Summary
A 54-year-old procurement specialist with over 21 years of military service was denied a security clearance under Guideline F, Financial Considerations, due to significant delinquent debts totaling $67,703. The Statement of Reasons detailed numerous outstanding obligations, including multiple medical accounts, a credit card debt of $2,558, a loan of $36,775, and various other collection accounts for phone bills, utilities, and a mail-order company. Additionally, the applicant had a state tax lien for $2,546 and $21,839 in past-due federal taxes.
Disqualifying conditions under Guideline F were raised, specifically concerning a history of not meeting financial obligations and an inability or unwillingness to satisfy debts. While mitigating conditions were considered, including the debts not being recent, the applicant's financial difficulties not being entirely due to circumstances beyond her control, and some efforts to resolve certain debts, these were not sufficient to overcome the concerns.
The denial was based on the applicant's failure to provide sufficient evidence of responsible financial management and a lack of a meaningful track record in paying most of her delinquent debts. These financial problems ultimately raised questions about her judgment and reliability, leading to the denial of her security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence of responsible management of her finances.
- The applicant did not demonstrate a meaningful track record of paying most of her delinquent debts.
- The applicant's financial problems raised questions about her judgment 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)rejectedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problems Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedThe Individual Has Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay the Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“A person who seeks access to classified information enters into a fiduciary relationship with the Government predicated upon trust and confidence.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 31, 2012
- Answer filedOct 16, 2012Applicant admitted 15 and denied 3 allegations.
- Hearing held—Decided on the written record.
- Decision dateMar 21, 2013
Cite For
- Failure to Demonstrate Responsible Financial Management Under Guideline F
- Significant Delinquent Debt as a Disqualifying Factor
- Lack of Credible Plan to Resolve Financial Obligations