Summary
A 58-year-old engineer assistant employed by a defense contractor was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons (SOR) cited multiple delinquent debts, including several medical accounts ranging from $40 to $200, a telecommunications collection account for $759, a book club collection account for $79, and two larger collection accounts for $3,068 and $10,000. These financial issues were primarily attributed to past medical emergencies and periods of erratic employment.
The applicant successfully mitigated these concerns by demonstrating that all listed debts were addressed. Many of the debts were paid shortly after she received the SOR, and the $10,000 collection account was satisfied. While one collection account for $3,068 was in repayment and the $759 telecommunications account remained disputed and unresolved, the applicant provided credible explanations for these and any omissions in her security clearance application.
The administrative judge found that the applicant's current financial stability and responsible behavior were sufficient to mitigate the security concerns. Consequently, the security clearance was granted.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- All debts were addressed and many were paid shortly after the SOR was received.
- The applicant provided credible explanations for omissions in her security clearance application.
- The applicant demonstrated current financial stability and responsible behavior.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 16(a)raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
- 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 Behavior Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- AG ¶ 17(e)appliedThe Individual Has Taken Positive Steps to Reduce or Eliminate Vulnerability to Exploitation, Manipulation, or Duress
- AG ¶ 17(f)appliedThe Information Was Unsubstantiated or From a Source of Questionable Reliability
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 15, 2009
- Answer filedOct 26, 2009Applicant admitted some allegations under Guideline F, denied under Guideline E.
- Hearing heldMar 5, 2010Hearing postponed due to inclement weather.
- Decision dateJul 1, 2010
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Considerations Due to Medical Emergencies
- Credibility of Applicant's Explanations for Omissions in Security Clearance Application
- Whole-person Concept in Evaluating Security Clearance Eligibility