Summary
A 44-year-old principal systems engineer, holding a security clearance since 2005, faced a DOHA security-clearance review under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons (SOR) cited approximately $13,522 in delinquent debts, including a $1,431 student loan, a $178 credit card debt, a $6,286 state tax lien from 2014 for 2010 taxes, a $264 medical debt, and $312 in public library fines. Additionally, the SOR alleged that the applicant intentionally falsified her e-QIP by not disclosing these debts.
The review determined that the applicant's financial difficulties were largely due to unanticipated medical expenses and other circumstances beyond her control. She subsequently took proactive steps to manage her finances, including enrolling in a credit counseling program and maintaining a budget. The $178 credit card debt was paid in full in April 2014.
Ultimately, the applicant's failure to disclose the debts was found to be unintentional and not indicative of a lack of candor. Given these mitigating factors and her demonstrated efforts to resolve her financial issues, the applicant's security clearance was GRANTED.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant's financial issues were largely due to unanticipated medical expenses and other circumstances beyond her control.
- She has taken proactive steps to manage her finances, including entering a credit counseling program and maintaining a budget.
- The applicant's failure to disclose debts was found to be unintentional and not indicative of a lack of candor.
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
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant’s meeting the criteria contained in the AG.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 14, 2015
- Answer filedNov 10, 2015
- Hearing heldApr 21, 2016
- Decision dateSep 12, 2016
Cite For
- Mitigating Conditions Under Guideline F for Financial Issues Beyond Control
- Unintentional Omission of Financial Delinquencies Under Guideline E
- Whole-person Analysis in Security Clearance Determinations