Summary
A 50-year-old training instructor for an Army defense contractor was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant's financial history included a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing in March 1992, discharged in July 1992, which resolved some debts while others were discharged without payment.
Further issues involved IRS tax liens for 1999 and 2000, totaling $3,909 and $3,366 respectively, along with outstanding IRS debts for 2005 ($599) and 2006 ($1,076). The applicant also had debts to the State of Arizona for 1999 ($288) and 2000 ($249).
The clearance was granted because the applicant demonstrated good faith efforts to resolve the tax debts, establishing a payment plan with the IRS for a $7,500 balance, with payments ongoing. The financial difficulties were attributed to underemployment following military retirement, a situation deemed unlikely to recur. The applicant is now considered financially responsible, holding a stable job with a supportive employer.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated good faith efforts to resolve tax debts through a payment plan with the IRS.
- The applicant's financial issues were largely due to underemployment after military retirement, which is unlikely to recur.
- The applicant is now financially responsible and has a stable job with a supportive employer.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19 araisedEvidence of Inability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19 craisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20 aappliedBehavior Happened Under Circumstances Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20 dappliedInitiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors
Key Rule Quoted
“The objective of the security clearance process is the fair-minded, commonsense assessment of a person’s trustworthiness and fitness for access to classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 23, 2007
- Answer filedJun 25, 2007
- Hearing heldSep 12, 2007
- Decision dateOct 29, 2007
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F Due to Underemployment
- Good Faith Efforts to Resolve Tax Debts
- Consideration of the Whole Person Concept in Security Clearance Determinations