Summary
A 54-year-old SharePoint administrator, employed by a Department of Defense contractor, was denied a security clearance under Guideline F, Financial Considerations. The denial stemmed from significant and long-standing financial issues, specifically 13 delinquent debts totaling approximately $24,532.
The Statement of Reasons detailed these debts, which included a $9,243 balance from an automobile repossession from 2002, multiple medical accounts ranging from $35 to $150, and several credit card accounts, with balances up to $6,671, charged off or placed for collection between 2001 and 2008. Disqualifying conditions FC DC 19(a), FC DC 19(c), and FC DC 19(e) were raised.
Despite the application of mitigating conditions FC MC 20(a), FC MC 20(b), FC MC 20(c), and FC MC 20(d), the applicant admitted to all allegations. The decision noted that the financial difficulties began in 2001 and remained unresolved, even after a significant income increase in June 2008. The applicant failed to demonstrate a good-faith effort to repay or resolve the overdue debts, including numerous smaller accounts, leading to concerns about reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to all allegations in the SOR, including 13 delinquent accounts totaling approximately $24,532.
- The applicant's financial difficulties began in 2001, and he has not resolved his debts despite a significant increase in income in June 2008.
- The applicant did not demonstrate a good-faith effort to repay overdue creditors or resolve debts, as many accounts were under $150 and remained unpaid.
Conditions Referenced
- FC DC 19(a)appliedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- FC DC 19(c)appliedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- FC DC 19(e)appliedConsistent Spending Beyond One’s Means
- FC MC 20(b)appliedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant's financial problems were partly due to being laid off and his wife's medical issues.
- FC MC 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened Long Ago or InfrequentlyAll delinquent accounts were unresolved at the close of the record.
- FC MC 20(c)rejectedReceived Counseling or Indications of ResolutionThe applicant has not received financial counseling and has not filed for bankruptcy.
- FC MC 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay CreditorsThe applicant did not make efforts to resolve debts despite having the means.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedFeb 10, 2009
- Answer filedMar 3, 2009
- Hearing heldJun 16, 2009
- Decision dateJul 1, 2009Record held open until this date for additional documents.
Cite For
- Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Impact of Unresolved Debts on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Consideration of the Whole Person Concept in Financial Cases