Summary
This DOHA security clearance decision involved a 37-year-old premier field engineer earning $115,000 annually, who sought a clearance despite past financial difficulties under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons detailed several financial allegations, including an unpaid judgment of approximately $2,824, a charged-off account of about $4,531, two student loans in collection each totaling approximately $8,000, a past-due credit card account of $128, and two collection accounts totaling $1,086 and $656 respectively.
Disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a) and AG ¶ 19(c) were raised. However, the judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), and AG ¶ 20(d). The decision to grant the clearance was based on the applicant's demonstrated significant improvement in financial management and timely payments.
Most delinquent accounts were either resolved or brought current, showing responsible behavior. The remaining unpaid judgment was considered too small to pose a security concern given the applicant's substantial income. Consequently, the security clearance was GRANTED.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a significant improvement in financial management and timely payments on debts.
- Most delinquent accounts were resolved or brought current, indicating responsible behavior.
- The remaining judgment was deemed too small to raise security concerns given the applicant's income.
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 Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedThe 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 ultimate determination of whether to grant eligibility for a security clearance must be an overall commonsense judgment based upon careful consideration of the guidelines and the whole-person concept.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 28, 2014
- Answer filedNov 25, 2014
- Hearing heldJul 10, 2015
- Decision dateJul 20, 2015
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Evaluations
- Responsible Financial Behavior as a Factor in Security Clearance Eligibility