Summary
The applicant, a 66-year-old technical writer employed by a federal contractor, faced security concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to several delinquent debts. The applicant demonstrated a credible plan to resolve these debts and provided evidence of financial stability, leading to a decision to grant security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: computer purchase for $975 (1.a). consumer loan for $7,199 (1.b). credit card account for $9,174 (1.c). credit card account for $31,077 (1.d). consumer loan $4,990 (1.e). state tax lien for $4,872 (1.f).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(d), AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(e). The decision turned on the following: The applicant admitted to the debts but provided evidence of repayment and settlement efforts; He demonstrated a credible plan for resolving outstanding debts and maintaining financial stability; The applicant's character witnesses attested to his integrity and reliability.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant admitted to the debts but provided evidence of repayment and settlement efforts.
- He demonstrated a credible plan for resolving outstanding debts and maintaining financial stability.
- The applicant's character witnesses attested to his integrity and reliability.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedBehavior Happened so Long Ago or Occurred Under Circumstances Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's Control and Responsible Conduct
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedInitiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Resolve Debts
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived Counseling for the ProblemThe applicant submitted no evidence of financial counseling.
- AG ¶ 20(e)notedReasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due Debt
Key Rule Quoted
“A security clearance adjudication is not a proceeding aimed at collecting an applicant’s personal debts. Rather, a security clearance adjudication is a proceeding aimed at evaluating an applicant’s judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness in order to make a decision about an applicant’s security eligibility.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 1, 2011
- Answer filedMar 23, 2011
- Hearing heldJul 19, 2011Record kept open until August 24, 2011 for additional evidence.
- Decision dateAug 29, 2011
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Credibility of Applicant's Testimony Regarding Financial Circumstances
- Importance of Character References in Security Clearance Decisions