Summary
A 45-year-old federal contractor was denied a security clearance due to unresolved financial issues, despite successfully mitigating concerns related to alcohol consumption. The Statement of Reasons cited multiple delinquent debts and tax liabilities under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), alongside a history of alcohol use under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption).
Specifically, the applicant had three collection accounts that became delinquent in 2009, a business debt delinquent since 2015, and a judgment entered in 2009. While he had a history of alcohol consumption, including a relapse in March 2013, he demonstrated long-term sobriety and active participation in recovery efforts, which mitigated the alcohol-related concerns.
However, the applicant failed to resolve his financial issues. He had unresolved delinquent debts dating back to 2009 and repeatedly failed to withhold sufficient taxes, leading to increasing tax liabilities. These ongoing financial problems raised doubts about his reliability and judgment, resulting in the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has unresolved delinquent debts dating back to 2009.
- He repeatedly failed to withhold sufficient taxes, resulting in increasing tax liabilities.
- His financial problems are ongoing and cast doubt on his reliability and judgment.
Conditions Referenced
- F.1.araisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- F.1.braisedUnwillingness to Satisfy Debts Regardless of the Ability to Do So
- F.1.craisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- F.1.fraisedFailure to File or Fraudulently Filing Annual Federal, State, or Local Income Tax Returns or Failure to Pay Annual Federal, State, or Local Income Tax as Required
- G.2.craisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol to the Point of Impaired Judgment
- F.2.brejectedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlWhile the applicant's divorce was beyond his control, his failure to manage tax withholdings was within his control.
- F.2.cappliedThe Individual Has Received or Is Receiving Financial CounselingThe applicant indicated he has taken some financial counseling.
- F.2.dappliedThe Individual Initiated and Is Adhering to a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve DebtsThe applicant has made payments to the IRS and is making payments on some debts.
- G.3.aappliedSo Much Time Has Passed, or the Behavior Was so Infrequent, or It Happened Under Such Unusual Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to RecurThe applicant has been sober since 2013 and actively participates in recovery.
- G.3.bappliedThe Individual Acknowledges His or Her Pattern of Maladaptive Alcohol Use and Has Demonstrated a Clear and Established Pattern of Modified Consumption or AbstinenceThe applicant has been actively involved in AA and has abstained from alcohol since his relapse.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for national security eligibility will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 12, 2016
- Answer filedSep 26, 2016Applicant elected to have case decided on written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision based on written record.
- Decision dateAug 23, 2017
Cite For
- Failure to Mitigate Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Successful Mitigation of Alcohol Consumption Concerns Under Guideline G
- Impact of Unresolved Debts on Security Clearance Eligibility