Explosives Compliance and Federal Firearms Compliance

The overwhelming majority of security companies and firearms dealers strive to comply with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF/ATF&E) regulations, but occasionally compliance processes and procedures fail. Our multidisciplinary team of compliance and security professionals can help you proactively mitigate risk and handle violations when they occur.

This holistic approach — focusing on both licensing and handling inspection violations — is what sets the Guidepost team apart.

Services

ATF Inspections Preparation

A regulatory compliance inspection by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) can be a stressful matter. We provide comprehensive support throughout the ATF inspection process. Our Federal Firearms License (FFL) specialists have a strong knowledge of ATF regulations and understand the inspection process.

We will work alongside industry members and ATF to help you understand the federal firearms regulations and provide expert advice on avoiding common regulatory issues.

Our services include:

Assess regulatory compliance objectively and ensure compliance with the federal firearms and explosives laws and regulations
Detailed risk assessment to identify and prioritize the organization’s diversion risk
Overall program assessment; program improvement; and monitoring support
Development of regulatory compliance training for all employees
Tailored to employees roles and responsibilities in the FFL and FEL practice
Customized background investigations for the explosives industry
Physical security evaluations
Assessments and recommendations based upon ATF requirements
Investigations
Assist with potential internal investigations
Undercover investigations involving sensitive FFL related issues
Announced and/or unannounced “mock” ATF inspections to focus on frequently cited ATF violations, for example:
- Failure to obtain a completed ATF F 4473
- Failure to maintain an accurate/complete/timely
- Acquisition and Disposition (A&D) record
- Failure to complete forms as indicated in instructions
- Failure to record NICS contact information on ATF F 4473
- Failure to verify or record purchaser’s identification document on ATF F 4473

Federal Firearms Licensing (FFL)

Obtaining a federal firearms license (FFL) is relatively easy process. The difficulty arises when FFL’s do not have a clear understanding of the federal regulations governing the license. The key to any ATF inspection is the proper documentation of every firearm that is acquired and disposed of by the FFL. Our team of FFL specialists utilize their strong knowledge in ATF regulations to provide a comprehensive, third-party analysis of policies and procedures to identify weak points in operations. These specialists can provide “best business practices” to ensure that FFL’s maintain strong inventory control and security practices. In addition to analyzing existing policies and procedures, we can develop new, or fine-tune current, policies and procedures tailored to meet your business needs.

Federal Explosives Licensing (FEL)

Possessing a federal explosives license (FEL) is a serious matter that carries great responsibility. FEL’s are required to comply with all ATF regulations and federal laws. FEL’s must maintain proper records and inventory controls as they conduct their explosives practices. Critical to maintaining an FEL is the secure storage of explosives. Our team of explosives specialists utilize their strong knowledge in ATF regulations to provide a comprehensive, third-party analysis of policies and procedures to identify weak points in operations. These specialists can provide “best business practices” to ensure that FEL’s maintain strong inventory control and security practices. In addition to analyzing existing policies and procedures, we can develop new or fine-tune current policies and procedures tailored to meet your business needs.