Summary
The applicant, a 56-year-old male with a background in civil engineering and military service, faced security concerns under Guideline F due to approximately $42,000 in delinquent debts, including a federal tax lien. The applicant successfully mitigated these concerns by demonstrating responsible financial management, including paying off debts and completing financial education courses, leading to a decision granting him eligibility for a security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: a cable television debt in collection for $119 (1.a). a federal tax lien for $38,148 (1.b). a judgment for an individual for $1,130 (1.c). a telephone service debt in collection for $115 (1.d). a debt to a car towing service in collection for $2,470 (1.e).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant paid all delinquent debts in full and had all liens released; He demonstrated responsible financial management and took steps to resolve his financial issues; The applicant provided credible evidence of financial counseling and education.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant paid all delinquent debts in full and had all liens released.
- He demonstrated responsible financial management and took steps to resolve his financial issues.
- The applicant provided credible evidence of financial counseling and education.
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 Problems 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 Has Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay the Overdue Creditors
Key Rule Quoted
“A person who seeks access to classified information enters into a fiduciary relationship with the Government predicated upon trust and confidence.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 27, 2015
- Answer filedFeb 1, 2016Applicant admitted the allegations with explanation.
- Hearing held—Decided on the written record.
- Decision dateFeb 28, 2017
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F
- Demonstrating Responsible Financial Management
- Impact of Financial Education on Security Clearance Eligibility