BJS encourages comments through March 18, 2024, on the Proposed Extension of of a previously approved collection Firearm Inquiry Statistics (FIST) Program. Your comments on BJS’s request to the Office of Management and Budget, which is published in the Federal Register, should respond to one or more of the following:

  • Evaluate whether the proposed collection is necessary, 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 how the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected can be enhanced
  • Minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques.

Through the Firearm Inquiry Statistics (FIST) Program, BJS obtains annual information from state and local checking agencies responsible for maintaining records on the number of background checks for firearm transfers or permits that were issued, processed, tracked, or conducted during the calendar year.

Submit your comments to the Office of Management and Budget through the Federal Register by March 18, 2024.