Summary
The applicant, a 39-year-old technician for a defense contractor, faced security clearance denial under Guideline F due to significant delinquent debts totaling approximately $32,000. Despite claiming financial difficulties stemming from job loss and surgery, the applicant failed to provide sufficient documentation or evidence of efforts to resolve her debts, leading to the conclusion that she did not demonstrate responsible financial management.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: a student loan in collection for $22,703 (1.a). a loan past due for $7,754 on a balance of $8,423 (1.b). a utility bill charged off for $421 (1.c). another utility debt in collection for $360 (1.d). a utility bill for $125 charged off for the same utility company listed in SOR 1.c (1.e). a delinquent medical debt of $30 (1.f). a television service debt in collection for $541 (1.g).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant did not provide sufficient documentation to mitigate financial considerations security concerns under Guideline F; The applicant failed to demonstrate a reasonable plan to resolve her financial obligations; The applicant's lack of action resulted in numerous ongoing and recent debts.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant did not provide sufficient documentation to mitigate financial considerations security concerns under Guideline F.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a reasonable plan to resolve her financial obligations.
- The applicant's lack of action resulted in numerous ongoing and recent debts.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened Long Ago or InfrequentlyThe applicant's debts were not incurred under circumstances making recurrence unlikely.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant did not provide evidence of extenuating circumstances.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived Financial CounselingThe applicant presented no evidence of receiving financial counseling.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay DebtsThe applicant did not provide evidence of a systematic method of handling debts.
Key rule quoted
“A person who seeks access to classified information enters into a fiduciary relationship with the Government predicated upon trust and confidence.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedSep 6, 2017
- Answer filedOct 2, 2017Applicant requested a decision based on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision based on written record.
- Decision dateMar 16, 2018
Cite for
- Insufficient Documentation to Mitigate Financial Concerns Under Guideline F
- Failure to Demonstrate Responsible Financial Management
- Impact of Financial Irresponsibility on Security Clearance Eligibility