Summary
A 44-year-old material support worker for a U.S. defense contractor was denied a security clearance under Guideline F, Financial Considerations, due to significant unresolved financial issues. The applicant admitted to 19 delinquent debts totaling nearly $17,000.
The Statement of Reasons alleged an inability and unwillingness to satisfy debts, along with a history of not meeting financial obligations. Disqualifying conditions F.1.a, F.1.b, and F.1.c were raised. While mitigating conditions F.2.a, F.2.b, F.2.c, and F.2.d were considered, they were not sufficient to overcome the concerns.
The denial was based on the applicant's admission of the debts and her failure to provide any evidence of efforts to resolve these financial issues since at least 1999. Furthermore, she did not document any financial counseling or good-faith efforts to repay her debts, leading to the conclusion that granting clearance was not consistent with national interest.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant admitted to 19 delinquent debts totaling nearly $17,000.
- She provided no evidence of efforts to resolve her financial issues since at least 1999.
- Applicant did not document any financial counseling or good-faith efforts to repay her debts.
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.2.arejectedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's financial issues have persisted since 1999.
- F.2.brejectedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control and the Individual Acted Responsibly Under the CircumstancesThe applicant's inaction since her divorce does not demonstrate responsibility.
- F.2.crejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem and There Are Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved or Is Under ControlNo evidence of financial counseling was provided.
- F.2.drejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve DebtsThe applicant did not demonstrate any efforts to address her debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“The Government has a compelling interest in ensuring each applicant possesses the requisite judgement, reliability, and trustworthiness of those who must protect national interests as their own.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 22, 2016
- Answer filedJun 1, 2016Applicant requested a decision without hearing.
- Hearing held—No hearing was conducted.
- Decision dateJul 28, 2017
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Lack of Evidence Demonstrating Good-faith Efforts to Address Debts
- Importance of Financial Responsibility in Security Clearance Evaluations