or a non-licensee, then performs a manufacturing process, such as cerakoting for the purposes of sales and distribution.
No. Records are never to be consolidated between distinct FFLs. Prior to the final rule’s effective date of August 24, 2022, licensed importers were required to maintain separate records of sale or other dispositions made of firearms to non-licensees pursuant to 478.122, and licensed manufacturers were required to maintain separate records of sales or other dispositions made of firearms to non-licensees pursuant to 478.123. Also prior to the final rule, licensed importers were permitted to consolidate their records pursuant to Ruling 2011-1, and licensed manufacturers were permitted to consolidate their records pursuant to Ruling 2016-3.
The final rule codified Ruling 2011-1 and Ruling 2016-3. However, unlike the optional rulings, the final rule amended the regulations requiring licensed importers to consolidate their records of acquisition and disposition into a single record, and licensed manufacturers to consolidate their records of acquisition and disposition into a single record.
Yes. Nothing in Final Rule 2021R-05F, requires licensees to use only one acquisition and disposition (A&D) record. If a licensee wishes to use more than one A&D record (e.g. manufacturing A&D record, NFA A&D record, sales A&D record, gunsmithing A&D record, etc.) they may do so, provided such information shall be recorded in formats provided in the final rule.
Licenses are not transferrable. A new ATF Form 7 must be submitted to obtain a different license type or a new license. However, fingerprint cards and photographs are not required for any Responsible Person (RP) listed on the previous license.
Please contact ATF’s Federal Firearms Licensing Center (FFLC) if you have questions about this matter at (866) 662-2750 or FFLC@atf.gov.
