Summary
A 55-year-old design engineer for a Department of Defense contractor was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). These concerns arose from past financial difficulties, specifically a medical bill that went unpaid while the applicant was on an overseas assignment, which he subsequently paid in full. The Statement of Reasons also noted issues related to foreclosed properties, though no additional money was owed on them.
The judge determined that the applicant had successfully mitigated these financial concerns. The issues were largely attributed to circumstances beyond his control, including a divorce and job loss. The applicant demonstrated responsible actions by resolving his financial obligations, including the medical bill.
Furthermore, the applicant showed stability in his current employment and received positive endorsements from his employer. These factors collectively led to the determination that the applicant's financial history did not pose an undue security risk, and his eligibility for a security clearance was granted.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant's financial issues were largely due to circumstances beyond his control, including divorce and job loss.
- He successfully resolved his financial obligations, including paying off a medical bill and not owing any additional money on foreclosed properties.
- The applicant demonstrated stability in his current employment and received positive endorsements from his employer.
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 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 issuedJun 28, 2010
- Answer filedNov 8, 2010
- Hearing heldSep 15, 2010
- Decision date—
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F Due to Circumstances Beyond Control
- Importance of Positive Employer Endorsements in Security Clearance Cases
- Whole-person Concept in Evaluating Security Clearance Eligibility