Summary
A 40-year-old federal contractor was denied eligibility for access to sensitive information due to unresolved financial issues under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant faced concerns regarding significant medical debts totaling approximately $37,003, which she failed to resolve.
The Statement of Reasons included several specific allegations. The applicant acknowledged a debt from April 2015, likely for an inpatient hospital stay, and admitted to owing a collection account of $917. She also admitted to a $707 debt charged off around December 2013 and a $796 debt charged off in 2010. The applicant disputed two $762 debts, which the judge concluded were likely duplicates, finding in her favor for one.
Despite acknowledging her debts and attempting to establish payment plans, the applicant made only minimal payments, which were deemed insufficient to mitigate trustworthiness concerns. She did not follow through on these plans and failed to provide evidence of financial counseling or a budget to demonstrate control over her financial situation. Consequently, the judge concluded that the applicant did not mitigate the financial considerations, leading to the denial.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant failed to resolve significant medical debts totaling approximately $37,003, demonstrating a lack of responsible financial management.
- Minimal payments made on debts were insufficient to mitigate trustworthiness concerns, as the applicant did not follow through on payment plans.
- The applicant did not provide evidence of financial counseling or a budget to demonstrate control over her financial situation.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(b)raisedUnwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant did not act responsibly under the circumstances despite having chronic medical issues.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived Financial CounselingNo evidence of financial counseling was provided.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay DebtsMinimal actions taken to resolve debts were not considered a good-faith effort.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedDispute Legitimacy of DebtsInsufficient evidence provided to substantiate disputes of debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“A person who seeks access to sensitive information enters into a fiduciary relationship with the Government predicated upon trust and confidence.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 2, 2017
- Answer filedJul 5, 2017Applicant elected to have the case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decided on written record.
- Decision dateFeb 15, 2018
Cite For
- Failure to Mitigate Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Insufficient Evidence of Responsible Financial Management
- Lack of Financial Counseling as a Mitigating Factor