Summary
The applicant, a 27-year-old defense contractor employee, sought to retain his security clearance under Guideline F concerning financial considerations. He had several delinquent debts but demonstrated a commitment to resolving them, including settling significant debts and improving his financial management. The judge found that the applicant mitigated the security concerns and granted eligibility for access to classified information.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: $71 medical collection account (1.a). $116 medical collection account (1.b). $59 medical collection account (1.c). $246 medical collection account (1.d). $11,272 deficiency balance due on repossessed car loan (1.e). $46 delinquent debt to a credit union (1.f). $744 delinquent cable bill (1.h).
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 resolve his financial issues; He settled significant debts, including a large deficiency balance from a repossessed car; The applicant's financial situation showed clear indications of improvement and control.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to resolve his financial issues.
- He settled significant debts, including a large deficiency balance from a repossessed car.
- The applicant's financial situation showed clear indications of improvement and control.
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
“A security clearance adjudication is not a debt collection procedure. It is a procedure designed to evaluate an applicant’s judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 7, 2012
- Answer filedAug 22, 2012
- Hearing heldMar 20, 2013
- Decision dateApr 16, 2013
Cite For
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Importance of Demonstrating a Plan to Manage Financial Obligations
- Consideration of the Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions