Well, almost two weeks ago we started using the new eForm submission system from the NFA Branch. I have to admit that it's been a bit of a bumpy ride with multiple issues - including a slow/klunky interface and several system outages. Fortunately, we got back our first Form 3 submissions with this system today - and it only took 11 days!  That's down from almost 6 weeks for the forms that went in using the previous system. At the end of the day, the new system is well worth it for a variety of reasons:
  • It's much faster!
  • It enables us to enter data directly into the NFA database - which eliminates many of the back-and-forth errors that plague paper forms.
  • We now get approvals back via email, with is faster and more reliable than the snail mail approvals from the past.
  • Did I mention the 11 day approval time!?
Although it may not be the most efficient implementation we would have asked for - it looks like it's definitely worth it if these approval times continue. :)