Summary
A 65-year-old former Department of the Navy engineer was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant had 14 delinquent debts, totaling approximately $110,000, which included a second mortgage, first mortgage, credit card, personal loan, auto loan, utility, medical, student loan, tax, child support, gambling debt, a judgment, a bankruptcy account, and an unspecified financial account. Additionally, a procurement integrity violation led to his debarment from U.S. Government contracting.
Disqualifying conditions were raised under F.19(a), F.19(c), and E.16(d). While mitigating conditions were applied for personal conduct (E.17(c), E.17(d)) and financial considerations (F.20(a), F.20(b), F.20(c), F.20(d)), these were insufficient to overcome the concerns.
The denial was based on the unresolved nature of the 14 delinquent debts and the applicant's failure to provide sufficient documentary evidence of efforts to address them. Despite the mitigating factors related to his personal conduct, the applicant did not demonstrate responsible management of his financial obligations.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has 14 delinquent debts totaling approximately $110,000, which remain unresolved.
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient documentary evidence of efforts to address his delinquent debts.
- Despite mitigating factors for personal conduct, the applicant did not demonstrate financial responsibility.
Conditions Referenced
- F.19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- F.19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- E.16(d)appliedCredible Adverse Information
- E.17(c)appliedThe Offense Is so Minor or Occurred Under Unique Circumstances
- E.17(d)appliedThe Individual Has Acknowledged the Behavior and Obtained Counseling
- F.20(a)rejectedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago or Was InfrequentThe applicant's financial issues are ongoing.
- F.20(b)rejectedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlWhile some circumstances were beyond control, the applicant did not act responsibly.
- F.20(c)rejectedThe Individual Has Received Counseling for the ProblemThe applicant did not provide evidence of effective counseling or debt resolution.
- F.20(d)rejectedThe Individual Initiated and Is Adhering to a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant did not demonstrate good-faith efforts to resolve debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for national security eligibility will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 22, 2017
- Answer filedOct 5, 2017
- Hearing heldNov 13, 2017
- Decision dateMay 22, 2018
Cite For
- Financial Responsibility and Trustworthiness Under Guideline F
- Mitigating Factors for Personal Conduct Under Guideline E
- Impact of Unresolved Debts on Security Clearance Eligibility