Summary
This DOHA security clearance decision involved a 41-year-old plant manager seeking to renew her clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons alleged ten debts totaling $30,885, including a 2011 judgment for $8,151, a charged-off credit card account for $8,201, and several collection accounts ranging from $278 to $5,972. These allegations raised disqualifying conditions under Adjudicative Guidelines (AG) ¶ 19(a) and AG ¶ 19(c).
The applicant successfully mitigated these concerns by demonstrating a commitment to financial responsibility. She resolved or is in the process of resolving all alleged debts and has been actively participating in credit counseling for three years. The judge also considered her stable employment history and current financial stability as evidence of her reliability and trustworthiness.
Based on these mitigating factors, which aligned with AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(d), and AG ¶ 20(e), the judge determined that granting the security clearance was consistent with the national interest. The security clearance was therefore GRANTED.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant resolved or is in the process of resolving all alleged debts.
- She has been receiving credit counseling for three years, demonstrating a commitment to financial responsibility.
- The applicant's employment history and current financial stability support her reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- AG ¶ 20(e)appliedThe Individual Has a Reasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due Debt
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 16, 2015
- Answer filedMay 1, 2015Applicant elected to have her case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision based on written record.
- Decision dateJan 21, 2016
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F
- Importance of Credit Counseling in Financial Cases
- Whole-person Analysis in Security Clearance Determinations