According to this Recoil Magazine web article, the ATF just completed a reorganization of the NFA branch on April 3rd to reduce wait times.
http://www.recoilweb.com/atf-goes-through-major-nfa-branch-reorganization-127570.html
My cynical thoughts on this: just as they are close to clearing up the big backlog from 41F applications, they decide to improve the process. A month or two from now they will have some successes to promote about the reorg clearing the backlog (when it was going to be cleared anyway based on the 41F drop off.)
http://www.recoilweb.com/atf-goes-through-major-nfa-branch-reorganization-127570.html
In an attempt to better provide oversight, cut down wait times, and increase efficiency, two distinct new branches have been formed: The Industry Processing Branch (NFA IPB) and the Government Support Branch (NFA GSB).
My cynical thoughts on this: just as they are close to clearing up the big backlog from 41F applications, they decide to improve the process. A month or two from now they will have some successes to promote about the reorg clearing the backlog (when it was going to be cleared anyway based on the 41F drop off.)