Summary
A 55-year-old executive with a master's degree in mechanical engineering was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline K (Handling Protected Information). The Statement of Reasons detailed several inadvertent security lapses in 2014 involving unauthorized electronic devices in a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF).
Specifically, in February 2014, the applicant inadvertently brought a company-issued wireless card and her smartphone into her SCIF office. In June 2014, she mistakenly introduced an unapproved loaner laptop into the SCIF. Early the following July, she brought a computer bag containing a company-issued wireless card, not connected to any device, into her office. The applicant self-reported these incidents to her security office, which determined they were infractions but unlikely to have compromised classified information.
The clearance was granted because the applicant self-reported the incidents and took corrective actions. The lapses were considered minor and inadvertent, not indicating a pattern of negligence. Furthermore, the applicant demonstrated a long and consistent history of properly safeguarding classified information both before and after these specific incidents.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant self-reported the security incidents and took corrective action to prevent recurrence.
- The incidents were deemed minor and inadvertent, not indicative of a pattern of negligence.
- The applicant established a solid track record of handling classified information before and after the incidents.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 34(g)raisedFailure to Comply with Rules for the Protection of Classified or Other Sensitive Information
- AG ¶ 35(a)appliedTime Elapsed Since the BehaviorThe incidents occurred three years ago and were infrequent.
- AG ¶ 35(b)appliedResponse to Counseling or Remedial TrainingThe applicant demonstrated a positive attitude toward security responsibilities and took corrective actions.
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 issuedFeb 21, 2016
- Answer filed—
- Hearing heldApr 11, 2017mutually agreed date
- Decision dateMay 5, 2017Record closed
Cite for
- Mitigation of Security Concerns Due to Self-reporting and Corrective Actions
- Evaluation of Inadvertent Security Lapses Under Guideline K
- Consideration of Time Elapsed Since Incidents in Security Clearance Determinations