Summary
A 64-year-old truck driver was denied a security clearance under Guideline F, Financial Considerations, due to unresolved financial issues. The Statement of Reasons detailed three specific allegations: a state tax lien from May 1994 for approximately $3,165, a federal tax lien from August 1993 for about $13,217, and an unpaid debt of $552 placed for collection in November 2006.
The applicant admitted to all these allegations. While he had resolved some other debts, he did not provide evidence of any efforts to address or settle the outstanding tax liens or the collection account.
Ultimately, the clearance was denied because the applicant failed to demonstrate responsible conduct regarding his financial obligations. He did not seek financial counseling or show any proactive steps to mitigate the long-standing debts, leading to the determination that the disqualifying conditions outweighed any potential mitigating factors.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to all allegations in the SOR, including unsatisfied tax liens and a delinquent debt.
- He failed to provide evidence of efforts to resolve or settle the tax debts or the collection account.
- The applicant did not demonstrate responsible conduct or seek counseling for his financial issues.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness 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 resolved and did not arise under unusual circumstances.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant's financial issues predated his recent unemployment and he did not act responsibly to resolve them.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedCounseling Received for the ProblemThe applicant provided no evidence of seeking or receiving counseling.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay CreditorsThe applicant produced no evidence of contacting creditors or attempting to resolve debts.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedReasonable Basis to Dispute the DebtThe applicant admitted all debts alleged in the SOR.
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the AG.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJan 25, 2010
- Answer filedFeb 18, 2010Applicant requested a determination on the record without a hearing.
- Hearing held—No hearing was held.
- Decision dateAug 17, 2010
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unsatisfied Tax Liens Under Guideline F
- Failure to Demonstrate Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Financial Issues
- Rejection of Mitigating Conditions Due to Lack of Evidence of Responsible Conduct