Summary
A 36-year-old high school graduate was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons alleged the applicant was indebted to the IRS for delinquent taxes totaling $12,197 for tax year 2012 and $13,620 for tax year 2013. Additionally, the applicant had a delinquent medical debt from 2013 totaling $2,000.
Under Guideline E, the applicant was alleged to have omitted relevant information from his 2014 Security Clearance Application (SCA) by failing to disclose his 2012 and 2013 tax delinquencies, which amounted to nearly $25,000 owed to the IRS at the time of submission.
While the judge found that the applicant mitigated the personal conduct concerns, he did not provide sufficient evidence to mitigate the financial issues. The denial was based on the applicant's failure to demonstrate a track record of financial responsibility, lack of evidence regarding efforts to resolve delinquent debts or contact creditors, and the recent and ongoing nature of his financial problems without sufficient proof of control.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a track record of financial responsibility.
- He did not provide evidence of efforts to resolve his delinquent debts or contact creditors.
- His financial problems were recent and ongoing, with insufficient evidence of control over them.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedThe 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 ControlThe applicant presented no evidence of counseling or resolution of financial issues.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve DebtsThe applicant failed to provide evidence of good-faith efforts to repay debts.
Key rule quoted
“Once a concern arises regarding an Applicant’s security clearance eligibility, there is a strong presumption against the grant or maintenance of a security clearance.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedMar 2, 2016
- Answer filedMar 25, 2016Requested decision based on written record.
- Hearing held—Decision based on written record.
- Decision dateApr 25, 2017
Cite for
- Insufficient Evidence of Financial Responsibility Under Guideline F
- Rejection of Mitigating Conditions for Financial Issues
- Presumption Against Granting Security Clearance When Concerns Arise