Summary
A 61-year-old maintenance supervisor for a defense contractor was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant's financial difficulties arose primarily from using credit cards to fund his children's college education. Disqualifying conditions were raised regarding several charged-off credit cards from 2000 and 2001, and collections from 2001 and 2004.
However, the applicant successfully mitigated these concerns by demonstrating a sustained commitment to resolving his debts. This included borrowing from his 401(k) and using proceeds from the sale of his house to address outstanding obligations. He also confirmed that he had not incurred any new debts since actively addressing his financial issues.
Supervisors provided strong endorsements of his job performance and character, highlighting his trustworthiness and integrity. The decision to grant the clearance was based on these positive changes in behavior and his consistent efforts to meet his financial responsibilities.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated ongoing efforts to resolve his debts, including using proceeds from the sale of his house.
- He has not incurred any new debts since addressing his financial issues.
- His job performance and character were highly praised by supervisors, indicating trustworthiness.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Behavior Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem And/or There Are Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved or Is Under Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key rule quoted
“The decision to grant or continue an applicant's security clearance may be made only after an affirmative finding that to do so is clearly consistent with the national interest.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedNov 17, 2006
- Answer filedDec 11, 2006Notarized response to SOR allegations.
- Hearing heldMay 17, 2007Hearing conducted with evidence presented.
- Decision dateSep 6, 2007
Cite for
- Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F
- Importance of Job Performance and Character in Security Clearance Decisions
- Evidence of Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts as a Mitigating Factor