Summary
The applicant, a 44-year-old employee of a defense contractor, faced security concerns under Guideline F due to ten delinquent debts totaling $5,234. The applicant successfully mitigated these concerns by demonstrating a track record of debt payment and resolution, with all but two debts either paid or in satisfactory payment plans. The judge granted the security clearance, finding that the applicant's financial issues were resolved and unlikely to recur.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: SOR ¶ 1.a alleges a bank debt for $2,821 (1.a). SOR ¶ 1.b alleges a collection account for $775 on behalf of this bank (1.b). SOR ¶ 1.c alleges a charged-off debt owed to a business (1.c). SOR ¶ 1.d alleges a charged-off debt for $307 (1.d). SOR ¶ 1.e alleges delinquent medical debts for $227 (1.e). SOR ¶ 1.f alleges delinquent medical debts for $148 (1.f). SOR ¶ 1.g alleges a collection debt for $147, which originated from a telecommunications company (1.g). SOR ¶ 1.h alleges a charged-off bank debt for $143 (1.h). SOR ¶ 1.i alleges a collection debt for $98 (1.i). SOR ¶ 1.j alleges delinquent medical debts for $68 (1.j).
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(d). The decision turned on the following: Applicant paid or resolved all but two debts, which are in satisfactory payment plans; Demonstrated a credible and sincere promise to maintain financial responsibility; Established a track record of debt payment and resolution.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- Applicant paid or resolved all but two debts, which are in satisfactory payment plans.
- Demonstrated a credible and sincere promise to maintain financial responsibility.
- Established a track record of debt payment and resolution.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedBehavior Happened Long Ago or Infrequently
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for access to classified information is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJan 17, 2015
- Answer filedFeb 18, 2016Applicant requested a hearing.
- Hearing heldSep 19, 2016
- Decision dateOct 7, 2016
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Establishing a Track Record of Debt Repayment as a Mitigating Factor
- Impact of Personal Circumstances on Financial Obligations