Summary
A 29-year-old desktop support provider for a defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant had nearly $93,000 in delinquent debts and failed to disclose known financial issues on his 23 April 2013 clearance application. He falsely answered "no" to questions about financial problems, despite knowing he had delinquent accounts. One past-due rent debt was incurred when he was ordered to active duty and deployed.
The judge found that the applicant's financial difficulties were recent and largely unaddressed. Specifically, $78,000 in delinquent debt showed little action toward resolution. His failure to disclose these known financial problems on his application demonstrated a lack of candor, which is a disqualifying condition.
Although some mitigating conditions were considered, the applicant did not provide evidence of financial counseling or a current budget. Ultimately, the judge determined that the applicant's conduct and unaddressed financial issues did not meet the standards required for a security clearance, resulting in a denial.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant has $78,000 in delinquent debt, with little action taken to resolve it.
- Applicant failed to disclose known financial problems on his clearance application, demonstrating a lack of candor.
- Applicant did not provide evidence of financial counseling or a current budget.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 16(a)raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant and Material Facts
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem and There Are Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved or Is Under Control
Key Rule Quoted
“The Government has a compelling interest in ensuring each applicant possesses the required judgement, reliability, and trustworthiness of those who must protect national interests as their own.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 13, 2015
- Answer filed—Applicant requested a hearing.
- Hearing heldAug 31, 2016Hearing conducted.
- Decision dateMar 27, 2017
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Significant Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Lack of Candor in Security Clearance Application Under Guideline E
- Insufficient Evidence of Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts