Summary
The applicant, a 42-year-old supply technician with a 25-year federal service record, faced security clearance concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to a history of financial problems, including unpaid federal taxes and credit card debts. Despite initially falsifying his security form regarding overdue debts, the applicant demonstrated a commitment to rectifying his financial issues by enrolling in a debt consolidation plan and making consistent payments, leading to the granting of his security clearance.
Under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: On September 14, 2005, Applicant certified his SCA. In response to questions 28.a. (in the last seven years have you been over 180 days delinquent on any debts?) and 28.b. (are you currently over 90 days delinquent on any debt), Applicant answered “NO.” (2.a). a credit card account for $874.00 that became delinquent in July 2005 (1.a). a past due, utility debt in the amount of $419.00 (1.b). a credit card account ($4,605.00) that was taken over by a collection agency in September 2005 (1.c). a credit card account in the amount of $1,641.00 that was transferred to a collection agency in July 2005 (1.d). a credit card account that was charged off at an unidentified time (1.e). a credit card that was charged off in July 2004 (1.f). a delinquent federal tax debt amounting to $2,984.99 for tax years 2003 and 2004 (1.g).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions FDC 19.a, FDC 19.c. The judge applied mitigating conditions FMC 20.d, PCMC 17.d. The decision turned on the following: The applicant admitted to his financial issues and took proactive steps to address them by enrolling in a debt consolidation plan; He made consistent payments under the debt plan, demonstrating a good-faith effort to resolve his financial obligations; The applicant acknowledged his dishonesty and took steps to mitigate the circumstances that led to his untrustworthy behavior.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant admitted to his financial issues and took proactive steps to address them by enrolling in a debt consolidation plan.
- He made consistent payments under the debt plan, demonstrating a good-faith effort to resolve his financial obligations.
- The applicant acknowledged his dishonesty and took steps to mitigate the circumstances that led to his untrustworthy behavior.
Conditions Referenced
- FDC 19.araisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- FDC 19.craisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- FMC 20.dappliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- PCMC 17.dappliedThe Individual Has Acknowledged the Behavior and Obtained Counseling to Change the Behavior or Taken Other Positive Steps to Alleviate the Stressors
Key Rule Quoted
“The safeguarding of classified information is an around-the-clock responsibility requiring the exercise of good judgment.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJan 19, 2007
- Answer filedFeb 20, 2007Requested decision on the record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision made on the record.
- Decision dateJul 19, 2007
Cite For
- Mitigating Factors for Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Acknowledgment of Dishonesty as a Mitigating Factor Under Guideline E
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts as a Basis for Granting Clearance