Summary
The applicant, a 42-year-old software engineer with 17 years of experience at a defense contractor, faced security concerns under Guideline F due to approximately $114,000 in delinquent debts. Despite a history of financial difficulties, the applicant demonstrated significant progress in addressing his debts and mitigating the concerns, leading to a decision to grant his security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant owes a car rental company $2,822 on a judgment obtained after the rented car was damaged in an accident (1.a). Applicant owes $19,890 on a credit card debt (1.b). Applicant owes $577 on a satellite television service for failing to return the box used for transmission (1.c). Applicant owed $179 on a telephone bill (1.d). Applicant owed $250 on a medical debt (1.e). Applicant owed a grocery store $94 on a check returned because of insufficient money in the account (1.f). Applicant’s mortgage was being foreclosed when the SOR was written (1.g). Applicant owed $131 on a medical debt (1.i). Applicant owed his local library $84 for a book not returned (1.j). Applicant owes a bank $8,122 on a credit card debt (1.k). Applicant owed $109 to another grocery store chain for a check returned by the bank for insufficient funds (1.l). Applicant failed to file his 2006 and 2007 state and federal income tax forms (1.m).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to repay overdue creditors and resolve debts; He has made regular payments on his debts and has resolved most of them, showing clear indications that his financial problems are under control; The applicant's financial issues were influenced by personal health challenges, which he acknowledged and is addressing.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to repay overdue creditors and resolve debts.
- He has made regular payments on his debts and has resolved most of them, showing clear indications that his financial problems are under control.
- The applicant's financial issues were influenced by personal health challenges, which he acknowledged and is addressing.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem And/or There Are Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved or Is Under Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
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 issuedSep 30, 2009
- Answer filedNov 16, 2009
- Hearing heldFeb 23, 2010
- Decision dateAug 19, 2010
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts
- Impact of Personal Health Issues on Financial Management