Summary
This DOHA security clearance decision involved a 32-year-old federal contractor, cleared since 2008, whose clearance was denied under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The primary concerns stemmed from approximately $59,000 in delinquent debt and the failure to timely file federal and state income tax returns for both 2013 and 2014. Specific allegations included a past-due automobile loan payment of $952 on a $19,993 balance and a $196 medical bill.
Disqualifying conditions related to financial issues were raised, while several mitigating conditions were considered. However, the applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence that circumstances beyond his control caused the delinquencies. Despite some efforts, including wage garnishment, he did not demonstrate that his financial issues were under control.
Ultimately, the applicant did not submit additional evidence even after the record was reopened, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant failed to provide evidence of circumstances beyond his control contributing to his financial delinquencies.
- Applicant did not demonstrate that his finances were under control despite the wage garnishment.
- The applicant did not submit additional evidence after the record was reopened.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 19(f)raisedFailure to File, or Fraudulently Filing, Federal, State, or Local Income Tax Returns or Failure to Pay Annual Federal, State, or Local Income Tax as Required
- AG ¶ 20(g)appliedThe Individual Has Made Arrangements with the Appropriate Tax Authority to File or Pay the Amount Owed and Is in Compliance with Those Arrangements
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur and Does Not Cast Doubt on the Individual’s Current Reliability, Trustworthiness, or Good Judgment
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem From a Legitimate and Credible Source
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedThe Individual Initiated and Is Adhering to a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 18, 2017
- Answer filedJun 7, 2017Applicant requested a decision based on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision based on written record.
- Decision dateMar 13, 2018
Cite For
- Failure to Mitigate Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Importance of Providing Evidence of Financial Control
- Application of Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions