Summary
Forrest Lee Hull, a 46-year-old security clearance applicant, was denied his clearance due to concerns under Guideline F, Financial Considerations. The Statement of Reasons (SOR) detailed multiple delinquent debts. Hull claimed to have contacted a creditor's legal representative for payment arrangements regarding one debt (SOR ¶ 1.a), and asserted that he had paid the debts listed in SOR ¶ 1.b, 1.c, and 1.j. Additionally, he stated he was disputing the debts alleged in SOR ¶ 1.d.
Disqualifying conditions under Guideline F, specifically AG ¶ 19(a) and AG ¶ 19(c), were raised. While mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(d), and AG ¶ 20(e) were considered, they were not sufficient to overcome the security concerns.
The denial was based on Hull's failure to provide sufficient evidence of a track record of financial responsibility. He did not demonstrate that his financial problems were under control, nor did he submit documentary evidence of efforts to resolve his outstanding debts.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant did not provide evidence of a track record of financial responsibility.
- Applicant failed to demonstrate that his financial problems are under control.
- Applicant did not submit documentary evidence of efforts to resolve his debts.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago, Was Infrequent, or Occurred Under Circumstances Unlikely to RecurApplicant's financial problems are recent and ongoing.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlApplicant was fired from his job, which cannot be considered beyond his control.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived or Is Receiving Counseling for the ProblemNo evidence of counseling was provided.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedInitiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsApplicant did not provide evidence of efforts to contact creditors or repay debts.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedReasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due DebtApplicant disputed some debts but provided no evidence of actions taken to resolve them.
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 issuedJan 17, 2016
- Answer filedFeb 26, 2016Requested decision based on written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision based on written record.
- Decision dateFeb 16, 2017
Cite For
- Insufficient Evidence of Financial Responsibility Under Guideline F
- Recent and Ongoing Financial Problems as a Basis for Denial
- Burden of Proof on Applicant to Mitigate Financial Concerns