Summary
The applicant, a 60-year-old blaster for a federal contractor, faced security clearance denial under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to over $50,000 in delinquent debt and failure to provide evidence of addressing these debts. The judge found no intentional omission of financial information on the application but determined that the applicant did not mitigate the financial concerns, leading to a denial of clearance.
Under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant’s omission of relevant financial information from his security clearance application raises the issue of whether AG ¶ 16(a), “deliberate omission, concealment, or falsification of relevant facts from any personnel security questionnaire, personal history statement, or similar form used to conduct investigations, determine employment qualifications, award benefits or status, determine security clearance eligibility or trustworthiness, or award fiduciary responsibilities,” applies (2.a). delinquent loan totalling approximately $2,500 (1.a). three telecommunications bills totalling approximately $550 (1.b). three telecommunications bills totalling approximately $550 (1.c). three telecommunications bills totalling approximately $550 (1.d). two months behind on his mortgage payment (1.e). approximately $45,000 of delinquent debts constitute student loans (1.f). approximately $45,000 of delinquent debts constitute student loans (1.g).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The decision turned on the following: Applicant has over $50,000 in delinquent debt without evidence of mitigation; No steps were taken by the applicant to address his financial delinquencies.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant has over $50,000 in delinquent debt without evidence of mitigation.
- No steps were taken by the applicant to address his financial delinquencies.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 16, 2015
- Answer filedOct 7, 2015
- Hearing held—Applicant requested a decision on the record.
- Decision dateJul 20, 2016
Cite For
- Denial Based on Significant Financial Delinquencies Under Guideline F
- Lack of Evidence to Mitigate Financial Concerns
- Consideration of Personal Conduct Under Guideline E Without Intentional Omission