DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS DEC 9 1998 REFER TO: L:D:PJC 99-244 Eric M. Larson P.O. Box 5497 Takoma Park, MD 20913 Dear Mr. Larson: This is in response to your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for access to information maintained by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). Specifically, you requested access to a complete, unredacted copy of the current data entry manual for inputting data into the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR). The manuals you have requested are for internal use, and the disclosure of these documents risks circumvention of ATF's agency regulations. In addition, the information contained in these manuals could disclose investigative techniques and procedures. We are therefore denying your request pursuant to Title 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(2) and (b)(7)(E). Insofar as your request has been denied, you have the right to request an administrative appeal by writing the Assistant Director, Liaison and Public Information, at the above address. You should state any arguments in support of your request, and your request for appeal must be received within thirty-five days of the date of this request. Sincerely, (signed) Peter J. Chisholm Peter J. Chisholm Disclosure Specialist