Summary
A 42-year-old defense contractor was granted a security clearance despite significant financial concerns under Guideline F. The applicant faced allegations of six separate credit card debts, each totaling approximately $77,000, with delinquencies beginning in May 2008. These issues raised disqualifying conditions related to financial irresponsibility and an inability to meet financial obligations.
The applicant's financial difficulties were attributed to circumstances largely beyond her control, specifically a failed mortgage business and her husband's injury. In response, she demonstrated proactive efforts to manage her situation. These steps included securing employment, successfully negotiating a mortgage modification, and planning for bankruptcy to resolve outstanding debts.
Furthermore, the applicant maintained open communication with her security manager and provided positive character references from her employer. The decision to grant the clearance was based on these mitigating factors, acknowledging her responsible financial management and efforts to improve her situation despite the initial challenges.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant's financial difficulties were primarily due to circumstances beyond her control, including a business failure and her husband's injury.
- She took proactive steps to address her financial issues, including obtaining employment, negotiating a mortgage modification, and planning for bankruptcy.
- The applicant maintained transparency with her security manager and received positive character references from her employer.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
Key Rule Quoted
“A security clearance decision is intended only to resolve the questions of whether it is clearly consistent with the national interest for an Applicant to either receive or continue to have access to classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 30, 2009
- Answer filedJul 20, 2009Applicant admitted to all allegations except 1.e.
- Hearing heldOct 27, 2009
- Decision dateDec 4, 2009
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F Due to Circumstances Beyond Control
- Proactive Measures Taken to Resolve Financial Difficulties
- Importance of Transparency with Security Managers in Financial Matters